Defense Manufacturing Technology Program: More Joint Projects and Tracking of Results Could Benefit Program

摘要

The Secretary of Defense established the Defense Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program to develop and apply advanced manufacturing technologies to reduce the total cost and improve the manufacturing quality of weapon systems. By maturing and validating emerging manufacturing technology and transferring it to the factory floor, the program bridges the gap between technology invention and industrial application. The program has existed in various forms since the 1950s and was funded at about $200 million in fiscal year 2001. The Department of Defense (DOD), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Science and Technology), provides guidance and oversight to the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), but each establishes its own policies and procedures for operating the program and determines which technologies to develop for its weapon systems and other programs. Users of the ManTech Program include program and project managers for defense weapon systems, system commands, depots, air logistics centers, and shipyards.