HOME
ABOUT
SERVICES
CLIENT LIST
PROJECTS
CONTACT
 


TRG Services:


Technical Manuals



TRG has over 30 years experience in preparing Operation and Maintenance technical manuals for the armed services. We are thoroughly familiar with the publication requirements of each service and have responded over the years to their needs either directly or by supporting their developers and suppliers of equipment. The extent of our experience has allowed us to systemize the process of developing service publications, using efficient and cost effective ways to identify, assemble, correlate, and inventory relevant information required for a particular publication.

TRG has expertise in all current and past military publication military standards such as MIL-STD-40051 (including MIL-HDBK-2361C for Digital Data Development), MIL-STD-38784, MIL-HDBK-1222D, USMC Style Guide SG-1A, and others. Our capabilities include the development of technical manuals using eXtensible Markup Language (XML) utilizing government supplied Document Type Definition (DTD), and XML Stylesheet Language for Formatting Objects (XSL-FO) Stylesheets. TRG utilizes Arbortext and Print Composer software to create valid XML tagged files IAW MIL-HDBK-2361C.

The content of TM's is dictated by the TM requirements matrix provided with the Statement of Work. Each submission of the TM will include a hardcopy, a fully composed Adobe Acrobat PDF file, the XML file, and a Graphics Worksheet. We are also extremely familiar with the requirements for Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) manuals, as delineated in MIL-PRF-32216 (formerly MIL-HDBK-1221). Our services include the evaluation of COTS manuals for conformance to MIL-PRF-32216 and the creation of all necessary supplemental data required to meet the military requirements.

As a result, the preparation of technical manuals at TRG follows a series of predictable steps sequentially arranged for efficiency and avoidance of duplication. At TRG, technical manual content is based solely on physical task analyses involving actual performance of operating and maintenance procedures.

A task analysis is the essential basis from which information and data is compiled for the preparation of the various sections of a technical manual such as:

  • System Overview
  • Major Component Description
  • Controls and Indicators
  • Operating Procedures
  • Troubleshooting
  • Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
  • Maintenance Procedures (All Maintenance Levels)
  • Parts Information
  • Supporting Information including Maintenance Allocation Chart (MAC)

A designated technical writer, illustrator, and provisioner (parts data developer) form a team for each publication that effectively manage its preparation from inception to final delivery. They are familiar with the time required to produce the various sections of a technical manual and coordinate the production of textual and illustrative content. All publications prepared by TRG undergo two separate edits at each stage of their preparation. Accordingly, with the completion of the first draft manuscript, an independent internal edit of this, and all subsequent manuscript editions as well as the final version is conducted. These edits include checks to insure technical accuracy, adherence to proper format, grammar, composition, spelling, completeness of content, and a reading grade level computation, if required.

All uniformed services technical manuals produced by TRG are subjected to a complete validation of all prescribed procedures and edit of technical data against the system production drawing package.TRG is fully committed to providing technically accurate publications prepared to the required format, on time, and within budget to our ever-growing community of customers.



Back to top.

Provisioning Data Development



Provisioning is a process unique to Department of Defense Systems and Equipment and involves the development of repair and spare parts data that is uploaded to the government procurement system and provides spare part access to our soldiers in the field.TRG has developed the provisioning database for a vast variety of equipment and systems over the years, ranging from very simple to extremely large systems in terms of scope and complexity. We are thoroughly familiar with the provisioning requirements of each service branch and have responded to their needs directly or by supporting their developers and suppliers of equipment.

The objective of the provisioning effort is to compile the parts data required to sustain a system or equipment throughout its life cycle and to provide this data in sufficient detail to permit frequent competitive re-purchase as well as to manage assets on hand.The primary provisioning product is the Provisioning Parts List (PPL), which must accurately reflect the parts data of the system or equipment for which it was created. PPLs are prepared in accordance with MIL-STD-1388-2B and MIL-PRF-49506, unless other standards are cited. Since the PPL must be in alignment with the Repair Parts and Special Tools List section of the technical manual, we are often tasked to prepare both deliverables.

Depending on the complexity of the system being provisioned and the specific requirements of a contract, we can also prepare a Proposed Spare Parts List (PSPL) which is essentially a precursor to the more detailed PPL. As part of the normal provisioning process, TRG can prepare a pre-provisioning screening report to identify material already listed in the supply system under a National Stock Number (NSN).

