Building sophisticated systems faster is one of the goals of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program. Launched recently, with the Austin Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI) in Austin, TX, the pilot program will attempt to transform advanced manufacturing technology into commercial and military applications that can be rapidly scaled to production (see the figure). It is hoped that once the approach is proven for one manufacturing technology, it can be applied to other critical technology areas.
The program involves the use of private capital to rapidly scale the production of emerging technologies. With this “real-life” use of private capital, an industrial base can be strengthened even in areas fueled by experimental technologies. With DPA Title III Program funding, the DoD will be able to address critical industrial shortfalls while optimizing private capital for military and security system development.
Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, explained: “Our support enables the United States to more effectively harness innovation in manufacturing, enhance supply chain resiliency, and develop a more robust industrial base that is well prepared to meet the needs of American strategic interests while developing a future workforce for advanced chemical manufacturing.” He added that this pilot program is an important move for government to strengthen the country’s industrial segment: “This pilot program is a first step in finding new and creative solutions to innovate within the American manufacturing sector.”
John Burer, founder of ACMI, commented: “We are proud to have been selected to help advance the Department of Defense’s industrial priorities at this critical point in our nation’s history. Leveraging private capital and market forces will allow us to deliver an efficient and sustainable solution for these areas.” The program is set to run for 24 months and will focus on the manufacturing of inert chemicals for energetic applications used by the military in munitions and by the commercial sector in agriculture products. When the pilot program is completed, additional funds from the DPA Title III Program will help scale the benefits gained from the program into other sectors vital to national security, such as microelectronics. A 10-to-1 ratio of private to public funding is anticipated for this pilot program.