Production, Quality & ManufacturingManufacturing

Readiness Level (MRL)

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Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) are used with assessments and are designed to
assess the maturity of a given technology, system, subsystem, or component from a
manufacturing prospective. MRLs provide decision makers (at all levels) with a common
understanding of the relative maturity (and attendant risks) associated with
manufacturing technologies, products, and processes being considered to meet DoD
requirements. [1]

Guide: DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level Deskbook – Aug 2015

Manufacturing readiness and technology readiness go hand-in-hand. MRLs, in

conjunction with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), are key measures that define risk
when a technology or process is matured and transitioned to a system. It is quite
common for manufacturing readiness to be paced by technology readiness or design
stability. Manufacturing processes will not be able to mature until the product
technology and product design are stable. [2]

Level Definition DoD MRL Description

1 Basic Basic research expands scientific principles that may have

Manufacturing manufacturing implications. The focus is on a high level assessment of
Implications manufacturing opportunities. The research is unfettered.
Identified

2 Manufacturing This level is characterized by describing the application of new

Concepts manufacturing concepts. Applied research translates basic research into
Identified solutions for broadly defined military needs.

3 Manufacturing This level begins the validation of the manufacturing concepts through
Proof of analytical or laboratory experiments. Experimental hardware models
Concept have been developed in a laboratory environment that may possess
Developed limited functionality.

4 Capability to This level of readiness acts as an exit criterion for theMSA Phase
produce the approaching a Milestone A decision. Technologies should have matured
technology in to at least TRL 4. This level indicates that the technologies are ready for
a laboratory the Technology Development Phase of acquisition. Producibility
environment assessments of design concepts have been completed. Key design
performance parameters have been identified as well as any special
tooling, facilities, material handling and skills required.

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5 Capability to Mfg. strategy refined and integrated with Risk Management Plan.
produce Identification of enabling/critical technologies and components is
prototype complete. Prototype materials, tooling and test equipment, as well as
components personnel skills have been demonstrated on components in a
in a production relevant environment, but many manufacturing processes
production and procedures are still in development.
relevant
environment

6 Capability to This MRL is associated with readiness for a Milestone B decision to

produce a initiate an acquisition program by entering into the EMD Phase of
prototype acquisition. Technologies should have matured to at least TRL 6. The
system or majority of manufacturing processes have been defined and
subsystem in characterized, but there are still significant engineering and/or design
a changes in the system itself.
production
relevant
environment

7 Capability to System detailed design activity is nearing completion. Material

produce specifications have been approved and materials are available to meet
systems, the planned pilot line build
subsystems, schedule. Manufacturing processes and procedures have been
or demonstrated in
components a production representative environment. Detailed producibility trade
in a studies are
production completed and producibility enhancements and risk assessments are
representative underway. Technologies should be on a path to achieve TRL 7.
environment

8 Pilot line The system, component or item has been previously produced, is in
capability production, or has successfully achieved low rate initial production.
demonstrated; Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of readiness is
Ready to begin normally associated with readiness for entry into Full Rate Production
Low Rate (FRP). All systems engineering/design requirements should have been
Initial met such that there are minimal system changes. Major system design
Production features are stable and have been proven in test and evaluation.

9 Low rate The system, component or item has been previously produced, is in
production production, or has successfully achieved low rate initial production.
demonstrated; Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of readiness is
Capability in normally associated with readiness for entry into Full Rate Production
place to begin (FRP). All systems engineering/design requirements should have been
Full Rate met such that there are minimal system changes.
Production

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 10 Full Rate Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of manufacturing
Production is normally associated with the Production or Sustainment phases of the
demonstrated acquisition life cycle.
and lean Engineering/design changes are few and generally limited to quality and
production cost
practices improvements. System, components or items are in full rate production
in place and meet all engineering, performance, quality and reliability
requirements. Manufacturing process capability is at the appropriate
quality level.

AcqLinks and References:

[1] Defense Acquisition Guidebook (DAG)

[2] DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level Deskbook – Aug 2015
(Old) Manufacturing Readiness Level Deskbook v2.2 – Jul 12
Manufacturing Readiness Level Chart
Manufacturing Readiness Level Guide – Feb 2007
Presentation: MRL for Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Technology Maturity by
Jim Morgan – 10 May 06
Website: DoD Manufacturing Readiness Levels

Updated: 6/12/2018

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