CTMA Project #: 140497
Problem: In January 2013, the Office of the Secretary of Defense issued DoD directives severely restricting DoD travel and interactions with Industry due to budgetary realities. Thus, important CTMA program activities such as project team meetings and the Annual CTMA Partners Meeting cannot be undertaken. These events assure that the CTMA projects are focused on DoD requirements and are performed within budget and schedule. In addition, the DoD facilities are exposed to a wide variety of technologies with the potential to significantly improve weapon systems readiness at reduced costs. Without the ability to travel, DoD maintenance personnel cannot stay abreast of technology developments and follow in detail the CTMA projects that affect their operations. Face-to-face networking and the ability to engage in hands-on technology demonstrations are vital for the identification of new technologies that meet DoD requirements, share information with other DoD organizations, and better influence the tasks/directions of the individual projects.
Benefit: The use of virtual methodologies will allow a wider range of DoD facilities to participate in the CTMA program. With wider involvement, technology deployment throughout the DoD maintenance community should be enhanced, and the logistics operations improved even in a more austere budgetary environment. Additionally, by developing guidelines for setting up similar operations at other organizations, the DoD logistics operations will be able to minimally maintain strong working relationships with their industry collaborations. With the ability to join in for CTMA program and project meetings, the DoD maintenance community will be able to better understand how technology will improve their operations and outline DoD requirements to industry. Should other facilities choose to install similar operations, the benefit would accrue to other DoD collaborations with industry and universities.
Solution/Approach: This initiative will develop a virtual methodology that will allow these vital collaborations to continue while minimizing the effects due to severe travel restrictions. With a strong virtual networking system, there is the potential to involve an even wider range of DoD facilities in the CTMA program since travel costs are greatly reduced.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Improved communications throughout DoD maintenance community.
DOD Participation:
- DoD Maintenance Community
- OSD
Industry Participation:
- NCMS
