Notice

Competition document: metasurfaces for defence and security

Updated 10 September 2018

1. Introduction

This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition is seeking proposals for novel and innovative technologies and approaches that translate recent breakthroughs in metasurface science into practical demonstrational products. This will enable the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to harness a revolution in electromagnetic hardware.

We are interested in both novel metasurfaces and the manufacturing technologies to integrate them into platforms. We wish to better understand the benefits that current and future metasurface technology can bring to front-line capability in applications across the electromagnetic spectrum (from radio frequencies to the ultraviolet), to improve the long-term tactical advantage for the UK military.

The competition has an initial £500k to fund multiple proof of concept proposals (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2+). Additional funding is provisionally available for further phases of this competition to develop the technology to a higher TRL. DASA will be encouraging and facilitating collaboration between academia and industry throughout the competition phases.

The competition will close at midday on 28 September 2018.

2. Competition scope

2.1 Background

Emerging from the broader field of bulk 3D metamaterials, metasurfaces have made a huge academic impact by demonstrating both conventional and novel functions whilst being sub-wavelength in thickness. The 2D form of metamaterials makes them better suited to real applications, often reducing fabrication demands compared to bulk metamaterials, even when complex topology is employed. Advanced metasurfaces may be capable of extended bandwidth, be dynamically reconfigurable, or have other beneficial properties.

Fundamental research has shown metasurfaces to be more capable than initially expected, in terms of bandwidth and reconfigurable effects, and how the surface can modify the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves through reflection, refraction, attenuation and scattering. This is combined with being easier to manufacture and potentially integrate than bulk (volumetric) metamaterials.

The electromagnetic environment is critical to future defence and security operations, and it is anticipated that this environment will become ever more contested and congested. We would like to advance the role of metasurfaces within this challenging space.

2.2 Scope

For the purpose of this competition we regard a metasurface as ‘a man-made 2D (or quasi-2D) surface with properties defined by the spatial arrangement (topology) of specific materials on subwavelength scales’. The surfaces may comprise more than one material, have a finite thickness and comprise one or more layers. The properties of the surface may be enhanced by the topology operating in concert with the inherent properties of one or more materials located within the metasurface.

It is in scope to focus development on either: the metasurface topology, an included material selected to offer enhanced performance, or both.

We are interested in metasurface advances of direct relevance to applications (both defence and security, and wider civilian). Our primary focus is on electromagnetic and acoustic metasurfaces which have potential defence or security applications, and we would like applicants to highlight any dual-use relevance.

3. Competition challenges

3.1 Challenges

The key challenge is to demonstrate novel and relevant concepts for application of metasurfaces. This includes technical performance of metasurfaces (such as increased bandwidth or improved dynamic control) and also metasurfaces which can be more easily incorporated onto platforms.

We would like bidders to focus on experimental demonstrations of the novel technology, but with consideration given to the practical challenges of future steps towards final application, including; manufacturing, integration, testing and through life resilience. Proposals should be cognisant of these practical considerations.

Challenges we are hoping to address:

• enabling of new capabilities through use of novel technology
• maximised capabilities within mass constraints (for example, through multi-functionality, miniaturisation or being conformal)
• improved interoperability within and across platforms
• compatible pan-, multi- and hyperspectral system operation
• setting the path towards long-term cost reduction through technology advances and eased and modular integration

This competition will consist of multiple phases. It will be vital in Phase 1 that the project demonstrates how the proposed work builds on and extends current early TRL research into more practical applications. Later phases will build on successful demonstrations towards specific applications.

3.2 Clarification of what we want

We are primarily interested in metasurfaces that operate in the electromagnetic spectrum. We have particular interest from 100 MHz to 100 GHz (loosely labelled as ‘radio frequency and microwave’) and from the far infrared to the ultraviolet (loosely labelled as ‘electro-optical’). The Hz range of particular interest is 15THz to 1 PHz and the wavelength range of particular interest is 0.3 to 20 μm.

