Generic Logistics R&D Technology Demonstrations

Mission— Smart-Warehouse Modernization

The Smart Warehouse Modernization Line of Effort will assess and test cyber-secure smart-warehouse technologies to transform and modernize distribution and disposition operations. The objectives for this LOE include: 1. Increase productivity and efficiency through interconnected technologies and automation such as enhanced inventory management, materiel distribution, and asset visibility 2. Provide enhanced and cyber-secure operations The Strategic Distribution & Disposition (SDD) Program collaborates with DLA Distribution and Disposition Services to identify legacy capabilities that are inadequate for emerging worldwide distribution and disposition requirements. A key objective of the SDD Program is to anticipate, assess, and meet the current and future Warfighter requirements by leveraging R&D to infuse innovation into solutions. Long-term objectives include mitigating the DOD Supply Chain Management high risk issues identified by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 2018 (Inventory Management, Material Distribution and Asset Visibility).

Mission— Logistics Operations Innovation

The Logistics Operations Innovation Line of Effort (LOE) seeks to improve DLA supply chain performance and security through the integration of advanced technology and innovative processes into daily business operations. Research in these areas drive improvements to internal costs, reduce award delays, and improve material availability, supply chain security, and logistical planning. This will be accomplished using artificial intelligence/machine learning, block-chain technology, and research of emerging commercial best practices and technologies. In addition, out of cycle emergent technologies across all DLA supply chains and logistics processes are resourced in a timely manner without disrupting ongoing projects by funds reallocation. The objectives for this LOE include: 1. Secure supply chains: Improvements to the DoD Class III Bulk Fuel Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants supply system. - New or improved analytical methods to determine product quality or identify anomalies - Renewable energy technologies for military and government use - Enhanced military adoption and use of fuel products derived from petroleum alternatives 2. Technical Solutions for anti-counterfeiting detection: innovative solutions to prevent counterfeit parts in the logistical supply chain. - Reduced supply chain vulnerabilities through low-cost anti-counterfeiting solutions 3. Integrated logistics and acquisition information that yields cost savings and shortens lead times: - An enterprise market intelligence capability to optimize spending strategies and business outcomes - An enterprise market intelligence capability to optimize spending strategies and business outcomes - An automated contract quality capability that will result in a higher percentage of contracts executable upon award and subsequently a reduction of production lead time - A smart contracting capability using blockchain technology to automatically execute digital contracts when predetermined terms and conditions are met The Logistics Operations Innovation LOE includes R&D efforts to develop new products and services for DLA customers in three programs: ‒ The Energy Readiness Program (ERP) roadmap helps to achieve the operational energy strategy goals of increasing sources of supply, developing and implementing alternative fuels under the ERP. ‒ The Acquisition Modernization Technology Research (AMTR) program assesses acquisition and procurement processes, uncovers and prioritizes areas that would benefit from IT modernization or advanced technologies, evaluates technical requirements, and pursues future research efforts for DLA. ‒ Supply Chain Management & Sustainment (SCM-S) seeks to deliver enterprise-level capabilities for Joint Warfighter readiness and lethality in contested logistics environments. Severe compound threats through sufficient, resilient, transparent global supply chains & infrastructure, for a secure and sustainable future • Ensure installation of resiliency under severe compound threats • Deliver Class IV Total Asset Visibility and Supplier Illumination • Enhance SCRM efforts across DoD and industry while supporting globally integrated joint logistics operations. • Demand forecasting in 90-day cycle using Class IV as a use case.

