NCMS Member Astrolabe Supports USAID Project in Bangladesh that Advances Sustainable Energy Solutions
04-23-2024 Astrolabe Analytics Inc., a leading provider of battery analytics solutions and NCMS member, recently announced that it has been awarded a contract to monitor and improve battery life of electric vehicles (EVs) in Bangladesh. The contract is awarded by USAID through USAID’s Bangladesh Advancing Development and Growth through Energy (BADGE) project and represents a partnership between Astrolabe and SOLshare, a pioneer in solar energy and smart grids. It marks Astrolabe’s entry into theRead More
Finalists Announced for 2024 CTMA Technology Competition
03-26-2024 NCMS is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2024 CTMA Technology Competition, which highlights innovations in maintenance and sustainment technologies. One-hundred high-quality entries were received. Each submission was carefully reviewed by the principals of the Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG), a collaborative group formed by the DOD to improve coordination in the introduction of new or improved technology, new processes, or new equipment into DOD depot maintenanceRead More
Altair - Member Spotlight
03-06-2024 Altair is a global computational intelligence company that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair software helps companies using digital twins, intelligent models, and the convergence of simulation, HPC, and AI to predict and optimize system outcomes. Altair’s simulation-driven design method—from generative design through to production—has transformed the product development lifecycle for major automotive, aerospace,Read More
STIIX - New Member Spotlight
02-27-2024 STIIX (Solve Technicalities with Imagination, Innovation, and eXcitement) is a workforce development company that introduces youth to different STEM skills and careers in various industry sectors, like aerospace and manufacturing. Founded by an engineer from a family of educators, the STIIX team creates meaningful and engaging STEM learning experiences aimed to spur curiosity and career awareness in youth. Currently, STIIX partners with hundreds of school districts and community-basedRead More
NCMS Partners with NAVSEA for REPTX ESAR Demonstration Attended by Over 300
02-20-2024 Thirty-seven world-class companies demonstrated maintenance and sustainment capabilities with the potential to solve Naval battle damage repair scenarios at the Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) Expeditionary Ship Assessment and Repair (ESAR) demonstration from January 30 to February 1. Working in partnership with NAVSEA 05T, NCMS helped to organize and execute the demonstration at Marine Hydraulics International (MHI), adjacent to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). This demonstration markedRead More
AIVOT - New Member Spotlight
02-20-2024 AIVOT builds intelligent humanoid robots to perform various complex tasks in dynamic environments including many manufacturing and defense scenarios. The robots can navigate autonomously with their mobile bases and perform dexterous tasks using their two arms. They learn new skills by listening to spoken instructions and watching human demos. Capable of following operators’ voice commands, the robots can use vision and perform actions. The robots can perceive the dynamic world state, understandRead More
Stripelight – New Member Spotlight
01-26-2024 Stripelight manufactures intrinsic safe, high quality, portable lighting products to support the DOD and multiple industries including fire and rescue, petrochemical, aviation, security, mining, and more. The company’s laser and LED flashlight, the Stripelight FRT (Fire, Rescue, Tactical), is designed for greater situational awareness and improved navigation in turbid environments such as smoke, fog, and dust. Developed through years of collaboration with government organizations andRead More
Laser Photonics - New Member Spotlight
01-24-2024 Laser Photonics Corporation (LPC) is a vertically integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence in industrial laser technologies, disrupting traditional sand and abrasive blasting markets. LPC's innovative laser blasting technologies improve efficiency and address crucial concerns related to health, safety, and environmental impact. Fortune 1000 manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial, maritime, space exploration, and shipbuilding sectors are usingRead More
NCMS Exemplifies ‘The Need for Speed’ at 2023 DOD Maintenance Symposium
01-24-2024 The 2023 DOD Maintenance Symposium, held December 18-21 in San Diego, featured the theme of “Cultivating Global Integrated Sustainment in a Contested Environment.” NCMS was inspired to pull out all the stops with its exhibit hall booth, which showcased a theme of “The Need for Speed” to highlight the technological advances it fuels through programs such as Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA). Not above having a bit of fun, booth staffers came dressed to impress in flightRead More
2023 Department of Defense Maintenance Innovation Challenge Winners Announced
12-22-2023 San Diego, CA, December 19, 2023—The Department of Defense (DOD) announced Monday the Overall Award winner and the People’s Choice Award winner for the 2023 DOD Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) during its annual DOD Maintenance Symposium in San Diego, CA. The six finalists for the MIC presented their solutions to a packed audience on December 18. The Overall Award Winner is 3-in-1 Portable Surface Preparation System, presented by Jeff Piascik, Director of Research and Development forRead More
DOD Announces Finalists for the 2023 Maintenance Innovation Challenge
