"These twelve projects continue to build the integrated research portfolio envisioned by the 2007 and 2008 approved Annual Plans for the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program to develop technologies and architectures for operations in ultra-deepwater," said RPSEA President C. Michael Ming. "They add to the 17 projects selected for the 2007 Ultra-Deepwater Program to make an increasingly important contribution to the nation's energy needs. This Program is designed to bring the resources of America's leading universities, research institutions and technology innovators to bear on the development of domestic resources in water depths of 1,500 meters or greater by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, improving safety and minimizing environmental impacts."

While awards under the RPSEA Ultra-Deepwater Program are open to any U.S.-based organization, most projects involve a team consisting of researchers along with producers or service companies that are in a position to evaluate and apply new technology. Each proposal must provide a minimum of 20% cost share, with up to 50% for field demonstration projects.