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Thompson Congratulates Penn State on Earning $2.1 Billion U.S. Navy Research Contract

March 1, 2018

Largest research contract in the university’s history will span a decade

BELLEFONTE, Pa.U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT' Thompson today congratulated Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory on being awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy to conduct research and development to improve national security. The contract is the largest in the university's history, totaling as much as $2.1 billion over 10 years.

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State is one of 14 Department of Defense (DoD) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) laboratories that have long-term strategic relationships with the DoD. These affiliated research centers provide essential research capabilities, develop new technology for national security applications, and provide unbiased technical advice to the DoD and other federal agencies.

"This is outstanding news for Penn State and confirms what those of us in Happy Valley already know – the university is performing cutting-edge research and development to the benefit of our nation and the world," Rep. Thompson said. "I am proud of the men and women at the Applied Research Laboratory, our scientists, engineers, and students, who continue to lead the way in the research and development arena. I know their contributions to national security will be significant and meaningful for not only the U.S. Navy, but for all Americans."

The contract will be administered by the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds, buys and maintains the Navy's ships and submarines and their combat systems.

Issues:Education