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Updated 19 May 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-human-augmentation/human-augmentation-webinar-qa
A: The proposal should demonstrate how the technology will impact on the performance of the individual. Technologies should be developed to improve human performance.
A: No. The proposal or scoping work should provide the evidence to inform the parameters being measured. There has recently been a themed call looking at wearables and sensors. We are not interested in duplicating this call, but we want to exploit the outputs of sensors.
A: The team do not want to limit innovation, so are reluctant to give examples. Suppliers should consider the job our personnel do and think of things that could assist with that job. Look at the narrative of the competition and what we’re trying to achieve to scope your idea. If you are unsure, submit an Innovation Outline to your Innovation Partner.
A: Don’t be limited by ideas that have already been submitted. If you would like to identify if your innovation is in scope, please contact your Innovation Partner and also fill in an Innovation Outline. The Innovation Partner will then pass the outline along to the competition team and we will feedback with more guidance. There is a Link to the Innovation Outline in the competition document
A: We believe TRL5/6 can be achieved for GAN technologies in 18 months. We appreciate technology will be at different stages of development. If you have any concerns that what we are asking for is unachievable then submit an Innovation Outline.
A: We want to demonstrate the art of the possible to end users. Please include what you need to demonstrate to end users and how the technology could add value. This should be included as a work package in your proposal or longer term plan for the innovation. We just need a clear development plan.
A: Yes. To achieve TRL 5/6 the technology must be demonstrated in a relevant environment. If your technology has not be developed / tested for an HA application, then it is very unlikely that it will have been tested in a relevant environment.
A: Please submit an Innovation Outline and we can provide advice on whether the technology is in scope.
A: It doesn’t need to be an automatic action
A: Looking for innovation and technology that will modify human performance (optimise, enhance, modify performance) if your technology does any of these we are interested.
A: Yes.
A: No, not for this particular themed call as there has been quite a bit of work on this previously with DASA. Innovators can submit to the Open Call.
For this particular call, we would like technology to include sensors, data analytics and an effector.
A: Yes.
A: You can demonstrate in a relevant environment using civilians. You would need a favourable opinion from MODREC. We suggest you allow 3 months from submission of your MoDREC application to the Scientific Advisory Committee to MoDREC approval. Add MODREC timelines as a risk in your proposal that can be monitored throughout the project.
A: Interventions can be biological or technological. Suppliers can submit an innovation outline to the Innovation Partner prior to submission if they would like specific details on whether the intervention is in scope.
A: Yes it could be longer term feedback. If monitoring for illness and injury long term feedback might be useful. Yes is the short answer, but reach out to your Innovation Partner if this hasn’t answered it.
A: We recommend that your proposal includes a work package to facilitate end user engagement. The Dstl Technical Partner will facilitate engagement with end users to ensure that this work integrates with other defence initiatives.
A: This themed call is focussed on opportunities presented by biofeedback systems, sensory enhancement or the warfighter ensemble.
A: Not in this competition.
A: The template we issue will provide the formatting of the roadmap, suppliers should budget time to format the road map into the template. The competition document provides a list of headings which provide the technical content we are looking for. Suppliers should budget for the amount of time it will take to develop this content.
A: No. Articulate in your proposal how your solution might be applied to defence end users, but we understand you may not have access to end users. Include a work package in your proposal that includes end user engagement
A: The format of the final demonstration will be project dependent. We may offer to host a joint demonstration where we have multiple technologies with a similar application. Where technologies do not align with others, we will host an individual demonstration. Please provide costs for an in person demonstration.
A: We are interested in how the technology may influence human performance. If it is possible to objectively demonstrate this for your technology please include details in your proposal.
A: There is no issue with crossover.
A: Human augmentation is an umbrella term that includes optimisation, enhancement, reducing performance degradation and restoration.
A: If the “inner armour” can be used in a way to modify the future warfighter ensemble (e.g. less protection) then this will be of interest to the project.
A: We are not in a position to give specific details on what is used to help write the proposal. We can support engagement once a contract is in place, but not while putting together the proposal. Focus on Generation After Next.
A: If you have questions / challenges that you want to answer / address, but these are out of scope for the proposed project, please include these as part of the longer term development plan. Articulate the questions / directions you see the work going beyond the project.
A: Yes.
A: Please include a project timeline in your proposal. List any potential delays as risks. We suggest you allow 3 months from submission of your MoDREC application to the Scientific Advisory Committee to MoDREC approval. Add MODREC timelines as a risk in your proposal that can be monitored throughout the project.
A: During proposal development the team are unable to facilitate end user engagement, but full support will be provided on contract award. In your proposal, include an assumption that the Dstl Technical Partner will support with stakeholder engagement. We will ensure we engage with the right end users that can influence whether these technologies can be implemented in defence.
A: We are unable to provide specific details of funded work so we are required to protect innovators IP. The DASA website does provide a list of funded projects here. If you are concerned about duplication, please submit an Innovation Outline to your Innovation Partner.
Don’t be too concerned about duplication, we often use multiple technologies to demonstrate the art of the possible of a concept.
Outputs from sandpit events have been used to develop the technology use cases that are listed in the competition document.
A: DASA transparency data states the title of the work and company contracted. We protect Intellectual Property so we are unable to provide any info beyond the title. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accelerator-funded-contracts
A: No we are tri-service and keen to be inclusive
A: DASA would not be able fund a company to go through the patent process, however unless the competition team have an issue you would be able to patent it. You would need to consider whether running a project with us would be public release.
A: Yes, but you should tell us as soon as possible as we would need to conduct security checks of all those involved with the project.
A: We are not aware of any future DASA competitions in this area. We cannot guarantee future competitions will take place.
A: You can submit directly. We do recommend that you speak to your local Innovation Partner.
A: The DASA contact form will pair you up with an appropriate Innovation Partner
A: We do not have any issues with previous funding but we would want you to be upfront about any partners.
A: Yes
A: Yes there is a collaboration survey you can sign up to. The reason for the survey is to increase your ability to identify additional skills/ capabilities that would benefit your proposal. If you have all those skillsets no need to collaborate.
A: See previous answer.
A: Links to MODREC guidance are provided in the competition document and below, and will give guidance on whether your idea will require a favourable opinion from MODREC. Defence and Security Accelerator: ethical, legal and regulatory guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
A: All work funded by MOD will require a favourable opinion from MODREC
A: It is recommended that suppliers allow three months from submission of the MODREC protocol to the Scientific Advisory Committee to final approval. Note this does not include time to write the application. A Technical Partner will be assigned to the project to support you during this process. The risk of MODREC delays should be highlighted as a project risk as will be managed alongside other risks.
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