11-03-2023 Six finalists for the 2023 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) were announced today by the Department of Defense (DOD). They were selected by the DOD Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) principals from 89 entries submitted by government, industry, and academic professionals. In alphabetical order, the finalists are: 3-in-1 Portable Surface Preparation System; Jeff Piascik, Atmospheric Plasma Solutions, Inc. Blue Light Scanner; Leonel Narvaez, Corpus Christi Army DepotRead More
Eontes Corporation - New Member Spotlight
10-20-2023 Eontes' (ee·aan-tuhs) core mission is to foster strategic alliances with enterprises, with the goal of empowering them to fully unleash the potential of their investments in their digital transformation and product lifecycle management (PLM) endeavors. This goal aligns with the genesis of Eontes’ brand story, highlighting the convergence of advanced next-gen technology (EON) with its commitment to providing transformation enterprise solutions (TES). Located in Corsicana, Texas, with a globalRead More
PSNS Releases Video Highlighting Impact of NCMS Technology Showcase
10-13-2023 NCMS is pleased to share a video produced by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), our co-hosts of the most recent NCMS Technology Showcase. Held September 27-28, 2023, off-base in Bremerton, WA, the event allowed more than 700 attendees a chance to see and test out a wide range of maintenance and sustainment technologies displayed by 49 industry partners. NCMS would like to thank the entire PSNS & IMF team for their tireless efforts to makeRead More
NCMS Releases White Paper: “Addressing Cybersecurity Threats and Safeguarding the Manufacturing Sector”
10-04-2023 Ann Arbor, MI, October 4, 2023—The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) has released a white paper promoting cybersecurity best practices that will improve the security of the entire industrial base. The white paper, “Addressing Cybersecurity Threats and Safeguarding the Manufacturing Sector,” is written by Kyle Saleeby, Ph.D., Research Staff at the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, and NCMS Executive Vice President, Business Development and Programs Rebecca Taylor.Read More
NCMS Chief Technology Officer Appointed to Navy’s Science and Technology Board
09-19-2023 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Thomas R. Kurfess, NCMS Chief Technology Officer, has been appointed to the Department of the Navy’s newly formed Science and Technology Board. The board will provide independent advice and counsel to the Department of the Navy (DON) on matters and policies relating to scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition, logistics, medicine, and business management functions. “It is both an honor andRead More
US Army's Inaugural Contested Logistics Industry Week Scheduled for September
08-17-2023 The United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) have announced the Inaugural Contested Logistics Industry Week, to be held September 11-15, 2023, at the Army Sustainment University in Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. The event is voluntary and open to all interested members of industry, academia, and U.S. Department of Defense. But interested parties must act fast. The deadline for submitting requests to attend is end-of-day Friday, AugustRead More
First NCMS Technology Showcase at Tinker AFB Shines Spotlight on Innovative Solutions
07-28-2023 The first NCMS Technology Showcase with the Air Force, held at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) in Oklahoma City, July 17-18, 2023, provided an opportunity for 59 world-class companies to exhibit how their technologies serve Tinker AFB’s mission: providing sustainment and logistics readiness to deliver combat power for America. Companies exhibited technologies in multiple focus areas including Advanced/Additive Manufacturing, Business IT and Analytics, CBM+/Predictive Maintenance, Coatings andRead More
Max³LLC - New Member Spotlight
07-20-2023 For over 35 years, Max³ LLC has built custom plastic molds for multiple industries including the aerospace and commercial airline industry. Max³ has the capabilities to provide high-tech precision tooling for the Department of Defense, including engineering, reverse engineering, prototyping, cutting, welding, laser scanning, 3D capabilities, small-run production, sampling, and tryouts. The company produces thermoplastic injection molds, die-cast dies, injection thermoset and compression molds,Read More
NCMS and NIAR pioneer revolutionary KC-135 sustainment program
06-26-2023 Ann Arbor, MI—June 26, 2023—The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) announce supporting partnerships with the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and the US Air Force (USAF) Air Mobility Command (AMC) to establish a KC-135 Stratotanker innovation testbed in Wichita. Earlier this month, a retired KC-135 air refueling aircraft was flown to McConnell Air Force Base and delivered to NIAR toRead More
NCMS Announces Overall and People’s Choice Winners of the 2023 CTMA Technology Competition
06-08-2023 Ann Arbor, MI, June 8, 2023—The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) announced today that the US Air Force has been selected the Overall Award winner and Cumulus Digital Systems has been selected the People’s Choice Award winner of the 2023 CTMA Technology Competition. The contest is NCMS’s annual event that highlights innovations in maintenance and sustainment technologies. The US Air Force, for “Ultrasonically Activated De-Paint (UADP) Technology,” was selected as the OverallRead More
Pentecom New Member Spotlight
