Why It Matters
BlueForge Alliance is lobbying to address critical production bottlenecks in the U.S. submarine industrial base amid workforce shortages and supply chain vulnerabilities. The organization seeks sustained federal investment through FY2026 defense authorization and appropriations processes, potentially supporting multi-year procurement authority and workforce development initiatives that would enable the Navy to meet submarine production goals while honoring AUKUS security pact commitments. BlueForge’s dual lobbying strategy positions it to influence defense committees at a moment when Congress is actively advancing submarine-related legislation.
By the Numbers
BlueForge Alliance has invested $680,000 in federal lobbying since September 2024, employing a dual-track strategy combining internal advocacy with external expertise. The organization disclosed $50,000 in in-house lobbying expenditures for final quarter 2025, part of $200,000 in total internal spending since July 2025.
BlueForge supplements internal efforts by retaining American Defense International Inc., which has generated $480,000 across seven disclosures since September 2024. This represents a strategic shift from exclusive reliance on external lobbying to developing in-house government affairs capacity. The organization maintains steady quarterly spending of $50,000 internally while the external firm handles broader legislative strategy.
The Agenda
BlueForge Alliance is lobbying to support the submarine industrial base as vital to U.S. national security. While the filing doesn’t identify specific bills, the organization’s focus aligns with active congressional efforts.
Congress is advancing several relevant measures, including the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizing multi-year procurement funding for Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. Defense appropriations bills like S.2572 and H.R.4016 provide program funding. Maritime legislation including the SHIPS for America Act and Save Our Shipyards Act focuses on workforce development and shipyard support.
Key members including Rep. Joe Courtney, Sen. Tim Kaine, and Sen. Jack Reed champion submarine industrial base investment.
Broader Context
Congress is intensifying focus on submarine industrial base production crises. Virginia-class production has declined to 1.1-1.2 boats annually despite billions in appropriations since 2018. Workforce shortages represent a critical constraint, with the Navy Secretary stating it’s "hard to get workers to want to build" warships due to wage competition.
The AUKUS partnership provides strategic momentum, with Australia committing $1 billion to expand U.S. submarine production capacity. FY2026 defense appropriations allocate $27.2 billion for naval shipbuilding with a $5.9 billion increase for Columbia and Virginia-class programs.
Between The Lines
Congress is creating a favorable environment for BlueForge’s advocacy through active submarine-related legislation. The FY2026 NDAA and related appropriations bills authorize multi-year submarine procurement funding. House and Senate committees held multiple 2025 hearings emphasizing stable funding and multi-year contracts. The AUKUS security pact reinforces bipartisan support, with Congress viewing submarine production as essential to alliance commitments.
Competitive Landscape
General Dynamics Corporation has lobbied for full Virginia and Columbia-class program funding. The Newport News Economic Development Authority consistently advocates on workforce development, while Granite State Manufacturing represents supplier interests. These organizations create a unified coalition voice for sustained investment in submarine production capacity.
The Bottom Line
BlueForge Alliance spent $50,000 lobbying in final quarter 2025 on submarine industrial base issues, part of $680,000 invested since September 2024. The organization operates amid intense congressional focus on submarine production challenges, with multiple relevant bills advancing including the FY2026 NDAA and SHIPS for America Act.
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