Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook
Executive Summary
Manufacturing status and risk evaluations have been performed as part of defense acquisition programs for years in a variety of forms. These evaluations, while often highly structured and well managed, did not use a uniform metric to measure and communicate manufacturing risk and readiness.
Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5000.02T, “Operation of the Defense Acquisition System,” states, “The Program Manager will ensure manufacturing and producibility risks are identified and managed throughout the program’s life cycle.” This policy establishes general target maturity criteria for each life cycle phase leading to the production decision.1
Assessments of manufacturing readiness utilizing the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) criteria have been designed to identify and manage manufacturing risk in the acquisition and during new technology development as it transitions to weapon system applications. MRL criteria create a measurement scale and vocabulary for assessing and discussing manufacturing maturity and risk. Using the MRL criteria, an assessment of manufacturing readiness is a structured approach for the evaluation of manufacturing processes, procedures, and techniques for technology, components, items, assemblies, subsystems, and systems. A Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA) is performed to:
- Define the current level of manufacturing maturity
- Identify maturity shortfalls and associated costs and risks
- Provide the basis for management of manufacturing maturation and risk
This document provides an understanding of best practices for conducting assessments of manufacturing readiness using the MRL criteria. It is intended for those tasked with conducting MRAs, as well as acquisition program managers, system engineers, manufacturing managers, and managers of technology development and pre-systems acquisition technology demonstration projects.
Prepared by the OSD Manufacturing Technology Program In collaboration with The Joint Service/Industry MRL Working Group
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