On 19 December, Frontex launched a prize award contest
on the detection of low-flying objects (aerial platforms that operate in
low-level airspace, from piloted ultralight and conventional aircraft to
remotely piloted aircraft systems).
The goal of the contest is provide an incentive to
industry to develop innovative concepts and technological solutions for
cost-efficient, scalable, and integrated operational capabilities and reward
the best performing technological solutions. We are also aiming at obtaining
insights on how these solutions may support a proof-of-concept validation of
what an effective multi-layered, multi-sensor surveillance model might be for
the detection of low flying objects at EU borders.
The participants are expected to propose a
technological solution that addresses the main challenge of the contest:
Considering
the existing technological solutions available in the market (or those
currently under development) and their potential combination in a multi-layered,
multi-sensor model, how can low flying objects be effectively detected,
tracked, and identified at a European land border in a cost-efficient,
scalable, and integrated way?
The solution should include at least three
systems using a combination of both active and passive detection capabilities (e.g.
RF monitoring, camera, and radar). Any
other type of technical equipment, capability or service offered in the
application will be assessed positively, as additional features may enrich the
proposal if relevant to the scope of this initiative. The final version of the
solution presented during the operational trials must have an appropriate level
of technological maturity (TRL 6 or above).
The Prize Award Contest will be organized in three
distinct phases.
Phase 1: Call for Prizes – Submission of Proposals
In this phase, the participants submit a white
paper presenting the concept, stating main assumptions, capabilities, and
limitations, and describing how the proposed solution will address the
technical and operational challenges of detecting low flying objects at EU’s
borders.
Phase 2 – Technical Capacity Evaluation
In this phase, the participants submit a technical
document, where they provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the
technical and operational capabilities and limitations, specifications, and
overall architecture of the proposed solution. This document presents either a
working concept, prototype or fully-fledged solution.
The selected participants will do a presentation for
Frontex’s representatives in the agency’s premises. They will present the
project team, their concept and the proposed technological solution(s)
(showcasing the solutions’ hardware and software).
Phase 3 – Operational Trials
In this phase, the participants will prepare, deploy,
and operate their proposed technological solutions during a three-week
operational trial in a relevant operational environment in an EU Member
State. The participants will be informed about the choice of the hosting country
immediately after the evaluation of phase 2.
The total prize pool amounts to EUR 950
000.
- In phase 1, prizes of EUR
10 000 will be awarded to a maximum of ten (10) best ranked proposals.
-
In phase 2, prizes of EUR
50 000 will be awarded to a maximum of five (5) best ranked
presentations of technical capacity.
-
In phase 3, three (3) grand
prizes of EUR 250 000, EUR 200 000 and EUR 150
000 will be awarded.
The Prize Award Contest welcomes proposals from all
types of legal entities established in one of the EU Member States, including
overseas countries and territories.
Proposals can be submitted by mono-beneficiary (single
application) or by consortium (joint application).
Proposals can be submitted until Tuesday, new deadline 21 February 2023 at 12:00
CET (Warsaw time)
More information on the prize contest can be found here.