We are secondarily interested in considering compelling proposals for analogous metasurface concepts applied to sound, vibration, and other dynamic thermo-mechanical effects in structures where the defence relevance is made clear. The case for this technology would need to be compelling over alternative electromagnetic approaches.

A recent Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) review provides good insight to previous metamaterials research. We are seeking proposals beyond this previous work and a key test will be if it is ready for accelerated TRL maturation in the context of our stated needs.

Your proposal should incude:

• innovation
• novel ideas for defence and/or security
• advances beyond narrow band passive metasurfaces
• a clear pathway to future exploitation
• clear demonstration of how the proposed work builds on existing published or open knowledge

We wish to promote the translation of relevant metasurface science into technology concepts through experimental demonstrators. To this end, ideally we are seeking to promote teaming between academia and industry (small or large). This will be even more important in subsequent phases.

3.3 Clarification of what we do not want

For this competition we are not interested in proposals for:

• consultancy, paper-based studies or literature reviews
• solutions that do not offer significant benefit to defence
• proposals that only offer a written report
• proposals that cannot demonstrate feasibility within the Phase 1 timescale
• minor improvements in existing high TRL (TRL 5+) technologies
• demonstrations of off-the-shelf products requiring no experimental development
• identical resubmission of a previous bid to DASA or MOD without modification
• incremental improvements on existing technology
• proposals that focus only on mathematical models of innovative metasurfaces or solely theoretical research
• proposals looking at narrow band passive metasurfaces
• proposals which offer no real long-term prospect of integration into defence capabilities
• proposals with no real prospect of out-competing existing technological solutions

4. Exploitation

It is important that over the lifetime of DASA competitions, ideas are accelerated towards appropriate end-users, to enhance capability. How long this takes will be dependent on the nature and starting point of the innovation. Early identification and appropriate engagement with potential users during the competition and subsequent phases is essential.

All proposals to DASA should articulate the development in TRL of the output over the lifetime of the contract and how this relates to improved operational capability. For this competition it is envisaged that proposals will start at a minimum of TRL 2, though higher TRL applications will be welcome (up to TRL 7).

The deliverables in your proposal (especially the final demonstration) should be designed to provide evidence that you have reached the intended TRL by the end of the contract. The final demonstration should evidence that full development of the solution would indeed provide improved operational capability to the user.

Subsequent phases will focus on TRL >2. The evidence generated during Phase 1 should support the development of the business case for Phase 2. This is to make it as easy as possible for potential collaborators to identify the innovative elements of your proposal in order to consider routes for exploitation.

It is important right from the start that DASA and end users understand how your idea will deliver longer term improvements to defence and/or security capability and how it could be integrated with other relevant capabilities. Therefore, you may wish to include some of the following information, where known, to help the assessors understand your exploitation plans:

• the intended defence and/or security users of your final product and whether you have engaged with the end-users or their procurement organisation
• the current TRL of the innovation and where you realistically think it will be by the end of this phase
• awareness of, and alignment to, any existing end user procurement programmes
• the benefits (for example, in cost, time, improved capability) that your solution will provide to the user
• whether it is likely to be a standalone product or integrated with other technologies or platforms
• expected additional work required beyond the end of the contract to develop an operationally deployable commercial product (for example, ‘scaling up’ for manufacture, cyber security, integration with existing technologies, environmental operating conditions)
• additional future applications and markets for exploitation
• wider collaborations and networks you have already developed or any additional relationships you see as a requirement to support exploitation
• requirements for access to external assets, including Government Furnished Assets, Equipment and Information (GFX) for example data, equipment, materials and facilities
• how you intend to demonstrate the outputs at the end of this phase, what form the demonstration would take and whether it will require any special facilities (for example, outdoor space, specific venue)
• how your product could be tested in a representative environment in later phases
• any specific legal, commercial or regulatory considerations for exploitation

5. How to apply

Proposals for funding to meet these challenges must be submitted by midday on 28 September 2018 via the DASA submission service for which you will be required to register.

