The U.S. Navy has exercised a $474.3 million contract option with the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory to continue providing research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation support across several core maritime science and technology areas through October 2030.
The Navy’s decision to extend major research work with APL highlights how rapidly advancing maritime science is reshaping U.S. defense priorities. At the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29, senior leaders, researchers and technologists will break down what these investments mean for undersea systems, sensing, modeling and the next wave of mission-driven innovation. Secure your spot to hear how cutting-edge research is being translated into real operational advantage.
What Work Does the APL Contract Option Cover?
Structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification, the award extends the Navy’s existing contract with APL and specifically funds work in disciplines central to the laboratory’s core competency areas, such as experimental oceanography, acoustic propagation, underwater instrumentation, marine corrosion, acoustic and related systems, signal processing and simulation capabilities, the Department of Defense said Thursday. The work, which will be performed in Seattle, Washington, will support various programs of the DOD and other government agencies.
Funding will be applied at the task-order level and may come from multiple program offices and DOD components, depending on the nature of the individual research requirements.
The award was issued under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(3), which allows for noncompetitive awards when industrial mobilization, unique engineering or research capabilities, or expert services are required.
Related Articles
Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford will officially assume leadership of the Defense Contract Management Agency, or DCMA, after being confirmed by the Senate. DCMA said Thursday Tedford was also promoted to vice admiral as part of his Senate confirmation. “Rear Adm. Tedford is an exceptionally experienced naval aviator, engineer, commander and program manager,” said Sonya Ebright, acting director of DCMA. “I look forward to his leadership and know that DCMA will be in great hands.” According to a congressional notice, the Senate confirmed Tedford as director of DCMA in October. Who Is Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford? Tedford currently serves as program
The Defense Information Systems Agency has awarded an other transaction agreement worth approximately $931 million to advance data center modernization under the Defense Cloud Instance, or DCI, initiative. Be part of the conversation shaping government and military technology at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Hear from experts on AI, cyber and enterprise IT. Sign up today to secure your spot! DISA said Thursday the OTA will expand global infrastructure capacity to support capabilities across all services in various operational theaters. According to the agency, the effort is a core element of the DISA Cloud
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a Common Automation Platform, or CAP, that would give air traffic controllers access to flight data and facilitate the movement of aircraft from one facility to another. What Is FAA’s Common Automation Platform Plan? The agency said Thursday that CAP will consolidate the En Route Automation Modernization, or ERAM, system and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, also known as STARS. FAA is not the only agency in the process of modernizing its legacy systems. Learn more about ongoing modernization initiatives across the government at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on