The U.S. Navy has created an organization within Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Division (IHD) that will evaluate explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment to address system capability gaps.
Naval Sea Systems Command said Thursday the Battle Lab's EOD Technology Assessment Branch houses engineering, scientific, program management and technical professionals tasked with reviewing commercial off-the-shelf platforms that could help military personnel identify and dispose of explosive threats.
The new unit will help the Navy determine equipment needs, develop requirements, manage buying processes and implement technologies within the division's areas of expertise.
“Given the significant increase in the private sector’s capability to deliver EOD relevant technology and the additional flexibility in defense acquisition authorities, the Navy and Joint Service EOD Technology Center are continuing to adapt to meet warfighter needs,” said Capt. Eric Correll, commanding officer of NSWC IHD.
He added that the Battle Lab will support product analysis efforts to help drive the branch's acquisition programs.