Expanding Trusted Microelectronics: Meeting Future Needs

David Chesebrough [Defined Business Solutions]

Abstract: 

The ability of the military services of the United States to execute missions is ultimately built on a foundation of microelectronics that make possible the performance of platforms, weapon systems, and communications on which these missions depend. This critical reliance means that the U.S. military capabilities can be crippled by vulnerabilities in these same components resulting from less-than-secure manufacturing processes and sources. Additionally, depending on commercial sources of microelectronics is dangerous and increases risk from components sourced from globally distributed supply chains. To counter this, the Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO) of the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) is aimed at ensuring rapid access to advanced Trusted microelectronics, as directed by DoD Instruction 5200.44

This presentation will highlight how TAPO accredits Trusted Supplier and why this provides a higher level of assurance for microelectronics, and examines how Trust is established by assessing the people and processes used to design, generate, manufacture, test, and distribute national security critical microelectronics. Trusted Suppliers assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the products they provide through their agreements with TAPO. Accreditation requires facility and personnel security clearances, thus allowing Trusted Suppliers to work on classified programs. Using a Trusted Supplier for both classified and unclassified integrated circuits (ICs) can prevent intentional or unintentional modification or tampering of the ICs, ensure that there will not be any reasonable threats related to disruption in supply, and protect the ICs from unauthorized attempts at reverse engineering, exposure of functionality, or evaluation of their possible vulnerabilities.

Presently, TAPO is working with its accredited suppliers to improve the program to increase its value to the Defense and Critical Infrastructure sectors. Working teams are assessing six areas to enhance the Trusted Supplier program: trust value proposition, trusted FPGA bit streams, end-to-end trust, trusted third-party intellectual property, Trust for critical infrastructure, and the component selection process. In addition, DMEA is initiating Rapid Assured Access (R2A) to increase production capacity and deliver surge capability for systems, weapons, and munitions being delivered to the U.S. military. Each of these is increasing the value of Trusted Suppliers in supplying assured microelectronics to Government programs.

Biography: 

Dave is a Vice President, Government Activity with Defined Business Solutions (DBS). He is engaged with technical and management support of DBS clients, including outreach, operations, and program development.

Before joining DBS, he was President of the Association for Enterprise Information and Vice President of the National Defense Industrial Association, where he oversaw all 28 NDIA Divisions. While there, he started the Cybersecurity and Electronics Divisions and built a working group promoting agile software development for the government. He also brought NDIA support to the DoD DMSMS and Parts Management programs.

Mr. Chesebrough’s varied background in technology and management provides a broad foundation for his work with a wide range of organizations.

Dr. Diganta Das

For more information or questions regarding the technical program (including Professional Development Courses), contact the Conference Chair, Dr. Diganta Das

Kristin Nafstad

For more information or questions regarding event logistics, exhibitions, and sponsorship, contact Kristin Nafstad.