- DASA has launched a new Themed Competition called Small, Lightweight, Trace Explosives Detector
- This competition is jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the US Department of Defense (DoD)
- Up to £600,000 (ex VAT) of funding is available for innovative proposals for the development of novel, lightweight, bioassay systems for the detection of trace explosives
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called ‘Small, Lightweight, Trace Explosives Detector’. This competition is jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the US Department of Defense (DoD) and seeks proposals for the development of novel, lightweight, bioassay systems for the detection of trace explosives to benefit end-users working in UK and US Defence and Security.
Trace detection systems allow end-users to detect and identify non-visible (trace) levels of materials from surfaces and/or items relating to Defence and Security, e.g. resulting from a suspected improvised explosive device. Current trace detection equipment, such as systems used in airports, have a significant size, weight and power (SWaP) footprint. In addition, pocket-sized systems such as chemical test kits that are used for presumptive identification have much lower SWaP, but do not perform as well as the larger systems.
Detection systems that use biological assays have low SWaP and can be used in some applications for sensing molecular explosives, however to date they have not been optimised for trace detection of explosives. Biological Assay in this context refers to the use of biologically derived or biologically inspired reagents or methods that can be used to identify and/or detect a chemical. In this case the assay would be used to achieve detection of trace / sub-visible quantities of molecular explosive targets collected from a surface.
The primary aim of this competition is to develop innovative platforms for the trace detection of explosives using biologically derived detection strategies. We are looking for innovative solutions that will incorporate modern sampling and reader formats into a platform that is capable of the trace detection of initially three explosive materials with the potential for future iterations of the platform to detect up to 10 explosives and / or other small molecule threats.
Key dates and funding
- The total possible funding available for this themed competition is £600,000, we expect to fund two proposals of up to £300,000 each or one outstanding proposal up to £600,000
- The deadline to submit a proposal is midday (BST) on Tuesday 9 April 2024
- A Q&A webinar to discuss the competition requirements will take place on Thursday 8 February 2024
- A series of fifteen minute 1-2-1 webinar sessions will take place on Thursday 15 February and Tuesday 20 February 2024 and provide the opportunity to ask specific questions
Do you have an innovative proposal for the development of a novel, lightweight bioassay system that could enhance the detection of trace explosives? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.
Webinars and online events
Launch Q&A Webinar: 8 February 2024, 3pm (GMT)
This webinar will provide more information on the challenge areas and how to submit a proposal. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions in the Q&A.
Register now on the Eventbrite Page
1-2-1 Sessions: 15 February 2024 & 20 February 2024
A series of 20 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.
Register for a session now on the Eventbrite Pages:
15 February 2024
20 February 2024
Submit a proposal
Do you have an innovative proposal for the development of a novel, lightweight, bioassay system that could enhance the detection of trace explosives?