As the Provisioning Parts List is developed, an Engineering Data for Provisioning (EDFP) package is also typically prepared, consisting of a compilation of engineering drawings, product data sheets, and/or specification sheets, that provide technical support for the items appearing in the PPL. The EDFP is organized in such a way that it mirrors the sequence of parts appearing in the PPL and is specially annotated with provisioning codes and data that relate each item to the PPL.

The application used to facilitate the creation of the PPL is the LOGSA developed POWERLOG J software. POWERLOG J centralizes the data management process and assists in error checking the data elements. As with the creation of technical manuals, the extent of our provisioning experience has allowed us to systemize the process of preparing provisioning documentation, using efficient and cost effective ways to identify, assemble, correlate, the relevant material information required for a PPL.

As a result, the preparation of provisioning documentation at TRG follows a series of predictable steps sequentially arranged for efficiency and avoidance of duplication.

When required to provision, a designated provisioner joins the production team that effectively manages and coordinates the preparation of technical manuals and the provisioning from inception to final delivery. The team is familiar with the time required to produce the various technical manual and provisioning products and coordinates the production of both to be available when needed. All provisioning products, are typically delivered in electronic and hardcopy formats.

TRG is committed to providing technically accurate provisioning documentation prepared to the cited specifications, on time, and within budget to our ever-growing community of customers.


Back to top.

Logistics Management Information Summaries



Logistics Management Info Summaries describing the logistic aspects and characteristics of equipment at hand. These summaries document the results of various logistics analysis and are prepared to current military and government specifications.

SUPPORTABILITY:
A supportability analysis is normally conducted during the early stages of equipment development to determine the supportability characteristics of the proposed design. The results serve as a broad index of expected support requirements for a given design. If projected support requirements exceed the stated threshold, it serves as a basis for design alterations. Supportability is the degree to which system design characteristics and planned logistics resources meet system operational requirements.

Supportability characteristics include many performance measures of the individual elements of a total system. For example, Repair Cycle Time is a support system performance characteristic independent of the hardware system. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) are reliability and maintainability characteristics, respectively, of the system hardware, but their ability to impact operational support of the total system makes them also supportability characteristics.

A supportability analysis identifies support cost drivers by examining a design’s component materials, assembly method, functional characteristics, expected maintenance frequency and other, special requirements such as unique support equipment, storage, packaging, handling, and transportation requirements. Depending on the format requested, the supportability analysis results can be stated in narrative as well as quantitative terms.

RELIABILITY:
Reliability expresses the probability that an item can perform its intended function for a specified interval under defined conditions. The analysis initially yields predictions, to be replaced iteratively, as factual operating data becomes available, to indicate actual rates achieved. Reliability is always expressed in quantitative terms.The analysis can be conducted to any desired level of system component parts but is generally most useful if conducted to the major component level and expressed as system reliability, commensurate with the lowest rated component.

For analysis of standard components, TRG relies on published and frequently updated reliability data from recognized laboratories. This data is compiled, as appropriate, to yield a component or system rating. When a non-standard component is involved, the rating for a related item might be appropriate. Alternatively, the item can be further broken down into its constituent parts for separate analysis. The initial reliability analysis of items or components for which no data exists may be based on manufacturer bench testing data, to be iteratively updated as user data becomes available.

TRG has conducted reliability analysis on a great variety of systems including:

  • Multi-fuel Burners
  • Petroleum Testing Equipment
  • Microclimate Cooling Equipment

MAINTAINABILITY:
Maintainability expresses the intensity of effort and quantity of resources required to maintain subject equipment at a desired condition or state of readiness. It is an assessment of the suitability of an item to be retained in, or restored to, a specified condition when maintenance is performed by personnel having specified skill levels, using prescribed procedures and resources, at each designated level of maintenance and repair.

This analysis is typically performed during the subject equipment/system design phase to determine the proposed design’s ability to meet life cycle cost objectives. Maintainability is directly influenced by the complexity of design, material and component selection, manner of assembly, intended use, and other variables. The result of the analysis is expressed in quantitative terms of Mean-Time-to-Repair (MTTR), Mean-Man-Hours-To-Repair (MMTR), and a Maintenance Ratio.

