Innovation Exchange Challenge: Soundproofing for secure speech solutions

Background

Government offices follow rigorous specifications outlined by the National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) to ensure any rented spaces used for government work are just as secure as bespoke government buildings Rented offices are only used when it is necessary for the nature or location of work being carried out. But additional, retrofitted protections are often required. HMGCC Co-Creation is presenting this challenge where there is a requirement to develop and deploy materials that can be retrofitted into small sized rooms (approximately 5 x 5 metres) on the walls, floors and ceilings, to provide acoustic dampening to at least 45 dB attenuation.

Example use case

Danny is the facilities design authority for a government department in which has some staff using a commercial building. This building is about 10 years old, so has a modern feel, but was not specifically designed for the government department in mind. It has multiple floors and tenants, of which the department will be a substantial tenant, but only one of many.

Within a small area (5 x 5 metres) of the rented office is a designated zone to be accredited for heightened, sensitive conversations. This area is required by policy and procedure to offer a high level of acoustic dampening, at least 45 dB of attenuation.

Danny liaises with the buildings estates teams, architects, security accreditors and users. This office space cannot be structurally altered. It can however be retrofitted in a limited way, allowing some degree of flexibility in terms of the materials than Danny could use.

Danny also looks into sound-proof booths but this reduces the usable room space in an already space restricted area..

The agreed option between stakeholders is to retrofit panels to the existing wall. This would ideally use material offering the correct level of acoustic dampening, with the potential of being used in more, future facilities. This could include static facilities that may be in use for many years, or those used in an agile way for only a short, set period of time – to later be removed and used somewhere else. The solution needs to be easy to install and flexible in how it is used. It should be possible for it to be manipulated to allow for existing room facilities such as cabling, electrical sockets, aircon units etc and should be easy to transport.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes, including those not traditionally associated with the defence and security sector. There is no requirement for security clearances.

Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

Key dates

• Competition opens Monday 16 September 2024
• Deadline for clarifying questions Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 5pm
• Clarifying questions published Monday 14 October 2024
• Competition closes Thursday 24 October 2024 at 5pm
• Applicants notified Tuesday 5 November 2024
• Pitch day in Milton Keynes Thursday 14 November 2024
• Target project kick-off 06 Jan 2025 (potential for sprint 0 before Christmas)