Strategic Environmental Research Program

The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative focused on advanced technology development to address environmental challenges across military installations. Established by Congress in 1990, SERDP's primary objective is to invest in applied research that enhances the resilience, sustainability, and operational capability of DoD locations worldwide. The program issues competitive solicitations to government agencies, academia, and industry, ensuring high-quality research that directly supports military readiness and mission assurance.

SERDP operates in close coordination with the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), its sister program responsible for demonstrating and validating SERDP-developed technologies in operational settings. This partnership streamlines the transition of promising research into practical, field-ready solutions, reducing duplication of effort and maximizing the impact of DoD investments. SERDP's cross-Service approach ensures that solutions address the most pressing and shared challenges faced by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

Environmental Restoration (ER) is a major focus area within SERDP, with the goal of developing technologies to detect, assess, and remediate harmful chemicals, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), at military installations. The program prioritizes research that enables bases to maintain operational capacity while managing environmental contaminants. Recent and planned efforts include the development of rapid on-site PFAS sensors, advanced destruction technologies for PFAS and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) residues, and studies on the ecological impacts of PFAS. These projects aim to minimize the impact of environmental restoration on military activities and ensure continued readiness.

Munitions Response (MR) addresses the detection and removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in underwater environments, which is critical for maintaining safe access to training and operational areas. SERDP has developed advanced acoustic, electromagnetic, and optical sensor systems for UXO detection and classification, significantly reducing remediation time and improving safety. As research in munitions burial and mobility concludes, mature technologies are being transitioned to ESTCP for demonstration at live sites. This supports the DoD's ability to clear hazards efficiently and maintain training availability.

Natural Hazards and Installation Resilience (NHIR) (formerly Resource Conservation and Resilience) focuses on protecting DoD's training and testing land from natural hazards such as wildfires, flooding, and invasive species. The program develops technologies and models to enhance installation resilience, manage natural resources, and mitigate disaster risks. Current efforts include advancing wildfire management tools, improving models for installation system resilience to hurricanes and wildfires, and developing conservation strategies for threatened and endangered species. This work ensures that training lands remain available and operational, directly supporting mission readiness.

Weapons Systems and Platforms (WP) research is aimed at developing advanced materials and technologies to secure access to critical military assets, reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Projects include the development of PFAS-free firefighting foams, alternatives to fluorinated polymers in energetics, corrosion-mitigating coatings, and closed destruction technologies for demilitarizing energetic materials. These innovations support the maintenance and reliability of weapons systems and platforms, reduce environmental risks, and enhance the sustainability of the defense industrial base.