By Anna Volkwine, Office of Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT) 

Advancing Next-Generation Lethality
The Office of the Secretary of War Manufacturing Technology Program honored the achievements of individuals and teams in critical manufacturing technologies at the DMTAAs on March 30, 2026, during the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP) and sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the awards honored those who have made significant contributions to enhancing warfighter capabilities, reducing costs, and improving performance through groundbreaking innovations.

Among this year’s most distinguished honorees was the Army ManTech’s Small-Caliber Projectile Cost and Risk Reduction project team, who received the 2025 DMTAA in the Cost/Rate Improvement category for its efforts ending in FY23. This recognition underscores the vital role of Army ManTech – now a key component of Army FUZE under the Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT) – in delivering advanced manufacturing solutions to the front lines.

To maintain decisive overmatch against peer and near-peer adversaries, the Army urgently requires increased manufacturing volume for its new 6.8mm ammunition cartridge. The ammunition is critically linked to system performance of the Next-Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), providing close-combat lethality against peer/near-peer adversaries.

Rising to this challenge, the Army ManTech team successfully modified the cartridge design and matured its manufacturability through its Small-Caliber Projectile Cost and Risk Reduction project, earning the prestigious 2025 DMTAA. Manufacturability improvements developed by the ManTech project included advancements in the bullet assembly process, quality and reliability improvements, cost reduction in the unit cost of the projectile and its components; expansion of the domestic supply chain, automation improvements, improved capacity, and competitive capability for the NGSW.

This interim solution ensured readiness while a permanent, new production line based on the team’s innovative solution was established at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP), operated by Olin-Winchester. By qualifying multiple vendors, the team secured a robust industrial base to support PM MAS into the future.

The Significance of the DMTAA and DMC
DMC serves as the nation’s premier annual forum for engineers, technology leaders, and policymakers to exchange insights and leverage advanced technologies across the defense industrial base.
The DMTAA is one of the highest honors in defense manufacturing, recognizing individuals from government and the private sector who are responsible for outstanding technical accomplishments. Mr. David Koch (Director, DLA Research & Development), Dr. Brett Conner (Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME), and Mr. Keith DeVries (Director, DoW Manufacturing Technology Program, OUSD(R&E)) presented the DMTAA to the Army ManTech project team.

Driving Manufacturing Capabilities
The DMTAA highlights the Department of War’s unwavering commitment to fostering advanced manufacturing innovations that keep Soldiers equipped with the world’s most sophisticated and reliable capabilities. As the nation’s sole program with the statutory authority to advance American manufacturing technology, ManTech continues to lead the charge. Through Army PIT and FUZE, Army ManTech will continue to secure the tactical edge – driving critical progress across essential defense frontiers.