Textual note taken from Association for Materials Protection and Performance on Nov 13, 2025
Houston, Texas (November 13, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, has been selected as one of 18 panel projects awarded by the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP), as part of its ongoing mission to reduce costs and expand capability across U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. This award marks the first time AMPP has been selected as the 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, GD – 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 the Navy and industry partners. This project will also 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.
Being selected for this NSRP project underscores AMPP’s role in building a ready, resilient maritime workforce. By applying AI-enabled, dynamic workforce modeling to corrosion protection and performance roles, we can pinpoint critical skill gaps faster and proactively prepare colleagues for the future of work, helping Navy and industry partners scale capability where it matters most.
Jennifer Rogers, Senior Director of Education at AMPP.
The award also highlights AMPP’s broader commitment to developing future-ready talent and advancing data-driven workforce solutions across the maritime sector.
This selection reflects the growing recognition of AMPP’s technical expertise and the vital role our industry plays in strengthening the nation’s maritime workforce. By leading this project, we are helping ensure U.S. shipyards have the talent, tools, and data-driven insights needed to support naval readiness and long-term industrial capability.
Alan Thomas, AMPP CEO.
NSRP’s mission is to employ 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 program enables shipbuilders and repair facilities to improve efficiency and meet long-term fleet demands.
ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 38,500 members in over 150 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Source: AMPP