The document discusses Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments, which evaluate the maturity of manufacturing processes, technologies, and systems. MRL assessments are performed to define the current level of manufacturing maturity, identify risks and costs, and provide a basis for further maturation. They target acquisition program managers, technology developers, and those intending to transition technologies to acquisition programs. The assessments evaluate manufacturing status, production readiness, management, and capability. MRL levels range from basic manufacturing implications being identified to full rate production being demonstrated.

1. Manufacturing Readiness Level

2. Objectives of MRL
 Manufacturing Status & Risk Evaluation
 Production Readiness
 Manufacturing Management
 Production Capability

3. MRL
 An assessment of manufacturing readiness
 A structured evaluation of
 Technology
 Component
 Manufacturing process
 Weapon system or subsystem

4. MRL - Purpose
is performed to:
 Define current level of manufacturing maturity
 Identify maturity shortfalls and associated costs and risks
 Provide the basis for manufacturing maturation and risk
management

5. MRL – for Whom
 A document provides best practices
 assessments of manufacturing readiness.
 Acquisition program managers & managers
 Technology development projects
 Pre-systems acquisition
 Technology demonstration projects
 intending to transition directly to the acquisition community
 People - involved in conducting the assessments.

6. Considerations in acquisition strategies
 An analysis of the capabilities
 Requirements for
efficient manufacture
 Use of advanced
manufacturing technology
processes, and systems
 Practicable, the use of contract solicitations
 Methods to encourage investment

7. MRL – Knowledge
 demonstrated control of the manufacturing process
 the collection of statistical process control data
 demonstrated control and capability of other critical
processes

8. MRL – Assessment
is performed to:
 Define current level of
manufacturing maturity
 Identify maturity shortfalls and associated costs and risks
 Provide the basis for manufacturing maturation and risk
management (planning, identification, analysis,
mitigation, implementation, and tracking)

9. MRL
MRL 1: Basic Manufacturing Implications Identified
MRL 2: Manufacturing Concepts Identified
MRL 3: Manufacturing Proof of Concept Developed
MRL 4: Capability to produce the technology in a
laboratory environment
MRL 5: Capability to produce prototype components in a
production
relevant environment

10. MRL
MRL 6: Capability to produce a prototype system or subsystem in a
production relevant environment
MRL 7: Capability to produce systems, subsystems, or components in a
production representative environment
MRL 8: Pilot line capability demonstrated; Ready to begin Low Rate Initial
Production
MRL 9: Low rate production demonstrated; Capability in place to begin
Full Rate Production
MRL 10: Full Rate Production demonstrated and lean production practices
in place

11. Learning to be continued...