Power Up! Portable power for soldiers on the move

UPDATES

August 22, 2019

Attachment 4 has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge.

August 16, 2019

The closing date for this Challenge has been extended to September 12, 2019 at 14:00 EDT.

August 12, 2019

Attachment 3 has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge.

July 12, 2019

We have made changes and improvements since Calls 001 and 002, so please read all documents prior to submission.

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This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 003 (W7714-196962).

Please refer to the main solicitation documents which contain the process for submitting a proposal.

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Read the Challenge notice in its entirety.

Step 2: Read the Call for Proposals (CFP) and any associated attachments.

Step 3: Download and complete Attachment 1 – Electronic Proposal Submission Form, found below. Attachment 2 contains instructions on how to download and open the form.

Step 4: Follow the submission instructions listed in Part 2 – Bidder Instructions of the CFP. Please allow sufficient time to register and submit the completed form before the Challenge closing date.

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MAXIMUM FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE PERIOD

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

The individual maximum contract funding available under Competitive Projects - Component 1a is up to $200,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months.

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

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CHALLENGE DETAILS

Challenge Title

Power Up! Portable power for soldiers on the move

Challenge Statement

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are looking for innovative power storage and power generation solutions for dismounted soldiers. The goal is to increase soldiers’ autonomy, decrease the physical and cognitive burden of power storage technologies, and decrease the costs of fielding and exploiting wearable power technologies.

Background and Context

The dismounted soldier relies on many different power consuming systems (e.g., GPS, radio, Integrated Soldier System, night and thermal vision devices, etc.) that derive their energy from different types of batteries. Deployment of advanced technological systems provides a tactical advantage, but they also pose a cognitive load on soldiers who have to manage the power requirements of multiple power-consuming devices that are all critical to mission performance. Having to carry many different battery dependent technologies also poses a physical burden due to their bulk and weight. Batteries are one of the heaviest components of the dismounted soldier system, at present, contributing to decreased mobility (endurance, agility and speed).

Relying on battery dependent technologies is further complicated by the need to operate in isolated and austere environments while being subjected to highly variable and extreme climatic conditions. The need to replenish batteries can affect the length of a soldier’s mission thereby limiting their independence, and it creates a logistical burden on the organization. Operating in extreme climactic conditions will also affect the capacity and degrade the performance of current power storage technologies.

Battery storage and transportation challenges are a major contributor to lifecycle costs for rechargeable batteries. Requirements to discharge cells for air shipment, compensate for self-discharge during storage, and analysis and recalibration of rechargeable batteries are some examples of depot and unit level battery fleet management and maintenance that contribute to the logistic burden and lifecycle costs associated with soldier wearable power solutions.

New solutions are needed for lightweight, high density, reliable, and cost-effective energy sources supported by robust power generation and harvesting technologies that are adapted to dismounted operations. The ability to easily share power and to rapidly recharge power sources are highly desirable. There is a further need to minimize degradation of performance in extreme climates (e.g., the Arctic). Given that the equipment is to be provided to a large number of soldiers, solutions must also have a low lifecycle cost.

Desired Outcomes

Research, design concepts and technologies are sought that address, but are not limited to, the following characteristics associated with power storage and power generation:

• Research efforts to produce lighter, low volume, long-lasting, robust, and low-cost power sources that can be quickly exchanged, shared, and/or recharged in austere environments;
• Effective energy management solutions for soldier worn power sources and systems;
• Alternative power generation and harvesting solutions that are cost-effective and adapted to dismounted operations (e.g., reliable, low volume, low weight, wide operating environment).

Additional Outcomes

• Dramatic improvements in the operating temperature range of power sources;

• A common power source to service the needs of multiple devices;
• Improved interoperability of power storage and recharging solutions;
• A scalable design that permits wearable mobile units to be upsized and integrated into facilities.

Supplementary Information

Solutions should not exacerbate issues with respect to “safe-handling” or logistical requirements associated with the infrastructure needed to recharge power sources.

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ENQUIRIES

All Challenge-related enquiries must be submitted in writing to:

TPSGC.PAIDEES-APIDEAS.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

Enquiries must be submitted no later than 10 calendar days before the Challenge notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.

For more information about the IDEaS program, Bidders can visit the IDEaS website.