There are two solicitations from Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP), on behalf of the US Coast Guard. SVIP is the US Department of Homeland Security’s alternative procurement agency to reach alternative innovators in the Silicon Valley and similar ecosystems. It is different to DIU in terms that while DIU seeks mature technologies that it can put into warfighters’ hands very quickly hence opening solicitations for only 10 working days, SVIP seeks to develop new capabilities from lower TRLs. Its calls are open for up to one year and SVIP accepts applications every three months, see below the three quarterly dates.
Manual handling jobs are a pain in the neck, quite literally. In industries that involve heavy lifting and carrying, back, neck and other injuries account for over $10 billion in medical expenses annually. This holds true even in the military, where soldiers are often required to carry supplies weighing upward of 40kgs, and where the risk of injury is as serious as it is expensive.
