Navy launches $50M research fund for small business

The Navy is looking for research and development projects that can bring new technologies quickly to bear.

The projects need to be completed within 24-months but preference will be given to projects that bring the innovation to the warfighter within 12 months.

The service will give up to $3 million to small businesses. The fund has a budget of $50 million for the Rapid Innovation Fund.

The areas of interest include: energy security and independence, developing advanced materials, improving manufacturing technology and advancing microelectronics.

Some of the operational challenges include cybersecurity, ambush and sniper detection, information dominance, network security, and human social and cultural behavior training.

The Navy has only issued a pre-solicitation notice. White papers outlining individual proposals are due Jan. 10.