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DLA Research and Development

Overview

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

Our 14 leading-edge logistics research (LogTech), manufacturing technology (ManTech), and small business innovation program (SBIP) programs advance DLA’s strategic priorities by transforming warfighter readiness, strengthening supply chain resilience, innovating global logistics and fielding emergency technology. R&D is committed to fostering impactful partnerships with the military services, Defense and civilian government agencies, academic institutions, and manufacturing innovation institutes to support a robust defense industrial base.

R&D’s key focus areas are: business and digital development data, supply chain resiliency, additive manufacturing, rare earth and strategic materials, generative artificial intelligence/AI/machine learning, large language models, digital sustainment platform, digital twin/digital thread, nuclear weapons modernization, and acquisition reform.

Our 16 program managers direct over 325 agile, capability-driven projects. R&D’s initiatives are projected to save DLA over $370M through fiscal year 2027.

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

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 Manufacturing 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

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

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
Strategic Materials - Research in strategic, critical materials supply chains compromised by decreased or abandoned domestic mining and refining activities or lack of domestic manufacturing	SP4701-25-B-000	1/15/25-1/14/30	Cost Type FFP	$95M

R&D Videos

Video by Nutan Chada

Player Embed Code:

DLA Research & Development Harnessing Innovation: Strengthening the Casting Industry for the Global Supply Chain

Defense Logistics Agency
Aug. 10, 2022 | 5:22

Castings are part of our everyday lives. You find castings in your phone, your belts, really anywhere. Castings are very important for U.S. military weapon systems. The Defense Logistics Agency Research & Development team funds R&D projects aimed at improving the quality, the cost, and availability of parts needed to maintain our weapon system. This critical program is all about supporting the #WarfighterFirst. For more information about DLA's R&D program, visit: https://www.dla.mil/Information-Operations/Research-And-Development/