High Energy Lasers

July 25, 2018

The closing date for this challenge has been extended to August 23, 2018 at 14:00 EDT.

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July 20, 2018

Attachment 3 contains questions and answers related to the challenge.

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July 11, 2018

Attachment 2 contains questions and answers related to the challenge.

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June 19, 2018

Attachment 1 contains questions and answers related to the challenge.

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This Challenge Notice is issued under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program Call for Proposals (EN578-170003/B).

Please refer to the Solicitation Documents which contain the process for submitting a proposal.

CHALLENGE TITLE: High Energy Lasers

CHALLENGE SPONSOR: Department of National Defence (DND)

Steps to apply:

Step 1: read this challenge

Step 2: read the CFP

Step 3: propose your solution

Funding Mechanism: Contract

MAXIMUM CONTRACT VALUE:

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 Contract resulting from this Challenge is $200,000.00 CAD (plus tax) including shipping, travel and living expenses, as applicable.

The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 Contract resulting from this Challenge is $1,000,000.00 CAD (plus tax) including shipping, travel and living expenses, as applicable. Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.

This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding.

TRAVEL:  No travel anticipated.

Problem Summary Statement

The capability to detect and defeat non-cooperative objects by laser sources

Problem Statement

The Department of National Defence (DND) requires the capability to detect and defeat non-cooperative objects by means of compact, efficient and robust laser sources.

Desired outcomes and Considerations

The desired outcomes are laser technologies that are robust, electrically powered, and offer a significant improvement over existing systems. The laser technology should operate in the infrared (near, mid or far) band, in continuous-wave or pulsed mode, with excellent electrical efficiency, improved power-to-weight ratio, while maintaining good beam quality. An inherent robustness of the technology to vibrations should also be emphasized upon.

Background and Context

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) require enhanced capabilities to engage and defeat non-cooperative objects using non-kinetic means. The evolution of laser technologies makes them increasingly applicable to dazzle, jam or damage optical sensors, including imaging systems, thermal sights, and seekers. In addition, they can also be used for the detection of hostile systems.

Current laser technologies suffer however from a combination of insufficient efficiencies, low peak and average powers, and excessive SWaP (size, weight and power). These drawbacks limit their employment for the aforementioned applications, their engagement ranges, and the possibilities of integrating them onto mobile platforms where space and power supply are severely constrained.

The areas of employment include ground, maritime as well as aerial applications.

Enquiries

All enquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Authority no later than ten calendar days before the Challenge Notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.