Advanced Manufacturing Components and Prototypes

The Advanced Manufacturing Components and Prototypes (AMCAP) program, initiated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to enhance the United States' technological edge through advanced manufacturing. This initiative focuses on developing and transitioning promising manufacturing technologies to higher readiness levels. It supports projects that cover a broad range of critical technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD), including those with dual-use commercial applications, thereby strengthening the industrial base that supplies the DoD.

A key objective of AMCAP is to advance bioindustrial manufacturing capabilities, particularly through the Manufacturing Enabled by Modular Bioindustrial & Reusable (MEMBR) assets initiative. This involves establishing a network of flexible manufacturing facilities designed to scale up biotechnology capabilities for integration into DoD missions. The initial focus is on scaling up production of molecules of interest, which are crucial for various defense applications.

In fiscal year 2025, AMCAP plans to conduct pilot-scale production of bioindustrial products. This includes producing initial pilot or production scale batches, developing downstream processing techniques at scale, and creating standard operating procedures for large-scale production. These efforts aim to facilitate technology transfer from pilot facilities to industrial-scale operations and ensure that materials meet military or commercial specifications.

The program also emphasizes technoeconomic analyses and feasibility assessments to support these objectives. By investing in technology transfer and process flow optimization, AMCAP seeks to validate and prove processes used in bioindustrial manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that these advanced manufacturing processes can reliably produce materials needed for military applications while also supporting broader commercial use.