>>Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO)

The Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO) was established to provide a path for the DoD and the Intelligence Community to have guaranteed access to trusted microelectronics technologies for their critical system needs now and into the future.

Trusted: The Meaning
Trust is defined as "the confidence in one's ability to secure national security systems by assessing the integrity of the people and processes used to design, generate, manufacture, and distribute national security critical components."
Michael Wynne Acting USD AT&L (27 January 2004)

TAPO provides a path for the DOD and the Intelligence Community for:

• Guaranteed Access to Trusted foundry suppliers for mission applications
• Ability to Fabricate Classified Designs up to the secret level
• Low Volume customers access to leading edge technology
• Quick Turnaround Times for prototyping and production
• Technology support through industry partnership

Who can use the Trusted Foundry Program?
Any government sponsored program can use the Trusted Foundry:

• DoD Sponsored Programs may qualify for prepaid access (provided funding remains).
• Other Government Agencies will need to provide funding for access.
• Contractors Working on IR&D projects may access the foundry provided they have a government sponsor.

What the Trusted Foundries have to offer:
We have established a contractual relationship with IBM to produce leading edge microelectronics parts in a trusted environment. IBM maintains world-class facilities, providing capabilities to the government with yearly options through fiscal year 2013. Other facilities are currently under review including sources for design, packaging, test, and fabrication.

What services are available?
Through industry partnership at IBM – TAPO Offers:

• Foundry Services including MPW, dedicated prototypes, and production in both high and low volume models.
• IP development including standard prepurchased IP.
• Limited packaging and test service.
• ASIC Service: SA-27e, Cu-11 and Cu-08