U.S.-Singapore Joint Challenge: Innovating Maritime and UAS Defense Solutions

Inviting companies and startups to address challenges in areas including Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and maritime security.

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Briefing Session Q&A

 

A briefing on this challenge was held on 11 October 2024 at 0930hrs (GMT+8). This session allowed participants to engage with challenge owners and ask questions for better insights to aid their proposal submissions.

Click HERE to download the presentation slides.

The summary of questions asked and answers provided are below for reference.
 
 

1. GENERAL QUESTIONS

 
1) What scale of cost and scope are you expecting for a successful proposal? Should we plan a demonstration that will cost 10k to conduct 100k, 1 million?
A: You may propose a trial that effectively addresses the challenge by demonstrating the key metrics outlined in our challenge statement with minimal resources and effort. The cost of the trial should be justifiable and reasonable.
 
2) Can we submit our proposals at both the Cap Vista and DIU Challenge sites?
A: Yes, you are able to do so.
 
3) Does the proposed solution need to meet both DIU and Singapore’s criteria?
A: The published challenges and metrics are the same, but the evaluation criteria, submission requirements, and terms and conditions may vary for the DIU and Cap Vista Accelerator Challenge sites. Your submission should meet the requirements stated in the challenge site you are submitting to.
 
4)  Can US-based companies submit a proposal at Cap Vista instead of DIU?
A: Yes you may. You are subjected to the submission requirements stated on our websites.
 
5)  How many companies will be awarded from the challenge?
A: There is no cap to the number of companies we may award.
 
 
 

2. CHALLENGE #1 - RELATED QUESTIONS

How might we continuously detect, track, identify and disrupt unauthorised small drones (UAS Classification: US Group 1/2/3 or NATO Class 1) to protect ships and people operating close to shore?
 
6) How many drones do we need to fly to demonstrate? Where is the demo site? U.S. or Singapore? Do we need to provide signal driving tools to support this trial? 
A: You may determine the number of drones required to demonstrate your technology capabilities in addressing the challenge. The demo site could be in Singapore, or may be stated otherwise in your proposal. Do note that you will need to provide your own signal jamming tools and apply the necessary license to conduct the trial.
 
7) Can we propose active sensors such as radar or just limited to RF sensors and cameras?
A: We welcome proposals for novel sensors and detection approaches.
 
8) Can a submission address the challenge statement partially? i.e perform detection and identify but not disrupt?
A: While the challenge statement seeks end-to-end solutions, we welcome submissions demonstrating novel approaches and/or superior performance capabilities to address part of the challenge statement in detecting, tracking and disrupting unauthorised drones.
 
9) Are you open to effectors such as explosives or just softkill by signal disruption?
A: We are open to novel and cost-effective approaches to disrupt drones.
 
 
10) Where will the demonstration be held?
A: The demonstration would be held in Singapore premises. Do highlight any challenges or propose alternate locations if required.
 
 
11) Is MINDEF able to provide drones to fly to demonstrate Challenge Statement 1, or is it our responsibility to bring / fly drones?
A: The company should propose and provide the drone to demonstrate your tech solution.
 
 
 

3. CHALLENGE #2 - RELATED QUESTIONS

How might we ensure resilient communications with small commercial drones?
 
12) What is the frequency band to demonstrate?
A: We are targeting the ISM band, specifically 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. If you have other frequency bands in mind, please include them in your proposal.
 
 
13) What are the targeted SWAP and altitude for the drones? What are the goals for payload, power, and budget?
A: The target for the SWAP (Size, Weight, and Power) for drone should be within the Class 1 category. Your proposed payload should be as lightweight as possible, for drones weighing 20kg or less, flying between ground level to 60m.
 
14) Will there be a possibility for the solution from Challenge Statement 2 be adopted for Challenge Statement 1 and vice versa?
A: The challenge statements are separate and would have their own demonstration trials.
 
15) Should novel communications be limited to data only, or also include command and control? This affects reliability.
A: Do highlight what your solution may offer, and its constraints for our consideration.