Competition summary: Biosensing across wide areas
Updated 31 August 2018
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1. Background
Current methods to detect, locate and report hazardous biological materials are time and labour intensive, which can reduce operational tempo.
This DASA competition is interested in further developing bio-detection capability to provide rapid, high-confidence detection, location and identification of hazardous biological material derived from specific threat agents deposited over a wide area.
For Phase 1 of this call, DASA are looking for proof-of-concept technologies above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 that can sense, locate and report the presence of deposited biological hazards. Solutions that can detect the hazard to a lower confidence level so that deployment of a high-confidence sensor may also be considered.
Additional funding may be available for future phases to further develop technologies to higher TRLs.
Note that this competition is focussed on sensors and reporting mechanisms for rapid detection, location and reporting of deposited biological hazards. The development of platforms and the integration of sensors upon platforms such as robots are considered outside of scope.
Beyond the end of this competition, it is envisaged that the sensor will be developed into a fieldable system, utilised by a range of users, including trained military specialists and civilian first responders, to detect and report hazards. This will enable the hazards to be avoided, and delineate where decontamination procedures need to be conducted.
2. Funding
Up to £500k is available for Phase 1 of this competition. We anticipate funding around 3 to 5 projects. We expect for Phase 1 proposals proof-of-concept research projects of up to 6 months duration. Additional funding may be available for future phases.
3. Competition close
The competition closes at 1pm on 7 November 2018.