USA: Navy Contracts ATI to Reduce Costs of Building, Operating and Repairing Ships

Advanced Technology International (ATI), an SCRA affiliate, announced a $7.75 million award in Navy funding to support the efforts of the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP).

NSRP, an ATI-managed, industry-government research and development (R&D) collaboration, works to reduce the cost of building, operating and repairing Navy ships. This award represents the first installment of $15 million in Navy funding anticipated for the current year.

The NSRP collaboration includes 12 major U.S. shipyards, Navy shipbuilding programs and related industry partners. Its research and development efforts create value for the industry & Navy through cost reductions, process improvements and technology advances. Projects are accomplished by teams of multiple shipyards, suppliers, academia and other supporting industries.

NSRP leverages public/private cooperation to manage cost-shared research and development based on a consensus Strategic Investment Plan which defines Navy and industry focus areas. The plan targets industry-wide technology and process improvements that have the highest potential to achieve gains in Navy ship affordability. The current primary focus areas, concurred in by both the program’s industry governing board and the Navy sponsors, are: improved quality in ship construction and/or repair, reduction in Total Ownership Cost of ships and improved energy efficiency and environmental impact in shipyards and ships.

Program officials are currently considering project proposals submitted earlier this year. They will meet at ATI’s North Charleston offices in mid-April to make final decisions on which projects will be awarded as part of a portfolio that is expected to be valued at about $20 million, funded by equal contributions from the Navy and industry project team members. Navy leadership has recently reasserted that the NSRP is one of the very few programs focused specifically on improving the affordability of building and repairing Navy ships.

“The renewed commitment by Navy leadership and industry executives to grow this national program that ATI has managed since its inception in 1998 is evidence of its value to the nation’s defense,” said ATI President Rick Self. “I look forward to ongoing projects that assist the Department of Navy in reducing costs and improving efficiencies in Naval Shipbuilding.”

“This recent installment of Navy funding reflects ATI’s excellent track record of extending mutually beneficial, long-term client relationships,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “We are honored to work with the Navy and our private and public partners to assist the Department of Defense.”

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Source: pr-usa, May 30 , 2011