Intel will receive the RAMP-C contract from the US Department of Defense. This project aims to create a US-based semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem that can provide commercial chips for "critical systems" like the Pentagon.

This is because “the United States now lacks access to US-based foundry technology that can meet the Department of Defense's long-term objectives for sophisticated microelectronics manufacturing.” RAMP-C tries to change that. Intel Foundry Services, Intel's new chip manufacturing company, will lead this effort. For this, the company will work with other chipmakers, including IBM. It also includes Cadence and Synopsys, two businesses that provide semiconductor design software. More companies are involved, but they aren't listed in Intel's news statement.

The RAMP-C firms must design and build integrated circuits for the US government. To accomplish so, they must create an American semiconductor ecosystem for chip design and production. Test chips must be made on Intel's 18A technology by 2025. The RAMP-C project has a $100 million budget, according to Ars Technica. However, the amount Intel will receive for participating in the project is uncertain. Intel has long invested in its chip manufacturing position. In March, the firm unveiled its IDM 2.0 plan, which included producing chips for other companies. For a total of $120 billion, Intel plans to develop additional chip operations in Arizona. 

Intel Lands Pentagon Chip Manufacturing Contract