The Association for Materials Protection and Performance, the global authority in materials protection and performance, has been selected as one of 18 panel projects awarded by the National Shipbuilding Research Program as part of its ongoing mission to reduce costs and expand capability across U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. The award marks the first time AMPP has been selected as lead organization for an NSRP project, underscoring the organization’s expanding role in supporting maritime workforce and capability needs.
AMPP’s project, “Accelerated Workforce Readiness via Dynamic Workforce Modeling,” was chosen through the competitive Panel Project Solicitation issued in May 2025. The initiative is part of more than $3.38 million in government-funded projects advancing innovative shipbuilding and sustainment solutions.
Endorsed by BAE Systems, General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and NAVSEA 05P2, the 12-month project will develop AI-enabled, dynamic workforce models designed to identify and mitigate critical skills gaps in corrosion protection and performance roles. These models will support data-driven workforce planning and strengthen readiness across both Navy and industry partners. The project will build on AMPP’s ongoing work through the Gates Foundation-funded credential transparency initiative and the earlier Old Dominion University-led MSTA 1.0 effort, extending those insights into a maritime workforce modeling framework.
Jennifer Rogers, Senior Director of Education at AMPP, stated that being selected for the NSRP project underscores AMPP’s role in building a ready, resilient maritime workforce. She noted that by applying AI-enabled, dynamic workforce modeling to corrosion protection and performance roles, the organization can pinpoint critical skill gaps faster and proactively prepare personnel for the future of work, helping Navy and industry partners scale capability where it matters most.
The award highlights AMPP’s broader commitment to developing future-ready talent and advancing data-driven workforce solutions across the maritime sector.
Alan Thomas, AMPP CEO, stated that the selection reflects growing recognition of AMPP’s technical expertise and the vital role the industry plays in strengthening the nation’s maritime workforce. He noted that by leading this project, AMPP is helping ensure U.S. shipyards have the talent, tools, and data-driven insights needed to support naval readiness and long-term industrial capability.
NSRP’s mission employs a collaborative framework that develops, matures, and transitions industry-relevant technologies and processes into the U.S. shipyard industrial base. Through shared research, best-practice exchange, and targeted innovation, the programme enables shipbuilders and repair facilities to improve efficiency and meet long-term fleet demands.
The project addresses critical workforce challenges facing U.S. shipbuilding and repair industries, where skilled personnel shortages constrain production capacity and threaten naval readiness. Corrosion protection and performance roles prove particularly challenging, requiring specialized knowledge combining materials science, application techniques, quality control, and maritime operational requirements.
AI-enabled workforce modeling applies machine learning and data analytics to workforce planning, enabling predictive identification of skills gaps, training needs, and succession planning requirements. Dynamic models incorporate real-time data on workforce demographics, retirement projections, training completions, and evolving technical requirements, providing actionable insights supporting strategic workforce investments.
The endorsement by major naval shipbuilders including BAE Systems and General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works, alongside Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and NAVSEA 05P2 (Naval Sea Systems Command division responsible for In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program Management), demonstrates industry and government recognition of workforce challenges requiring coordinated solutions.
Building upon the Gates Foundation-funded credential transparency initiative provides continuity with existing workforce development efforts whilst extending frameworks into maritime-specific applications. Credential transparency initiatives address employer difficulty in assessing candidate qualifications when certifications, training programs, and educational credentials lack standardization or clear competency mappings.
The Old Dominion University-led MSTA 1.0 effort provided foundational research informing maritime workforce modeling approaches. Extending these insights into operational frameworks enables transition from research to practical tools supporting shipyard workforce planning and development decisions.
The 12-month project timeline indicates rapid development and deployment expectations, reflecting urgency of workforce challenges affecting naval construction and maintenance schedules. Delays in aircraft carrier refuelings, submarine construction, and surface ship maintenance have been attributed partially to workforce shortages and skills gaps requiring accelerated solutions.
AMPP’s technical expertise in corrosion control, protective coatings, and materials performance provides relevant knowledge base for developing workforce models addressing these specialized technical roles. The organization’s standards development, certification programs, and training initiatives position it to understand competency requirements and workforce development pathways in corrosion-related disciplines.
The project exemplifies public-private collaboration addressing national security workforce requirements, with government funding supporting development of tools benefiting both naval shipyards and commercial maritime facilities. Workforce development investments yield returns through improved productivity, quality, safety, and capability supporting both military and economic objectives.
NSRP’s role in technology transition addresses the “valley of death” where promising research fails to achieve operational implementation. By supporting projects through development, validation, and deployment phases, NSRP increases likelihood that innovations produce tangible improvements in shipyard performance rather than remaining academic exercises.
AMPP’s selection as lead organization establishes the association’s capacity to manage government-funded research programs whilst advancing its mission supporting materials protection professionals and advancing industry capabilities through standards, education, and technical resources.
For more information visit www.ampp.org
