DLA Research & Development's Defense Logistics Information Research program is developing and deploying a suite of advanced, AI-powered digital tools to address critical vulnerabilities within the U.S. defense supply network. By leveraging artificial intelligence to discover, map, and connect manufacturing needs with untapped industrial capabilities, DLIR aims to build a more resilient, diverse, and responsive domestic supply network, reduce procurement lead times, and increase military readiness.
Innovation & Technology
- Leverage AI to discover new manufacturing pathways for items critical to national security.
- Prototype remote inspection and product testing for Clothing and Textile (C&T) goods using AR/VR.
- Industry 4.0 & Workforce Development:Strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by promoting adoption for small/medium enterprises and deploying certification-based training through theCAPITALproject (30K+ registrations).
Strategic Thrusts
- AI-Powered Industrial Base Modernization: A multi-pronged effort to strengthen the U.S. supplier ecosystem and improve resilience by:
- Building a Supplier Database: Developing a comprehensive, AI-driven database of domestic manufacturers and their capabilities (currently 148K+ manufacturers with 1,600+ capabilities).
- Automating Sourcing: Using AI to intelligently match technical drawings with the best-suited suppliers.
- Creating a Dynamic Network: Leverage generative AI to foster a flexible, peer-to-peer network of manufacturers to discover and map hidden capacity.
Program Challenge
Recent unexpected disruptions to the global supply network have underscored the inherent fragility of our nation's manufacturing base. Regrettably, these disruptions have compounded two long-standing challenges that have plagued the readiness of the DoD for decades: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and the dwindling number of Micro, Small and Medium Manufacturers (MSMMs) within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
Benefits
- Invest in advanced manufacturing and AI-driven Large Language Models (LLM) to foster a resilient DIB:
- Enhance database of DLA suppliers with ample technical data and process flows
- Improve supplier discovery and evaluation processes
- Increase visibility into the DIB, leading to potential new supplier partnerships
- Enhance readiness/responsiveness in sourcing critical parts
- Strengthen relationships with suppliers through improved data sharing
- Continue Industry 4.0 and workforce development research to assist MSMMs
Partners
- Military Services
- DLA Major Subordinate Commands
- DLA J3, J6, J7
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Manufacturing Innovation Institutes
Accomplishments & Ongoing Efforts
- Transition of Process Digital Twins (Celonis): Ability to track processes end to end, NFR remediation and validation, audit assistance, S/4 BPR Migration support. DLA can identify and prioritize areas to improve operational outcomes and efficiency across core business cycles/process.
- Completion of DLA OIB Manufacturing project: This project demonstrated how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can streamline the process of matching Technical Data Packages (TDPs) with the documented manufacturing capabilities of the OIB. The system ingests TDPs and OIB site capability documentation, then applies matching algorithms to determine which OIB facilities are capable of manufacturing specific parts.