Technology Title
Parts Life, Inc. Response to CTMA Technology Competition
Tech Focus Area
Advanced/Additive Manufacturing
Abstract
Obsolete components and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) create sustainment challenges by reducing the availability of critical parts required to support legacy Department of Defense systems, increasing maintenance costs and cycle times. Parts Life, Inc.’s (PLI) R.O.P.E.™ Solution, Rapid Obsolescence Planning & Execution, encompasses all aspects of obsolescence resolution to support fleet sustainment and mission readiness, allowing DMSMS issues to be resolved either reactively or proactively.
Graphic
Beginning with a thorough analysis of all existing technical data and an item’s logistical status, PLI compiles a comprehensive overview of the extent of a DMSMS issue. To supplement for missing or incomplete data, the PLI procurement team simultaneously seeks to acquire a surplus sample from a certified third-party source. Alternatively, PLI would seek to work directly with the customer to obtain access to a sample. In some cases, constraints have required on-base visits to obtain necessary data, minimizing impacts on mission readiness and scheduled maintenance.
At this stage, all technical data is converted to a new and all-inclusive manufacturable technical data package (TDP). This TDP would include all 2D and 3D files, a bill of materials, all geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, a copy of all relevant specifications, any value-added engineering, and anything else that may be required to fully manufacture the item. Through continued communication with the customer, value added engineering is integrated as-needed to mitigate known failure modes with an item’s existing construction and design.
Furthermore, PLI will create a Source Approval Request (SAR) package and, if required, manufacture a sample for validation against customer requirements. When a sample is required for approval in addition to a TDP, the sample will be submitted concurrently with the SAR to allow the items ESA to review the sample in contrast to the technical data. This allows them to ensure that the solution developed by PLI will meet all functional characteristics and specifications from the provided data. In many cases, the customer may even install the unit onto their asset to complete an accurate assessment of the item’s
end use environment. If any additional bench testing is required for an item, the testing plans, along with completed test reports, would be provided by PLI.
The R.O.P.E.™ Solution is a proven approach that applies commercial reverse engineering capabilities to Department of Defense applications. Successful execution provides a complete part solution and long-term product support to sustain warfighter readiness. To date, PLI has successfully performed on 31 Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects, supporting customers ranging from PMS397 to the 414 SCMS, with solutions focused on improving fleet sustainment, mission readiness, and maintenance effectiveness.
