Standards Development

The Standards Development program, funded under PE 0604215N, is a Navy-wide research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on addressing metrology-related challenges for Navy weapon systems, shipboard platforms, Naval Air, and Fleet Ground Marines. The primary objective of this program is to develop and maintain calibration standards encompassing equipment, procedures, and technical data that are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of Navy systems. The program also supports the Navy's unique and lead service responsibilities within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Joint Services Metrology Research Programs, ensuring that calibration solutions are both innovative and cost-effective.

Within this program, the Calibration Standards line item is the central focus, with specific goals to resolve issues related to safety, obsolescence, support for new and emerging technologies, and cost reduction. The project develops measurement requirements and calibration standards that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring the accuracy and reliability of all test systems used to validate Navy weapon systems. This traceability is critical for sustaining system performance and supporting maintenance activities across the fleet.

Key objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include the continued development of advanced calibration hardware and standards in several technological areas. Notable projects include the development of fiber optic return loss standards and fiber optic time-of-flight system upgrades to support shipboard communications and missile launch systems. Additional efforts focus on high energy laser beam profiler and high energy laser irradiance measurement standards to ensure the performance and lethality of directed energy weapons. The program also supports the creation of LiDAR 3D scanner calibration standards for shipbuilding applications and 3D printer measurement standards to enable on-demand, high-quality parts production for maintenance and repair.

Additional objectives include the development of nuclear magnetic resonance replacement standards for electrical and electronic measurement technologies, which are vital for the operational readiness and safety of submarines, surface ships, and aircraft carriers. The program also advances coaxial microcalorimeter power calibration standards to enhance threat detection and support systems such as the Joint Strike Fighter and other Navy aircraft. These efforts are complemented by projects in chemical and biological defense, such as organic solvent cleaning and cleanliness verification for oxygen test instruments and biodetector calibration for bio-aerosol sensors, which are critical for safety of flight, operational readiness, and treaty compliance.

The program further aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs through initiatives like measurement uncertainty automation, which seeks to automate the development and management of calibration procedures for thousands of Navy calibration standards and test equipment models. The metrology bench top project focuses on automating physical and mechanical calibration methods, significantly impacting fleet calibration readiness and supporting a wide range of equipment used in shore, air, and sea-based operations.

Strategically, the Standards Development program emphasizes joint collaboration within the Tri-Services, integrating development efforts to meet universal requirements and eliminate duplication. This approach ensures that common capabilities are achieved at minimal cost, providing high-quality, best-value metrology and calibration products for the Navy. The program's acquisition strategy involves in-service engineering and the development of unique, non-commercial hardware standards across six key technological thrust areas: physical/mechanical, electro-optical, analytical metrology, electrical/electronic systems, chemical/biological defense, and microwave/millimeter wave.