This DASA competition is designed to identify innovations that could potentially be deployed, at an appropriate scale, in an operational theatre within 12 months. Specifically, DASA is seeking technology output and demonstration in response to the challenges below at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 as a minimum no later than three months of the contract start date.
You will be required to conduct demonstrations in the UK for the MOD customer. These demonstrations must be self-supporting and are not to require MOD assets or support to deliver.
Proposals are expected to be funded in the range of £50,000 to £200,000.
This competition will run over three cycles with submission deadlines for each cycle as follows:
- Cycle 1 – 10 September 2024
- Cycle 2 – 22 October 2024
- Cycle 3 – 3 December 2024
Challenges
- Novel and enhanced scale complex manufacture of materiel – enhanced technology or manufacturing and production methods that improve capability and performance, generate increased quantity, reduce initial acquisition cost or extend shelf life of materiel in the following areas: energetics; shell casings or propellant cases including polymer cartidges; shell fuzes; seekers and terminal guidance units; one-way effector/drone motors; image intensifying tubes
- Autonomous system navigation and applique options – new ways to make legacy ground vehicles (military, agricultural and construction) operate with basic autonomy. Ideally able to function in communications and GNSS denied or degraded environments. New UAS navigation solutions that can interface with industry standard architecture and operate in GNSS denied or degraded environments.
- Wide area sense and detect – reduced cost, low probability of intercept, wide-area sense and detect, including (but not limited to) air search (including passive) and the function of 3D counter-battery radar. Proposed solutions must be as self-contained and low impact to use as possible, placing particular emphasis on the protection and vulnerability of any users.
- Innovative solutions for minefield breaching – Innovative methods to effect a breach of conventional but deep and extensive, and heavily protected minefields quickly, cheaply, and with sufficient regard for personnel protection. Obfuscation of intent in the close and rear, ease of use, and robustness under both fire and electronic attack will be essential considerations so that the users and capability is as survivable as possible when in use.
