Manufacturing Technology Program

The Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech), managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative aimed at strengthening the domestic industrial base to meet Department of Defense (DoD) warfighter needs efficiently and affordably. The program's primary goals are to mature, scale, and validate advanced manufacturing technologies in real-world environments, bridging the gap between invention and application. ManTech is structured around two major Lines of Effort (LOEs): Industrial Base & Aging Weapon System Support (IBA) and 3D Technical Data Modernization / Model-Based Enterprise (TDM), each with distinct objectives and portfolios aligned to DLA's Strategic Plan and the National Security Strategy.

Industrial Base & Aging Weapon System Support (IBA) focuses on ensuring a robust and responsive industrial base capable of supplying affordable, critical, and previously hard-to-procure parts for DoD weapon systems. The IBA LOE encompasses several portfolios: Subsistence Network (food supply chain solutions), Castings, Forgings, Batteries, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Microcircuit Emulation, and Strategic Materials. Specific objectives include maximizing industrial base capability and capacity, addressing obsolescence in microcircuits, and integrating advanced manufacturing concepts. The program works with industry, academia, and federal partners to conduct R&D, reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance supply chain resilience for critical defense components.

Within IBA, the Subsistence Network advances logistics processes for food and water supply, focusing on innovations in packaging, safety, nutrition, and surge support. Castings and Forgings programs target improvements in materials, processes, and business practices to reduce backorders and lead times for parts containing cast or forged components. The Battery Network develops next-generation battery technologies for longer shelf life, higher energy, and cost efficiency, collaborating with military services and other federal agencies. Additive Manufacturing aims to streamline manufacturing methods and integrate digital data for on-demand production, while Advanced Microcircuit Emulation provides trusted domestic sources for obsolete microcircuits, reducing redesign costs and supporting legacy systems. The Strategic Materials portfolio addresses supply chain risks for critical materials through research, domestic production, and recycling initiatives.

3D Technical Data Modernization / Model-Based Enterprise (TDM) is dedicated to transforming engineering and logistics data from traditional formats to modern, machine-usable, three-dimensional models. The TDM LOE includes the Military Unique Sustainment Technology, Defense Logistics Information Research, and Emerging Requirements portfolios. Key objectives are to enable seamless data exchange among DLA, military services, and industry, reduce product introduction cycles, and lower production costs. TDM supports the DoD Digital Engineering Strategy by improving data transparency, reliability, and security, and facilitating the adoption of digital business transformation across the defense supply chain.

The Military Unique Sustainment Technology program focuses on developing a knowledge-based approach for military unique combat uniforms and individual equipment, transitioning technical requirements from paper-based to digital model-driven environments. This enables efficient communication and collaboration among stakeholders, improving quality and responsiveness. Defense Logistics Information Research leverages digital technologies, AI, and machine learning to enhance logistics data quality, support workforce development, and optimize supplier identification. Initiatives use AI to match manufacturing needs with supplier capabilities and reduce foreign supply chain dependencies. Emerging Requirements enables rapid investigation and adoption of disruptive technologies, with recent efforts targeting strategic materials and rare earth element supply chain resiliency.

Congressional adds within ManTech have supported specific initiatives such as the Steel Performance Initiative, Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing, Critical Mineral Supply Chain Resiliency, and projects for high-purity vanadium, nickel, and rare earth elements. These targeted investments address industrial base challenges, enhance material availability, and support advanced manufacturing for aerospace and hypersonic applications. The acquisition strategy for ManTech relies on Broad Agency Announcements and, where appropriate, Other Transaction Authority to engage a broad spectrum of industry and academic partners, including small businesses and non-traditional suppliers.