MELD Manufacturing gets in on $975 million contract from U.S. Air Force
AM-focused companies like 3D Systems and Authentise are also part of the 67 companies that will support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in optimizing the operational readiness of deployed assets
MELD Manufacturing is one of 67 companies in an impressive $975 million contract by the United States Air Force to support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in optimizing the operational readiness of deployed assets. This significant contract recognizes MELD’s advanced capabilities in additive manufacturing and its vital role in advancing manufacturing processes within the aerospace and defense sectors.
In total, the U.S. Air Force has awarded 67 companies positions on a potential nine-year, $975 million contract to help the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office optimize the operational readiness of deployed weapon systems. The Department of Defense said Tuesday the 771st Enterprise Sourcing Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio received 68 offers for the multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.
Through the IDIQ, the vendors will help the RSO identify, prototype, integrate, test, qualify, scale and demonstrate emerging technology applications in automation and robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, corrosion prevention and control, advanced composites and other technical focus areas across the aircraft logistics and sustainment enterprise.
Other companies among the awardees include AM-focused companies such as 3D Systems and additive MES software provider Authentise, as well as Carahsoft, Expansia Group, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), RTX’s (NYSE: RTX) Raytheon subsidiary and Redhorse. Some of these, like Northrop and Raytheon, are also directly or indirectly invested in additive manufacturing. The military branch will obligate $67,000 in research, development, test and evaluation funds for fiscal 2023.
Nearly one billion dollars is more revenue than any single 3D printing company generates. The size of the deal, and its goals to advanced defense capabilities, are similar to the recent rumored investment that the US DoD made in Ursa Major, as it looks to leverage AM for strategic advancements amidst rising global tensions.
In this case the RSO, focused on enhancing readiness and sustainability across the U.S. Air Force, has selected MELD for its solid-state metal additive manufacturing process. MELD’s technology enables the production of large-scale components using aerospace-grade materials, delivering exceptional results. The company has successfully printed flight-critical components, achieving forging-level quality with materials such as Al-7075, Al-6061, and Ti-64. It is also not the first time the DoD (previously the US Navy and the US Army with the Jointless Hull program) has invested in MELD’s technology.
In fact, this contract is in addition to the DoD and DoE investment in MELD machines. To date, the U.S. Army, Air Force, NAVAIR, and NAVSEA have invested in MELD technology by acquiring multiple L3, K3, and CD-14 machines to support various government initiatives. MELD has been integral to critical U.S. Air Force projects, with the Air Force acquiring MELD machines and employing MELD technology in the development of UAV airframes. Notably, MELD is the only large-scale, solid-state metal 3D printer chosen by the RSO and the only company with additive technology both invented and manufactured in the United States.
The United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) is committed to revolutionizing Air Force sustainment operations by adopting innovative technologies and processes. Established to enhance mission readiness and reduce costs, the RSO focuses on rapid and agile solutions that improve the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities of the Air Force.
By partnering with manufacturing industry pioneers like MELD Manufacturing, the RSO advances the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These initiatives ensure that the Air Force maintains its operational superiority by minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of critical assets, such as aircraft and other military equipment. The RSO’s work is essential in ensuring the Air Force remains agile, responsive, and capable of meeting current and future challenges.
A previous version of this article erroneously appeared to indicate that MELD Manufacturing was the sole awardee of the $975 million contract.
Uh, no. MELD was not awarded a $975 million dollar contract. Upwards of 60 suppliers are involved in this “contract” that spans nine years. Gotta wonder how the Air Force feels about this misleading, if not out and out lie, of an announcement.
Thanks yea the article has already been updated. The initial PR was in fact a bit misleading, our fault for rushing through it and not checking further right away