Office of Strategic Capital Seeks Public Input on New Loan Program to Support Critical Technologies and Supply Chains

The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) today announced the release of a Federal Register Notice and accompanying Request for Information (RFI) open for public comment. OSC seeks public input as it prepares to issue loans and loan guarantees for critical technology and supply chain components in support of the office's mission to attract and scale private capital for national security.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (FY24 NDAA) formally established OSC into law, and granted the Department of Defense new authorities to issue loans and loan guarantees to increase private investment in the critical technologies and supply chains that support national security. With these authorities and appropriations, OSC is actively building the Department's first loan program office.

OSC invites public comment on the RFI from companies and financial institutions, including their representatives and industry associations, regarding contemporary market activity, capital requirements, and where OSC-provided loans and loan guarantees can support investment in critical technologies. OSC is particularly interested in responses from companies and lenders working in the 31 component areas identified as promising critical technologies and assets in Section 903 of the FY24 NDAA.

"OSC-backed financing can help ensure the resilience and security of critical supply chains by supporting businesses that produce key components and materials," said Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. "Loans and loan guarantees can also help level the playing field by providing businesses with the financial support they need to bring new technologies to market, expand their operations, and create jobs."

For additional information and to submit comments for consideration, please visit the official notices on the Federal Register website. OSC is publishing two separate RFI documents: one for lenders and financial institutions, linked here, and one for companies, relevant industry associations, and other stakeholders, linked here. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for applications or an obligation on the part of the Government to provide support for any ideas identified in response to it. OSC encourages the market to share the RFI opportunity widely with colleagues.

About the Office of Strategic Capital

Established by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in December 2022, the Office of Strategic Capital has a mission to attract and scale private capital for national and economic security priorities. Follow the work of the Office of Strategic Capital at https://www.cto.mil/osc.