Ship Concept Advanced Design

The Ship Concept Advanced Design program (PE 0603563N) is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the analytical, technical, and design foundations for future naval ship platforms, systems, and supporting infrastructure. The objective is to ensure the Navy maintains a modern, capable, and affordable fleet by investing in early-stage concept development, technology integration, and cross-platform solutions. This program element funds a diverse portfolio of projects, each targeting specific aspects of ship design, technology maturation, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainment.

Project 2196: Design, Tools, Plans and Concepts provides the analytical backbone for Navy force structure and capability decisions. Its goals include total ship system engineering, technology integration, cost estimation, and mission effectiveness analysis for all future surface ship platforms. This project supports both long-term and near-term force planning through the Future Surface Combatant Force (FSCF) Analysis and the Naval Capability Integration Process (NCIP). It also funds the development of advanced ship design tools and workforce development initiatives, such as the Collaborative, Enduring, Concepts and Tools (COLLECT) effort, to ensure the Navy has the technical expertise and analytic capacity to support evolving requirements.

Project 3161: NAVSEA Tech Authority supports the development of cross-platform ship and weapon system technologies, standards, and engineering tools. The Cross Platform Systems Development (CPSD) Program within this project focuses on reducing costs and risks through technical innovation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, condition-based maintenance, and ship technology improvements. Efforts include the transition of Additive Manufacturing and Learning to Action Board (L2AB) firefighting initiatives to dedicated program elements for improved transparency, and the continued development of maintenance optimization strategies like Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+).

Project 3244: Cybersecurity Engineering addresses the growing need for robust cybersecurity across all afloat Navy platforms. The project funds the SABER (Situational Awareness Boundary Enforcement and Response) system, which provides network boundary defense and situational awareness for shipboard systems, and HAVEN, a secure operating environment for rapid software deployment and system restoration. USS SECURE offers a test and evaluation capability for distributed system-of-systems cybersecurity testing, supporting acquisition and operational programs in validating cyber protection measures.

Project 3376: Strategic Sealift is dedicated to developing new concepts and technologies for future strategic sealift and seabasing systems. This includes improving shipboard cargo handling, enhancing vessel survivability, and advancing Logistics-Over-the-Shore (LOTS) equipment. Efforts focus on shipboard crane and cargo system improvements, the At-Sea Reload Vehicle (ASRV) demonstration, and the installation of environmental and ship motion forecasting systems on key vessels. The project also supports ongoing research into sealift vessel survivability and inter-theater munitions transport concepts.

Project 3505: Maritime Prepositioning Force Next (MPF(X)) aims to recapitalize the aging BOBO Class maritime prepositioning ships by supporting the new construction phase of the Navy's three-phase sealift recapitalization approach. Activities include completing an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), developing a Capability Development Document (CDD), and preparing industry studies to define requirements for future prepositioning ships that align with evolving force concepts such as Distributed Maritime Operations.

Project 4045: Next Generation Medium Logistics Ship (NGLS/T-AOL) supports the design and development of a new class of logistics ships to augment the Combat Logistics Force. The NGLS will provide flexible, distributed refueling, rearming, and resupply capabilities in contested environments, supporting both afloat and ashore operations. Funding supports the transition from concept refinement to detail design and construction planning, including the preparation of milestone documentation and requests for proposal.

Project 5010: AS(X) Submarine Tender focuses on the recapitalization and modernization of submarine tenders to support current and future submarine classes, including VIRGINIA and COLUMBIA. The project funds acquisition documentation, preliminary and detail design, and integration of new capabilities to ensure expeditionary tending, resupply, and repair operations can be sustained in forward-deployed environments.

Project 9999: Congressional Adds includes targeted funding for critical protection technology for cybersecurity, forward-deployed 3D printing materials, naval expeditionary sustainment and repair, and maintenance technologies supporting operational readiness. These congressional adds address specific capability gaps and emerging needs identified by Congress, such as enhancing supply chain resilience, improving shipboard repair technologies, and advancing maintenance automation and planning tools.