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 Logistics.Research@dla.mil

R&D 2023 Snapshot


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The Innovator (PDF)

DLA Research and Development

Overview

R&D pioneers DLA’s industrial base and supply chain innovation across 14 leading-edge logistics research (LogTech), manufacturing technology (ManTech), and small business innovation program (SBIP) programs to enhance Warfighter readiness.

R&D’s focus areas are: Business and Digital Development Data Modernization, Supply Chain Resiliency, Additive Manufacturing, Rare Earth and Strategic Materials, GenAI/AI/ML, Large Language Models, Digital Sustainment Platform, Digital Twin/Digital Thread, Nuclear Enterprise Sustainment Support, and Greening and Sustainability.

Our 16 program managers direct over 325 innovative projects including the Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award-winning powerful, lightweight military batteries project under our Battery Network (BATTNET).

R&D's mission is to develop and deliver new capabilities through applied technologies and innovative solutions to enhance warfighter sustainment.

Programs

Two workers move a large aircraft part

Name Description Details
Acquisition Modernization Technology Research (AMTR) Leads the evolutionary future of acquisition, delivering collaborative, digitally enabled solutions through emerging technologies, data science and processes that leverage a knowledge-rich workforce, actionable market intelligence, modernized enterprise IT resources, and a secure and connected supply chain.​ AMTR Quick Reference
Energy Readiness Program (ERP) Guides Research and Development efforts for operational energy initiatives related to the DOD Class III Bulk Fuels and Energy. ERP Quick Reference
Strategic Distribution & Disposition (SDD) Supports the DLA Distribution Modernization Program by closing the gap between the public and private sector capabilities. SDD Quick Reference
Supply Chain Management - Sustainability (SCM-S) Enhances DLA’s ability to correctly assess and meet current and future warfighter supply chain requirements by leveraging Research and Development to infuse innovation into solutions.  SCM-S Quick Reference
Logistics Technology Research (LTR) Leverages advanced technologies to shape acquisition, planning and supply chain security across the DLA supply chain network. LTR Quick Reference 
Applied Research & Testing Emergent Technologies (ARTET) A testing and development resource for Research & Development and other non-R&D program projects and prototypes. ARTET Quick Reference

Cast parts are moved in a warehouse

Name Description Details
Advanced Microcircuit Emulation (AME)

Develops and implements a trusted, flexible, continuing design and manufacturing capability to produce military qualified form, fit and function microcircuits​.

AME Quick Reference
Battery Network (BATTNET)

Leverages emerging technologies to improve defense battery production, logistics and performance.

BATTNET Quick Reference
Additive Manufactuing

Provides the warfighter with alternative supply sources, decreasing lead times while increasing material availability and readiness.

Additive Manufactuing Quick Reference

DLA Additive Manufacturing Implementation Plan (PDF)

Casting Strengthens the industrial supply chain for weapon system production and sustainment of metal cast parts​. Casting Quick Reference
Forging Strives to strengthen the industrial supply chain for weapon system production and sustainment of forged parts​. Forging Quick Reference
Defense Logistics Information Research (DLIR)

Researches core technologies to improve the quality and interoperability of logistics data.

DLIR Quick Reference
Military Unique Sustainment Technology (MUST) Focuses on Troop Support Clothing and Textiles related issues and addresses the Government Accountability Office recommendation and challenges identified by the stakeholders.  MUST Quick Reference
Subsistence Network (SUBNET) Seeks emerging technologies to improve and implement innovative processes and capabilities in the subsistence supply chain. SUBNET Quick Reference

Broad Agency Announcements

A worker pours molten metal

Description Link Open Dates Type Ceiling
Metal Casting – Scientific study and experiments to advance the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding in areas related to Metal Casting. BAA 0001-21 7/15/2021-6/30/2026

 

  • Cost Type
$90M

 

Subsistence Network – Develop manufacturing improvements in the subsistence supply chain including Combat Rations, Field Feeding Solutions, et al. BAA 0004-21 7/14/2021-7/13/2026

 

  • Cost Type
$20M

 

