“ The power and reach of digital media cannot be overstated. This is a medium that has transformed how we communicate across cultural, geographic and demographic boundaries in an ‘always on’ environment. By investing in our Web site, we’re investing in our ability to expand the scientific dialogue that supports future naval capabilities. „

- Dr. Walter F. Jones, ONR’s executive director

Challenge

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsors advanced science and technology research to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with every technological advantage. Though headquartered in the Washington, D.C.-Metropolitan area, ONR engages with affiliates across all 50 states and in 70 countries. The command employs approximately 1,400 people, including uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Solution

Working with Sitecore partner NavigationArts, the naval command selected Sitecore as the platform for its updated Web design and content management system. The site’s enhanced modularity offers ease in announcing funding opportunities, point of contact information, and news and events across multiple areas with a simple keystroke. Sitecore’s search engine optimization features have afforded ONR with enhanced tools for increasing awareness in browser searches—as demonstrated by increased traffic to the site—while providing electronic workflows to automate content approvals.

Result

ONR’s revamped public Web site represents part of the defense agency's multipronged approach to communicate more directly and quickly with partners across government, academia and private industry. Its reorganized content is designed to effectively and efficiently articulate the Navy's portfolio of science and technology investments, research and funding opportunities, domestic and international collaborations, and education and outreach initiatives.

“The power and reach of digital media cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Walter F. Jones, ONR’s executive director. “This is a medium that has transformed how we communicate across cultural, geographic and demographic boundaries in an ‘always on’ environment. By investing in our Web site, we’re investing in our ability to expand the scientific dialogue that supports future naval capabilities.”

ONR’s Web site reaches a broad and diverse audience, including 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. With the slick digital backdrop in place, the command subsequently launched social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, driving followers back to the robust content hub for more information.