DOD begins daily COVID-19 call with defense industry associations

The Pentagon has begun hosting a daily phone call with defense industry associations to discuss updates to the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and to obtain feedback on impacts to the defense industry.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Andrews said today's call was chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy Jennifer Santos and included the Aerospace Industries Association, National Defense Industrial Association, Professional Services Council, National Association of Manufacturers, and the Chamber of Commerce.

DOD also has representatives on the call from the Defense Contracting Management Agency, Defense Logistics Agency, and defense pricing and contracting.

Though the Pentagon does not want to publicly discuss the contents of the call, Andrews said, "the department remains fully engaged with the defense industrial base on all programs, and stands ready to respond when needed."