TRG routinely conducts maintainability analyses for a great variety of equipment. By identifying cost drivers early in the design process and suggesting alternatives, the designer can make the necessary modifications to bring the design within acceptable thresholds. We identify the specific requirements necessary to maintain subject equipment/system at a desired readiness posture in the areas of:

  • Personnel (Number, Qualifications, Hours)
  • Training (Initial and sustainment training, Length, Frequency, Facilities)
  • Support Equipment (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Diagnostic and Test Equipment (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Common and Special Tools (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Facilities (Area and height dimensions, Requirements for lifting devices, Utilities, Ventilation, or Environmental requirements, etc.)

With this information on hand designers and planners can make tradeoff decisions that will meet performance requirements and maintain subject equipment/system at a sustainable cost level.

PRODUCIBILITY:
This analysis is usually performed as part of the design concept development. Its purpose is to identify production risks early in the design process so that they may be mitigated or eliminated. Producibility is a key aspect of a successful design and must be addressed throughout the design process. Its goal is to match product characteristics with production process capabilities.

The producibility analysis is an assessment of the relative complexity of a proposed production process. It seeks to identify cost drivers and technological obstacles of the production process so that alternatives can be identified and incorporated into the design. The analysis reviews proposed assembly methods, assesses materials and compound characteristics, determines production line requirements, and recommends the use of alternative materials or processes, where appropriate.

Results are provided in narrative format that clearly identifies any production risks and their nature. We also recommend methods to eliminate risks, where appropriate.


Back to top.

Engineering Analyses



Engineering analyses including Reliability Prediction and Producibility Analysis. These analyses are usually part of developmental equipment programs. TRG conducts these analyses to indicate material, equipment, or process suitablity.

SUPPORTABILITY:
A supportability analysis is normally conducted during the early stages of equipment development to determine the supportability characteristics of the proposed design. The results serve as a broad index of expected support requirements for a given design. If projected support requirements exceed the stated threshold, it serves as a basis for design alterations. Supportability is the degree to which system design characteristics and planned logistics resources meet system operational requirements. Supportability characteristics include many performance measures of the individual elements of a total system. For example, Repair Cycle Time is a support system performance characteristic independent of the hardware system. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) are reliability and maintainability characteristics, respectively, of the system hardware, but their ability to impact operational support of the total system makes them also supportability characteristics.

A supportability analysis identifies support cost drivers by examining a design’s component materials, assembly method, functional characteristics, expected maintenance frequency and other, special requirements such as unique support equipment, storage, packaging, handling, and transportation requirements. Depending on the format requested, the supportability analysis results can be stated in narrative as well as quantitative terms.

RELIABILITY:
Reliability expresses the probability that an item can perform its intended function for a specified interval under defined conditions. The analysis initially yields predictions, to be replaced iteratively, as factual operating data becomes available, to indicate actual rates achieved. Reliability is always expressed in quantitative terms. The analysis can be conducted to any desired level of system component parts but is generally most useful if conducted to the major component level and expressed as system reliability, commensurate with the lowest rated component.

For analysis of standard components, TRG relies on published and frequently updated reliability data from recognized laboratories. This data is compiled, as appropriate, to yield a component or system rating. When a non-standard component is involved, the rating for a related item might be appropriate. Alternatively, the item can be further broken down into its constituent parts for separate analysis. The initial reliability analysis of items or components for which no data exists may be based on manufacturer bench testing data, to be iteratively updated as user data becomes available.

TRG has conducted reliability analysis on a great variety of systems including:

  • Multi-fuel Burners
  • Petroleum Testing Equipment
  • Microclimate Cooling Equipment

MAINTAINABILITY:
Maintainability expresses the intensity of effort and quantity of resources required to maintain subject equipment at a desired condition or state of readiness. It is an assessment of the suitability of an item to be retained in, or restored to, a specified condition when maintenance is performed by personnel having specified skill levels, using prescribed procedures and resources, at each designated level of maintenance and repair. This analysis is typically performed during the subject equipment/system design phase to determine the proposed design’s ability to meet life cycle cost objectives. Maintainability is directly influenced by the complexity of design, material and component selection, manner of assembly, intended use, and other variables.

The result of the analysis is expressed in quantitative terms of Mean-Time-to-Repair (MTTR), Mean-Man-Hours-To-Repair (MMTR), and a Maintenance Ratio.

