Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook

critical manufacturing processes, production scale-up efforts, and potential supply chainissues. The results of the assessment of manufacturing readiness performed during theMSA Phase should be used as a baseline reference for this activity. It is possible thatsome technology development activities were not assessed during the MSA Phase. Inthat case, it is a best practice to conduct an assessment early in the TD Phase toestablish a baseline if manufacturing risk is great enough to warrant the effort.Technology Transition Agreements should be used to manage the transition processfrom a manufacturability and producibility standpoint. Technologies identified to have amaturity level less than MRL 4 at the start of this phase require special attention formaturation and risk mitigation in order to bring them to MRL 6 by Milestone B.Key considerations for the assessment at the end of the TD Phase include:• Manufacturing processes and techniques not currently available• Probability of meeting the delivery date (e.g., for prototypes)• Design producibility risks• Potential impact of critical and long-lead time material• Production equipment availability• Production unit cost goal realism• Manufacturing capability and cost and schedule impact analyses to supporttrade-offs among alternatives• Recommendations for anticipated production testing and demonstrationefforts• Methods for conserving critical and strategic materials and reducing relianceon foreign sourcesThe output of the assessment is the basis for knowledge of manufacturingmaturity and risk for all technology under development. This is a vital part of thedecision process at Milestone B. Therefore, the assessment results must indicate thekey emphasis areas for the PDR. This technical review ensures that the system underreview has a reasonable expectation of satisfying the requirements within the currentlyallocated budget and schedule. It produces a report detailing all technical risk andtherefore is a key input to the Milestone B DAB (or equivalent) meeting that initiates aprogram of record. The assessment of manufacturing readiness provides input forselection criteria for the preferred prototype or competing design if applicable byhighlighting if and where any risk areas fall short of MRL 6; discussions of the risks thatthese shortfalls pose to the program; and discussions of the status of efforts to mitigatethose risks.3-6