WLOX-TV Biloxi
USM, Integer Technologies announce $25M defense contract
By WLOX Staff
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - The Office of Naval Research has awarded Integer Technologies and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) a $25 million ceiling contract, with a fully funded initial base period of $4.3 million.
Officials said the contract will support the development of software to help the U.S. Navy maintain maritime dominance and increase its seabed warfare capabilities.
The Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare program aims to enhance underwater missions and data collection for unmanned vessels by improving their decision-making capabilities.
Officials said this will allow unmanned vessels to adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve the ability to identify objects on the seafloor.
“This award demonstrates The University of Southern Mississippi’s reputation as a leader in ocean research and blue economy innovation,” said Kelly Lucas, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at USM.
Integer has an office at USM’s Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise Facility in Gulfport, allowing the two to work together and conduct tests in the Gulf.
“USM’s oceanography expertise will combine with Integer’s predictive technology to help us explore and master the ocean floor, Earth’s last frontier,” said Senator Roger Wicker.
“These unmanned, subsurface vessels will boost the United States’ edge in undersea warfare and support the bustling blue economy along Mississippi’s coast.”
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said the contract and partnership will not only strengthen the Navy’s capabilities but also bring high-skill jobs and research opportunities to the Gulf Coast.
“I’m proud to support initiatives that position Mississippi as a leader in defense innovation and that create opportunities for our students, engineers, and scientists,” said Hyde-Smith.