TRG routinely conducts maintainability analyses for a great variety of equipment. By identifying cost drivers early in the design process and suggesting alternatives, the designer can make the necessary modifications to bring the design within acceptable thresholds. We identify the specific requirements necessary to maintain subject equipment/system at a desired readiness posture in the areas of:

  • Personnel (Number, Qualifications, Hours)
  • Training (Initial and sustainment training, Length, Frequency, Facilities)
  • Support Equipment (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Diagnostic and Test Equipment (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Common and Special Tools (Type, Quantity, Availability)
  • Facilities (Area and height dimensions, Requirements for lifting devices, Utilities, Ventilation, or Environmental requirements, etc.)

With this information on hand designers and planners can make tradeoff decisions that will meet performance requirements and maintain subject equipment/system at a sustainable cost level.

PRODUCIBILITY:
This analysis is usually performed as part of the design concept development. Its purpose is to identify production risks early in the design process so that they may be mitigated or eliminated. Producibility is a key aspect of a successful design and must be addressed throughout the design process. Its goal is to match product characteristics with production process capabilities.

The producibility analysis is an assessment of the relative complexity of a proposed production process. It seeks to identify cost drivers and technological obstacles of the production process so that alternatives can be identified and incorporated into the design.

The analysis reviews proposed assembly methods, assesses materials and compound characteristics, determines production line requirements, and recommends the use of alternative materials or processes, where appropriate.

Results are provided in narrative format that clearly identifies any production risks and their nature. We also recommend methods to eliminate risks, where appropriate.


Back to top.

Safety Assessment Reports



These reports are based on a functional analysis of subject equipment, and contain an assessment of the probability and severity of safety related incidents to be expected during normal use.

The TRG logistics team will be involved throughout the engineering process to ensure that all functional areas of the end item are designed with the health and safety of the end user given priority consideration. Materials chosen for the fabrication and assembly of components will be evaluated as to their handling safety should the end user be exposed to these materials during the operation or maintenance of the system.

As the system design evolves, the logistics team will review the entire employment cycle of the end item and evaluate each aspect of the cycle for impacts to health and safety. The system design will be analyzed with regard to its material composition as well as operating and maintenance procedures to determine apparent and potential safety issues. Identified safety concerns will be inventoried and reflected in a Safety Assessment Report (SAR) prepared in accordance with MIL-STD-882D. The SAR will identify the System Operation Safety Features as they pertain to safety controls, electrical safety, mechanical safety, material safety, and safety markings and labels.

Any safety hazards identified will be classified according to severity and probability of occurence as well as the life cycle phase during which this hazard is likely to occur.

Any health-related impact due to the handling of materials employed in the operation or maintainance of the end item will be listed and categorized as to their relative hazard to the operator or maintainer. Alternative materials will be identified and recommended to the designers for any material deemed a potential hazard to the user.


Back to top.


Engineering Drawings



TRG has been a reliable source of engineering drawings and associated technical documentation for over 30 years. As a long-time supplier of technical documentation to military clients, TRG personnel are proficient in the preparation of all types of engineering drawings including preliminary sketches, conceptual drawings, as well as Level III final production drawings. TRG is familiar with all commercial and military drawing specifications including ASME Y 14.100, and MIL-T-31000. Past projects have included the application of changes to existing drawings through the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process. TRG also produced the final production drawings for the Lightweight Maintenance Enclosure (LME), and several space heater projects. In addition, TRG has produced interface control drawings and descriptions for a commercial customer, specifying the installation of a microclimate cooling system into the Air Force F-15 and F-16 Aircraft.

TRG’s capabilities and strengths include:

  • Highly Experienced Staff
  • TRG personnel have an average of 15 years of DoD drawing preparation experience and an average of 8 years experience in the logistics support of shelters, food service equipment, Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE), and airdrop systems
  • Practical experience in areas of mechanical, electrical, packaging, structural, and fabric design
  • Proficiency with the latest design and drafting tools
  • State of the Art Hardware and Software
  • AutoCAD 2017
  • SolidWorks 2016
  • Diversified Drafting Capabilities
  • Design Drafting
  • Drawing and TDP Reviews
  • Incorporation of Required Changes
  • Physical Configuration Audits
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Textile-based design and drafting
  • Configuration Management
  • Repository Database Development and Maintenance
  • Review of Engineering Support Cases



Back to top.


