An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

My Coast Guard
Commentary | Aug. 8, 2022

The Coast Guard wants your ideas for future research projects

By Loretta Haring, Coast Guard Aquisitions

Do you have an idea you think might make Coast Guard operations easier? Or maybe there’s a new or ongoing challenge that makes completing your mission more difficult?   

If so, the Coast Guard wants to hear from you.  

That’s right. The service is currently soliciting ideas for research projects that could shape its future. The effort is in keeping with goals Adm. Linda Fagan laid out in her Commandant’s Intent: to sharpen our competitive edge and use new technologies to create a more agile workforce. 

So, consider answering the admiral’s call to action by submitting your idea or challenge as a possible research and development project. The Office of Research, Development, Test & Evaluation and Innovation (RDT&E) is accepting ideas for its fiscal year 2024 research portfolio through Aug. 22.  

How to participate 

You can submit ideas/challenges/gaps/potential solutions to the “FY24 Research and Development Project Ideas” challenge via CG_Ideas@Work at this link. If this is your first time on the crowdsourcing site, you’ll need to follow the instructions to register. Deadline to submit ideas is Aug. 22. 

Anyone within the Coast Guard – military, civilian, reserve, auxiliary, and contract personnel – can submit ideas. 

What are they looking for?   

Priority will be given to innovative ways to use Coast Guard assets and people for maximum effect, particularly during crisis response, as directed by the commandant.  

To help guide idea submissions, the Deputy Commandant for Operations and Deputy Commandant for Mission Support have identified the following research priorities for fiscal years 2024-2025. All ideas, however, will be reviewed and considered on their merit.  

  • Grow advanced computing capabilities to maximize readiness (data analytics). 
  • Continue developing mobile solutions to deliver mission excellence anytime, anywhere. 
  • Utilize autonomous systems to address the nation’s complex maritime challenges. 
  • Strengthen resilience, safety, security, and sustainability of Coast Guard systems and personnel to deliver mission excellence anytime, anywhere. 
  • Develop human machine teaming to maximize readiness. 
  • Enhance C5I capabilities to maximize readiness today and tomorrow. 
  • Develop service solutions to climate change impacts. 

The RDT&E program champions ideas that future-proof the workforce and optimize for today while continually innovating and adapting for tomorrow. Fagan has said, “Tomorrow looks different. So will we.” Your idea could be instrumental in making that a reality. 

 Questions? Contact research@uscg.mil. If you are unable to access the idea submission form, please submit your idea to research@uscg.mil and include the title, a short summary, and your contact information. 

 Related: