UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —  The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State (ARL) was recently awarded a $734 million cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command for research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation in support of programs throughout the Department of Defense (DOD) within its core competency areas.

Collectively, ARL has been awarded more than $2.1 billion, the largest research award the University has received to date. The work is expected to be completed by February 2028.

ARL is a key developer of guidance and control technologies for undersea systems and vehicles, accomplishes prototyping of novel power and energy systems, and performs state-of-the-art research in computational fluid dynamics. In addition, ARL leads research programs in the areas of communications, information processing, cybersecurity, electro-optics, and directed energy. ARL operates the Navigation Research and Development Center for the test and evaluation of our nation’s most precise positioning, navigation, and timing systems. ARL is a center of excellence in materials and manufacturing and supports both industry and the U.S. Navy with advanced materials and development of additive manufacturing technologies.  

“With our 78-year history, ARL’s decades of institutional knowledge positions us to be uniquely successful as we research cutting edge technology.  We’re proud to continue our mission of improving national security through research, discovery, and innovation,” said ARL Executive Director Allan Sonsteby.

About the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State, a University Affiliated Research Center, was established in 1945 at the request of the U.S. Navy. ARL supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technological demonstration and successful transition to application.