Submarine Top-side Anti-Slip Anti-Foulant
STTR Opportunity Analysis
The Navy is seeking a non-toxic, high-friction anti-fouling coating for submarine topsides to reduce biofouling while preserving safe footing and underwater performance. The work calls for a coating or related application method that remains bonded to topside surfaces, discourages marine growth, and can advance from Phase I concept development into Phase II prototype testing and Phase III transition support. The solution must withstand alternating wet-dry cycles, solar radiation, atmospheric exposure, and foot and cargo traffic, while maintaining drag and noise performance and remaining effective for 6 to 8 years without major maintenance; initial demonstrations may use painted metal and fiberglass before testing on government-provided hull sections. The opportunity is pre-release, with release on May 6, 2026, opening on May 27, 2026, and applications due June 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC.