DLA J68 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER 

THE INNOVATOR

From leading the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology 

Panel (JDMTP) to our first hackathon, DLA R&D is poised to 

push the boundaries of innovation in new and exciting ways in 

2024!

Team R&D ended 2023 on a high note with a large contingent

attending the annual Defense Manufacturing Conference in 

Nashville, Tennessee. DLA was highly visible throughout the 

conference - receiving awards and recognition, participating in 

panels, and leading technical, poster, and outreach sessions. 

My official appointment as the new JDMTP chair was a personal 

highlight.

As DLA’s first JDMTP chair, I plan to capitalize on joint service projects wherever possible, 

increase engagement within the Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) community and 

Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs), provide solid oversight of key technology 

subpanels, and pursue joint ManTech opportunities to accelerate adoption of critical defense 

technologies that enhance value to the DoD industrial base, support supply chain resiliency, 

and build workforce capabilities. This is important for R&D, and DLA as a whole, as an 

increasingly valued partner across the DoD enterprise. I am grateful for the opportunity to 

serve in this role.

Looking ahead, R&D will hit the road again this spring for our annual MSC visits. This year’s 

theme is “Plans, Projects, Priorities.” We look forward to hearing each of the MSCs’ P3s!

Lastly, our entire team is excited about our first hackathon this spring, focused on integrating 

GenAI, to enhance our warfighter sustainment mission.

KOCH’S CORNER

KOCH’S CORNER

WINTER EDITION

JDMTP 101

IN THIS ISSUE

UPCOMING EVENTS

FINANCE 

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT 

DMC 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

BHM HIGHLIGHT TTPTTP

WELCOME AND BID FAREWELL

JOINT DEFENSE MANUFACTURING 

TECHNOLOGY PANEL (JDMTP) 101

• Manages the identification and integration of joint ManTech requirements, projects, 

and efforts throughout the Department of Defense (DoD).

• Coordinates with technical subpanels and working groups to oversee and facilitate 

collaboration.

• Executes and advocates for the realization of the DoD's shared ManTech objectives.

• JDMTP Chair – Mr. David Koch, DLA

• DLA Principal – Mr. David Koch

• DLA Action Officer – Ms. Martina Johnson 

• DLA Support Staff – Mr. John Christensen and Ms. Lauren Faal 

DoD Manufacturing Technology Program

DLA R&D MISSION

Develop and deliver new capabilities 

through applied technologies and 

innovative solutions to enhance 

warfighter sustainment 

DLA R&D VISION 

Premier Innovation for Global 

Warfighter Mission Readiness

FEBRUARY 6-9 

INNOVATION NAVIGATORS 

COURSE

FEBRUARY 19 PRESIDENT’S 

DAY

FEBRUARY 20 

R&D QUARTERLY EOPC 

UPDATES

MARCH 1-31 

MSC VISITS

APRIL - TBD

GENAI HACKATHON

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 14

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“PUSHING BOUNDARIES & INNOVATION”
RPA MODERNIZES FINANCE

CONTRACTING x 

NATIONAL SECURITY

The J68 Finance Team is increasing its use of Robotic 

Process Automation (RPA) in 2024. Partnering with J8 and 

J6 RPA Team, they plan to enhance existing RPA by 

incorporating additional system interfaces for WAWF, IPAC, 

EDA, and MOCASS. These changes aim to save 10-15 

minutes per transaction, resulting in over 300 annual 

manhours. The time saved will be used for more in-depth 

analysis with DFAS and other partners, addressing payment 

issues and improving J68's ability to meet OSD execution 

benchmarks. The team aspires to implement the updated 

RPA across the Enterprise, enhancing finance efficiencies 

and contributing to overall organizational success.

DLA R&D is intensifying efforts to safeguard U.S. technological 

competitiveness against global threats. Under the Small 

Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) Extension Act of 2022, the Due 

Diligence program has been introduced. This program includes 

expanded reporting requirements, award restrictions, and 

provisions addressing national security risks, especially 

concerning affiliations with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. 

Initially implemented by SBIR and STTR R&D programs, the 

Due Diligence program is now being extended to all fourteen 

Logistics R&D and ManTech programs in FY24. The objective is 

to enhance security measures and protect DoD and U.S. 

interests on a global scale.

• DLA Information Operations (J6) actively participates in the 

TTPTTP program, introducing Minority-Serving Institutions 

(MSIs) to DoD's STEM, PACE programs, and employment 

opportunities. 

• J6 takes pride in promoting its academic research and 

employment opportunities as part of the TTPTTP program. 

The engagement involves comprehensive briefings during 

college visits, where J6 leaders connect with academic 

leadership, participate in Presidential Roundtables, and 

directly engage with students and faculties at career fairs 

and events. 

• An upcoming event at New Mexico State University, led by 

J6 leaders including DLA CIO Adarryl Roberts, highlights 

their commitment to bridging the gap between DLA and 

minority-serving institutions, fostering collaboration, and 

exploring opportunities.

DMC HIGHLIGHTS

The DMC 2023 in Nashville 

showcased DLA’S significant 

role in supporting the joint force, 

with over 1,500 attendees.

Matt Hutchens, the program 

manager of R&D’s Battery 

Network, among others received 

the Defense Manufacturing 

Technology Achievement Award.

DLA’s 17 dynamic speakers and 7 

innovative sessions shared our 

commitment to innovation and 

partnership.

WELCOME AND BID FAREWELLS

Welcome, DLA’s Director

LTG Mark Simerly

Farewell, VADM

Michelle Skubic

We thank you for 25 years of 

JDMTP service.

Welcome aboard the DLA Team.

DLA R&D is excited about exploring 

new frontiers and driving innovation 

alongside our new director.

DLA appreciates your service and 

your contribution to the growth of 

DLA R&D.

Welcome, 

John Christensen

Farewell, 

Becky Stewart

#DYK: Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are universities and 

colleges that enroll a significant percentage of students from 

minority groups.

#STAYCONNECTEDWITHR&D