Mission— Logistics Research and Development Technology (Log R&D)

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is responsible for providing the Military Services, other Federal Agencies, as well as combined and allied forces, the full spectrum of logistics, acquisition and technical services. DLA acquires, manages and provides virtually 100 percent of the consumable items the military services need to operate – including food, uniforms, fuel and energy, medical supplies, construction and barrier materials, equipment, and more than 85 percent of the military’s spare parts. DLA also provides logistics related services such as logistics information data management, the reutilization of military equipment, as well as document automation and production services. DLA R&D established five Lines of Effort (LOEs) in FY 2023. The Log R&D Program Element executes three LOEs: Logistics Operations Innovation, Predictive Analytics, Modeling & Simulation, and Smart Warehouse Modernization. The DLA Manufacturing Technology Program (PE 0603680S) executes two LOEs: Industrial Base and Aging weapon Systems Support and 3DTechnical Data Modernization/Model Based Enterprise. The Log R&D program helps ensure that advanced logistics concepts and business processes are used to accomplish the agency’s mission with the leanest possible infrastructure. Log R&D identifies the best commercial business practices and tailors them, as necessary, into the most effective business processes for the agency. Log R&D develops and demonstrates high risk, high payoff technology that provides a significantly higher level of support at the lowest possible costs. The LOEs are closely aligned to priorities specified in the most current DLA Strategic Plan, which identifies Digital Business Transformation as one of three critical capabilities to achieve DLA’s business goals of enhancing performance, reducing costs, and becoming more predictive and data driven. This critical capability also seeks to transform systems and processes to improve data transparency, reliability, and security for our employees, customers, and suppliers. DLA’s initiatives within this critical capability align with the National Security Strategy (NSS) by emphasizing the importance of harnessing rapid emerging technologies that will transform how DLA does business. - Logistics Operations Innovation: R&D efforts to cultivate integration of innovative processes and technology into the DLA supply chains to enhance warfighter readiness and weapons system sustainment. This LOE focuses on supporting the DLA LOE 4: Modernized Acquisition and Supply Chain Management, while also investment in cross-cutting supply chain efforts, to include fuel quality and alternative fuel sources, and emergent needs that impact DLA’s ability to effectively support the warfighter through the following portfolios: Energy Readiness Program (ERP), Acquisition Modernization Technology Research (AMTR), and Supply Chain Management and Sustainability (SCMS). - Predictive Analytics, Modeling & Simulation: R&D efforts develop predictive analytic solutions using data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ ML) to solve high-impact problems, improve business operations, and provide actionable strategies to inform business decisions. Primarily focused on the DLA Strategic Plan Critical Capability C: Digital Business Transformation, these LOE efforts cut across DLA Strategic Plan LOE 1: Warfighter Always, LOE2: Trusted Mission Partner, and LOE 4: Modernized Acquisition and Supply Chain Management, supporting the warfighter through the Logistics Technology Research (LTR) portfolio of projects. - Smart Warehouse Modernization: R&D efforts to modernize distribution and disposition operations through infusion of smart-warehousing, interconnected technologies, and automation. This LOE is dedicated to one of the primary focus areas of DLA’s Critical Capability for Digital Business Transformation: warehousing modernization through efforts within the Strategic Distribution and Disposition (SDD) portfolio of projects. DLA’s focus for this budget cycle highlights advanced capabilities in digital and technical data modernization, management and analytics to transform DLA Business Processes to lower the Agency’s material acquisition and operation costs along with improving weapons systems support.

Mission— Predictive Analytics / Modeling & Simulation

The Predictive Analytics, Modeling & Simulation Line of Effort (PAM) includes R&D efforts within the Logistics Technology Research (LTR) program. The focus of LTR is to develop predictive analytic solutions by applying AI/ML algorithms to data obtained from DLA and external sources which can help solve high-impact problems, improve business operations, and provide actionable strategies for optimized business decisions. Through the development of decision support tools, such as modeling, simulation, and other analytics to improve operational strategy decision-making, forecasting, and procurement, DLA will achieve more effective and efficient responses to emerging market and customer requirements. The objectives for this LOE include: 1. Leverage technological solutions for data analytics and integration for demand projections and supply chain risk management. 2. Data analytics integration for DLA, the military services and industry: allows businesses and vendors to aggregate data, analyze it, and transform it into useful information. 3. Explore emergent technologies in quantum computing and edge computing to enable advanced analytics.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (3)