Researchers at the University of Maryland are taking the first steps to develop a 21st century interactive supply chain system for the U.S. military - one which will get repairable military equipment back into battle sooner and at less cost. The work represents the first effort to implement the "Sense and Respond Logistics" concept envisioned by the Department of Defense as part of its Force Transformation effort.

With a new $2.1 million grant competitively awarded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, an interdisciplinary team led by the University of Maryland's Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise will conduct a 12-month project to develop a prototype Web-based supply network using the most advanced technologies to quickly acquire and deliver replacement parts on an as-needed basis. The center will partner with Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering on the project.

The demonstration project will involve maintenance of F/A-18 Navy fighter jets, and will link together a series of advanced technologies -- prognostics that can diagnose supply needs while equipment is still in combat, novel wireless communications to relay these needs to maintenance officers and automatic identification techniques (RFID is the most common current example) to locate parts in the supply chain - all integrated through a secure Web portal.