05-04-2023 Pentecom is a full-service technical data consulting and document conversion partner, creating innovative solutions for business, industry, and US and international military customers across the globe. Pentecom’s team includes subject matter experts who have in-depth knowledge of multiple sectors including military branches, defense contracting, and technical publication. Combined, their background includes influential roles in S1000D, along with a multitude of military specifications andRead More
Finalists Announced for 2023 CTMA Technology Competition
05-03-2023 We are pleased to announce the six finalists for the 2023 CTMA Technology Competition, our annual event that highlights innovations in maintenance and sustainment technologies. Over 50 high-quality entries were received. A panel of judges selected the finalists for excellence in maintenance relevance or impact, originality and contribution to state-of-the-art solutions, technical maturity, cross-service applicability, and feasibility/practicality. The finalists are: Cumulus DigitalRead More
New Member Spotlight - Main Sail
04-11-2023 Main Sail is a nontraditional, veteran-owned small business focused on Maintenance and Logistics Optimization (MLO) for the federal government. The company’s passion is to combine emerging technologies with process excellence to improve effectiveness and readiness for federal agencies with maintenance and logistics missions. Main Sail specializes in leading complex projects that integrate industrial engineering, maintenance and logistics expertise, and digital technologies to model, analyze,Read More
Accelerating Cybersecurity for Software-Defined Vehicles
04-05-2023 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies to navigate the sometimes complex journey toward advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminateRead More
Machina Labs
03-21-2023 Machina Labs’ manufacturing platform is the first and only commercially available robotic sheet-forming technology. By combining the latest advances in robotics and AI, the company rapidly forms and finishes large, complex, curved sheet metal parts without any custom tooling. Machina Labs serves multiple industries including defense, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and heavy machinery. Providing toolless sheet metal forming, scanning, finishing, and more, Machina Labs makes the development,Read More
Astrolabe Analytics
03-21-2023 Astrolabe Analytics works to accelerate battery innovation. The company services engineering teams in fields such as automotive and electric vehicles, aerospace, grid storage, and many more by providing solutions for battery health, safety, and predictive maintenance. Astrolabe has been funded by the US Air Force and National Science Foundation to develop best practices for operating, maintaining, and retiring battery systems in electric aircraft, and other applications where battery safety isRead More
ESE Industries
03-21-2023 ESE Industries designs and builds custom, lightweight carbon fiber parts for military, aerospace, robotics, marine, automotive, sporting goods, and other applications. A one-stop shop, ESE takes projects from concept to completion, providing carbon fiber design, engineering, mold fabrication, tailored fiber placement (TFP), high-pressure resin infusion, and custom parts manufacturing. ESE’s manufacturing processes include 5-Axis CNC machining and high-pressure resin infusion, which helpRead More
NCMS Collaboration with US Air Force Mobility Command Earns Recognition by US Senator
02-02-2023 A recent news story in NJBIZ shined a spotlight on an ongoing NCMS collaboration with US Air Force Mobility Command (AMC) known as the Airfield Autonomy Initiative (AAI). According to the January 31, 2023, article, US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) highlighted his state’s receipt of .3M in federal funding for airport technology projects that include AAI in a recent press conference at the Atlantic City Airport in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The funding, granted by the federal governmentRead More
Condition-Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) Protects High-Value Assets
12-19-2022 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies to navigate the sometimes complex journey toward advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminateRead More
2022 Department of Defense Maintenance Innovation Challenge Winners Announced
12-13-2022 Orlando, FL, December 13, 2022—The Overall Award winner and the People’s Choice Award winner for the Department of Defense (DOD) Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) were announced today during the DOD Maintenance Symposium in Orlando, FL. The six finalists for the MIC presented their solutions to a packed audience on Monday, December 12. Today, judges announced that the Overall Award winner is E-Drill: A New Way to Remove Aircraft Fasteners, submitted by Jim Becker from Perfect Point EDMRead More
2022 Department of Defense Maintenance Innovation Challenge Winners Announced
12-13-2022 Orlando, FL, December 13, 2022—The Overall Award winner and the People’s Choice Award winner for the Department of Defense (DOD) Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) were announced today during the DOD Maintenance Symposium in Orlando, FL. The six finalists for the MIC presented their solutions to a packed audience on Monday, December 12. Today, judges announced that the Overall Award winner is E-Drill: A New Way to Remove Aircraft Fasteners, submitted by Jim Becker from Perfect Point EDMRead More
DOD Mx Symposium to Spotlight MIC Awards and Next Generation Materiel Readiness
