[Office of Naval Research](https://www.onr.navy.mil/)

May 23, 2025 (White Paper) | June 23, 2025 (Full Proposal)

Up to $250,000 for 12 months; possible 12-month option for a total of up to $500,000.

Supports international, multidisciplinary AI research to advance maritime security, with a focus on scene perception for unmanned maritime systems.

Lead PI must be from a non-U.S. institution; U.S. partners allowed but not required.

--- ## Description The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global is soliciting proposals for the GlobalX Innovation Joint Challenge: AI for Advancing Maritime Security. This challenge seeks innovative, multidisciplinary research to develop artificial intelligence solutions that enhance scene perception and operational context understanding for unmanned maritime systems (UxVs). The goal is to accelerate the development of revolutionary, dual-use capabilities with both military and commercial value, addressing complex maritime security scenarios. The challenge is a collaboration between ONR Global and the Singapore Ministry of Defence, targeting international research teams. Proposals should focus on novel AI algorithms and scenario construction (simulation or physical) for UxVs (surface, underwater, or airborne), with deliverables including datasets and proof-of-concept demonstrations. --- ## Due Dates - **White Paper Submission:** May 23, 2025, 17:00 SST - **Notification of White Paper Valuation:** May 29, 2025 - **Proposal Pitch Day:** June 4, 2025 - **Notification of Selection:** June 16, 2025 - **Full Proposal Submission:** June 23, 2025, 17:00 SST - **Grant Award (anticipated):** June 30, 2025 White paper submission is highly encouraged but not required for full proposal submission. --- ## Funding Amount - **Initial Award:** Up to $250,000 for a 12-month period. - **Optional Extension:** At ONR Global’s discretion, an additional 12 months may be awarded, for a total maximum of $500,000. - **Number of Awards:** One or more, depending on proposal quality and available funds. --- ## Eligibility - **Lead Institution:** Must be a non-U.S.-based research entity (academia, industry, or broader scientific community). - **Team Composition:** Multinational, multidisciplinary teams are encouraged. U.S.-based non-federal entities may participate as partners but cannot serve as lead. - **Applicant Restrictions:** Organizations/individuals subject to U.S. sanctions or otherwise excluded from U.S. Government business are ineligible. - **Prime Awardee:** Only the lead PI’s institution (outside the U.S.) will receive the award and is responsible for all grant management and sub-awards. --- ## Application Process 1. **White Paper (Recommended):** - 5-page maximum (plus required quad chart and spreadsheet). - Submit by email to usn.ncr.onrghq.list.grantsproposals@us.navy.mil with subject: “N0001425SBC03 GlobalX Challenge White Paper Submission”. - Use provided templates ([White Paper Template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20Challenge%20White%20Paper%20Template%20Attachment%201.docx), [Quad Chart](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20Quad%20Chart%20Template-%20Attachment%202.pptx), [Spreadsheet](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20White%20Paper%20Data-%20Attachment%203.xlsx)). - White papers will be reviewed for invitation to Proposal Pitch Day or full proposal submission. 2. **Proposal Pitch Day (Invitation Only):** - Shortlisted teams may be invited to present their concepts to ONR Global technical experts. 3. **Full Proposal:** - May be submitted by any applicant, regardless of white paper submission or Pitch Day participation. - Submit via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358680) under BAA number N0001425SBC03. - SAM registration is required for Grants.gov submission. 4. **Award and Reporting:** - Initial 12-month period for proof-of-concept. - Optional 12-month extension possible. - Regular progress and final reports required. --- ## Additional Information - **Challenge Focus:** AI-enabled scene perception for UxVs in maritime environments, including: - Traffic management (vessel detection/classification) - Collision detection/avoidance - Anomaly detection and lifelong learning (e.g., piracy, smuggling) - Port security and surveillance - **Deliverables:** Maritime scenario dataset, technical details of AI algorithms, and demonstration of concept. - **Exclusions:** Proposals duplicating existing programs, offering only incremental improvements, or focused on modernization of current systems are not eligible. - **Resources:** Webinar recording, guidelines, and FAQs are available on the [ONR Global website](https://www.nre.navy.mil/organization/onr-global). --- ## External Links - [ONR Global Funding Opportunities](https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities) - [Full Announcement & Documents (Grants.gov)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358680) - [White Paper Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20Challenge%20White%20Paper%20Template%20Attachment%201.docx) - [Quad Chart Template (PPTX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20Quad%20Chart%20Template-%20Attachment%202.pptx) - [White Paper Data Spreadsheet (XLSX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/N0001425SBC03%20GlobalX%20White%20Paper%20Data-%20Attachment%203.xlsx) - [Challenge Guidelines & FAQ](https://www.nre.navy.mil/organization/onr-global) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Notes | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Dr. Joel Goodman (Primary Technical POC) | joel.i.goodman.civ@us.navy.mil | | | Ms. Christine Buzzell (Supplemental Technical POC) | christine.m.buzzell.civ@us.navy.mil | | | Dr. Richard Yamada (Supplemental Technical POC) | yujiro.r.yamada.civ@us.navy.mil | | | Mr. Keith Hines (Science Advisor) | keith.e.hines.civ@us.navy.mil | | | ONR Global Grants Team (Business POC) | [usn.ncr.onrghq.list.grantsproposals@us.navy.mil](mailto:usn.ncr.onrghq.list.grantsproposals@us.navy.mil) | For all application and process questions | For general ONR inquiries: - [ONR Contact Page](https://www.onr.navy.mil/media-center/contact-onr) - Phone: (703)-696-5031 ---

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call N0001425SBC03 For Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global Opportunity: GlobalX Innovation Joint Challenge: AI for Advancing Maritime Security

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