Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative RFP
Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative RFP supports a Michigan community college’s maritime trades instruction and certification to build a skilled workforce for maritime and defense manufacturing.
Funder: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (Questions) | November 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST (Application)
Funding Amounts: $3,500,000 available for December 14, 2026–September 30, 2027
Summary: Supports continuation of established M3 maritime welding, machining, and construction training at an eligible Michigan community college.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate direct involvement in prior M3 phases and existing M3-funded training capacity.
Description
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Office of Employment & Training (LEO-E&T), seeks an eligible community college to continue the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative. This state–federal partnership develops workers for Michigan’s maritime and defense manufacturing sectors through instruction and industry-recognized certification in maritime welding, maritime machining, and maritime construction.
The opportunity continues programming established through the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base investment, rather than creating a separate training effort. That initial investment provided $15.4 million in training and equipment to Macomb Community College and yielded high completion and placement rates. This funding prioritizes continuity of training, facilities, and outcomes while strengthening employer-aligned training capacity and the pipeline of skilled workers.
