November 2025 Volume 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

ICON FORGING EXPANSION GOES LIVE

T he day has finally arrived! The ICON expansion to include the forging sector is officially live at www.iconportal.com. This strategic move creates a unified digital network for both cast and forged components, streamlining the procurement and production process for foundries and forgers in the defense industries. The expansion directly addresses the demand for agile, efficient, and resilient manufacturing solutions. By bringing casting and forging onto a single platform, ICON offers users an integrated approach to sourcing that maximizes material properties, reduces production steps, utilizes existing tooling and improves overall component quality. The integration of forging capabilities is a powerful enhancement to the ICON portal, which was initially developed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in collaboration with the American Metalcasting Consortium (AMC) and the Non-Ferrous Founders Society (NFFS). ICON is a web-based platform that connects foundries to opportunities to make component parts for the Department of Defense. Within that platform, ICON offers detailed daily solicitations available through the DLA, a robust supplier capabilities database where foundries, machine shops and foundry supplies can connect, and a tooling and inventory database for users and potential partners to work together on solicitations and projects. ICON was originally conceived to reduce costs in the military supply chain by identifying and locating existing tooling in the casting ecosystem and connect foundries to that tooling to bid on the solicitations to make cast parts for the DOD. By not having to reinvent the wheel and develop new tooling for existing parts, ICON is a cost-effective and efficient solution for keeping weapons systems working at their peak levels. The ICON forging enhancement was funded by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS), a United States Department of Defense program focused on supporting and modernizing the U.S. industrial base for defense manufacturing. NFFS worked hand-in-hand with FIA to design, develop and test for forging expansion for ICON. This enhanced platform provides ICON users' access to: • Sourcing the optimal production method: Customers can evaluate whether casting, forging, or a combined cast-forging process is best suited for their application based on a part's required geometry, strength, and durability. • Improved supply chain visibility: The platform's Supplier Capabilities Database connects users directly to find potential customers, suppliers or partners. • Increased business opportunities: Forging facilities can now join foundries and tap into a larger pool of potential government and commercial customers and partners. • Streamlined processes: The digital platform standardizes and simplifies the request-for-quote (RFQ) process, making it easier for suppliers to bid on and manage complex projects.

Forgers are able to view and sort potential projects specifically identified by the DLA as forgings. The solicitations information includes crucial details such as material types, weapons system type, current and future volumes and even specific shipping instructions. With registrations in the DLA Bid Board System (DIBBS) and a DLA Joint Certification Program (JCP) certification, ICON users are also able to access Technical Data Packages with detailed drawings and blueprints for specific solicitations. ICON users do not need to have an active CAGE code to register and participate in ICON, but they will need an active CAGE to secure a contract. The expansion of the ICON portal into forging is more than just an addition of services; it represents a significant step toward a more integrated and efficient manufacturing supply chain. As the DOD continues to demand higher performance and shorter lead times, platforms that can seamlessly manage both casting and forging orders will be critical to meeting future manufacturing challenges. The future of ICON remains bright. In the coming months, NFFS looks forward to another major announcement for the platform that will provide an enhanced DOD contract management module, so stay tuned! To explore the enhanced ICON platform, please visit and register at www.iconportal.com.

SUPPLIERS GUIDE AND RFQ

Stop hunting. Start sourcing. With the FIA Suppliers Guide, tap into a curated list of material and equipment suppliers. And when your need is unique, submit a custom RFQ and connect with the perfect partner — all in one place.

www.forging.org/ suppliers-guide

www.forging.org info@forging.org (216) 781-6260

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 48