WICHITA, KAN. — Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) will develop and deliver training curriculum for the Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment – Supplier Qualification (JAQSSQ) Groups 2 & 3 initiative, announced by America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining.
The $10.5 million project call is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War, Manufacturing Technology Office and aims to expand and strengthen the metal additive manufacturing (AM) industrial base through standardized qualification requirements.
JAQSSQ continues the momentum established by previous JAQS efforts to accelerate manufacturing readiness and enhance supplier capabilities across the defense industrial base. The initiative standardizes AM training and audit processes, aligns suppliers with acquisition requirements, and helps integrate nontraditional vendors into defense production. Under the new project call, NIAR will design and deliver a practical, operationsfocused curriculum for production and engineering managers specializing in laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition technologies.
NIAR’s training will emphasize implementation of process control documents, qualification principles, and readiness practices essential for consistent, qualified manufacturing. Upon completing the curriculum and integrating prescribed guidance, suppliers will undergo a formal audit to verify their ability to perform as qualified AM manufacturers for the defense industry. This includes demonstrating performance qualification competencies outlined within the training program.
Twentyfive project teams have been selected for this nationwide effort. With these additions, the JAQS network now expands to 31 suppliers, one of the largest coordinated initiatives to qualify and scale AM capabilities in support of national defense.
“This is a defining moment for the JAQS initiative and a major advancement for the defense industrial base,” said Ben DiMarco, technology transition director at America Makes. “This initiative accelerates supplier qualification and amplifies manufacturing capabilities nationwide. The impact of this strategic investment will extend beyond these teams, shaping the future of additive manufacturing.”
“A strong defense industrial base is essential to national security and to ensuring the United States can adapt rapidly to emerging threats,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “By standardizing training and qualification requirements in additive manufacturing, we are enabling suppliers across the country to produce highquality, reliable components at scale. NIAR is proud to contribute our expertise to this effort and help strengthen long-term manufacturing readiness for the nation.”
About NIAR
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides
research, testing, certification and training services support the aviation, defense
and advanced manufacturing industries. NIAR’s mission is to strengthen university
research capabilities; provide applied learning opportunities for students; and support
the aviation and manufacturing industries – while driving innovation and prosperity
for the community, region and state. Established in 1985, NIAR’s yearly R&D expenditures
exceed $400 million, with more than 2,000 personnel and 2 million square feet of laboratory
and office space in six locations across Wichita, Kan., and one in Huntsville, Ala. www.niar.wichita.edu
About America Makes
America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing
(AM) technology and education. America Makes members from industry, academia, government,
and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate the
adoption of AM and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness. Founded in 2012
as the Department of War’s National Manufacturing Innovation Institute for AM and
the first of the Manufacturing USA network, America Makes is based in Youngstown, Ohio, and managed by the not-for-profit National
Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). Learn more at americamakes.us.