Mission-focused, neutral integrators.
Our mission is to enable the submarine manufacturing industry to build and maintain America’s next generation of undersea platforms by increasing capability, capacity, collaboration, and resilience.
As an unbiased neutral non-profit integrator, BFA delivers focused connections between the submarine supply chain and the surrounding ecosystems of state and local governments, industry organizations, academic partners, and community programs needed to meet the demand of increasing capability and readiness.
We act as a silent servant to the silent service so that we can collectively overcome the complex challenges facing national security and ensure a resilient maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
We do everything with
the mission in mind
Everything we do is in service of the Navy’s ambitious 1+2 mission — constructing 1 Columbia-Class and 2 Virginia-Class submarines annually. With unwavering focus, we help fortify our maritime sector to ensure national security.
There are no questions the Navy could ask BlueForge Alliance where the answer wouldn’t be ‘yes’. We are the purpose-built partner that is 100% dedicated to answer the call and to execute the mission”.
BlueForge Alliance navigates the ever-shifting terrain of defense priorities by strategically channeling our subject-matter expertise across three key areas:
Collaborating with industry and academia experts, BlueForge Alliance works to scale and deploy advanced manufacturing technologies throughout the Submarine Industrial Base to increase production capability and capacity throughout the country.
With a network spanning all 50 states, we collectively prioritize the needs of over 15,000 suppliers. Our mission is clear: to stand in service of them, ensuring their success in contributing to our shared mission. Whatever they require to succeed, we are committed to providing it.
The backbone of our mission lies in the skilled hands of the hundreds of thousands of men and women whose dedication guides the development of our underwater sentinels. We focus on empowering the SIB workforce through training and support while actively recruiting the next generation of talent, essential for sustaining our objective.
The cornerstones of our approach
As a non-profit neutral integrator, BlueForge Alliance serves as the vital link connecting all stakeholders in pursuit of our shared mission. At the heart of our approach are the following principles:
The people that make it possible
Established with a clear purpose, BlueForge Alliance has embarked on a mission of generational significance that can only be accomplished by assembling a team of cross-industry partners and experts with unparalleled talent, all united by an unwavering passion for our cause.
Our leadership
Bringing over 25 years of expertise in research, technology development, and engineering, Kiley enriches BlueForge Alliance with his extensive range of experience. In his previous role as Executive Director of Applied Programs at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), he drove program development, expanded business ventures, and forged strategic alliances. In addition, as Co-Founder of the SecureAmerica Institute, he oversaw a portfolio exceeding $50M in research and workforce initiatives. Prior to this, at KBRwyle, he directed a $200M/year NASA R&D program and secured over $2B in federal awards, showcasing his profound impact on the industry.
As Co-Founder and Chief Executive of BlueForge Alliance, Rob ensures the Submarine Industrial Base is equipped to uphold the nation’s vital undersea presence. His prior roles include: Senior Manager of Advanced Manufacturing at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, where he led the transition-focused development and application of affordable manufacturing technologies for more than ten years; Executive Director of America Makes at the National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining (NCDMM), where he managed a $400M DOD-sponsored initiative aimed at advancing 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing technologies nationwide; and most recently, Executive Director of Manufacturing Initiatives at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), where he spearheaded strategic manufacturing initiatives and led the SecureAmerica Institute. With a background in aerospace engineering and engineering management, Rob brings a wealth of expertise to BlueForge Alliance's mission.
Tim Shinbara is the Chief Strategy Officer for BlueForge Alliance. Mr. Shinbara’s expertise spans applied R&D in additive manufacturing, composite fabrication, multi-axis machining, and technology transition within aerospace and defense companies. He previously led manufacturing technology research, market analysis, and technology evaluation the past 12 years as the Chief Technology Officer for The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Tim is a former ASME U.S. Congressional Fellow for Advanced Manufacturing. He continues to serve businesses as an Advisory Commissioner for the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Shinbara is a U.S. Navy veteran and earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
Arnie, BlueForge Alliance's Chief Technology Officer, brings extensive industrial experience, including CEO, COO, CTO, and Board Member roles in diverse corporations, to oversee technical operations. With over 40 years of experience, Arnie has supported Naval programs globally and played a key role in launching national manufacturing and supply chain institutes. His expertise includes AI-enhanced robotics for manufacturing and bidirectional AR/MR technology for remote collaboration and workforce training. Arnie’s guidance is informed by his multifaceted experience across various industries and countries.
