IBM today announced that it has received an additional Trusted Supplier accreditation from the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) for delivery of embedded security services customized for a U.S.-based advanced microelectronics manufacturer. IBM Consulting's accredited security services were previously recognized with the prestigious James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award for overall security program excellence in 2022.

Microelectronics are used in most defense technology platforms—from mobile devices to computers and advanced weapons systems. This makes microelectronics supply chains critical to our national security and economic prosperity. However, they also represent one of the most complex defense-critical supply chains to secure because of their global reach and manufacturing. IBM Consulting's award-winning accredited security services takes this complexity into account, allowing for not only the identification, but also the remediation of microelectronics supply chain vulnerabilities."Our national security, economy and even our way of life are at risk without adequate security and trust in microelectronics manufacturing," said Susan Wedge, managing partner, U.S. Public and Federal Market at IBM Consulting. "It's critical that microelectronics and related parts are manufactured in properly secured environments and available when and where they're most needed. This additional accreditation is a demonstration of IBM Consulting's commitment to continuous innovation in the delivery of security services that help safeguard the ongoing domestic supply of defense-critical microelectronics."

"DMEA's Trusted Supplier accreditation remains a benchmark in semiconductor development assurance," said Dr. Nicholas T. Martin, Director Defense Microelectronics Activity. "This accreditation expands DoD access by adding an advanced ASIC technology node for defense and aerospace applications. IBM has been a key partner in enabling advanced and secured and trusted access in commercial foundries. In a time when global supply chains have become increasingly fragile and the U.S. is facing diminished microelectronics supply, this achievement strengthens the domestic microelectronics industrial base and our nation's efforts to fortify its semiconductor supply chain for key DoD and national security programs."

The DMEA Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO) has administered the Trusted Foundry Program since 2003 and is responsible for cost-effectively assuring the security and integrity of the people and processes used to manufacture and distribute microelectronics for the U.S. government.