Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook

one would not expect the same manufacturing maturity requirements for a low rateproduction item (e.g., satellite) as compared to a high rate production program (e.g.,ammunition, radios). However, in both cases there should be an adequatedemonstration of manufacturing maturity, albeit different specific requirements, toensure the program can achieve the cost, schedule, and performance requirements atthe next level. The MRL process recognizes the uniqueness of every program andconsequently it may not be cost effective to achieve the entire MRL target. However, itis essential that the uniqueness of the situation be assessed and agreed upon by keydecision makers and that the risk is well understood before proceeding. Someexamples that demonstrate how the scope may change are as follows:• During the MSA Phase an assessment may be conducted for a particularprototype conceptual design in the context of an AoA. Early consideration ofproducibility and affordability of a particular concept allows for adjustments todesign margins before expensive testing or commitment to the achievedperformance makes those changes irreversible. It also helps identifymanufacturing technologies/capabilities that need to be developed in the nextphase. The nominal MRL target would be 4 as an entrance criterion forMilestone A.• In the early stages of TD, an examination of the producibility of a proposeddesign allows for trades on cost, performance, and schedule to beaccomplished when it is significantly easier to make changes and wherechanges potentially have a greater impact on key performance metrics. Thenominal MRL target would be in the range of 4 to 5.• In a source selection for EMD, assessments can aid in determining thematurity of the design relative to the offeror’s ability to achieve projected costor schedule targets. The assessment would define manufacturing progressand risk for the next phase and ensure prototype hardware was produced in arelevant environment. The nominal MRL target would be 6 as an entrancecriterion for Milestone B.• At CDR, it is necessary to examine integration processes such as assembly,installation, and test. When a subsystem and/or component (e.g.,battery/circuit card) is built by a prime contractor or supplier, both assemblyand test processes should be examined in an integrated process flow. At thesystem level (e.g., missile), components require assembly processes,intermediate test processes, installation, and final acceptance testing. Allwork breakdown structure levels must be considered to effectively gauge theability to meet projected cost and schedule targets. The nominal MRL targetwould be 7.• If the assessment is being conducted on a pilot production line, emphasis willbe placed on understanding what the production capability and capacity is tomeet program objectives in cost, schedule (e.g., low rate production rates)and performance and to anticipate whether there will be any problem with full4-3