Neutralization In Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects (NICELE)
This grant provides funding for innovative technologies that enhance the detection and neutralization of underwater threats, targeting researchers and companies specializing in explosive ordnance disposal and underwater robotics.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released an amended special program announcement under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call Number N0001425SBC02 for a research opportunity titled "Neutralization in Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects" (NICELE). This initiative falls within the purview of the Seabed and Underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal program and aligns with the Long Range BAA for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology. The program’s focus is to enhance the detection, access, manipulation, and neutralization of seabed and in-volume targets in complex undersea environments, particularly emphasizing high lethality and streamlined delivery in deep water settings. The NICELE program aims to develop innovative technologies deployable by divers or Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can neutralize threats such as deep-water mines and Water-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIEDs). The primary objectives include enabling neutralization capabilities through detonation, deflagration, or safe rendering; localizing deep-sea targets including their internal components; and improving communication and control over ROVs from extended ranges to support supervised autonomy and collaborative operations. Technologies from this program may transition to the existing EOD Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) program. An Industry Day will be held on January 31, 2025, at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta, GA, for interested participants. Attendees must be U.S. citizens with a valid security clearance. The Industry Day is intended to facilitate technical discussions and share submission requirements for white papers. Questions submitted before the event will be addressed there, and all sessions will be classified at the SECRET level. White paper submissions, though not mandatory, are highly encouraged and are due via FedConnect by March 20, 2025. White papers will be evaluated for their relevance and potential value to the Navy, with feedback provided by April 15, 2025. Full proposals are due by June 9, 2025, and both grants and contracts are anticipated to be awarded, with project start dates expected around November 21, 2025. Proposals should follow the guidance in the Long Range BAA N0001425SB001 and be submitted through Grants.gov for grants or per Appendix 2 for contracts. All participants submitting white papers or proposals are advised to avoid password-protected or zip files and must send a confirmation email upon submission. Questions related to the announcement must be directed in writing to the technical or contracting points of contact. Answers will be posted as amendments to relevant federal and ONR web portals. Small businesses interested in subcontracting are invited to submit their details to the ONR Small Business Director for posting on the ONR website to facilitate networking with large contractors.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
All responsible sources from academia, industry and the research community worldwide may submit proposals under this BAA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals; however, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCUs/MIs, small businesses or other socio-economic participation. All businesses, both small and large, are encouraged to submit proposals and compete for funding consideration. Federally Funded Research Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal Offerors are allowed so long as such arrangements are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC. Navy laboratories, military universities and warfare centers as well as other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this BAA and should not directly submit either white papers or full proposals in response to this BAA. If any such organization is interested in one or more of the programs described herein, the organization should contact an appropriate ONR Technical POC to discuss its area of interest. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible to submit proposals under this BAA unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contract. Teams are also encouraged and may submit proposals in any areas; however, Offerors must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data and other information in an integrated program with other contractors, as well as with system integrators, selected by ONR. Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, DoD may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
December 11, 2024
Application Closes
June 9, 2025
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