DASA Competition: Small, Lightweight Trace Explosives Detector
DASA seeks novel, lightweight bioassay systems with novel transduction platforms for the detection of trace explosives.
Opportunity Details
When
Registration Opens
01/02/2024
Registration Closes
09/04/2024
Award
We expect to fund two proposals of up to £300,000 (exc. VAT) each in value. However, DASA reserves the right to fund one outstanding bid up to £600,000 (exc. VAT) that exceeds the requirements of the competition.
Organisation
DASA
The purpose of this competition is to develop innovative platforms for the trace detection of explosives using biological assays.
The output will be a small, lightweight platform that can be used for the detection of trace explosives or as a confirmation assay that could be used with other trace explosives detection methods. The size, weight and power (SWaP) and logistic burden of the desired platform will be similar to that of a pocket-sized presumptive test kit.
The platform must be capable of multiplex detection of at least three specified targets initially, although the platform should be expandable to detect a wider range of targets (ideally up to 10) in one test in the future.
This competition is jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the US Department of Defense (DOD); the relationship will operate under and be governed by an extant memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both nations. Both the MOD and DOD will have access to proposals submitted under this competition in order to jointly assess which proposals to fund.
What innovations are we looking for?
A small, lightweight, low SWaP trace detection platform, which together with the consumables and swab-based sample input, will form part of a system that is capable of multiplex detection of at least three explosives targets (TNT, RDX, PETN) from one sample, with the ability to expand the number of available targets (ideally up to 10) in the future.
Total funding available
The total possible funding available for this competition is £600,000 (exc. VAT).
We expect to fund two proposals of up to £300,000 (exc. VAT) each in value. However, DASA reserves the right to fund one outstanding bid up to £600,000 (exc. VAT) that exceeds the requirements of the competition.
Proposals are invited for platforms that can be developed through one phase of funding. It is not anticipated that there will be a follow-on phase for this competition.
Who can apply?
DASA submissions are welcome from the private sector, academia, individuals (i.e. sole traders) and Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs). DASA will examine the legal status of organisations prior to placement of any contract. In most cases there are no nationality restrictions, however DASA individual competition documents will detail any necessary restrictions.
Supporting events
Thursday 8 February 2024 – A dial-in session providing further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.
Thursday 15 & Tuesday 20 February 2024 – A series of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page. Booking is on a first come first served basis.