Institute for Manufacturing and Sustainment Technologies (IMAST)

Institute for Manufacturing and Sustainment Technologies (IMAST)

An ONR ManTech Center of Excellence

ARL is host to IMAST, one of the ONR ManTech program’s Centers of Excellence.  IMAST facilitates the execution and management oversight of a portfolio of projects the contribute to the ONR ManTech affordability goals as well as sustainment.  IMAST’s primary objective is to address challenges related to Navy and Marine Corps weapon system platforms in the following technical areas: materials processing, laser processing, advanced composites, manufacturing systems, repair and sustainment, and complex systems monitoring. IMAST supports the Navy and Marine Corps systems commands, as well as PEOs and Navy laboratories.  Projects under the traditional ManTech program are primarily focused on incorporating new technology to improve the affordability of the Navy’s major acquisition programs.

IMAST also supports sustainment through the Repair Technology (RepTech) program, a subset of ManTech, which is focused on improving life cycle cost and weapon system or platform reliability and availability.  RepTech applies new and emerging technologies to improve capabilities of Navy depots, shipyards, Marine Corps Logistics Bases, and lower level maintenance activities throughout the Fleet. RepTech cooperates and communicates with Navy COEs, the joint depot community, DOD industrial activities, industry, PEOs, and university laboratories.

Explore Publications

The Institute for Manufacturing and Sustainment Technologies (IMAST) is sponsored under contract N00024-18-D-6404 by the United States Navy, Office of Naval Research Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program. IMAST supports the Navy’s ManTech goals through two separate programs:  ManTech and RepTech (short for Repair Technology).  The ONR ManTech goals are to improve the affordability of naval platforms critical to the future force. Investments are focused on manufacturing technologies to assist key acquisition program offices in achieving their respective affordability goals. All seven COE’s participate in achieving these goals in collaboration with the platform OEMs and Navy program offices. The ONR RepTech program is solely executed by IMAST.  RepTech’s goal is to apply new and emerging technologies to improve the capabilities of Navy depots, shipyards, Marine Depot Maintenance Command and lower level maintenance activities throughout the Fleet. RepTech cooperates and communicates with other Navy COEs, the joint depot community, DOD industrial activities, industry, PEOs and university laboratories.  Improving sustainability, reliability and system availability is the aim.

The IMAST was formally established in February of 1995 and is one of seven U.S. Navy ManTech Centers of Excellence. Located at The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory, the Institute is in partnership with industry, government, and the University. IMAST provides a focal point for the development and transfer of new manufacturing processes and technology in a cooperative environment with industry, academia, Navy acquisition programs and in-service use. The Institute leverages the resources of The Pennsylvania State University to develop technology and business practices, to enhance the industrial sector, and to address advanced weapon system issues and challenges.

IMAST Thrust Areas

The principal source of subject matter expertise for IMAST ManTech and RepTech projects is the staff of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State, a Navy-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center.  ARL’s research engineers and supporting teams are organized by technology domains.  The technologies listed and linked below relate to ARL’s expertise which is most frequently used by IMAST to innovatively apply cutting edge and mature technology to solve the U.S. Navy’s acquisition and sustainment challenges.

  • Mechanical Drive & Transmission Technologies
  • Laser Processing Technologies
  • Materials Processing Technologies
  • Composite Materials
  • Repair Technologies
  • Manufacturing Systems
  • Complex Systems Monitoring

Strategic Vision

DoD, NAVY, AND THE OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH

“….establish and demonstrate key manufacturing processes that satisfy military production requirements. Investments in process technology have historically covered the complete manufacturing maturation cycle: invention, development, insertion, and improvement.”

IMAST Program Management

IMAST is managed by the Office of Naval Research and is part of the Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) which is located in State College, Pennsylvania. ARL Penn State is one of four U.S. Navy University-Affiliated Research Centers.

The DoD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program began in the late 1960s. Over the years, the ManTech Programs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) have contributed remarkably to the nation’s ability to produce superior military weapons systems platforms. The DoD ManTech Program is managed by the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E). The Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel is chartered to identify and integrate requirements, conduct joint program planning, develop joint strategies, and oversee the execution of ManTech programs.

IMAST Sponsor: Office of Naval Research, ManTech

ARL is committed to our employee’s health and well-being by supporting Penn State initiatives, local health officials, and government leaders in preventing COVID-19 in the workplace.

Our employees whose work or research can be done remotely, from home, are doing so. We have also given the opportunity of a flexible work schedule to assist our employees who have other obligations to consider. For those whose work or research requires them to be in our laboratories, offices, or on campus, we are following all protocols necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory mask training, strict safety procedures, and a network of contacts for reporting any ill-feeling symptoms.

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