The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) is soliciting proposals for a demonstration project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and significantly reducing underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico. This initiative, part of the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program in collaboration with NOAA, seeks innovative technologies that integrate energy efficiency and URN reduction at the design stage rather than through retrofitting existing vessels. Eligible applicants include private entities, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and educational institutions, with funding available up to $500,000 for projects to be completed within 36 months. Interested parties must submit proposals, limited to 15 pages, within 60 days of this announcement, and can direct inquiries to Christian Onwudiegwu at christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov or Kelly Mitchell-Carroll at k.mitchell-carroll@dot.gov.