11-28-2022 We’re looking forward to the upcoming DOD Maintenance Symposium, to be held December 12-15, 2022, in Orlando, FL, with the theme Next Generation Materiel Readiness Forged through Data Advantage, Technology, and Innovation. Returning after a one-year hiatus, the annual Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) will be featured on Monday, December 12, 1300-1430. The six MIC finalists will vie for awards as they present their technologies, best business practices, and innovative maintenanceRead More
Finalists Named for the 2022 Maintenance Innovation Challenge
10-26-2022 The DOD announced today that the six finalists for the 2022 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) have been named. The Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) principals reviewed and selected the finalists from a total of 92 outstanding entries. The finalists, listed in alphabetical order are: Cold Spray Pop Up Production Cell, submitted by Susan Simms, US Navy NAVSEA 05T / VRC Metal Systems E-Drill: A New Way to Remove Aircraft Fasteners, submitted by Jared Wright, NAVAIR OpticRead More
Progress in Ground Vehicle Automation Points to Bright Future for Driverless Transportation
10-03-2022 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies to navigate the sometimes complex journey toward advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminateRead More
NCMS Industry Partners Shine in the Spotlight at Recent Events
09-26-2022 Recently, we were honored to support the first #REPTX and host a Technology Showcase at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The first Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) successfully brought together over sixty technology innovators for live demonstrations of solutions to help expand the US Navy’s ability to perform expeditionary maintenance operations. NCMS assisted the Navy with identifying and vetting industry and academic participants to demonstrate andRead More
NCMS Supports Navy’s First REPTX Demonstration of Ship Maintenance Technologies Aboard Decommissioned Destroyer
09-13-2022 The first Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) successfully brought together over sixty technology innovators to help expand the US Navy’s ability to perform expeditionary maintenance operations. NCMS assisted the Navy with identifying and vetting industry and academic participants to demonstrate and evaluate the viability and efficacy of products and services that support the Navy’s sustainment capabilities. From August 22 through September 2, technology innovators tested their products’Read More
NCMS Investigates Best Practices for Technology Transition
09-11-2022 The term “valley of death” is used throughout the business world to describe the difficulty of developing, demonstrating, and scaling promising new inventions into sustained use. The term is ubiquitous because only a tiny percentage makes the journey. Many have tried, but most have failed. In the summer of 2022, two NCMS interns, Katie Wells and Braden Crimmins, worked on cracking the code of technology transition through an internship program run by the University of Michigan’s TauberRead More
Joint Intermittent Testing (JIT) Working Group Announces Two New Military Performance Specifications (MIL-PRF) for Electronic Test Equipment
09-08-2022 The Joint Intermittent Testing (JIT) Working Group announced that MIL-PRF-32516A and MIL-PRF-32516/1 were both published on August 4, 2022. These new specifications represent new standards for electronic test equipment that must be met by military personnel who work on diagnosing intermittent faults. MIL-PRF-32516A “Electronic Test Equipment, Intermittent Fault Diagnostic (Electrical)” supersedes the March 2015, base document and covers the minimum performance requirements for equipment toRead More
NCMS Supports Navy’s New REPTX Event to Test Dozens of Ship Maintenance Technologies Aboard Decommissioned Destroyer
08-23-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, August 23, 2022—NCMS is pleased to assist the US Navy with keeping ships in top shape while at sea through the new Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX), taking place Aug. 22 through Sept. 2 at Naval Base Ventura County. More than sixty technology suppliers are testing their products’ capacity to tackle real-world fleet maintenance challenges, including assessing and repairing potential battle damage during REPTX’s 12 days of technical demonstrations and field experiments aboardRead More
NCMS Supports Navy’s New REPTX Event to Test Dozens of Ship Maintenance Technologies Aboard Decommissioned Destroyer
08-23-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, August 23, 2022—NCMS is pleased to assist the US Navy with keeping ships in top shape while at sea through the new Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX), taking place Aug. 22 through Sept. 2 at Naval Base Ventura County. More than sixty technology suppliers are testing their products’ capacity to tackle real-world fleet maintenance challenges, including assessing and repairing potential battle damage during REPTX’s 12 days of technical demonstrations and field experiments aboardRead More
NCMS Supports the DOD’s 2022 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC)
08-04-2022 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is pleased to support the DOD’s 2022 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) by providing ,000 of in-kind support to both the overall MIC winner and the “People’s Choice” winner. “NCMS understands that the MIC offers an important opportunity to find new solutions that advance the DOD’s maintenance and sustainment operations,” said Lisa Strama, NCMS President and CEO. “That’s why we’re pleased to contribute this support.” TheRead More
NCMS Member Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) Receives DOD’s APFIT Award