Bill, BlueForge Alliance's Chief Administration Officer, brings extensive executive leadership experience to our organization’s mission. With over 45 years of public service, he has held key roles at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), the City of Austin, and the United States Army Reserve.. Holding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, he is also a licensed professional engineer in Texas. Bill's leadership has garnered numerous awards, including the Texas Road Hand Award (2023) and the Charley V. Wootan Award for Career Achievement in Research (2014).
With over 25 years of experience in economic development and manufacturing leadership roles, Matt has demonstrated consistent success. His extensive background includes partnering in economic development opportunities at the C-level and volunteering in various state and local economic development positions. Known for his adaptability and creativity, Matt excels as a problem solver in dynamic environments, employing a collaborative and analytical approach to tackle challenges effectively.
The purpose of the Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) is to guide and advise BFA’s leadership team on strategic matters through diversity of expertise, objective insights, and long-term focus.
The board provides diverse perspectives necessary for maximizing BFA’s role and impact in addressing critical challenges and supporting opportunities aligned to U.S. submarine production and sustainment.
Admiral James Foggo is an accomplished executive with more than 30 years of experience leading operations across diverse environments. He currently serves as the dean for the Center for Maritime Strategy, a nonprofit think tank partnered with the Navy League of the U.S. During his decorated career in the U.S. Navy, Adm. Foggo served in numerous high-profile roles, including commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Allied Joint Force Command in Italy, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, director of U.S. Navy Staff, and deputy director of Operations for Strategy, Plans & Policy, among others. Today, he serves as a trusted advisor to several organizations, including the American Academy of Diplomacy, Olmstead Foundation, U.S. Institute of Peace, Center for European Policy Analysis, Council on Foreign Relations and the Center for Naval Analysis. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Adm. Foggo also holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and the University of Strasbourg, France.
Stephen Rodriguez is the managing partner of One Defense. This strategic advisory firm leverages machine learning to identify advanced software and hardware commercial capabilities and accelerate their transition into the defense industrial base. He is also an investor at Refinery Ventures, a Midwest fund investing in hypergrowth entrepreneurs across the U.S. Stephen began his career in management consulting in 2001, working in the national security sector. He later became a senior leader at an AI tech company and an international defense corporation. Throughout his career, he has been in and out of government to include service in Colombia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. Stephen currently serves as a director or advisor to 11 venture-backed companies. He is also a commission director at the Atlantic Council and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Stephen holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, respectively.
The Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite served as secretary of the Navy from 2020-2021, as well as U.S. ambassador to Norway. Under his leadership in the Navy, he orchestrated the first tri-service maritime strategy which aligned the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard with the national defense strategy. Other naval career highlights include commanding Navy Combat Camera Atlantic (for Operation Iraqi Freedom); becoming first commander of Joint Public Affairs Support Element-Joint Forces Command (for disaster relief in Pakistan); serving as chief of public affairs at the Philadelphia naval base, and more. In the private sector, Amb. Braithwaite has held executive roles in the healthcare and petroleum industries. He also is a fellow of the NATO School in Germany, an adjunct professor at Kristiania University in Norway and member of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Amb. Braithwaite graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Frank Finelli is a senior advisor to The Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm that he served for more than 25 years (ultimately as partner and managing director). He also worked as legislative assistant for former Senator Dan Coats (R-IN). A former field artillery master gunner in the U.S. Army, Frank served in the 82nd Airborne, 1st Armored, and 3rd Infantry Divisions. Other Army highlights include special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the first Quadrennial Defense Review, as well as working for the vice chairman in restructuring the Joint Requirements Oversight Council. Today, Frank is a Chartered Financial Analyst and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Lexington Institute and Atlantic Council. He also serves as a director for Army Emergency Relief, Business Executives for National Security and the MIT Sloan School Executive Board. Frank graduated from the U.S. Military Academy. He holds master’s degrees from MIT and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Jeffery “Scott” Baum is the Chief Operating Officer of Sempre AI, an edge infrastructure company supporting government and commercial customers. Previously, Scott was the vice president of strategy and growth for Elbit Systems of America, a leading provider of products and systems solutions for the U.S. military and the homeland security, medical instrumentation and commercial aviation sectors. Scott also served as the principal director at the Office of Industrial Policy for the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment. There, he led multiple initiatives to ensure robust, secure and innovative capabilities for both current and future warfighting requirements. He also headed a strategic initiative to invest in and expand manufacturing capacity and capability in the U.S. In addition to his civilian experience, Scott is currently serving as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves where he has operational experience in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, China and Tanzania. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University and the National Defense University.