Coast Guard Teams Up for Robot Boats in Sea Security
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Coast Guard is teaming up with Saronic Technologies to test robot boats (Uncrewed Surface Vessels) for keeping our seas safe and secure. They want your thoughts by December 18, 2025, and are open to other groups joining the research. This partnership aims to make maritime missions smarter and more reliable without spending extra taxpayer money right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CRADA Enables Tech Transfer to Industry
The Coast Guard says the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is intended to promote transfer of technology to the private sector for commercial use. If you are a company, this CRADA can create opportunities to commercialize USV (uncrewed surface vessel) technologies developed or evaluated with the Coast Guard.
No Federal Funding for Non‑Federal Participants
The Coast Guard (the Federal party) will not contribute funding under the CRADA; non‑Federal participants must provide their own resources and travel. The notice also states the Coast Guard will provide no reimbursement for proposal development costs.
Coast Guard Provides In‑Kind Test Support
The Coast Guard expects to provide many in-kind contributions under the CRADA, including staff expertise, resources and travel for Coast Guard staff, test plan development, approvals for field tests, coordination of USCG units, shipping parts and equipment, executing the test plan, and collaborating on reports. If your company participates, you could gain access to Coast Guard personnel, field test approvals, and joint reporting support.
Preference for Small U.S. Businesses to Participate
The Coast Guard will give special consideration to small business firms or consortia and preference to business units located in the United States when selecting CRADA participants. Currently, the Coast Guard is considering Saronic Technologies, Inc., but other viable participants are invited to submit proposals.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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