KDM Blog
Insights for Defense-Ready Businesses
Expert perspectives on manufacturing, CMMC certification, defense contracting, critical minerals, and strategies for small businesses seeking government contracts.
Featured Articles
Our latest and most impactful content
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
What Works to Make America Economically Strong – Proven for Over Half a Century
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
What Works to Make America Economically Strong – Proven for Over Half a Century
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
Feb 8, 2026
3 min read
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
MBDA Federal Procurement Center’s Transition to KDM & Associates: Building the Future for Small and Emerging Federal Contractors
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
MBDA Federal Procurement Center’s Transition to KDM & Associates: Building the Future for Small and Emerging Federal Contractors
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
Feb 8, 2026
3 min read
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
A Legacy of Transition, Resilience, and What Works.
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
A Legacy of Transition, Resilience, and What Works.
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
Feb 8, 2026
3 min read
U.S. Manufacturing
U.S. Manufacturing
How Small Manufacturers Can Become Defense-Ready in 2026: A Complete Guide
A step-by-step roadmap for small manufacturers looking to qualify for defense contracts, from certifications to compliance frameworks.
Feb 1, 2026
12 min
U.S. Manufacturing
The Hidden Opportunity: Why U.S. Manufacturing Is Critical to National Security
Discover why the reshoring of manufacturing is a national security imperative and how small businesses can capitalize on this historic shift.
Jan 28, 2026
10 min
U.S. Manufacturing
From Supplier to Partner: Making Your Manufacturing Business Prime Contractor-Ready
Learn the strategies and requirements for transitioning from a component supplier to a trusted prime contractor partner in defense manufacturing.
Jan 21, 2026
11 min
U.S. Manufacturing
Reshoring Success: How Small Manufacturers Can Compete for Defense Contracts
The reshoring movement is creating unprecedented opportunities for domestic manufacturers. Here's how to position your business to win.
Jan 14, 2026
10 min
U.S. Manufacturing
Manufacturing Proof Packs: The Documentation That Opens DoD Doors
Learn how to assemble a comprehensive Proof Pack that demonstrates your manufacturing readiness to defense buyers and prime contractors.
Jan 7, 2026
9 min
U.S. Manufacturing
Digital Transformation for Small Manufacturers: What Defense Buyers Actually Want
Defense buyers are demanding digital capabilities from their suppliers. Here's what you need to implement and why it matters.
Dec 30, 2025
10 min
Critical Minerals
Critical Minerals
Critical Minerals and National Security: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Critical minerals are essential to defense systems, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Here's why they matter and how your business can participate.
Feb 3, 2026
11 min
Critical Minerals
The U.S.-Africa Critical Minerals Partnership: Opportunities for American Businesses
Africa holds vast critical mineral reserves. New U.S.-Africa partnerships are creating opportunities for American businesses to participate in responsible mineral development.
Jan 25, 2026
10 min
Critical Minerals
DOE's Critical Minerals Realignment: What It Means for Your Supply Chain
The Department of Energy is restructuring its approach to critical minerals. Here's what changed and how it affects manufacturers and contractors.
Jan 18, 2026
9 min
Critical Minerals
From Mine to Market: Understanding the Critical Minerals Supply Chain
A comprehensive guide to the critical minerals supply chain, from extraction to end-use, and where business opportunities exist at every stage.
Jan 11, 2026
10 min
Critical Minerals
Rare Earth Elements and Defense Contracts: A Growing Market for Small Business
Rare earth elements are essential to modern weapons systems. The push for domestic production is creating new opportunities for small businesses.
Jan 4, 2026
9 min
Critical Minerals
Breaking China's Mineral Monopoly: How U.S. Companies Can Participate
China controls the global critical minerals supply chain. Here's how American companies are working to break that monopoly and how you can be part of the solution.
Dec 28, 2025
10 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
Defense Contracting & CMMC
CMMC Certification in 12 Weeks: Is Your Business Ready for Defense Contracts?
A fast-track guide to achieving CMMC certification and unlocking the defense contracting market for your business.
Feb 5, 2026
11 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
CMMC Level I vs. Level II: Which Certification Does Your Business Need?
Understanding the differences between CMMC levels is crucial for planning your certification journey. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Jan 30, 2026
9 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
The Ultimate CMMC Readiness Checklist for Small Defense Contractors
A comprehensive checklist covering every aspect of CMMC preparation, from technical controls to documentation to assessment readiness.
Jan 23, 2026
10 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
Why CMMC Certification Is Your Ticket to Defense Industrial Base Contracts
CMMC is more than a compliance requirement—it's your entry pass to the $400 billion defense contracting market.
Jan 16, 2026
8 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
Cybersecurity Meets Opportunity: How CMMC Opens New Revenue Streams
CMMC certification doesn't just protect your business—it opens doors to entirely new revenue opportunities in the defense and commercial markets.
Jan 9, 2026
8 min
Defense Contracting & CMMC
Navigating DFARS Compliance: A Small Business Guide to Defense Contracting
DFARS clauses can be confusing for newcomers to defense contracting. This guide demystifies the key requirements every small business needs to understand.
Jan 2, 2026
10 min
Access to Capital
Access to Capital
Federal Funding Pathways: Capital Options for Defense-Focused Manufacturers
From SBA loans to DoD grants, discover the full spectrum of federal funding available to manufacturers pursuing defense contracts.
