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Abstract

“Life Cycle Analysis Resources to Assess the Transition Potential of Technologies” by Dr. John La Scala, Ms. Heather DiCaprio and Mr. Michael Bruckner (SERDP ESTCP LCA Toolkit)

Within the DoW, the acquisition process for weapons systems and platforms includes system design, construction, sustainment, and disposal. Understanding the life cycle of weapons systems and platforms helps the DoW invest in more efficient and innovative technologies for the future. SERDP and ESTCP have developed a life cycle assessment (LCA) toolkit to assist in the performance of life cycle-based assessments that support project requirements for Principal Investigators. This webinar will present LCA and techno-economic analysis case studies, and provide an overview of resources contained in the toolkit to support consideration of life cycle impacts and costs. The case studies will provide examples relevant to SERDP and ESTCP projects, describe how to make process flow diagrams, and show typical inputs, outputs, and results. The presentation will showcase several resources, including data collection templates, training videos and short courses, example case studies, and tools to conduct LCAs in support of funded projects. The toolkit also contains support documents that provide descriptions of methods for analysis at different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). 

Speaker Biographies

Dr. John La Scala is the SERDP and ESTCP Program Manager for the Weapons Systems and Platforms program area. Prior to joining SERDP and ESTCP, John served as the Chief of the Manufacturing Sciences and Technology Branch in the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate of the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory. Throughout his career, John worked on bio-based thermosetting resins for adhesives and coatings and environmentally-friendly polymers for composites, adhesives, coatings, and additive manufacturing applications. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work on polymers including the 2013 Presidential Green Chemistry and Engineering Challenge Award for Renewable Thermosets and the 2010 ESTCP Project of the Year. John is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia and a doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware.

Ms. Heather DiCaprio is a lead engineer at Noblis where she supports government clients in sustainability, acquisition planning, and policy analysis. Heather specializes in LCA methodologies used to evaluate environmental and economic impacts across complex systems. She has developed multiple LCA modeling tools, including environmentally extended input‑output models that integrate valuation techniques for policy and investment analyses. Heather received a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign.

Mr. Michael Bruckner is a senior principal at Noblis where he provides technical leadership on life cycle and policy‑focused analyses supporting DoW decision‑making. He has more than 16 years of experience performing new technology evaluations, LCAs, and supply chain tenability analyses. Mike’s work includes developing DoW circularity assessments for materials and installations and contributing to DoW guidance related to systems engineering and the integration of LCA into weapon system acquisition. Since 2024, Mike has served on the Board of Directors of the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering from Louisiana State University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of New Orleans, and a master’s degree in management from Harvard University.