Commonwealth of Massachusetts - UMass Lowell
Abstract
The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Institute (UML RI) will implement priorities from a Defense Industry Diversification Plan that was developed with OEA funding from a previous grant. The plan will establish the UMass-Lowell Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (UML AMC) and Coldspray Technology Lab to meet a State-validated critical need for pipeline and incumbent workforce development for the “Next Generation Technician” into the Massachusetts defense manufacturing industry. The Lab will encompass advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, robotics, electro-mechanical engineering, and Coldspray technology. The plan will also provide support for small to medium defense related businesses to engage with and access the expertise of the UMass SBIR Center of Excellence to serve as the focal point for State-wide SBIR assistance. And finally, the plan will provide staffing to the UMass Lowell Research Institute that is centered around DoD R&D and procurement, Advanced Manufacturing, and Academic offerings to serve the active duty, Guard, Reserve, and surrounding civilian and defense communities. The UML Research Institute is established to work collaboratively with defense contractors, industrial firms, the United States Air Force, Air Force Research Labs, the Office of Naval Research, Army Research Labs, and other universities at a location adjacent to the Hanscom Air Force facility just 18 miles from the UML main campus. The UML AMC consortium supports the development of novel advanced manufacturing additive technologies for metal coating and 3D printing of direct and significant values to DoD for extending the life, decreasing repair cost, and time for repair of airborne and land based military platforms and similar commercial applications in the private sector. The maintenance of an aging fleet of aircraft under Hanscom’s command will rapidly benefit from proven application of the metal cold-spray process to repair aircraft components and ground support systems under the Air Force Service Life Extension Programs to cost-effectively restore failed, worn, and corroded parts to service ready specification. This applies equally to the Navy, both Aviation and Surface Fleets, as well as the US Army. This implementation effort facilitates the economic diversification of defense contractors and subcontractors. It also provides a STEM manufacturing pipeline and incumbent workforce designed to capitalize on the competitive advantages of the Commonwealth’s defense manufacturing and high-tech sectors in order to seize emerging opportunities applicable to DoD and defense industry workforce needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2020
- Source ID
- HQ00051910000
Entities
People
- Matthew Mcswain
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Massachusetts Lowell