NSRP puts out presolicitation

The National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) has put out a presolicitation notice for its advanced shipbuilding enterprise (ASE) program. When it gets "reasonable assurance" (probably in late summer) that FY11 funds will be provided, plans are to issue a formal research announcement. It will be posted at www.nsrp.org and will solicit proposals for research, development and implementation of best practices that will achieve one or more of the following:

improved first time quality in ship construction and/or repair

reduction in total ownership cost of ships

improved energy efficiency and/or environmental impact in shipyards and/or ships

Teaming arrangements are encouraged. At least one U.S. shipyard should be substantially involved in each project, normally in a leadership role. Exceptions to this may be considered on a case by case basis.

As funding is limited, only proposals considered to be of superior quality will be funded. It is anticipated that approximately $10 - 12 million will be available for the first year of new NSRP ASE program awards for this solicitation cycle based on expected budget actions; however, there is no guarantee of this funding level.

Point of contact: melissa.ingram@ati.org