America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining have unveiled the 25 winners of their latest $10.5 million project call, a significant step in advancing the U.S. defense industry's additive manufacturing capabilities. This initiative, funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War, Manufacturing Technology Office, aims to standardize and enhance supplier qualifications in laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition technologies.
What Happened
The project, known as Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment – Supplier Qualification (JAQS-SQ – Groups 2 & 3), builds upon previous efforts to fortify manufacturing readiness and broaden the defense industrial base. By standardizing training and audits, the initiative seeks to align suppliers with acquisition requirements and expedite the onboarding of nontraditional vendors, ensuring consistent and qualified production for the Department of Defense (DoD). Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research will partner in developing a training curriculum tailored for production and engineering operations managers. The curriculum will focus on implementing process control documents and qualification principles. Once training is completed, suppliers will undergo audits to validate their capabilities as qualified additive manufacturing manufacturers for the DoD.
Ben DiMarco, technology transition director at America Makes, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "This award signifies a pivotal moment for the Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment initiative and marks a major advancement for the defense industrial base." The initiative now includes 31 suppliers, creating one of the largest coordinated efforts to expand additive manufacturing in support of national defense readiness.
What This Means for Your Business
For businesses in the AECM sector, this project presents substantial implications for procurement and compliance. The standardization of additive manufacturing training and audits could streamline the qualification process, making it easier for suppliers to meet DoD requirements. Companies that integrate these standards may find themselves better positioned for federal contracts, thereby enhancing their competitive edge. Additionally, the focus on expanding the defense industrial base opens up opportunities for nontraditional vendors to enter the market, potentially increasing competition and innovation.
Compliance with these new standards will likely require adherence to evolving regulations, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. Businesses should prepare for possible changes in procurement processes and ensure they are equipped to meet these rigorous requirements.
What US Operators Should Watch
Decision-makers should monitor upcoming deadlines for the completion of the training curriculum and subsequent audits. Keeping track of the America Makes Technical Review and Exchange events will provide insights into the progress of the project and any adjustments to timelines or requirements. Additionally, businesses should stay informed about potential changes to federal regulations and procurement opportunities that may arise from this initiative.
Source: https://businessjournaldaily.com/america-makes-announces-winners-of-project-call-worth-10-5m/
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