BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT - BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND DIVING EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is soliciting pre-proposals and full proposals for applied biomedical research and diving equipment development. The primary areas of interest include diving and submarine escape and rescue, with a focus on improving diver health, safety, and performance, as well as submariner survivability in a disabled submarine. The program aims to develop and improve procedures, equipment, and medical treatments to increase Navy personnel safety and effectiveness. Proposals can be submitted by any governmental agency, commercial firm, individual, non-profit, or institution of higher education. Key aspects of the opportunity include: • Diving equipment development, such as breathing gas supply systems, decompression sickness prevention, and thermal protection. • Submarine escape and rescue, including rapid atmosphere assessment, oxygen toxicity mitigation, and accelerated decompression. • Biomedical research on the effects of diving on the human body, including hypercapnia, gas narcosis, and thermal stress. • Development of novel materials, systems, and procedures to support diving and submarine escape and rescue operations. Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, scientific merit, relevance to diving and submarine escape and rescue, overall value to the U.S. Government, and the likelihood of achieving success.