R 011522Z MAR 21
MARADMIN 105/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/NAVAL RESEARCH WORKING GROUP 21 VIRTUAL MEETING//
REF/A/MSGID: NAVAL RESEARCH PROGRAM CHARTER/NAO, MCU/MAR2019//
AMPN/REF A IS THE NAVAL RESEARCH PROGRAM CHARTER.//
POC/FORBELL, DAVID/LTCOL/UNIT: NPS/TEL: (831) 656-2794/ EMAIL: NPS_NRP_POC@NPS.EDU//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This message announces and solicits research topics for the Naval Research Working Group (NRWG) 21, to be conducted from 20 - 22 April 2021 by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).  Note:  Due to coronavirus mitigation measures, NRWG 21 will be conducted in an entirely virtual event format.  Virtual NRWG event planning is underway; updated details will follow at https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/nrp/nrwg-21.
2.  Background:  NPSs Naval Research Program (NRP) consists of research projects that address current and future naval warfighting challenges.  The primary mechanism for obtaining NRP support is through participation at the annual NRWG meeting, which brings together Fleet topic sponsors, NPS faculty members, and students to discuss potential research topics and initiatives.  Research conducted through NRP will provide operationally relevant research experience for NPS faculty, thesis opportunities for NPS students, and actionable findings for the topic sponsors.
3.  NRWG 21 will develop a research agenda aligned to strategic documents such as the CNO Navigation Plan 2021, CNO Strategic Guidance (CNOG), CNO-identified Key Operational Problems (KOPs), 38th Commandants Planning Guidance (CPG), CPG Implementation Plan, and Force Design 2030.  Topics submitted for Fiscal Year (FY) 22 consideration should be derived from these documents, submissions that are outside of this guidance will be considered lower priority for selection and funding.
4.  NRWG 21 participants will include representatives from Navy and Marine Corps agencies who have research or analysis requirements, NPS students, and NPS faculty and staff.
5.  Topic sponsors should enter research topics in the topic portal on the NRP website https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/nrp/topic-portal no later than 24 March 2021.  A common access card (CAC) is required to log in.  As noted above, topics should closely align to service level strategic guidance.  For classified studies, enter an unclassified title in the portal and provide detailed contact information (Name, Phone, NIPR and SIPR email address, JWICS, and/or NSANet email addresses).  NPS faculty will contact your point of contact to coordinate receipt of classified details.  Additionally, the NRWG research topics will support decisions on long term change and guides near-term planning, programming (e.g., force employment, development - POM/7-year horizon, design - 15-year horizon, and future force - 25+year horizon) for the OPNAV N7 Analytic Master Plan (AMP).  To view the AMP details visit https:(slash)(slash)wiki.lift.mhpcc.hpc.mil/confluence/display/NAD.
6.  The NRWG will include development of Initial Research Estimate Forms (IREFs).  Topic sponsors and NPS Faculty should begin jointly scoping IREFs prior to NRWG.  Approved IREFs are forwarded to the Navy/Marine Corps Topic Review Board (TRB) for validation and prioritization.  The TRB will be coordinated via separate correspondence.
7.  For FY22, the NRP is pleased to announce the first annual Deckplate Innovation Study Challenge for details visit our site at https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/nrp/events.
8.  Additionally, the NRP is now accepting nominations for the annual Mills Medal.  The Mills Medal was founded through the NPS Foundation to recognize research, analysis, or service conducted under the auspices of the NRP that had a meritorious or conspicuous impact to a headquarters or fleet organization.  Topic sponsors can submit nominations at https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/nrp/millsmedal.
9.  Virtual working group sessions will begin on 20 April 2021.  Detailed schedule information and other important administrative details will be posted on the NRP website, https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/nrp/nrwg-21.
10.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Lewis A. Craparotta, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//