07-26-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, July 25, 2022— NCMS member Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) has been awarded funding for their PlasmaBlast® precision surface preparation system from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) via a pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT). APFIT aims to expeditiously transition technologies—with priority given to those developed by small businesses and/or nontraditional defenseRead More
NCMS Member Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) Receives DOD’s APFIT Award
07-26-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, July 25, 2022— NCMS member Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) has been awarded funding for their PlasmaBlast® precision surface preparation system from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) via a pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT). APFIT aims to expeditiously transition technologies—with priority given to those developed by small businesses and/or nontraditional defenseRead More
NCMS Board Member Selected as Executive Director for Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute
06-28-2022 NCMS sends congratulations to our friend and NCMS Board of Directors member, Dr. Thomas Kurfess, on being named executive director of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI). Dr. Kurfess has served as a member of our board for many years, providing thought leadership and expertise. We look forward to working with Tom as he transitions into his new role at GTMI. Georgia Tech issued the following press release to announce his appointment. The Georgia Institute of Technology hasRead More
Breakthroughs in Composites and Advanced Material Sustainment
06-23-2022 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies navigate the sometimes complex journey towards advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminate duplicationRead More
NCMS President and CEO Lisa Strama Receives 2022 International Honor Award from SME
06-08-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, June 8, 2022—National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) President and CEO Lisa Strama has been recognized with a 2022 International Honor Award from SME, the nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry. Strama received the Donald C. Burnham Manufacturing Management Award, which recognizes exceptional success in the integration of the infrastructure and processes of manufacturingRead More
NCMS President and CEO Lisa Strama Receives 2022 International Honor Award from SME
06-08-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, June 8, 2022—National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) President and CEO Lisa Strama has been recognized with a 2022 International Honor Award from SME, the nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry. Strama received the Donald C. Burnham Manufacturing Management Award, which recognizes exceptional success in the integration of the infrastructure and processes of manufacturingRead More
CODE 1000i | Shipyard Innovation Through NCMS
05-02-2022 From "Salute" April 28, 2022. Written by: Silvia Klatman After taking a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s Technology Showcase came roaring back in the summer of 2021, offering hundreds of teammates the opportunity to check out industry’s latest innovations. In the six months since the event, people have been working behind-the-scenes to determine which technologies willRead More
Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) Advanced Through Thermography Innovations
04-25-2022 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies to navigate the sometimes complex journey toward advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminateRead More
NCMS’s Strategic Partnership Between the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the B-1 System Program Office (SPO) at Tinker Air Force Base Awarded 100M Contract
03-15-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, March 15, 2022—The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is pleased to announce that, on 15 March 2022, the B-1 System Program Office (SPO) at Tinker AFB, OK, awarded a six-year 0M follow-on contract to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to continue the B-1’s Digital Engineering (DE) transformation. NCMS helped form the strategic partnership and created a flexible contract structure, which allows NIAR and the B-1 SPO to adaptRead More
NCMS’s Strategic Partnership Between the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the B-1 System Program Office (SPO) at Tinker Air Force Base Awarded 100M Contract
03-15-2022 Ann Arbor, MI, March 15, 2022—The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is pleased to announce that, on 15 March 2022, the B-1 System Program Office (SPO) at Tinker AFB, OK, awarded a six-year 0M follow-on contract to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to continue the B-1’s Digital Engineering (DE) transformation. NCMS helped form the strategic partnership and created a flexible contract structure, which allows NIAR and the B-1 SPO to adaptRead More
Developing Better Methods and Tools for Multi-Material Joining
12-17-2021 As the Army modernizes its combat fleet, it has identified the need for light weighting its vehicles. The need to be expeditionary is driving the need for a lightweight combat vehicle force that is more maneuverable and requires less maintenance. One challenge is finding suitable lightweight and high-performance materials for construction. Many new materials are not always viable due to production, finishing, and assembly issues. But a more significant challenge is developing methodsRead More
RADIAC Technology Offers More Realistic Training for Those Who Work with Radiation Hazards
