Abstract
There are many innovative solutions available to the DoD enterprise developed by either a DoD organization or by industry. Each of these capabilities could have the potential to improve DoD reliability, effectiveness, or efficiencies once implemented. However, what is often more difficult than developing a new capability, is transitioning that capability to the DoD. The DoD acquisition process is complex, and often lined with obstacles that can delay or negate adoption of the technology. This forum will look at approaches being developed, or already created, to implement sustainment technologies into the DoD. We will begin with a review of the newly published DoD Instruction 5000.92, “Innovation and Technology to Sustain Materiel Readiness”, and the roles of the Senior Technology Executives (STEs) in sustainment technology adoption. We will also hear from the military services and their industry partners as they share some examples of technology transition and highlight some of their organization’s best practices and transition strategies. Please join us and participate in the exchange of information and ideas.
Agenda
1300-1305: Welcome, Intro & Purpose – Steve McKee (OSD-MR)
1305-1309: Administrative Notes – Debbie Lilu (NCMS)
1309-1340: DoDI 5000.92 Overview & STEs– Steve McKee (OSD-MR)
1330-1405: Multifunctional Automated Repair System (MARS) Success Story – Anthony J. Naccarelli, Dr. Tim Eden (PSU/ARL), & Janice Bryant (NAVSEA)
1405-1425: One Network – Dave Stephens / Jim Dubberly (One Network Enterprises)
1425-1445: Mission Analysis Readiness Resource Synchronization (MARRS) Success Story – Larry Kendrick (MKGCS)
1445-1455: “Hermes Sprint” Update – The Coordinated Implementation of Sustainment Technology – Steve McKee (OSD-MR)
1455-1500: Wrap-Up – Steve McKee (OSD-MR)
*Note: All Times are ET
Minutes
Event: On 1 March 2022, the Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG), in coordination with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), hosted a virtual forum on “Technology Transition”.
Purpose: The purpose of this forum was to discuss how new technologies are requiring adaptations to our workforce development programs and strategies. The forum also presented some new technologies which are being used to introduce new training methods and have the potential for use in support of the DoD sustainment workforce.
Welcome: Ray Langlais (OSD-MR) welcomed everyone to the forum and previewed the agenda. Steve McKee, OSD-MR, provided a brief introduction of the presenters and emphasized the significance, challenges and impact that new technology transition has on the DoD sustainment community.
Administrative: This was an open forum. The presentations, along with questions and answers, were conducted through Adobe Connect. Only none of the presentations were available online during the forum due to distribution restrictions. Efforts continue to get all the presentations cleared to post on the JTEG website at: https://jteg.ncms.org/. A separate audio line was used. We had 53 participants from across DOD, industry, and academia join in the forum.
DoDI 5000.92 Overview & STEs – Steve McKee, OSD-MR, provided an overview of DoDI 5000.92, “Innovation and Technology to Sustain Materiel Readiness” (effective 7MAY21), which provides policy to develop, implement, and expand applications for sustaining materiel readiness across DoD systems. The DoDI assigns responsibilities for the development, implementation, and management of DoD sustainment innovation through the application of improved processes and technology, provides procedures for an integrated approach to sustainment innovation and technology development, adoption, and application, and is the basis for taking coordinated and decisive actions on readiness improvements. He noted that DoDI instructs the MILDEPS and defense agencies to designate a Sustainment Technology Executive (STE) as the focal point for sustainment technology evaluation, development, and integration into Military Department and Defense Agency sustainment operations.
Multifunctional Automated Repair System (MARS) Success Story – Tony Naccarelli, Dr. Tim Eden, PSU/ARL, and Janice Bryant, NAVSEA, discussed the Multifunctional Automated Repair System (MARS) which provides an automated, turnkey, fully portable preparation, repair, and inspection capability for emergent facilities including forward operating bases, ships, and shipyards. MARS is the 2021 NCMS CTMA Technology Competition overall winner and PSU ARL is currently working with NAVSEA to transition the technology to the DoD. Two iterative fielding demonstrations have been completed to date: Demo #1 aboard the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division in March 2021, and Demo #2 aboard the aboard ex-McKee at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in September 2021. Lessons learned include the value of software interface simplicity, automatic tool recognition, video-style tutorials and game-style controller are advantages in MARS system, system portability, cable management and minimizing connections for end effectors is critical, understanding electrical power type and availability at point of need is required for each application, system updates are required for in-situ repairs especially aboard submarines, and sailors will use the system in unintended and creative ways.
One Network – Dave Stephens and Jim Dubberly, One Network Enterprises, described an opportunity for DoD to improve readiness with a modern adaptable platform that has been embraced by multiple services. They stated that collaboration and OTA process have proven they work, reduce DoD risk, and increase velocity in fielding the right solution, and that integration and interoperability with the industrial base and allies (including FMS) is executable. Their ONE platform takes full use of how commercial businesses are improving their logistics operations with a “never legacy” commitment to modernize as new capabilities are deployed. Completed collaborative efforts include two risk reduction efforts through CTMA to prove a COTS PaaS/SaaS solution would be successful in a US DoD mission critical environment, and used munitions Class V as the first proof point; a Theater Integrated Combat Munitions System that replaced a 25+ year old legacy system and went live in Jan 2020 allowing multiple services to now maximize mission effectiveness on the same platform; and a US Naval operational supply system modernizing the operational supply chain for shore and afloat forces by utilizing ONE as a platform for modernization vs. legacy or ERP. They closed with an example that demonstrated how the capability could improve readiness.
Mission Analysis Readiness Resource Synchronization (MARRS) Success Story – Dan Lehman, MKGCS, described how The Army Total Force is currently using and testing the MARRS ERP technology. Prior to MARRS, multiple independent business processes (financial management, human resources, equipment supply, operations, etc.) operated in a silo, yet the processes were dependent upon each other. Prior to MARRS there were approximately 50 independent business processes executed across the globe to bring a reserve component soldier onto active duty. Following MARRS adoption, nearly every major process used to bring a reserve component soldier onto active duty has been integrated into the MARRS ERP. Benefits include end-to-end auditability, monumental efficiencies gained through shared visibility and performance. As a result, a GSA contract was awarded to MKGCS in June 2021 to develop Total Integrated Mobilization Execution System (TIMES), an Air Force mobilization system, by reconfiguring MARRS / MOBCOP functionality to support Air Force business processes.
“Hermes’ Sprint” – The Coordinated Implementation of Sustainment Technology – Steve McKee, OSD-MR, provided a status on the “Hermes’ Sprint” effort underway. He stated that the JTEG Principals and others met 1-7 FEB to understand interconnections between the submitted capability gaps which include corrosion prevention, troubleshooting capabilities, and data exploitation. The military Services’ Sustainment Technology Executives (STEs) were briefed on 8 February and their inputs were refined on 17-18 Feb. The next brief to the STEs is currently being scheduled and will include recommended next steps for cross-DoD learning and implementation.
Q&A – A Q&A occurred after each briefer finished their presentation. Questions and answers will be posted on the JTEG website with these minutes.
Closing Comments: Steve McKee thanked the presenters and participants for their attendance and all the work being done to support sustainment technology transition within the DoD community.
Action Items:
- Obtain copies of cleared presentations once they are approved to post to a public website, and post to the JTEG website at https://jteg.ncms.org/.
Next JTEG Meeting: The next scheduled JTEG virtual forum is 29 March 2022, 1:00 – 3:00 pm EST. The topic is “Digital Thread”.
POC this action is Ray Langlais, rlanglais@lmi.org, (571) 633-8019