Neutralization In Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects (NICELE)

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Description

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking research and development proposals for technologies that enable the neutralization of deep water mines and water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIEDs) in challenging marine environments. The focus is on payloads deliverable by divers and/or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), with the goal of enhancing the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) forces. Technologies developed may transition to the Navy’s EOD Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) program of record.

Key technical areas include:

• Novel deep water mine prosecution and neutralization technologies
• ROV and diver teaming for payload delivery
• Target sensing and localization (including internal components)
• Energetic and reactive tools for operations at depth
• Extended-range communication, control, and collaboration with ROVs
• Supervised autonomy and environmental adaptation for increased operator standoff

The program encourages innovative approaches that improve standoff, reliability, and operational effectiveness in hazardous, expeditionary undersea environments.

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Due Dates

• Jan 10, 2025: Deadline to submit visit requests for Industry Day (required for attendance)
• Jan 31, 2025: Industry Day (classified, in-person, Atlanta, GA)
• Mar 20, 2025: Recommended white paper submission deadline (strongly encouraged)
• Apr 15, 2025: Notification of white paper evaluation
• May 12, 2025: Recommended full proposal submission deadline
• May 27, 2025: Notification of selection for full proposals
• Oct 10, 2025: Estimated award date

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Funding Amount

• Award Size: Not specified in the announcement; both grants and contracts will be considered.
• Project Duration: 3 to 5 years is typical.
• Cost Sharing: No cost sharing or matching required.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants: All responsible sources from academia, industry, and the research community worldwide.
  • HBCUs and Minority Institutions are encouraged to apply, but no set-aside is provided.
  • Both small and large businesses are encouraged.
  • Not Eligible: Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), Department of Energy National Labs, Navy labs, military universities, warfare centers, and other DoD/civilian agency labs (though teaming with eligible offerors is allowed if permitted).
  • University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply unless precluded by their DoD contract.
• International Applicants: Eligible, unless otherwise restricted by U.S. law.
• Teams: Teaming and collaboration are encouraged; offerors must be willing to share data and software as part of an integrated program.

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Application Process

1. Industry Day (Optional but Recommended)

• Date: Jan 31, 2025, Atlanta, GA (Georgia Tech Research Institute)
• Registration Deadline: Jan 10, 2025 (SECRET clearance required; U.S. citizens only)
• Purpose: Provides detailed program information and white paper submission guidance.

2. White Paper Submission (Strongly Encouraged)

• Deadline: Mar 20, 2025 (recommended)
• Format: Max 5 pages (plus cover, references, PI resume); PDF or Word
• Content: Technical concept, naval relevance, operational concept, assessment plan, ROM cost, PI resume
• Submission: Via FedConnect and confirmation email to the ONR research area POC (see ONR website for details)
• Feedback: Notification by Apr 15, 2025; feedback indicates likelihood of funding but is not binding

3. Full Proposal Submission

• Deadline: May 12, 2025 (recommended)
• Submission:
  • Grants: via Grants.gov
  • Contracts: per ONR BAA instructions
• Review: Proposals may be submitted even if no white paper was submitted or if the white paper was not encouraged.

4. Award Notification and Start

• Selection Notification: May 27, 2025 (expected)
• Award Date: Oct 10, 2025 (expected)

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Additional Information

• Industry Day: All briefings are classified SECRET; no electronic devices allowed; advance clearance verification required.
• Small Business Subcontracting: Large businesses and non-profits must submit a subcontracting plan for contracts; ONR will facilitate connections with interested small businesses.
• Questions: Submit in writing to the technical or business POCs; answers will be posted as amendments after Industry Day.

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External Links

• ONR Funding Announcements (All)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Page
• ONR BAA Announcements
• ONR How to Apply: Grants
• ONR How to Apply: Contracts

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Contact Information

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