12-17-2021 The personnel who sustain radiological systems need state-of-the-art simulation training to learn how to handle worst-case scenarios without being exposed to actual radiological hazards. Yet existing trainings use outdated and unrealistic methods. To improve training for the radiological sustainment community, NCMS began a project in September 2020—Advanced Radiation Detection Indication and Computation (RADIAC) Technology—that gathers experts from four Naval shipyards (Puget Sound, Portsmouth,Read More
NCMS Announces Overall and People’s Choice Winners for 2021 CTMA Technology Competition
12-08-2021 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) announced both winners of the 2021 CTMA Technology Competition at the Finalists Presentation event on December 8, which was broadcast live over the web. The Overall Award winner is Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Lab (ARL), for a “Multifunctional Automated Repair System (MARS)” and the People’s Choice Award winner is Everactive, Inc., for a “Batteryless Remote Monitoring for the IIoT.” The contest is NCMS’s annual event thatRead More
NCMS Member Spotlight: Michigan Technological University
12-02-2021 Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a public research university in the city of Houghton, Michigan, in the state’s Upper Peninsula. Its colleges welcome 7,000 students from more than 50 countries. A leader in cybersecurity education and research, MTU is home to the Center for Cybersecurity, specializing in research related to information security and biometrics, privacy protection, trusted software engineering, and security in mobile computing and wireless communications. FacultyRead More
New Digital Twin Initiative Helps Navy Transform Its Data Into CBM System
11-29-2021 Maintaining fleet readiness for the US Navy has always required high-level planning involving mountains of data of diverse types and quality. Unfortunately, data alone cannot point the way to a better approach to maintenance and sustainment. The ability to collect appropriate data sets, integrate and analyze them with incorporation of domain knowledge, and produce an executable action plan is what’s needed to make sustainment operations more effective. The Department of Defense has longRead More
Member Spotlight: Total Quality Systems (TQS)
11-29-2021 TQS, Inc., has been providing systems engineering, enterprise software development, dating mining and analysis, and advanced testing systems and services to government and private industry clients since 1994. Veteran-owned and operated, TQS has extensive experience solving challenges throughout the entire supply chain, from procurement, sustainment analysis and planning, to maintenance, repair and overhaul. Within its systems engineering division, TQS has designed product lifecycleRead More
Air Force Coatings and Corrosion Topics Highilighted in "The ‘Insidious’ Enemy—Preserving Combat Performance"
11-19-2021 After decades of combat flying in the harsh Middle East environment, the Air Force embarked on an aggressive program to deal with an insidious problem that steals aircraft performance, greatly increases maintenance requirements, results in higher fuel consumption rates, and increases emissions. The culprit, the constant erosion and corrosion of high-pressure compressor (HPC) and turbofan (TF) blades due to environmental particulates (EPs). These small particulates include sand/dust,Read More
Showcase Booklet for 2021 CTMA Technology Competition Now Available
11-18-2021 NCMS has released its electronic version of the 2021 CTMA Technology Competition booklet, which showcases all 96 competition entries and highlights the six finalists. Filled with insights on the impact of CTMA and its annual competition, the booklet offers a vibrant representation of how the latest solutions for maintenance and sustainment challenges are being developed. The booklet can be viewed here. Furthermore, be sure to join us on Wednesday, December 8, 1–3 p.m. EST, for the 2021Read More
Six Finalists Selected for the 2021 CTMA Technology Competition
11-09-2021 NCMS recently announced that six finalists have been selected for the 2021 CTMA Technology Competition, its annual event that highlights innovations in maintenance and sustainment technologies. A record 96 entries were received this year. The judges, who represent leadership in the Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG), selected the finalists for excellence in maintenance relevance or impact, originality and contribution to state-of-the-art solutions, technical maturity, cross-serviceRead More
Member Spotlight: Ansys
10-21-2021 Founded in the U.S. in 1970 as a structural simulation solutions company, Pittsburgh-based Ansys has grown into a world-leading multi-physics simulation company that covers structures, fluids, electromagnetics, aerodynamics, semiconductors, thermal flow, optics, and mission-level aerospace challenges, among others. Ansys’ physics-based simulation solvers are being used in virtually every industry across the world, including aerospace, defense, automotive, additive manufacturing, autonomousRead More
Mobile Cold Spray Unit to Boost Repair Capabilities at Depots
10-21-2021 Solid-state additive manufacturing (SSAM) technologies have been growing in usage because they allow for relatively fast maintenance and sustainment of critical and costly metal components. Cold spray is a solid-state coating deposition method in which powdered metals are accelerated through a nozzle to velocities sufficient to cause plastic deformation and bonding. In this way, layers of new metal can be added to worn surfaces, which can refurbish components subject to corrosion or impactRead More
Member Spotlight: Snap-On Inc.
