Quantum Leap: Shrinking sensing technologies for field operations

IMPORTANT

Requests to open an epost Connect conversation must be sent to:
DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca

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INTRODUCTION

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 and amendments which contain the process for submitting a proposal.

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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. If you have technical difficulties downloading the form, please see Attachment 2 – Important Information below.

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 tender notice closing date.

Requests to open an epost Connect Conversation are to be sent to DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca with the bid solicitation number at least five business days prior to the closing date of the Challenge tender notice. Follow the instructions that will be provided by email and submit your Electronic Proposal Submission Form by using the opened epost Connect Conversation.

Important: To avoid last minute technical difficulties that could delay your submission, ensure that Part 2 – Bidder Instructions and Part 3 – Proposal Preparation Instructions are followed carefully. Late submissions will not be accepted.

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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

Quantum Leap: Shrinking sensing technologies for field operations

Challenge Statement

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are seeking innovative solutions for overcoming scientific and technical barriers that prevent or limit the ability to field electromagnetic and gravimetric quantum-sensing systems for defence and security purposes.

Background and Context

Quantum-sensing technologies promise to deliver capabilities and performance beyond the limits of physics used in traditional sensors. As an example, Canada is home to many laboratories and companies that are expanding the limits of sensing technologies through the development and testing of quantum-based systems able to sense electromagnetic and gravitational fields at levels that are difficult to detect using classical systems. In order to provide a decisive advantage, however, these technologies and systems need to be translated out of the lab to be used in the field.

The barrier to the adoption of quantum-sensing technologies in the field is the need to provide suitable mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic-shielding environments for the quantum systems. Technologies that provide suitable environments in the lab are often too large, heavy, delicate, or “power hungry” for use in military platforms (e.g. spacecraft, aircraft, ships, trucks, radar receivers and human-portable). New, portable and robust, quantum-based sensing technologies, devices and systems need to be developed.

Desired Outcomes

The goal of this Challenge is to overcome scientific and technological barriers that prevent or limit the ability to transition quantum-sensing technologies from lab experiments to portable and robust sensing systems. Examples of research solutions include, but are not limited to:

• Isolation of optical and quantum systems from external thermal, vibration, and electromagnetic field sources and variations;
• Miniaturization of large subsystems and components;
• Reduction in power consumption requirements of existing technologies;
• Creation and maintenance of ultra-high vacuum;
• Integration of lasers and photonic systems in small packages, etc.

Supplementary Information

This Challenge supports the development of fieldable technologies that will enable electromagnetic and gravimetric quantum-sensing to support defence and security missions including, but not limited to:

• Surveillance and detection of threats (e.g. incoming missiles, aircraft, etc.);
• Stand-off detection and characterization of hazards (e.g. chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive);
• Detection and tracking of targets (vehicles, autonomous and weapon systems) in confined, obscured, or hidden environments (e.g. around corners, in buildings, in underground bunkers and caves, in the dark, under water, in smoke or dust).

Solutions should be developed in the context of the eventual demonstration and use of one or more of the above quantum-sensing systems “in the field.”

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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.