The National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) is soliciting research announcement (RA) summary proposals. The NSRP is a collaboration of eight U.S. shipyards with the mission of employing a unique collaborative framework to manage, focus, develop, and share research and development and leverage best practices in shipbuilding and ship repair, and meeting future demand of the U.S. Navy and other national security customers.

The NSRP is looking for projects that will:

• Reduce total ownership cost of ships.
• Improve quality in ship design, construction and repair through continuous improvement of advanced technologies, processes and data management applications.
• Enhance workforce and compliance excellence.
• Reduce cost associated with ship systems integration during ship design, construction, modernization and maintenance.
• Identify best practices from all sources regarding digital technologies and their appropriate application to shipbuilding and repair systems and equipment.

RA projects have no budget limit, can last up to two years and require 50% cost share (newly waived for small businesses, nonprofits and academia). Also a new requirement this year, RA projects will require 2 U.S.-based shipyards. Teaming is encouraged. An award budget of $8 million to $10 million is anticipated. Potential proposers are encouraged to review the RA proposal process. Visit www.nsrp.org for information regarding this solicitation, specific focus areas and the RA summary proposals.

Summary proposals are due to E32 by close of business on May 30.

NNS associates interested in developing a summary proposal for this solicitation should contact Elmer Dickens (E32) at 757-688-9079 and read B-1005, CRAD procedure for more details. All NNS project ideas must be submitted through the Research and Development website. Proposers will be notified in December 2024 of the decision regarding selection. Contracts will be awarded in the March 2025 time frame.