The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Noblis Inc. hosted an underwater acoustic workshop on 22-23 August 2017 at the Noblis facility in Reston, Virginia. The purpose of the workshop was to evaluate the progress made in development of acoustic techniques to detect and classify munitions in the underwater environment and to outline a path for future research. The workshop brought together phenomenology, sensor, and munitions response specialists. The first goal was to review the current state-of-the-art in acoustic technologies for munitions response. Next, to examine state-of-the-art and emerging technologies in the context of what constitutes a successful underwater munitions response survey, as discussed in [3]. Finally, considering current capabilities and gaps, technology thrusts and Munitions Response (MR) requirements, identify R&D needs in development of acoustic sensors, platforms, and concepts of employment that will lead to the wide- area mapping and remediation of underwater sites contaminated with military munitions. 

Discussion topics included: projecting future advances in technologies, as well as capability gaps that may still not be addressed; identifying environmental limitations for underwater sensors; identifying mixed modality and system-of-systems approaches to munitions mapping; predicting future operator needs. Together these discussions were aimed at laying the groundwork for determining performance and cost projections that will assist in establishing the "knee" in the performance vs. cost curve. A summary of background information, technological progress, and workshop discussions can be found in the  Workshop Report.