METC - Model to accelerate the development and integration of next-generation munition systems
Challenge ended
Description
One Nation Innovation, in support of the U.S. Army’s Munitions and Energetics Technology Center (METC), is seeking prototypes that accelerate the development and integration of next-generation munition systems. METC plays a critical role in strengthening Army lethality and survivability, and it must rapidly respond to evolving threats by developing and prototyping materials, components, subsystems, and manufacturing techniques that deliver reliable, scalable, and operationally relevant effects. This challenge supports three mission-critical efforts: droppable munition systems, 155mm artillery survivability innovation, and advanced modular manufacturing.
Overall Objective
The objective is to Support development, integration, prototyping and validating munition components and manufacturing methods that improve performance, reduce logistics burden, reduce cost and increase battlefield adaptability. This effort includes hands-on fabrication, subsystem integration, and live-fire testing conducted in close coordination with METC engineers and test range personnel. Solutions should demonstrate improved effectiveness, launch survivability, and production scalability for future fielding.
Problem Statement
Current munition development cycles that rely on FAR based contracting strategies are too slow and inflexible to meet the Army’s modernization goals. Many systems require iterative design – build - test cycles to meet evolving user requirements and operational challenges. Additionally, traditional manufacturing processes struggle to keep pace with evolving mission needs and cost targets. METC requires a streamlined approach to development, integration and prototyping that enables rapid experimentation, iteration, and integration of advanced energetics, components, and manufacturing strategies across multiple munition calibers.