10-21-2021 Snap-On Tools is a well-known, respected manufacturer of tools for maintenance and sustainment professionals. While the company has existed for more than 100 years, it seems possible that its broad range of capabilities may not be as widely known. With its 28 wholly owned subsidiaries, this worldwide company can provide solutions for a wide range of industries, everything from aviation, to aerospace, to electronics, to mining, and military and defense. In fact, Snap-On has beenRead More
The 21st Century Solution to Optimizing Critical Resource Planning
10-01-2021 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies navigate the sometimes-complex journey towards advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminate duplicationRead More
NCMS Technology Showcase featured in September Issue of Salute
09-27-2021 Originally published in Salute September 16, 2021 PSNS & IMF held a kick-off briefing the day before the event where Technology Insertion Office personnel and a representative from the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences helped department heads, division heads and innovation folks from throughout the command understand how they could best use the event to find capabilities that would help them solve problems and accomplish work more safely and effectively. “All shipyardRead More
Participating in the CTMA Technology Competition Brings Benefits—Exposure, Program Management, Funding
09-21-2021 For all who haven’t yet entered the CTMA Technology Competition, the window of opportunity is closing. The deadline for entering is Friday, October 1, 2021. The only requirements to participate are one quad chart and one abstract. The purpose of this competition is to bring more companies, especially small and medium-sized companies, to the attention of military partners searching for innovative technologies that can solve maintenance and sustainment challenges. And past entrantsRead More
Innovative Advanced Braking and Suspension Systems Save Soldier’s Lives
09-21-2021 Military tactical vehicles are required to carry weapons systems, cutting-edge communications gear, and command capabilities, and to bear heavy blast protection. Originally designed to ferry personnel and equipment, most of these vehicles were not designed for all the extra requirements and weight. The Army’s High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), for example, was designed 40 years ago and was never intended to be a combat vehicle. With all the extra expectations for this vehicle,Read More
Puget Sound Event Showcased Cutting-Edge Technologies
09-21-2021 Bremerton, WA – The Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton, Wash., buzzed with energy during the recent NCMS Technology Showcase with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). Fifty-two exhibitors were joined by 950 attendees eager to learn about innovative maintenance and sustainment technologies and processes to increase efficiency, lower costs, and address workplace safety. Matt Cady, PSNS & IMF product line director and innovation programRead More
Evolving Strategies for Initiating Product Lifecycle Management Processes
09-10-2021 NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies navigate the sometimes complex journey towards advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speedRead More
Summer Tauber Interns Receive Hands-On Experience in NCMS’s Digital Ecosystem
08-26-2021 For several years, NCMS has benefited from the talents of interns from the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations (Tauber Institute). The NCMS projects provide the interns with valuable knowledge and expertise, engaging them in cutting-edge, real-time initiatives. The Tauber Institute is a joint venture between the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering. This year’s interns, Liz Rubenson and Bryce Garver, have beenRead More
NCMS Sources Sought Program Locates Hard-to-Find Technologies for the DOD
08-25-2021 The DOD maintenance and sustainment community is responsible for ensuring the country’s weapon systems are mission ready. But there are times when the lack of a single part or technology can make the difference between on-time delivery, rapid repair, or an asset grounded. In those circumstances program managers, engineers, and supervisors depend on collaborative relationships to assist with locating exactly what is needed. In 2017 while visiting Tinker Air Force Base, NCMS Vice President,Read More
Enter Your Innovations in the 2021 CTMA Technology Competition
08-25-2021 The CTMA Technology Competition provides an opportunity for both commercial and government sources to showcase innovative ways of making maintenance and sustainment operations more agile, effective, efficient, and affordable. The review and selection process will be overseen by top DOD maintenance leaders, providing great exposure to the top six finalists as well as the two winners. Submissions are encouraged by the government, academia, and industry. The submission period is nowRead More
Monthly JTEG Forums Provide Insight into DOD Maintenance and Sustainment Needs
08-25-2021 he Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) is tasked with improving coordination for the introduction of new or improved technology, new processes, or new equipment into DOD depot maintenance activities. Each month JTEG hosts forums that present information regarding new maintenance and sustainment developments. JTEG invites government, industry, and academia subject matter experts to contribute their knowledge and insights to these forums to advance maintenance and sustainment activities andRead More
DOD Promotes Additive Manufacturing Expansion, Standardization, Training Through New Policies, Collaboration
07-30-2021 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) would like to spotlight a recent news article by the US Department of Defense (DOD) announcing it has developed new policies and programs to support the expansion, standardization and availability of training for additive manufacturing (AM). NCMS has collaborated with the DOD on numerous projects that have broadened the use of AM processes for a wide range of military efforts. The DOD’s new steps to enable greater use of AM will no doubtRead More
