U.S. ARMY ARMAMENT RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, & ENGINEERING CENTER

(ARDEC)

Andréa StevensARDEC Idea Catalystandrea.stevens@us.army.mil

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Purpose

ARDEC Innovation Initiative

ARDEC Innovation Background

What IS Innovation?

Innovation at ARDEC

ARDEC Idea Catalysts

Innovation Network

Enablers of Innovation

Questions, comments…

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ARDEC Innovation Initiative

Vision StatementEstablish ARDEC as the world leader in the

advancement of armaments technology and engineering innovation.

Operational StatementProvide the People, Processes and Facilities

necessary to identify, develop and transition innovative solutions to benefit the Warfighter.

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Background

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What IS Innovation?

CreativityGeneration of new and/or novel ideas

Innovation

A new invention or idea that solves a current problem or

exploits a new opportunity, all resulting in a quantifiable

gain.

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EVOLUTIONARY(Incremental)

Seeks solutions from existing concepts to do things better

• The Continuous Improvement Movement (6 Sigma)

• OGPK• Picatinny Blast Shield• Shaped Charge Assembly• EM113A2 – Rapid Entry Vehicle• M110 7.62mm Semi Automatic

Sniper System• LHMBC

Innovation Continuum

EXPANSIONARY

Challenges the problem definition

• Rarefaction Wave Gun• M982 Excalibur• M100 Grande Entry Munition• MOFA

REVOLUTIONARY(Breakthrough)

Redefines the problem definition to break boundaries & create new paradigms

• EM Gun

© 2010 Idea Connection Systems, Inc. All right reserved.

Increase in ARDEC Programs

ARDEC Innovation Examples

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Innovation at ARDEC

ARDEC has implemented a defined and robust innovation process integrated with Technology and Product Development Process yielding a disciplined and standardized approach to all

ARDEC ideas and projects

ARDEC Idea Catalysts are available to help secure and protect YOUR ideas. We help YOU to: evaluate YOUR ideas, identify possible funding or advocacy alternatives, and guide YOU on YOUR journey to

secure sponsorship.

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Secure & Enhance

OSI

OSI

OSI

Consult, Refine & Communicate

Feasibility & Business Case Development

Capture

ARDEC

Development

Process

IDEAS

OSI – Originator

Shelves Idea

Originator& Catalyst

Peer’s

Experts

Idea

Shaping

Seek Sponsor

Sponsor Secured

We Help You Find a Home For Your

Idea!

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Innovation Governing BodyJohn Hedderich Dave Castellano Barbara Machak

Mary Manser Dominick Carra

Innovation ChampionsTony Sebasto Mike Zecca Tony Pezzano

Idea Catalyst

Doug Chesnulovitch

Idea Catalyst

Andrea Stevens

Idea Catalyst

Pam Ferlazzo

Idea CatalystEric Kathe

Idea Catalyst

Thomas Kiel

Innovation Network

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Enablers of Innovation

Facilities: Innovation Hubs will support local idea generation

and cultivate ideas into concepts Fire Control – Ralph Tillinghast Innovation Central Hub

Classes: Introduction To Innovation MethodsManagement Of InnovationTRIZ

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QE&SA Working Group for Advancement in Evaluation Technologies for Armaments and

Munitions (QWG-AETAM)

VISIONMaintain and advance QE&SA’s leadership in the field of Armaments Q/R/S evaluation through development and

application of advanced technologies

MISSIONThe QE&SA Technologists will survey emerging evaluation

technologies, benchmark with industry, academia and OGA’s, and review commodity requirements to identify

areas for competency & business growth for QE&SA

Enablers of Innovation

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Enablers of Innovation

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Summary

ARDEC Innovation Initiative

ARDEC Innovation Background

What IS Innovation?

Innovation at ARDEC

ARDEC Idea Catalysts

Innovation Network

Enablers of Innovation

Questions, comments…