Guidance

Affordable and Adaptable Unmanned Air Systems Autonomy - Q&A

Updated 28 July 2023

Q: Do software only solutions need to come with a hardware partner to demonstrate?

A: If you have a hardware partner in mind from a software perspective that is your choice. But there there is no requirement for a hardware partner.

Q: Is this competition looking for on board systems, or aerial platform/drone/UAV?

A: On board systems, you can demonstrate technology involving a platform, but it needs to be able to integrated.

Q: If we have a full platform UAS air to ground, and now developing AI target ID navigation, are we able to submit?

A: Yes, but make sure that as a supplier you can demonstrate your idea against the challenges set out in the competition document. If it meets those requirements, we would been keen to see it.

Q: Is this UAS system only, or could an innovative launch system be part of the application?

A: We’re trying to answer the requirements within the challenges. But we won’t be turning down launch systems; if that forms part of the proposal then please put it in the application.

Q: Would integration into something like ATAK be acceptable as proof of interoperability and usability?

A: Absolutely. But if you don’t have integration into ATAK, you will not be excluded from the competition.

Q: Sub-systems - what kind of UAS platforms will we will integrating with?

A: We are not in a position to give more information. Focus on your ideas being as adaptable as possible.

Q: If a platform has the flexibility to work with existing systems, or can be readily adapted, is that in scope?

A: We are not looking for a new platform, but the systems. We are not focusing on the platform.

Q: What types or target are we looking for?

A: The types of targets are vehicles.

Q: Would counter unmanned systems C-UAS be considered challenge fit?

A: Most likely not, we are looking at systems which can search and scan i.e. novel sensors. Unless you have specific target identification capabilities (vehicles).

Q: Are you looking for both challenges to be covered in single bid?

A: You can address one or both challenges in your bid.

Q: Can you provide any additional details on altitude? Definition is quite wide - surface to 10000Ft

A: It is wide, but it provides an opportunity to demonstrate different systems.

Q: Can we leverage comms from your existing platforms or should we cost in our own comms systems?

A: it would be useful to cost in your own systems, we are looking to leverage our systems further down the line.

Q: Which regulator will approve this technology?

A: It will be the Military Aviation Authority (MAA)

Q: Small platforms have integrated challenges to add in new sensors. Does this match intent?

A: We acknowledge this is a challenge, which is why we are looking for new and novel options. Noting that it will not be a ready technology; we are looking to accelerate, and test and trial in a research and experimentation space.

Q: Is this call receptive to a multi-aircraft system, comprising a higher capability/higher cost platform - integrating with data from expendable platforms?

A: Yes, but using competition document as a reference. Consider where your solution best fits, and against which challenges. Would it be of interest to integrate data from expendable platforms, yes; but it may not fit within this particular competition. Your local Innovation Partner will be able to help you find the best route.

Q: Are you looking for integration ideas of existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) UAS platforms into a situational awareness EUD, a ‘Find and Fix’ small team level?

A: Yes, that is one interpretation of the competition document.

Q: If we have only one component for a system, is this still of interest?

A: Yes. If it is affordable and it could be integrated, we are happy to see it.

Q: Are you interested in Radio Frequency (RF) effects using Software Designed Radio’s (SDR)?

A: Yes.

Q: Are you interested in control of the UAV?

A: Yes, control of the UAV is a priority requirement.

Q: Can you share TRL level to be achieved, and timeline?

A: TRL 6 and 3 months with a demonstration of technology.

Q: Would you accept a synthetic demonstration as part of the project?

A: In principle, yes if within the technical scope of the call and it achieves TRL 6. But this is very much dependant on the technology and what is demonstrating.

Q: The budget for this is small, how many projects will be funded?

A: It depends on the number of bids, the quality, and technical progression. Therefore the number of projects we can fund depends on price points and number of proposals submitted.

Q: Do we put in bids for the actual amount we would need to spend to achieve DASAs aims?

A: You essentially provide a narrative as to your solution for the requirements; and cost your proposal. It is whatever you would need to deliver the project. Budget is £800k, and if feasible you can submit to the limit. If your budget is £400k, then it is £400k.

A: My advice is to focus on the quality of your bid, and align it to competition challenges. If they are high quality and fulfil end user need, then we will consider what to do and how to fund.

Q: Can you clarify, is the £800k the total for all applications?

A: From section ‘2.3 Total funding available’, the total funding available is £800,000 (ex VAT). It also states that it expects to fund several proposals for this competition. Therefore there is no set limit on how many proposals will be funded or the value of each proposal. Please submit your innovation with the appropriate cost attached. The £800,000 is total available for this competition either for multiple or single projects, dependent on submissions.

Q: Does the call assume involvement with a previous funded application?

A: No, but you will need to declare any previous/ongoing funding.

Q: What details are there for the proposed trial in 2024?

A: We can’t offer any details, as it is still in the planning stages. Following the conclusion of the competition, the details will be released.

Q: If we show something compelling does it get flagged with ARIEL or Army Futures

A: Yes, it will be flagged to both.

Q: What classification will be applied, and are there nationality restrictions?

A: Development in this call remains at OFFICIAL and not above. In terms of nationality restrictions, you will declare your team’s nationality in your bid, and this will be taken into consideration, as part of application and commercial process.

To aid the contracting time of successful suppliers, we ask suppliers to complete the SAQ before they submit their proposal. The SAQ can be completed here using the DASA Risk Assessment RAR-260635306.

Q: Is there a potential for DASA to bring multiple bids together?

A: DASA do not do this, we can signpost, but up to you to broker those relationships. With regards consortia, we will contract with the supplier who submits the bid, but they are welcome.

Q: What is the timing for funding for successful projects? Up front, reclaimed or after demo?

A: The timescales are in the competition document, we will contract ASAP, with competition finished by the end of the year and with all spends by mid-December. Anything after that is outside scope of the call.

Q: Survivability was mentioned, can you elaborate on operational survivability?

A: We are looking at a multi-layered approach. Think of current conflict and land operations, and consider our adversaries within that. Flight of platform, electronics environs. GNS tested environments, and terrain. Use those to shape your bid; bearing in mind environments and focus can change over time.

Q: Can a project be undertaken without a business backing them?

A: For this call, and the onward life, a supplier needs to be in position to produce the product or service.

Due to extenuating circumstances and security sensitivities we have been unable to publish all questions received. We will continue to update this document should further information be available.