Frontgrade Expands DLA-Certified Manufacturing and Servicing to External Customers
Frontgrade Technologies, a leading provider of high-reliability electronic solutions for space and national security missions, is expanding access to its Colorado Springs manufacturing facility, allowing third-party microelectronics manufacturers to leverage its capabilities. This expansion opens new opportunities for aerospace and defense programs in need of microelectronics manufacturing support, enabling them to benefit from Frontgrade’s extensive expertise in manufacturing, packaging, testing, and qualification across various industries.
Frontgrade’s Colorado Springs facility is certified by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to manufacture Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) Class Q, V, Y, and T microelectronic products per MIL-PRF-38535. These certifications ensure the highest levels of reliability required for mission-critical applications in aerospace and defense sectors. The facility also features a 5,100-square-foot cleanroom certified as Class 1000, which is equivalent to an ISO-6 classification, meeting federal 209E standards for stringent contamination control. Additionally, with its 1A ESD Control classification, sensitive electronics at the facility are safeguarded against electrostatic discharge events within voltage ranges of 250 to less than 500 volts.
According to Allen Couture, Chief Operations Officer at Frontgrade, “Frontgrade has more than three decades of experience in successfully delivering high-reliability microelectronics for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. By opening up our manufacturing capabilities to external customers, we are offering an incredible opportunity for companies to leverage our expertise and enhance their own production processes.”
Security is a critical component of Frontgrade’s operations. The Colorado Springs facility is certified to handle and process sensitive material up to a Secret level. Additionally, it has been accredited as a Category 1A Trusted Supplier by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. This accreditation underscores Frontgrade’s commitment to secure and trusted microelectronics manufacturing, reinforcing its role in supporting critical national defense programs. Achieving DMEA Category 1A Trusted Supplier status represents the highest level of trust and reliability in microelectronics manufacturing, demonstrating the company’s dedication to stringent security and quality standards.
Frontgrade’s service offerings at the Colorado Springs site extend beyond standard manufacturing. The facility provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced packaging solutions, rigorous testing, full-scale qualification, wafer processing, custom assembly, and environmental testing. These services ensure that customers receive products of the highest quality and reliability, meeting the demanding requirements of aerospace and defense applications.
The opening of Frontgrade’s manufacturing facility to external customers aligns with the growing demand for domestic microelectronics production. As supply chain challenges continue to impact the global semiconductor industry, Frontgrade’s decision to share its capabilities helps alleviate some of these concerns, particularly for aerospace and defense sectors that require secure and reliable supply chains. By providing access to a trusted and established U.S.-based manufacturing site, Frontgrade is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s technological independence and resilience in microelectronics manufacturing.
Furthermore, Frontgrade’s manufacturing expansion initiative is expected to have a positive economic impact. By allowing third-party businesses to utilize its facilities, Frontgrade supports innovation and collaboration within the industry. This approach not only benefits companies in need of reliable microelectronics manufacturing but also contributes to job creation and technological advancements in the sector.
With over 60 years of heritage in space flight and mission-critical electronics, Frontgrade Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner for government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial enterprises. Its extensive portfolio includes radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant components, mission processing subsystems, custom ASICs, motion control systems, waveguides, antennas, and power management solutions. By extending access to its manufacturing capabilities, Frontgrade reaffirms its leadership in high-reliability electronics while reinforcing its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense industries.
The move to open its DLA-certified manufacturing and servicing capabilities to external customers reflects Frontgrade’s proactive approach to industry collaboration and innovation. As technology advances and the need for secure, high-performance microelectronics grows, Frontgrade’s expansion serves as a strategic step in supporting national security, commercial space missions, and industrial applications.
In conclusion, Frontgrade Technologies’ decision to extend its manufacturing and servicing capabilities to third-party customers marks a significant milestone in the aerospace and defense microelectronics industry. By offering access to its state-of-the-art facility, cutting-edge technology, and decades of expertise, Frontgrade is well-positioned to support the future of high-reliability electronics manufacturing. This initiative not only strengthens the supply chain for critical industries but also enhances technological innovation and security, ensuring the continued advancement of mission-critical applications in space, defense, and beyond.
