DASA Competiton: Innovation in Support of Operations

This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition is seeking proposals that can make a real-world difference, fast and at scale. They are looking for scalable proposals, designed for manufacture, at market-leading prices, that can be demonstrated in a relevant environment three months from the date of contract in support of future contracting decisions.

This is a rapid, multiple cycle competition. The competition will run for three cycles, open continuously from 18 July 2024 until 3 December 2024. Proposals submitted by the cycle deadline will follow the DASA “How your proposal will be assessed” process with contracting immediately afterwards for successful proposals.

DASA reserves the right to amend challenge areas between cycles as operational needs evolve.

Further to this multiple cycle DASA competition, viable proposals may be taken to higher TRLs and/or manufacture phase the Authority (Secretary of State for Defence, acting on behalf of the Crown). In this circumstance the Authority will undertake appropriate procurement activity to ensure value for money and subject to any applicable Regulations that may pertain.

Competition key information

2.1 Submission deadline

Cycle 1 - 12:00 Midday on 10 September 2024 (BST)

Cycle 2 - 12:00 Midday on 22 October 2024 (BST)

Cycle 3 - 12:00 Midday on 03 December 2024 (GMT)

2.2 Where do I submit my proposal?

Via the DASA Online Submission Service for which you will require an account. Only proposals submitted through the DASA Online Submission Service will be accepted.

It is recommended you thoroughly check the mandatory criteria for this competition before you submit your proposal.

You must not submit any information classified above Official. Please contact DASA accelerator@dstl.gov.uk well in advance of the competition closing date if you have any questions.

2.3 Total funding available

The total funding available for all successful bids, across all three cycles in this competition is £2 million (excluding VAT).

Funded proposals are expected to be in the range of £50,000 to £200,000.

A number of proposals may be funded.

2.4 What technology readiness level (TRL) is being sought?

For this competition we are seeking technology output and demonstration at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 as a minimum no later than three months of the contract start date.

You will be required to conduct demonstrations in the UK for the MOD customer. These demonstrations must be self-supporting and are not to require MOD assets or support to deliver.

This competition is designed to identify innovations that could potentially be deployed, at an appropriate scale, in an operational theatre within 12 months. This will be a key focus of our assessment.