The aim of the Biotechnology for Naval Applications program is to discover and develop biologically based and bioengineered solutions to expand current Warfighter capabilities. The program is focused on two main lines of effort: Bioengineering & Biomanufacturing and Biomaterials, to enhance the durability, performance, and adaptability of naval assets while securing domestic supply chains.
Research Concentration Areas
Bioengineering & Biomanufacturing: Developing and utilizing bio-based and bio-inspired manufacturing methods for on-demand production of materials, chemicals, and composites to support naval needs. This includes establishing resilient domestic supply chains and enabling agile, austere manufacturing at the point-of-need.
Biomaterials: Creating and characterizing novel materials with advanced properties for naval applications. This includes developing advanced structural components, protective coatings, self-healing materials, and bio-integrated systems to enhance the performance and sustainability of next-generation weaponry and naval platforms.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
Resilient Domestic Supply Chains (On-Shore Production): Enhancing the US’s ability to domestically produce critical materials, reducing reliance on foreign sources and securing supply chains for defense needs.
Agile Austere Manufacturing (Point-of-Need Production): Enabling the warfighter to produce materials and solutions in the field, reducing logistical burdens and enabling rapid response to emerging needs.
Advanced Structural Materials for Naval Superiority: Developing biomaterials for advanced structural components, protective coatings, and self-healing materials, enhancing the durability, performance, and adaptability of naval assets.
Bio-Fabricated Materials for Advanced Weaponry: Developing advanced biomaterials and biomanufacturing techniques to enhance the performance, sustainability, and domestic production of next-generation weaponry components and systems.
How to Submit
For detailed application and submission information for this research topic, please refer to our broad agency announcement (BAA) No. N0001425SB001.
Contracts: All white papers and full proposals for contracts must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal; instructions are included in the BAA.
Grants: All white papers for grants must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal, and full proposals for grants must be submitted through grants.gov; instructions are included in the BAA.