Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Reaches $2 Billion in Funding

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport has reached a significant milestone in its funding, with a total program budget of $2 billion in 2024. This achievement was highlighted in the recently released economic impact report, showcasing the center’s vital role in undersea warfare technology development.

Operational Budget Breakdown

Out of the total operating budget, $776 million was allocated towards civilian payroll, labor, materials, operational expenses, property maintenance, and military payroll. Additionally, $1.2 billion was designated for funding contracts that support the center’s research and development efforts.

Workforce Composition

Division Newport boasts a diverse workforce, with 51% government civilian employees, 48% support contractor employees, and 0.38% military staff. These employees are primarily located in Rhode Island (68%), Massachusetts (23%), Connecticut (4%), and other parts of the United States (5%).

Within the government civilian staff, 73% are classified as scientists or engineers, with 86% holding a four-year degree and 36% possessing an advanced degree. The average salary for government civilian employees is reported to be $122,000.

Contract Obligations and Small Business Support

Small businesses play a significant role in Division Newport’s operations, with approximately $356 million allocated towards small business obligations. The center also prioritizes competitive contracting, with 94% of fiscal year 2024 contracts being competitively awarded.

In terms of contract distribution, 95% of contract obligations were directed towards new services in Rhode Island, further reinforcing the center’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the region.

Academic and Intellectual Outreach

Division Newport actively engages in academic and intellectual outreach, with 12 STEM programs and 31 educational partnerships established in 2024. These initiatives received $1.24 million in funding and reached 16,484 students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.

Furthermore, the center collaborated on 89 active cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), undertook 74 projects with academia, and published 176 technical papers. Over the past five years, Division Newport employees have generated 162 patented inventions, showcasing their innovative contributions to undersea warfare technology.

Navy Working Capital Fund Model

Operating under the Navy Working Capital Fund (NWCF) model, Division Newport functions as a self-sustaining entity that receives funds from various stakeholders to fulfill its mission objectives. In fiscal year 2024, the center received a total of $2.0 billion in incoming funds, with the Navy and Marine Corps serving as its primary customers, contributing $982 million.

Other significant contributors included private parties ($23 million), other Department of Defense entities ($14 million), and the Air Force ($10 million). Funds from the Army and other government organizations totaled approximately $3 million, demonstrating the collaborative nature of Division Newport’s funding sources.

Overall, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport’s $2 billion in funding underscores its critical role in advancing undersea warfare technology and fostering innovation within the defense sector.