Navy approaches industry for ideas on how to counter directed energy weapons

ARLINGTON, Va., 1 Oct. 2009. The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Arlington, Va., is interested in receiving research proposals on the best technologies for Counter Directed Energy Weapons (CDEW) to protect Navy and Marine Corps ships, submarines, aircraft, and other weapons from directed-energy weapons such as high energy laser technology, non-lethal weapons like laser "dazzlers," high power microwave transmitters, particle beam technology, or pulsed high power electromagnetic systems.

Navy leaders also want advice from industry and academia on whether new systems are necessary for this purpose, or if existing Navy weapons may provide solutions to countering directed-energy threats. Pulsed high power electromagnetic systems can create effects similar to electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which results for nuclear explosions.

Examples of the research the Navy wants from this broad agency announcement (BAA 09-036)include investigating how to protect anti-aircraft missiles from laser weapons, how to shield the human body from high-power microwaves or other directed-energy weapons, and how to identify and defeat suspected enemy directed-energy weapon sites.

To narrow the focus of this research effort, Navy scientists will not consider proposals that involve counter-jamming, counter-improvised explosive devices (C-IED), electronics protection from EMP, or ways to mitigate radiological effects from nuclear, biological, or radiological weapons.

The total amount of contract and grand awards for this program may be as much as $15 million over the six years from 2010 to 2015.

Full proposals are due to ONR no later than 2 p.m. eastern time on 10 April 2010, so interested companies and colleges have more than six months to consider and refine their submissions. Final proposals must be sent by post to the Office of Naval Research, attention: Peter Morrison, ONR Department Code**: 35, 875 North Randolph St., Arlington, Va., 22203-1995.

For technical questions contact Peter Morrison by post at the address above, or by e-mail at [email protected]. For business-related questions, contact Jeff Wellen at ONR by phone at 703-696-0157, or by e-mail at [email protected]. For business questions also contact ONR's Casey Ross by phone at 703-696-7826.

More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=676ea3eacdce2776ee052a193c2a18e7&tab=core&_cview=0.

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-- Posted by John Keller, [email protected]. www.milaero.com.