Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ManTech

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From MREs to uniforms, DLA R&D sustains the Warfighter, drives Defense Industrial Base (DIB) innovation, and secures our global supply chain through researching leading edge supply chain solutions. 
 
MISSION: Develop and deliver new capabilities through applied technologies and innovative solutions to enhance warfighter sustainment.

VISION: Premier Innovators for Global Warfighter Mission Readiness
 

 

DLA R&D: Driving Innovation in Logistics As a cornerstone of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), DLA R&D is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions to support the nation's warfighters. Under the umbrella of the Office of Secretary of Defense (OUSD) Acquisition and Sustainment, DLA R&D is dedicated to securing the global supply chain, automating internal processes, and addressing critical industrial base manufacturing challenges.
Through its 14 leading-edge programs in manufacturing technology, logistics research, and small business innovation research, DLA R&D leverages advanced critical emerging technologies to deliver transformative solutions. By prioritizing partnerships with government, industry, small business, and academia, DLA R&D fosters a collaborative environment that drives innovation in logistics.

DLA R&D plays a pivotal role in numerous joint projects with multiple service and agency ManTech programs, including GenAI and cloud capabilities, Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA), Digital Thread, and the Modernization of Joint Food Management System (JFMS). Additionally, the organization maintains over 100 partnerships with academia, industry, the military services, other federal agencies, and manufacturing innovation institutions (MIIs), ensuring a constant flow of ideas and experimentation.

In summary, DLA R&D is a catalyst for innovation in logistics, delivering critical capabilities that enhance warfighter readiness and support the nation's defense mission.
 
 
  • Logistics research solutions for warfighter sustainment
  • AI/ML/GenAI and Cloud solutions
  • Supply chain risk management and resiliency
  • Enterprise innovation for emerging and disruptive technologies
  • Rapid piloting and prototyping for solution transition and adoption
  • Strategic Materials critical technologies and tools
  • Weapon System Readiness Program (WSRP) material readiness

R&D investments are aligned with the needs of our National Defense Strategy, and the National Defense Industrial Strategy and thrusts forward our DLA Directors Strategics’  into these key doctrinal documents.  The center of gravity of the DLA Strategic Plan are the 4 P’s People, Posture, Precision, and Partnerships.  The below graphic depicts how R&D 4P compliments our Director’s and organization



DLA R&D efforts are accomplished through three Program Elements (PE):

  • Manufacturing Technology (ManTech): Supports innovation in the industrial base to improve the operational performance of key supply chains
  • Logistics Research and Development Technology (Log R&D): Pioneers advanced logistics concepts and business processes that use commercial best practices; develops and demonstrates high payoff technologies that provide a high level of support at lower costs
  • Small Business Innovation Program (SBIP): Through competitive awards-based programs, SBIP funds small business to develop state-of-the-art, innovative solutions to mission-critical DLA supply chain requirements. SBIP includes Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF)


 
Investment Portfolio Areas
 
  • Advanced Microcircuit Emulation - produces military qualified form, fit, and function microcircuits
  • Battery Network - improves defense battery production, logistics, and performance
  • Castings/Forgings - strengthens the production and sustainment of metal cast and forged parts
  • Military Unique Sustainment Technology - focuses on clothing and textile supply chain related issues
  • Subsistence Network - improves and implements innovative processes and capabilities in the subsistence supply chain
  • Defense Logistics Information Research - research core technologies to improve logistics data
  • Additive Manufacturing - provides alternative supply sources, increasing material availability and readiness
  • Applied Research and Testing Emerging Technologies – propels early-stage adoption for emerging and disruptive technologies including cloud and GenAI
 
Logistics R&D Budget (FY24): $19.6M


DLA Logistics R&D Investment Portfolio Areas:
  • Logistics Technology Research - leverages advanced technologies across the DLA supply chain
  • Strategic Distribution & Disposition - supports the DLA Distribution Modernization Program
  • Supply Chain Management - enhances DLA’s ability to correctly assess and meet supply chain requirements
  • Energy Readiness Program - guides R&D efforts for operational energy initiatives
  • Acquisition Modernization Technology Research - leads acquisition digitally enabled solutions through emerging technologies 
Proposal Process


There are four mechanisms that provide opportunities for academia and industry. The following are contracting mediums and access to DLA opportunities:

  1. Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for "communities of practice." BAAs for "communities of practice" (COP) awards are related to a specific DLA-managed commodity or strategic focus area. COP BAAs are multi-award, multi-year, delivery order contracts with a limited scope. Typically, COP awards have a period of performance of one year with four 1-year options. The base awards are for a nominal amount to participate in COP planning activities. Separate projects are awarded to the members of the COP to achieve technical objectives. 
  2. BAA for Emerging Technologies. The BAA for Emerging Technologies is a continuously open, broad scope BAA. The BAA specifies the process for awards and the area(s) of interest; awards are typically single project contracts. DLA R&D contracting is primarily managed through the DLA Contracting Services Office in Philadelphia, PA.
  3. DLA also develops manufacturing technologies through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topics that support strategic priorities. These topics can be found in the DoD SBIR/STTR solicitations.
  4. DLA’s Technology Accelerator Other Transaction Agreements partner with nontraditional and traditional defense contractors and non-profit research institutions to carry out prototype projects.

Whether in DLA, DoD, Whole of Congress (WOG) or Congress or beyond, we all have a responsibility to foster a broad national security innovation to support our Warfighter Always
 

DLA Graphic Collage