Announcement for Upcoming 2027 NSRP R&D Project Solicitations

The National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) Executive Control Board, operating under the Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command, is soliciting research and development proposals addressing shipbuilding and sustainment technologies and processes to enhance efficiency across the U.S. shipyard industrial base. The program will issue two types of solicitations: Research Announcement (RA-27) projects and Fiscal Year 2027 Panel Projects. All NSRP projects must include participation by at least one U.S. shipyard participant, and offerors are encouraged to submit R&D ideas early through an online Idea Submission Form on NSRP.org to facilitate collaboration with member shipyards. The evaluation criteria emphasize innovation in shipbuilding efficiency and the strength of partnerships with U.S. shipyards. Key dates include an estimated release of the RA-27 solicitation in March-April 2026 with summary proposals due in mid-July 2026, technical evaluation in late July/early August 2026, and virtual presentations with ECB selection in September 2026; the FY27 Panel Project solicitation is estimated for release in April 2026 with white papers due in late August 2026, panel voting and down-select in late September 2026, and final ECB selection in November 2026.

This pre-solicitation notice does not designate any set-aside categories. The RA-27 projects have a 50% cost share requirement that is waived for small businesses under NAICS 541715, non-profits, and academic institutions, though these organizations may voluntarily contribute cost share to enhance competitiveness. Panel projects carry a program funding ceiling of $200,000 and require U.S. shipyard participation, with preference given to proposals involving multiple shipyards. Potential offerors should note that ideas submitted within the final two weeks of the solicitation period have limited success prospects, making early submission advisable. Both solicitations will be formally announced on SAM.gov and posted on the NSRP website (www.nsrp.org) upon release, with the pre-solicitation notice indicating that the December 1, 2026 date listed in SAM.gov is not the actual proposal deadline; instead, the precise submittal dates will be posted on the NSRP website.