DHS MANTECH

Managed within the Office of Naval Research (ONR) (Jay Cohen was the previous head of ONR), the Navy ManTech Program provides for the development of enabling manufacturing technology and the implementation of this technology for the production, repair, and sustainment of Navy weapon systems to support the Fleet. In doing so, Navy ManTech helps weapon system acquisition Program Offices achieve goals of increased mission capability and/or affordability by inserting manufacturing process solutions early in the design phase to reduce life-cycle costs, improve schedules, and ensure quality. This same concept is being employed in this first DHS ManTech Center.

Transition of technology is the primary focus of ManTech. Advances in manufacturing technology are useful only if they result in implementation in products to increase capability or reduce cost or both. Transition of manufacturing processes to private and government industrial entities that manufacture and repair systems and components is the goal of every ManTech project. With their expertise in specific technology areas, the Centers of Excellence (COEs) play a key role in the definition and execution of the ManTech Program.

DHS ManTech Objectives: The overall objective of the ManTech Program is to significantly improve the affordability and improve mission capability of Department of the Homeland Security products and systems by engaging in manufacturing initiatives that address the entire system life-cycle and that enable the timely transition of laboratory technology to industry and the marketplace.

More specifically, the investments should:

1. Aid in the economical and timely acquisition and sustainment of weapon systems and components.
2. Ensure that advanced manufacturing processes, techniques, and equipment are available for reducing DoD materiel acquisition, maintenance, and repair costs.
3. Advance the maturity of manufacturing processes to bridge the gap from research and development advances to full-scale production.
4. Promote capital investment and industrial innovation in new plants and equipment by reducing the cost and risk of advancing and applying new and improved manufacturing technology.
5. Ensure that manufacturing technologies used to produce materiel are consistent with safety and environmental considerations and energy conservation objectives.
6. Provide for the dissemination of Program results throughout the industrial base.
7. Sustain and enhance the skills and capabilities of the manufacturing work force, and promote high levels of worker education and training.