DOD Commits $140 Million to Establish Two Manufacturing Innovation Institutes

he Department of Defense (DOD) released funding announcements to help establish and sustain two new manufacturing innovation institutes in the areas of lightweight and modern metals manufacturing and digital manufacturing and design. DOD intends to commit up to $70 million for each institute, with at least a 1:1 cost share ($70 million over five years) of non-federal funds from the recipient organizations. Proposals for both awards are restricted to domestic nonprofit organizations, but applicants are encouraged to partner with local small businesses, institutions of higher education and government entities.

Administered by the Office of Naval Research, the proposed $70 million Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) Institute will help advance the state of processing and fabrication technologies for lightweight and modern metals by facilitating the transition from basic/early research to full-scale production of associated materials, components and systems. To receive an invitation to submit a full proposal, an organization must first submit a concept paper, which is due August 9. Read the funding announcement...

The U.S. Army Materiel Command also will be accepting proposals to establish and sustain a Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DMDI) Institute. Intended as a paradigm shift in the development, production and sustainment of complex systems, the DMDI Institute would support research and development efforts that address the life cycle of digital data interchanged among myriad design, engineering, manufacturing/maintenance systems and across a networked supply chain. Concept papers for the DMDI Institute are due August 5. Read the funding announcement...