America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) have launched a $1.1 million project call under the Allied Additive Manufacturing Interoperability (AAMI) Program.
Funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Manufacturing Technology Office, the initiative aims to establish additive manufacturing (AM) interoperability between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD), focusing on laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) for critical parts. Two awards are expected.
According to America Makes, additive manufacturing enables shorter lead times, customization, and on-demand production but faces challenges in scaling, supply chain integration, and qualification standards.
The US and UK share hurdles in process certification, intellectual property, and secure data transmission. Aligned with the UK Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and US Regional Sustainment Framework, the project seeks to build a resilient, globally connected defence supply chain.
“The current defence sustainment model relies on legacy materials and processes insufficient for today’s challenges,” said Ben DiMarco, Technology Transition Director at America Makes.
“This initiative advances qualification methodologies for AM while accelerating real-world implementation, ensuring tangible benefits for allied defense operations.”
Launched on 4 March 2025, the project call included a virtual Industry Day on 11 March. Key deadlines include 26 March for proposer questions, 4 April for intent to submit, 21 April for membership eligibility, and 5 May for final submissions.
Award decisions are expected by 26 May. Full details are available in the official Request for Proposal.
