A technical data package (TDP) is the complete set of engineering and manufacturing documentation (drawings/3D models, material specs, tolerances, processes, inspection and test procedures, and assembly instructions) required to produce, test, and sustain a part or assembly; it’s essential for ensuring accurate reproduction, quality control, supply-chain sourcing, and long‑term sustainment of defense‑critical hardware when original suppliers or designs are unavailable.
The Great Plains Innovation Network (GPIN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Manhattan, Kansas, focused on expanding the domestic defense manufacturing supply chain, providing reverse‑engineering and prototyping resources, and delivering workforce development; under this award GPIN will perform/coordinate the reverse‑engineering activity and provide associated hands‑on training to recreate missing technical data packages for obsolescent defense parts.
‘Obsolescent defense‑critical parts’ typically means low‑volume, long‑lived mechanical and electro‑mechanical components or assemblies that are no longer made (DMSMS) or lack original technical documentation—examples in DoD practice include unique bearings, gear sets, housings, connectors, and legacy electronic modules; the specific parts targeted in this GPIN program are not listed in the release.
Yes. The project’s stated purpose includes training: GPIN’s mission emphasizes creating a training environment and workforce development for new employees; the DOW award funds reverse‑engineering activities coupled with hands‑on training for personnel involved in recreating technical data packages (likely technicians, engineers, and small manufacturer staff).
The release does not specify who will own intellectual property or the produced technical data; IP/technical‑data ownership for DoD‑funded reverse‑engineering work is typically governed by the award/contract terms (which can assign rights to the government, the performer, or set licensing conditions), so ownership must be confirmed in the award documents.
The award is a two‑year investment (nearly $1.8 million). Success metrics are not detailed in the release; typical measures would include number of TDPs recreated, parts qualified for manufacture, trainees certified, and transition of data to government repositories—specific milestones and metrics should appear in the program statement or contract performance work statement for the award.