National Shipbuilding Research Program

Section 50105(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) National Shipbuilding Research Program (1) In General The Maritime Administrator shall establish and carry out, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy, the National Shipbuilding Research Program. (2) Purposes The purpose of the National Shipbuilding Research Program shall be to develop plans for the economical construction of vessels and their propelling machinery, of most modern economical types, giving thorough consideration to all well-recognized means of propulsion and taking into account the benefits from standardized production where practicable and desirable. (3) Activities The National Shipbuilding Research Program shall— (A) support technology transfers and industry networking; (B) select and execute research and development projects, which may include— (i) advancing best practices in shipbuilding and ship repair, including alternative project management and project financing arrangements for shipyards, such as public-private financing; (ii) improving efficiency across the shipyard industrial base of the United States; and (iii) developing, maturing, and implementing industry-relevant shipbuilding and sustainment technologies; (C) carry out ad hoc initiatives focused on specific target areas in shipbuilding and ship repair; and (D) carry out additional activities as determined by the Maritime Administrator or the Secretary of Defense..