Overview
Project Number: S2959
Project Title: Machine Learning and Schedule Optimization
Period of Performance: DEC21 – DEC23
Objective
The objective of this Naval Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing (NSAM) Center project is to integrate automated schedule optimization and machine learning (ML) into shipyard artificial intelligence (AI) and use these data sets to support more robust construction schedules with closer centers (shorter overall time spans for blocks of vessels), enhanced communication with internal supply chain management departments and a better consideration of efficiency and safety concerns. The technology developed by this project will not be limited to a single yard but could be deployed with the underlying shipyard AI software to other locations supporting Navy vessel production.
Long lead time items on vendor-supplied components have always played a critical role in vessel production and schedule adherence. Any effort to optimize schedule and production must include links that will inform both internal and external supply chains of construction need-by dates (CND) and, alternately, allow supply chain to inform production planning of changes in availability dates. The ability for production planning and supply chain to rapidly inform each other of CNDs, availability dates and subsequent changes will significantly reduce risk to schedule compliance.
A final major objective of this project is for the project results to become a standard capability in support of CVN Class aircraft carriers, VIRGINIA Class submarines (VCS), COLUMBIA Class submarines (CLB), DDG Class destroyers, LHA, LPD and NSC programs. Successful operation of the feature should be designed for the typical shipyard planner. Bringing AI and ML into everyday use by shipyard personnel will be a major accomplishment for Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), Huntington Ingalls Industries – Ingalls Shipbuilding (Ingalls), NAVSEA and the Navy ManTech Program
Benefits/Payoff
This project has multiple avenues for return on investment resulting from cost reductions for activities associated with planning and scheduling, long-term storage, transportation and unit work. The combined five-year savings across all impacted Navy platforms is projected to be $18.2M for an overall return on investment of 5.0:1.
Implementation
Deployment of the solution will occur at both NNS and Ingalls shipyards after initial acceptance tests are complete and affected stakeholders are engaged to ensure the solution satisfies documented needs and expectations. Implementation is anticipated in the fourth quarter of FY2024.
*Prepared under ONR Contract N00014-19-D-7001 as part of the Navy ManTech Program.
*DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. DCN# 0543-545-23