New Technology Brief Program Launched
07-29-2021 NCMS has launched a new periodic communication, called the NCMS Technology Briefs, which will highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies navigate the sometimes-complex journey towards advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technicalRead More
Airless Tire Technology is a Game Changer for the U.S. Army
07-26-2021 In 2019 a U.S. Army team took an airless tire on a trip to the Amazon rainforest to test the technology on the Army’s Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicles (LTATV) to see how it would hold up in extreme conditions. While sleeping in an austere CONEX encampment (aka “Resort”) and trying to avoid the myriad of hazardous flora and fauna, the team was surprised by how well the airless tire held up to the challenge. But this came as no surprise to Nathan Kamprath, Special Systems and ComponentsRead More
NCMS Remembers Longtime Friend and Colleague Gabe Draguicevich
07-26-2021 On June 15, 2021, NCMS lost a colleague, an enthusiastic supporter, and friend. Gabriel Draguicevich (or just Gabe as most people called him) was a division director for new technologies in the Facilities & Infrastructure Management Department at the Naval Air Command, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) in Coronado, California. This role within the maintenance, repair, and overhaul engineering arena provided a fitting stage for his talentsRead More
New Guideline on Intermittent Fault Detection To Appear in DOD Electronic Equipment Guidance
07-26-2021 Intermittent fault issues are an ongoing problem for electronics across the military. Those that occur in a line replaceable unit/weapon replaceable assembly (LRU/WRA) and weapon systems electrical wiring interconnect system (EWIS) are a challenge for several critical Department of Defense (DOD) platforms, especially aircraft. These intermittent faults―temporary and seemingly random shorts, breaks, and other failures―cost billions of dollars, jeopardize mission success, and reduce readiness.Read More
In-person events are back and better than ever—Six reasons to attend
07-22-2021 It seems hopeful that pandemic restrictions will continue to be lifted and more activities for large groups can be planned. Slowly and with caution, face-to-face events are re-emerging as the preferred method of conducting and growing business. NCMS has four in-person technology showcases coming in the next few months, which will bring key DOD decision-makers together with industries that have innovative maintenance and sustainment technologies. Seeing technology, live and in person, has someRead More
Summer Tauber Interns Get Hands-On Experience in NCMS’s Digital Ecosystem
06-18-2021 For several years, NCMS has invested in supporting the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations. One result of that investment is that we acquire the talents of interns who are completing their masters’ programs at U of M. The Tauber Institute is a joint venture between the U of M’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering, giving these students knowledge and perspectives relevant to NCMS work. The current interns are ready to tackle aRead More
Innovation Expo Provides Face-To-Face Knowledge Sharing Opportunities
06-18-2021 NCMS proudly partnered with Carrier Team One to host the Innovation Expo on June 9 at the Wyndham Bayside in San Diego. As part of this year’s Annual Carrier Community Event, industries gathered to demonstrate innovative technology that would assist with fleet availability. The objective of the event was to engage in dialogue about what the future looks like for carrier maintenance. Each of the three days, guest speakers provided perspectives from naval, civilian, and military leadership.Read More
The 2021 CTMA Magazine is now available!
06-18-2021 Now in its ninth year, the 2021 CTMA Magazine provides readers with new informative articles highlighting maintenance and sustainment solutions and technologies being developed for future use. The magazine includes a special tribute section to long-time CTMA colleague Greg Kilchenstein. NCMS highlights Greg’s impact on materiel readiness in “Accelerating M&S Technologies,” written by NCMS President and CEO Lisa Strama. With an emphasis on how NCMS is dedicated to a relentless focus on keyRead More
Automated Technology Increases Efficiency and Lengthens Life of Composite Rotor Blades
05-26-2021 Regular maintenance on H-53 rotary wing aircraft involves hazardous, time-consuming work. Each aircraft has seven composite blades that require regular resurfacing to ensure balance and proper coating to prevent cracks and corrosion. It can take maintenance artisans approximately 24 hours to carefully sand away the top layer of paint and the primer while carefully avoiding damage to the underlying composite substrate. Not only is this task time-consuming and tedious, but it also creates aRead More
CTMA Effort Brings Domestic Source of Popular Carbon Fiber to U.S. Army
05-26-2021 Due to its lightweight, strength, functionality, low cost, and durability, carbon fiber is a popular choice for the commercial vehicle industry. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Army has wanted to investigate the viability of this composite material for their Next Generation Combat vehicles. Currently, most carbon fiber comes from China. The Army’s goal has been to develop a domestic source. New U.S.-based technology can now deliver U.S.-sourced carbon fibers and graphite through a process usingRead More
CSAT 2021 Virtual Tickets
05-26-2021 As part of the hybrid event model, the CSAT 2021 meeting on June 22 – 23 is offering virtual tickets available via their registration site. Virtual attendees can participate remotely while following along with the same agenda and same speakers as the in-person session. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-csat-2021-tickets-130023240011?aff=NCMS Virtual Registration: Free Virtual Government + All-Access Registration: Free Virtual + All-Access Registration: Looking to know theRead More