Tag, Track, Automate: Naval Autonomous Data Collection System (NADACS) Premieres at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
NADACS combines passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID) and Global Positioning System (GPS) wireless sensor mesh technologies and software specifically for digitally tracking tagged equipment and material as it transits the shipyard and in and out of various buildings. The data collected is consolidated in a secure, government-owned and operated cloud environment, enabling timely tracking and ensuring the tools and materials needed to service the fleet are ready and able to meet the mission at hand. It was developed by the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) in partnership with government contractor LMI Solutions.
Since its initial contract began in 2024, the aim has been to begin implementing across the four shipyards in mid-2026, with full operations planned for 2027. The NADACS and SIOP team, in coordination with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and the public shipyards have set up various site surveys, process deep dives, and design surveys to assess and plan for this huge initiative. At NNSY, the Digital Transformation Department (Code 100TO.4) has been a driving force for the NADACS launch, eager to bring this innovative technology to the workforce.
“It has been an incredibly long journey to get NADACS to a point of installing the hardware. However, the overall NADACS journey is not over, and we still have a few more hurdles to overcome. The ground team has worked hard to work with various stakeholders to knock down roadblocks and successfully accelerate the timeline of bringing NADACS to workforce. We are anticipating completion of hardware installation by June 2027 with a go live date in July 2027,” said Code 100TO.4 NADACS Project Manager David Franklin. “NADACS will change the way the shipyard handles asset management. The workforce will no longer have to spend hours, sometimes days looking for equipment and/or materials, instead they will be able to use the technology to refine their search to a much smaller footprint and in some cases to the exact location. The workforce can expect to hear a lot more about NADACS moving forward as we begin to implement our communication and change management plans."
"The successful installation of the NADACS equipment is a monumental achievement, and the team at Code 100TO.4 has been absolutely integral to reaching this milestone. Their dedication and partnership with SIOP have been the driving force behind this project. It is thrilling to see NNSY set the standard by being the first of the four public shipyards to bring this transformative technology to the waterfront," said SIOP Industrial Operations Program Control Specialist Jennifer Wills. " As we move forward to the go-live date in July 2027, we know this is just the beginning. The true measure of success will be how NADACS empowers the NNSY workforce. We invite every member of the shipyard to partner with us, to utilize the system, and to provide feedback on how we can improve it. Your insights will be crucial as we work together to eliminate material deficiencies and save valuable time and resources for the Navy. We are excited for the positive impact NADACS will have in making your jobs easier and more efficient."
In August 2026, NNSY was able to premiere NADACS with its Flagship Demonstration, representatives from LMI Solutions showcasing both the software and hardware in real-time with shipyard leadership, including Shipyard Commander Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh. During the demonstration, they were able to simulate a tagged piece of equipment being able to be tracked throughout a space fitted to support NADACS on the shipyard waterfront. In addition, the subject matter experts were able to answer questions directly to leadership so that the team could best determine how NADACS works for their respective departments.
“It was great to see this technology in action and getting the feedback from our teammates,” said Hakimzadeh. “We’re still a ways from NADACS being fully implemented at the shipyard but this was a great first step for us. America’s Shipyard plays a vital role in servicing our nation’s fleet and it’s more important than ever before to meet the needs of our Sailors as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We need to have a better track of our parts and equipment and NADACS will help us get there. I can’t wait to see this fully up and running.”
NADACS is currently on track to be operational in NNSY by mid-2027. “Seeing NADACS demonstrated in a real shipyard environment was an important milestone for our team and senior leadership,” said Acting Code 100TO.4 Division Head Erin Small. " The feedback we received will help us refine implementation planning and ensure the system is aligned with the needs of our shops and waterfront personnel. Once fully operational, NADACS will give employees greater visibility of tagged tools and equipment, helping reduce time spent searching and allowing our teams to stay focused on safely and efficiently supporting the fleet."
For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/NADACS. In addition, you can reach out to David Franklin at david.k.franklin9.civ@us.navy.mil regarding NNSY's NADACS program.
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