Training Support Packages



TRG is an experienced developer of Training Support Packages used to support Instructor and Key Personnel Training (IKPT) as well as New Equipment Training (NET). We have developed and presented training at the unit, as well as service school level and have received written commendations from recipients. We are extremely proficient with the training requirements of each of the uniformed services and particularly the Automated Systems Approach to Training (ASAT).

The objective of the training support development effort is to prepare a training package suitable to support developmental and operational testing, and can be built upon to support IKPT and/or NET Training. Training Support Packages (TSP) usually consist of lesson plans, student guides, instructor guides, various graphic charts, handouts, technical manuals, and preferably, a video. We, at TRG believe that a well- developed video can be a key ingredient of a training package in that it visually reinforces the textual material presented.

The scope of each of our training packages is determined during the same task analysis conducted to identify the operating and maintenance procedures for a technical manual. In fact, for obvious reasons, procedures covered in a training package must be identical to those described in the technical manual. This concern is also applicable to the video script, which must closely follow the textual training materials and the technical manual.

As part of the normal training development process TRG prepares the instructor and student guides concurrently with the technical manual. These are also edited concurrently. Upon completion of the guides, the video script is prepared and lesson plans structured. Video production requires facilities and production level equipment to demonstrate handling, operating, transportation and maintenance procedures.

As with the creation of technical manuals, the extent of our provisioning experience has allowed us to systemize the process of preparing training packages, using efficient and cost effective ways to identify, assemble, correlate, the relevant material information required for inclusion. As a result, the preparation of training materials at TRG follows a series of predictable steps sequentially arranged for efficiency and avoidance of duplication.

When a training package is required, a designated training analyst joins the production team that effectively manages and coordinates the preparation of technical manuals and training materials from inception to final delivery. The team is familiar with the time required to produce the various technical manual and training products and coordinates the production of both to be available when needed.

We are committed to provide technically accurate training materials prepared to the cited specifications, on time, and within budget to our ever-growing community of customers.


Back to top.


Interactive Multimedia Instructional Courseware





TRG can develop an Interactive Multimedia Instructional (IMI) software application that functions as a totally self-contained training course on the operation and maintenance of the subject system. IMI are used for New Equipment Training as well as Sustainment Training.

The content of an IMI is drawn from the technical manual and/or lesson plans developed for the system and incorporate clips from a training video filmed specifically for the multimedia training package. The video clips will be topic oriented and will be integrated throughout the IMI software application.

The IMI is a screen-based computer experience organized by lesson module. The student experiences the courseware using a PC compatible computer running Microsoft Windows 98, XP, Vista, or Windows 7. The courseware can be resident on the student's computer or it can be uploaded for access on the Internet. The student moves through the courseware using onscreen navigational controls and menus.

The IMI is designed using computer and web-based interactive learning content development software that provides a completely immersive learning experience for the student, complete with checks on learning throughout. The learning software package is typically provided to the government on separate DVD’s; one for operational topics and one for maintenance.

The courseware will be Content Management System (CMS) Blackboard compatible as well as Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) compliant.

The software can be executed from the DVD installed in a desktop or laptop computer or can be uploaded to the Web for use as an web-based learning system.

Back to top.


Commercial Services



TRG provides a variety of services to industrial and commercial clients that are useful in the manufacturing process and enhance product appeal.

In the industrial area, TRG can prepare process instructions and user manuals that are concise, brief, but comprehensive in content, to describe the use of machinery, equipment or software. TRG supplies commercial clients with product assembly instructions, operator/user manuals and maintenance manuals. They are available in hardcopy or CD ROM format for overpack. These are well-organized publications that convey information in clear and concise language.

TRG can design websites that serve a variety of uses. Today, most business web sites take a marketing approach, while institutional sites most often have an informational character. Whatever the purpose, TRG can design a site that serves the objectives of our customers.

As a marketing tool, videos can highlight a series of products or focus on salient features of a single product. Video subjects can include hardware such as machinery or implements, as well as the application of processes or software programs.

Staff training is an important aspect of business. TRG can prepare comprehensive training programs that may be administered by a client or presented by a TRG team. Training packages can be created to facilitate a one-time informational presentation, or a formally structured program with built-in tools to measure student performance. Our well-rounded training programs are based on thorough research and use proven implements such as student guides, lesson plans with study material, instructor guides, supporting graphics material, videos, and hands-on exposure. In the marketing area TRG produces promotional material including brochures, newsletters, product descriptions, and videos.


Back to top.