Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) is an American research and development facility based in Niskayuna, New York and dedicated to the support of the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Developed after World War II in 1946 under a contract between General Electric and the United States government, in the 21st century KAPL is a government-owned, contractor-operated laboratory run by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation for the US Department of Energy. KAPL is responsible for the research, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of U.S. nuclear-powered warships. It also manages work on nuclear ships at numerous shipyards across the country.