In 1999, the Department of the Navy adopted a new process for concentrating its scientific and technological resources to prepare for the Next Navy. The Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) process shifted the S&T; investment focus from individual technology goals to the most highly desired future capabilities for Naval forces.

Since then, much of the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ nearer-term, applied science and technology efforts have been focused on the delivery of maturing technology to acquisition program managers for timely incorporation into platforms, weapons, sensors, and process improvements.

Twelve FNCs are currently approved by the DoN S&T; Corporate Board and are administered through the Office of Naval Research. NRL works actively in research areas that are key to FNC goals, sometimes providing managerial and technical support for ONR FNC program managers.

FNCs:

Autonomous Operations
Capable Manpower
Electric Ships and Combat Vehicles
Knowledge Superiority & Assurance
Littoral Combat & Power Projection
Littoral Antisubmarine Warfare
Missile Defense
Organic Mine Countermeasures
Platform Protection
Time Critical Strike
Total Ownership Cost Reduction
Warfighter Protection