Captain Robert Dexter Conrad Award The Captain Robert Dexter Conrad Award is an award presented annually to the individual making an outstanding contribution in naval research and development . Background . The award is named in honor of Captain Robert Dexter Conrad , who was the primary architect of the Navy ’ s basic research program , and the head of the Planning Division of the Office of Naval Research at the time of its establishment . It is designed to recognize and to reward outstanding technical and scientific achievement in research and development for the Department of the Navy ( DON ) . Description . The Captain Robert Dexter Conrad award consists of a gold medal and a citation signed by the Secretary of the Navy . Criteria . The Captain Robert Dexter Conrad award will be granted , on an annual basis , to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of research and development for the DON . Such contribution shall be so outstanding as to be widely recognized , not only by the cognizant personnel within the DON , but also by the civilian scientific and engineering community of the Nation . While no time limitation is intended to be imposed in selecting a candidate for the award , it is recommended that only accomplishments of recent years be considered . Award considerations will be given to achievements in any of the following : Eligibility . At the time of the achievement or contribution cited as a basis for the award , nominees must have been in one of the following categories : Nominating responsibilities . The Chief of Naval Research ( CNR ) is responsible for obtaining and forwarding , with comments , a nomination to the Secretary of the Navy via the Assistant Secretary of the Navy ( Research , Engineering and System ) annually . If none of the nominees submitted in a given year meet the established standards , the CNR will recommend to the Secretary that no award be granted for that year . To avoid possible embarrassment , nominations should be designated “ FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY ” and safeguarded until final action has been taken . Nomination procedure . The Chief of Naval Research will establish a Nomination Review Committee . The Committee will consist of nine representatives from Navy activities , which have significant research and development programs . The Committee will be responsible for ensuring that the widest possible consideration of potential nominees and for making an appropriate recommendation to the CNR . Award nominations should be in the correct format and be favorably endorsed by the headquarters command . The CNR will issue a notice concerning the nomination due date and general information on the Committee meeting . Prior to this meeting , Committee members will receive a copy of each nomination to be considered . When the Committee meets , each representative should be prepared to provide supporting information on the potential candidate ( s ) submitted by his or her organization . After each nomination has been discussed , ballots will be completed and a recommendation will be formulated and forwarded to the CNR . Award presentation . Awards approved by the Secretary of the Navy will be presented by the CNR or the CNR ’ s designated representative at a special ceremony which is mutually convenient to the recipient , his or her employing organization , and the CNR .