NRL is a Navy Working Capital Fund activity. All costs, including overhead, are recovered through sponsor-funded research projects. Funding comes from the Chief of Naval Research, Naval Systems Commands, and other government agencies, such as the U.S. Air Force, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well as several nongovernment activities.

NRL has a history of fruitful relationships with industry and academia, both as collaborators and contractors. The Laboratory welcomes and encourages productive working relationships with both government and nongovernment activities and is always willing to explore new and innovative ways of using the skills of others to enhance the Navy's combat readiness.

Tech Transfer - provides a link between the Laboratory and organizations, activities and individuals, either in government, industry or academia, who would like to access NRL technology either through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) or by a patent licensing agreement.

Contracting Division - responsible for the acquisition of materials and services valued in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $100,000). NRL encourages industry, educational institutions, small business, small/disadvantaged business concerns, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions to submit proposals in response Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), which provide for the competitive selection of research proposals.

Small Business - welcomes the opportunity to assist all small business concerns and encourages their interest in participating in NRL acquisitions.