NextFlex News – February 2026
Dear NextFlex friends and supporters,
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Timothy White, Director of the U.S. Army’s Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, and his team for a tour of our Technology Hub and a discussion on Army modernization priorities and opportunities for partnership.
Dr. White shared updates on how the Army is reorganizing to accelerate innovation and deliver new capabilities to Soldiers more quickly. The Army has established a streamlined structure focused on key mission areas and created a new organization designed to help move promising technologies from concept to field deployment faster.
A major topic of discussion was the Army’s innovation portfolio, known as Army FUZE. This initiative connects emerging technology companies with Army needs and helps scale high-potential solutions. In fiscal year 2025, the portfolio invested approximately $750 million across more than 1,000 firms to strengthen readiness and expand the defense industrial base.
Pictured from L to R: Dr. Scott Miller, Director of Technology, NextFlex; Mr. Stan Farnsworth, Director of Business Development, NextFlex; Mr. Jorge Alonzo, Ammo & Sustainment, C2/CC2, & Maneuver Portfolios, ManTech; Ms. Allison Mathis, Maneuver Air, Maneuver Ground and Fires Portfolios, ManTech; Dr. Timothy White, Director, Army ManTech; Mr. Don Szczur, Maneuver Ground Portfolio, ManTech; Mr. Fabian Schnegg, Director of Fab Operations, NextFlex; Mr. Michael Beidler, ManTech Integrator; and Dr. Dan Gamota, Executive Director, NextFlex.
Dr. White also highlighted the Army ManTech Program, which focuses on ensuring that new technologies can be manufactured efficiently, affordably, and at scale. With an annual budget of approximately $67 million, ManTech supports advanced manufacturing, materials innovation, and improvements across the Army’s depots and production facilities, focusing on maturing manufacturing technology from Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 4 through MRL 7, which is well aligned to the focus of NextFlex’s funded project objectives.
During the visit, we were able to share examples of ongoing projects that demonstrate advanced manufacturing capabilities aligned with Army priorities. We also had the opportunity to discuss potential areas for collaboration, including modernization of the Army’s Organic Industrial Base and accelerating the transition of innovative technologies into production.
The visit reinforced the shared commitment between NextFlex and the U.S. Army to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, support innovation, and ensure that advanced technologies can be rapidly delivered to those who need them most. I thank Dr. White for his visit!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan Gamota
NextFlex Executive Director