August 2024 Volume 6

FORGING RESEARCH

FIA TECHNICAL UPDATE White Paper Process and What’s Next By Dekland D.H. Barnum, PMP

F ive months ago, FIA announced a request for white papers, in collaboration with the Army Research Lab (ARL), who is also working with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in rela tion to this effort. FIA appreciates and acknowledges the support of both ARL and DLA as we continue to move through this process and toward awarding projects. The months have passed quickly as we have steadily progressed from requesting white papers to seeking recommendations for funding from our committees and feedback from ARL. What follows is a summary of the selection process and what is still to come. Once the white paper documents had been finalized and agreed to by all involved, the documents were published, and the opportu nity was announced on FIA’s website. A public announcement was important because FIA had to ensure the opportunity was avail able to both members and non-members. Because these opportu nities will be funded through a government contract, FIA had to ensure that the opportunity was open and competitive to the entire industry. With the emphasis on implementation within the industry, ARL was clear on the desire to support projects led by the industry, specifically forging producers and suppliers, regardless of member ship status. About a month into this announcement, FIA hosted a successful virtual Q&A in April, in which FIA staff discussed the white paper documents and fielded questions alongside ARL. In addition, the government affairs firm, SMI, provided a brief over view and comments from their perspective. Toward the end of May, the white paper documents were due to be submitted as outlined. The response from the industry was tremen dous, especially considering this was the first time a white paper request was put forth. Everyone on the staff was very encouraged by this because it proved not just that this funding is needed, but that ideas abound in our industry. FIA received white papers covering all four topic areas: developing robotics and automation solutions, simu lation tools for materials characterization, material source diversifica tion, and a final general topic proposed area of interest. The number of submissions made for a highly competitive selection process for the two assembled committees, the Defense Technical Committee (DTC), and the Defense Executive Committee (DEC). The DTC met in June as planned. This meeting was onsite at FIA Headquarters, with fourteen individuals, including ARL and their designated DTC representatives, as well as FIA staff. Prior to the meeting, the committee had the opportunity to review the submis sions and score them. To maintain fairness and integrity, the DTC was not allowed to grade their own applications, or those their orga nization had supported via a letter or was otherwise affiliated with. During the meeting, the DTC was charged with discussing the

merits of each project, with the output being a fair and thoroughly vetted recommendation to the DEC on selected white papers. The meeting took place over two half days, with excellent engagement from both ARL and industry representatives. The DEC met virtu ally the following week and reviewed the submissions as well as the DTC recommendations. The DEC was charged with validating the recommendations and assessing if the needs of the industry are being addressed, while the DTC was charged with applying their combined knowledge and expertise from a technical perspective. As with the DTC meeting, the DEC was engaged and enthusiastic, providing final recommendations to ARL. While ARL was repre sented on both committees, they are responsible for administering funding and therefore retain final decision-making authority in the selection process. The reason a list of projects has not been announced here is because the white papers submitted have not been awarded. Unlike grant funding, any projects awarded will be tied to a government contract with specific deliverables the project teams will be held accountable for. ARL indicated they are willing to fund the white papers recom mended by the DTC and DEC. For that willingness to translate into an award, the white papers must undergo a final review, during which ARL and DLA can request clarifying technical, cost, and schedule information from the project teams. Once this process is complete and awards have been made, FIA can share more informa tion. Until then, we must maintain the integrity of the process and not disclose submission information until all awards have been made and FIA receives confirmation that an announcement can be made. FIA acknowledges the support and willingness to serve from all our committee members, and the response from the industry for this white paper call. A large amount of work went into these submis sions in a short amount of time, and this was a highly competitive first year. FIA is proud to serve the forging industry, and the entire team looks forward to future opportunities for our industry. More to come! Dekland D. H. Barnum, PMP

Senior Technical Manager Forging Industry Association Phone: 216-781-6260 Email: dekland@forging.org

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2024 71