Submarine Industrial Base Council

Overview

In 1992, as part of an effort to save the U.S. submarine program from budget cuts, the industry launched the Submarine Industrial Base Council – a third-party organization representing the more than 4,000 companies across all 50 states that supply component parts and provide services for the U.S. submarine program.  Executives now at our firm have led this group since its inception, and have counseled it through many transitions.

One of the hallmarks of the SIBC is its grassroots orientation and commitment to being member-driven.  The SIBC is seen by all sectors of the industry as the central organizing structure for the owners and employees of submarine supplier companies.  The council chairs and a team of regional leaders take an active role in coordinating member involvement and SIBC members regularly use its web platform and communications structures to stay connected, informed and take action on issues affecting their companies and the industry.

Our Work

Today, as the industry has transitioned to a new generation of submarines, our firm manages an aggressive grassroots and advocacy campaign to ensure Council members reach out and inform members of Congress about the impact of the submarine industry in their home districts and the effect of policy decisions on the industry.

Central to this effort is the SIBC’s annual Submarine Supplier Days which brings hundreds of suppliers from across the country to Washington, DC.  SIBC members attend briefings to get up-to-date information on the status of U.S. submarine programs and then fan out on Capitol Hill to talk to members of Congress about the importance of submarines and the submarine industrial base.

Results

In March 2014, three hundred SIBC members came to Washington for the 23rd anniversary Submarine Supplier Days and participated in more than 100 meetings with members of Congress and Congressional staff.  These efforts have been critical in maintaining support for the submarine program in an environment of diminishing shipbuilding budgets.