SCRA Applied R&D has been chosen to operate and manage the U.S. Navy's Metalworking Center of Excellence.

Its work under the five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-delivery award will be conducted in partnership with EWI, an Ohio-based engineering company that will provide technical expertise for development projects of the metalworking center, SCRA said.

The center is one of seven technology centers commissioned by the Office of Naval Research to advance Navy technologies.

"SCRA Applied R&D is proud to continue its support to the Navy's manufacturing technology program through the Navy Metalworking Center of Excellence," said Ryan. "The SCRA/EWI team will support the Navy and its warfighters by joining with the industry's best technology providers to reduce acquisition and life-cycle costs, improve capabilities and deliver exceptional value to the Navy."

SCRA Vice President Marty Ryan will serve as the director of the new center and EWI Senior Manager Paul Blomquist will serve as its technical director.

Under the IDIQ contract, the U.S. government can order as much as $99 million in products and services from the center over the course of the award.

SCRA Applied R&D of South Carolina leads diverse industries and organizations in the state to develop technology solutions for federal and corporate clients. Its technology focus areas include shipbuilding and ship repair, manufacturing; advanced material applications and prototyping.