End Item Industrial Preparedness Activities

The End Item Industrial Preparedness Activities program, under Program Element PE 0708045A, is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the U.S. Army. Its primary goal is to develop, demonstrate, and transition advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that enhance the producibility and affordability of components and subsystems for Army ground and air platforms, Soldier systems, weapons, air and missile defense systems, and sensors and electronics. The program aims to reduce costs and risks associated with transitioning military-unique manufacturing processes into full-scale production. This strengthens the industrial base and improves readiness.

E25: Manufacturing Science & Technology is the core project within this program element, focusing on advancing manufacturing processes for Army-specific applications. The objectives include leveraging automation and innovative fabrication techniques for coatings, multifunctional materials, and structural elements. Key areas of emphasis are robust and resilient communications in contested environments, assured position, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) systems, and advanced sensor technologies for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T). These efforts directly support programs within the Program Executive Office (PEO) Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (IEW&S) and PEO Command, Control, Communications, and Network (C3N).

Within E25: Manufacturing Science & Technology, several sub-initiatives are detailed. For Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I), the program is advancing manufacturing processes for low chip scale atomic clocks, silicon foundry modernization for next-generation sensor circuits, and anti-jammer antenna cost reduction. For weapon systems, the focus is on long-range precision fires, advanced energetics, warheads, propulsion, guidance, and navigation technologies, as well as air and missile defense capabilities. Efforts include optimizing multi-platform cannon tube production and automating high-power interconnects for radar systems, supporting PEO Missiles & Space and Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition.

The Ground Systems initiative aims to enhance manufacturing for critical warfighting capabilities, including ground combat and tactical vehicles, armor materials, and force protection technologies. Objectives include advancing digital thread capabilities, developing high-performance, lower-weight armor materials, and improving manufacturability for systems like the Mine-Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC). The Aviation Systems effort supports both unmanned and manned platforms, focusing on additive manufacturing for rotary aircraft blades and future vertical lift capabilities, aligned with PEO Aviation.

Soldier Systems is another key area, targeting integrated Soldier and Squad weapon platforms. The program seeks to improve affordability and producibility of next-generation squad weapons and ammunition, enhance protective materials, and develop advanced sensor and power systems for individual Soldiers. Planned efforts include improving production processes for flame-resistant textiles and next-generation ammunition, supporting PEO Soldier and related offices.

EA2: MANTECH INITIATIVES (CA) represents Congressional Interest Items within the program, with targeted funding for specific manufacturing advancements. Congressional Adds include projects such as 3D printing of ballistic ceramics, advanced manufacturing cells for missile fins, optimization of hard armor pressing applications, domestic manufacturing for energetic materials, metal forging innovation, and processing of refractory alloys. Additional initiatives include advanced delamination-resistant transparent armor, an advanced manufacturing center of excellence, and refractory metal alloys for hypersonic applications. These efforts are designed to address urgent industrial base needs, improve performance, and reduce acquisition and sustainment costs.

The End Item Industrial Preparedness Activities line item is structured to foster the transfer of new and improved manufacturing technologies to the Army's industrial base, with project teams comprising Science and Technology subject matter experts and Program of Record technical leads. The program's acquisition strategy is focused on transitioning successful technologies into production, promoting efficiencies, and aligning with government cost efficiency initiatives. The combination of core RDT&E efforts and Congressional Adds supports both immediate and long-term Army modernization objectives.