Manufacturing Technology Program

The Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech) under the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) aims to enhance the domestic industrial base's responsiveness and efficiency to meet warfighters' needs affordably and promptly. The program focuses on maturing, scaling up, and validating advanced manufacturing technologies in real-world environments. By addressing production and sustainment challenges proactively, ManTech seeks to increase readiness levels while reducing sustainment costs. It aligns with DLA's strategic priorities, emphasizing digital business transformation to enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve data transparency and security.

Within the ManTech program, two primary Lines of Effort (LOEs) are emphasized: Industrial Base and Aging Weapon System Support (IBA) and 3D Technical Data Modernization/Model-Based Enterprise (TDM). The IBA LOE focuses on implementing innovative technology solutions to ensure a robust industrial base capable of providing affordable critical parts for Department of Defense weapon systems. This effort includes initiatives in areas such as castings, forgings, batteries, additive manufacturing, advanced microcircuit emulation, and strategic materials. These initiatives aim to optimize procurement readiness and support the warfighter by improving manufacturing processes and supply chain management.

The TDM LOE aims to transform technical data into modern formats that support digital modernization efforts across the Department of Defense. This involves creating a model-enabled knowledge base shared among DLA, military services, and industry partners to streamline supply chain operations. The TDM initiative focuses on transitioning from paper-based products to three-dimensional computer-based models, facilitating more efficient engineering data exchange. By leveraging emerging technologies such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence, TDM seeks to improve product introduction cycles and reduce production costs.

ManTech's objectives are closely integrated with national security strategies by harnessing rapid emerging technologies that transform business operations within the defense sector. Through collaboration with military services and industry partners, the program aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities and ensure a reliable supply chain for critical defense components. By focusing on both traditional manufacturing improvements and cutting-edge digital transformations, ManTech supports DLA's mission of maintaining a responsive and efficient logistics system for the warfighter.