Defense and Homeland Security

Overview

The Rhode Island defense industry, comprised of more than 100 companies, employs more than 16,000 people and generated $1.75 billion in revenue in 2008.  The Ocean State is home to highly skilled manufacturing companies such as Electric Boat and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and numerous software engineering firms located throughout the state and Aquidneck Island. Only in Rhode Island can you find such a diverse portfolio of defense-related expertise concentrated in such a small geographic footprint.  Our defense sector supports multiple Department of Defense and Homeland Security needs with a highly connected network of companies, ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups that are moving out of the lab and into the marketplace.

OceanTech Expo '10

The annual OceanTech Expo is a unique, industry-led exposition that will feature new equipment, training and live demonstration of the most current technology available to the growing ocean technology and marine science industry in North America. This year's expo will be held May 25-27 at the Newport Yachting Center. For additional information, please visit the expo website - www.oceantechexpo.com.

The Defense Industry in Rhode Island: Economic Impact Report 2008

“The Rhode Island Defense Industry: Economic Impact Report 2008” is a follow-on to the “Impact of the Defense Industry on Rhode Island: An Overview,” originally published by Ninigret Partners in 2003 and 2006, on behalf of the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), RIEDC, PTAC and the Newport Chamber of Commerce.   

The Rhode Island House Defense Economy Planning Commission funded the 2003 SENEDIA led study which established a baseline of information as Rhode Island prepared to address the Federal Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) of 2005. The study evaluated and defined the value of the Defense Industry to the Rhode Island Economy, and provided critical information that helped create the State’s strategy to protect Navy and National Guard assets in Rhode Island. This effort led to successful BRAC results for Rhode Island and the US defense commands and the creation of 600 new jobs.

The 2008 Economic Impact Report for the Defense Industry allows the RIEDC and PTAC to strategically direct resources to small businesses involved in the defense sector as part of their continued growth, and helps establish sound policy for all businesses involved and associated with the industry.

This report identifies the value of the defense Industry to the State of Rhode Island, its residents, and most importantly, the people who are directly and indirectly employed and associated with the industry.

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Rhode Island Port Security Communications Network

Rhode Island Port Security Communications NetworkIn April 2008, the RIEDC worked with the Providence Emergency Management Agency and successfully secured a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Grant to integrate the PSCN with the Providence Upper Bay system. The successful integration of these two systems, besides providing seamless communications and maritime domain awareness to first responders, mandated a name change and in 2009 the RICOP was created.  In 2009, RIEDC, in partnership with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management - Law Enforcement Division, the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and PEMA, secured a $1.4 million DHS Port Security Grant to expand the port security network to the Ports of Newport, Davisville and Newport.   

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Why Rhode Island?

RIEDC offers defense sector companies:

  • Connectivity and proximity to the Northeast’s robust network of defense-related industries
  • World-class in-state manufacturing expertise
  • 400 miles of shoreline and excellent highway, rail and airport service connectivity
  • Streamlined access to the state’s elected officials and regulatory agencies
  • Access to RIEDC’s portfolio of financial services and lending programs
  • Site selection and relocation assistance
  • Workforce training

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