Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory has received a potential 10-year, $2.11 billion contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command to research and develop technology platforms to aid U.S. national security efforts.
“Under this new agreement, ARL scientists and engineers will expand their vital role developing research that advances science and promotes national security,†Neil Sharkey, vice president for research at Penn State, said in a statement published Thursday.
Penn State’s ARL is one of the 14Â Defense Department-designated University Affiliated Research Center laboratories.
The university noted that its laboratory conducts research programs in technology areas such as communications, cybersecurity, directed energy, electro-optics and information processing.
ARL also operates the Navigation Research and Development Center, which tests national systems for positioning, navigation and timing applications.
The laboratory also works with the U.S. Navy and industry partners to develop advanced materials and additive manufacturing methods.