At Blackhawk Engineering, we have built a reputation for precision, performance and partnership for over 50 years. As we expand our role in defense manufacturing, we are pleased to share an important update: we are actively pursuing ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) registration, with final approval anticipated in Q4 2025. This is a milestone that emphasizes our long-term dedication to supporting mission-essential defense programs with compliance, quality and security.
Here’s what this means for our customers and partners:
- Secure Manufacturing Environment: Controlled facility access, defense-grade data protocols and strong information security systems are already in place.
- Defense-Ready Workforce: Employees are trained on ITAR compliance, data security and regulatory obligations.
- End-to-End Traceability: Full documentation standards, inspection protocols and supplier compliance programs are aligned with defense requirements.
- Proven Quality Foundation: We have been ISO 9001:2015 certified since 1999, operating with thorough quality planning and rigorous process controls.
Our ITAR-readiness initiative builds on decades of investment (over $13 million since 2011) in sophisticated machining centers, facility expansions and automation. With 145,000 sq ft of manufacturing space, 80+ CNC machines and Tier 1 supplier status, we are positioned as a stable and capable U.S. partner.
The Strategic Importance of ITAR for Defense Manufacturing
For manufacturers in the defense sphere, ITAR is a fundamental framework. It represents the U.S. government’s rules for controlling the export and import of defense-related articles and technical data. Its core purpose is to safeguard national security by preventing sensitive technologies from falling into unauthorized hands.
Achieving ITAR registration is a formal declaration that a company can handle controlled information and materials. For our partners in aerospace, defense contracting and transportation, this provides key advantages, including access to a broader range of projects and the confidence that comes with secure, compliant manufacturing processes.
A Supplier Network Built on Compliance and Capability
For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and prime contractors, vetting the entire supply chain is a requirement. The responsibility for ITAR compliance flows down to all parties that handle controlled data. This makes selecting suppliers who are either ITAR-registered or, like Blackhawk Engineering, demonstrably on the path to registration, necessary.
When evaluating manufacturing partners, it is helpful to distinguish between having compliant processes and being formally registered with the DDTC. Our public commitment to achieving registration in Q4 2025 provides partners with the transparency needed for planning future projects.
Connecting with Prime Contractors and Small Business Liaisons
An important aspect of the defense market is working with large prime contractors, who maintain lists of qualified suppliers. A primary point of contact for this is the Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO), who is tasked with identifying capable small businesses for subcontracting.
To connect effectively, we recommend researching prime contractors in your sector and registering in their supplier databases. When reaching out, craft a targeted message that explains your capabilities and how your ITAR status and machining expertise align with their published needs.
A Future of Secure, Precision Manufacturing
The pending ITAR registration is more than a compliance milestone for Blackhawk Engineering; it is a testament to our dedication to growth within the defense and aerospace industries. Our facility, machinery and half-century of machining expertise are now being coupled with the formal security credentials that our partners’ most sensitive projects demand.
We are building not just components, but trust. The trust that comes from a manufacturer that understands both the intricacies of metal and the imperatives of national security.