Defense Logistics Information Research – Research should focus on strengthening the DOD's Digital Engineering Strategy and Digital Modernization Strategy with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing techniques that support DLA and Defense Industrial Base by developing innovative solutions through digital twins of manufacturing processes, digitizing critical organizational workflows and dynamics, and preparing a technologically proficient workforce. BAA 0002-21 09/02/2021-09/01/2026
  • IDIQ 
$49M

 

Battery Network – Manufacturing and logistics solutions that improve the industry’s ability to deliver improved performance, quality, safety, and shelf-life batteries faster and at lower cost. BAA 0006-21 09/02/2021-09/16/2026

 

  • IDIQ
$20M

 

Military Unique Sustainment Technology (MUST) – Re-engineer the clothing and individual equipment supply chain into a model based enterprise. BAA 0001-20 4/1/2021-8/2/2025

 

  • Cost Type 
  • IDIQ
$20M
Emergent IV – Scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding in 16 Areas of Interest. BAA-0001-22 6/13/2022- 6/12/2027
  • Cost Type
$125M

Strategic Distribution and Disposition (SDD) - Technologies or innovative business practices or processes, including 5G smart warehouse modernization solutions.

BAA-0001-23 02/08/2023 - 02/07/2028
  • IDIQ
$50M
Acquisition Modernization Technology Research (AMTR) - Assess acquisition and procurement processes, identifies and prioritizes areas that would benefit from IT modernization or advanced technologies, evaluates technical requirements, and pursues future research efforts for DLA. (will be reactivated) SP4701-23-B-0001 05/03/2023 - 05/29/2028
  • IDIQ
  • White paper
$50M
Logistics Technology Research - Continue to explore the application of emergent technologies and commercial or other innovative business practices to develop new capabilities and improve internal DLA processes to sustain DOD weapon systems SP4701-24-B-0001

8/27/24 – 10/12/24 and 8/27/29

  • IDIQ
$35M
ANTICIPATED IN 2024 Strategic Materials - Research in strategic and critical materials supply chains that have been compromised by decreased or abandoned domestic mining and refining activities or lack of domestic manufacturing.    
  • FFP
$95M

 

Events

Abstract Save the Date poster for 2024 Industry Collider Day2024 Industry Collider Day

 

DLA Research and Development will host the fifth annual Industry Collider Day to bring together experts from government, industry and academia to explore how emerging technologies and innovation can tackle some of the Defense Department’s most pressing logistics challenges. Through engaging presentations, R&D exhibits, mentor protégé connections, and interactive break-out sessions, attendees will share expertise and forge strong connections among key leaders.

Register today: https://registration.socio.events/e/icd2024

   

R&D Videos

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Video by Nutan Chada

DoD Manufacturing Technology: Developing Disruptive & Transformational Solutions (open caption)

  • Defense Logistics Agency
  • Jan. 12, 2023 | 13:16

United States manufacturing and innovation are essential to American economic and national security. It is the responsibility of the Department of Defense (DoD) to innovate and equip our forces with the best tools possible, made by Americans. The DoD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) enterprise attempts to utilize advanced manufacturing to secure a more lethal force, strengthen alliances and new partnerships, and reform the Department for greater performance and affordability. For more information about DoD ManTech, visit: www.dodmantech.mil

News
Enterprisewide | Sept. 12, 2024

Enhanced government-industry connections a key focus at DLA’s Industry C...

The Defense Logistics Agency is looking to solve many of its sustainment challenges by tapping into the innovation ecosystem that’s led primarily by commercial industry, the director said Sept. 10 during the fifth annual Industry Collider Day.

Information Operations | July 15, 2024

Latest tech course explores DLA’s logistics challenges

A three-day course designed to tackle the Defense Logistics Agency’s unique challenges is providing leaders with the tools and processes needed to create an environment and organizational culture that fosters innovation.

Information Operations | July 1, 2024

DLA R&D director leads Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel All ...

David Koch, Defense Logistics Agency’s Research and Development director, led the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel Spring All Hands at AIM Photonics in Albany, New York May 21-23.