Neutralization In Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects (NICELE)
Developing effective deep water mine and improvised explosive device neutralization payloads for U.S. Navy's ExMCM forces via diver/ROV delivery, potentially enhancing EOD MESR program.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Office of Naval Research has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Due Dates: Jan 10, 2025 (Industry Day Registration) | Mar 20, 2025 (White Paper Recommended) | May 12, 2025 (Full Proposal Recommended)
Funding Amounts: Award size not specified; typical project duration is 3–5 years; both grants and contracts may be issued.
Summary: Supports R&D of diver/ROV-delivered payloads to neutralize deep water mines and WBIEDs for U.S. Navy ExMCM forces, with potential transition to operational EOD programs.
Key Information: Industry Day (classified, U.S. citizens only) is Jan 31, 2025; white papers are strongly encouraged but not required.
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.