Feb 4, 2026
11 min
Access to Capital
NMSDC Partnership Benefits: How Minority-Owned Businesses Access Growth Capital
The National Minority Supplier Development Council opens doors to corporate supply chains and capital. Here's how to leverage NMSDC certification.
Jan 27, 2026
9 min
Access to Capital
SBA 8(a) Program: Fast-Track Your Path to Defense Contracts
The SBA 8(a) program is the most powerful tool for disadvantaged small businesses seeking defense contracts. Here's how to qualify and maximize the program.
Jan 20, 2026
10 min
Access to Capital
Private Equity for Defense Suppliers: What Investors Look for in 2026
Private equity firms are increasingly interested in defense suppliers. Here's what they look for and how to make your manufacturing business investment-ready.
Jan 13, 2026
9 min
Access to Capital
Grant Opportunities for Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Businesses
Billions in grant funding is available for critical minerals and manufacturing businesses. Here's where to find it and how to win it.
Jan 6, 2026
9 min
Access to Capital
Building Investor-Ready Documentation: Financial Proof Packs That Work
Whether you're seeking loans, grants, or equity investment, your financial documentation package can make or break the deal. Here's how to build one that works.
Dec 29, 2025
8 min
Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones Meet Manufacturing: Tax Incentives for Business Growth
Opportunity Zones offer powerful tax incentives for manufacturing investments. Learn how to combine OZ benefits with defense contracting opportunities.
Feb 6, 2026
10 min
Opportunity Zones
The 6th Region of Africa: Caribbean Opportunity Zone Strategies
The Caribbean's unique position as the '6th Region of Africa' creates distinctive Opportunity Zone investment strategies connecting diaspora communities with economic development.
Jan 29, 2026
10 min
Opportunity Zones
How IAEOZ Summit Connects Investors with High-Impact Projects
The IAEOZ Summit is the premier event for Opportunity Zone investors and project developers. Here's what to expect and how to maximize your participation.
Jan 22, 2026
8 min
Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zone Investments in Defense Manufacturing: A 2026 Strategy
Combining Opportunity Zone tax benefits with defense manufacturing creates a powerful investment thesis. Here's how to execute it in 2026.
Jan 15, 2026
9 min
Opportunity Zones
Puerto Rico's Opportunity Zones: Manufacturing and Defense Potential
Puerto Rico offers 863 Opportunity Zones combined with Act 60 incentives, creating unmatched tax advantages for manufacturing and defense investment.
Jan 8, 2026
9 min
Opportunity Zones
Combining Federal Contracts with Opportunity Zone Benefits
Smart businesses are combining federal contracting revenue with Opportunity Zone tax benefits to maximize returns. Here's how to structure this powerful combination.
Jan 1, 2026
8 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
The Semiconductor Crisis: Why U.S. Manufacturing Must Act Now
The global semiconductor shortage exposed critical vulnerabilities in U.S. manufacturing. Here's what's being done and how manufacturers can participate in the solution.
Feb 7, 2026
10 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
Taiwan Risk and Supply Chain Resilience: What Defense Contractors Should Know
A Taiwan contingency would disrupt global supply chains on an unprecedented scale. Here's how defense contractors should prepare.
Jan 31, 2026
9 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
Whole of Government Total Team Approach: The Consortium Advantage
The consortium model is transforming how small businesses compete for and win government contracts. Here's how the V+KDM Consortium creates competitive advantage.
Jan 24, 2026
9 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
AI and Embodied Robotics in U.S. Manufacturing: Staying Competitive
AI and robotics are transforming manufacturing. Here's how small manufacturers can adopt these technologies to stay competitive in the defense market.
Jan 17, 2026
10 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
Energy Independence and Manufacturing: The Critical Connection
Energy costs and reliability directly impact manufacturing competitiveness. Here's how energy independence strategies benefit defense manufacturers.
Jan 10, 2026
8 min
Cross-Cutting Strategic Topics
Small Business Set-Asides in Defense: Understanding Your Competitive Edge
Federal set-aside programs give small businesses a significant competitive advantage in defense contracting. Here's how to maximize these programs.
Jan 3, 2026
9 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
A Federal Contractor Without a Vision Will Struggle: Find Your Stride in the Trump Administration and Become a Philanthropist!
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
A Federal Contractor Without a Vision Will Struggle: Find Your Stride in the Trump Administration and Become a Philanthropist!
KDM & Associates on LinkedIn
Feb 8, 2026
3 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
25 Years of Impact: Lessons from $12B in Federal Contract Support
A quarter century of helping businesses win federal contracts has taught us invaluable lessons. Here are the insights that matter most.
Feb 2, 2026
11 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
Open Government Media: How Transparency Drives Manufacturing Success
Government transparency initiatives are creating new opportunities for manufacturers. Here's how open data and media are changing the procurement landscape.
Jan 26, 2026
8 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
Case Study: From Registration to Award in 90 Days
A real-world example of how a small manufacturer went from SAM.gov registration to first contract award in just 90 days using the KDM methodology.
Jan 19, 2026
9 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
What Works: Real Results from the V+KDM Consortium Model
The V+KDM Consortium model is delivering measurable results for member businesses. Here's how the model works and what members are achieving.
Jan 12, 2026
9 min
Thought Leadership & Case Studies
Military Readiness Depends on Small Business: Here's Why
America's military readiness is directly linked to the health of its small business industrial base. Here's why small manufacturers are essential to national defense.
Jan 5, 2026
9 min
Ready to Start Your Defense Contracting Journey?
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