The initial funding of £500k is expected to fund at least 5 proposals. Proposals must be lower than £100k cost to DASA (although you may choose to use additional funds from elsewhere to meet the challenge). We recommend that suppliers place their applications in the range of £50k to £100k. If successful, contracts will be awarded for a duration of 9 months.

Additional funding for further phases to increase TRL further is anticipated to be available. This may mean a new competition will be launched for Phase 2, but details are to be confirmed. Any further phases will be open to applications from all suppliers and not just those that submitted Phase 1 successful bids.

Further guidance on submitting a proposal is available on the DASA website.

5.1 What your proposal must include

When submitting a proposal, you must complete all sections of the online form, including an appropriate level of technical information to allow assessment of the bid and a completed finances section.

The proposal should focus on this proof of concept phase but should also include a brief outline of the next stages of work required for exploitation.

Identification of any ethical/legal risks within your proposal and how these will be managed, including break points in the project if approvals are not received, must be included. Further details are available in the DASA terms and conditions and contract guidance.

In addition, requirements for access to Government Furnished Assets or Information (GFX),should be included in your proposal with information on availability and costs.

Completed proposals must comply with the financial limit for this competition which has an upper limit of £100k per proposal. Applications will be rejected if the financial cost exceeds this capped level.

Proposals must include costed participation at the following two DASA events:

• a collaboration event
• a demonstration event.

Both events will be held in the UK.

5.2 Public facing information

A brief abstract will be requested if the proposal is funded. This will be used by DASA and other government departments as appropriate, to describe the project and its intended outcomes and benefits. This will be used for inclusion at DASA events in relation to this competition and placed on the DASA website, along with your company information and generic contact details.

5.3 How your proposal will be assessed

All proposals will undergo an initial sift and if the application does not meet certain minimum standards (such as funding limits) it will not be taken forward to full assessment.

Proposals will then be assessed against the standard DASA assessment criteria by subject matter experts from the MOD (including Dstl), other government departments and front-line military commands. On occasion, where expertise may not exist within the Civil Service, we may use external academic review under a non-disclosure agreement. Suppliers will not have the opportunity to comment on assessors comments.

Further guidance on how your proposal is assessed is available on the DASA website.

After assessment, proposals will be discussed internally at a Decision Conference where, based on the assessments, budget and wider strategic considerations, a decision will be made on the proposals that are recommended for funding.

Proposals that are unsuccessful will receive brief feedback after the Decision Conference.

5.4 Things you should know about DASA contracts

Please read the DASA terms and conditions which contains important information for suppliers. For this competition we will be using the Short Form Contract (SFC).

Funded projects will be allocated a Technical Partner as a technical point of contact to support your projects. In addition, the DASA team will work with you to support delivery and exploitation.

Deliverables from DASA contracts will be made available to MOD, front-line commands, and may be subject to review by relevant government departments.

The full-rights outputs of funded work may be exposed to international government partners. This is to promote international collaboration and to give projects the best chance of exploitation through exposure to a larger scope of requirements. This will only be done under the protection of existing inter-governmental memoranda of understanding.

6. Phase 1 dates

Competition open	Thursday 16 August 2018
Dial in	Thursday 6 September 2018 (morning)
Pre bookable 1-1 telecom sessions	Thursday 6 September 2018 (afternoon)
Competition closes	Friday 28 September 2018 at midday
Decision Conference	by 19 October 2018
Contracting	by 31 October 2018

6.1 Support events

• Thursday 6 September 2018 (morning) – A dial-in session providing further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.
• Thursday 6 September 2018 (afternoon) – A series of 20 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.

7. Help

Competition queries including on process, application, technical, commercial and intellectual property aspects should be sent to accelerator@dstl.gov.uk, quoting the competition title.

While all reasonable efforts will be made to answer queries, DASA reserves the right to impose management controls if volumes of queries restrict fair access of information to all potential suppliers.

8. Annex A: Ethical and legal requirements

8.1 MOD research ethics committee

All research involving human participation conducted or sponsored by any government department is subject to ethical review under procedures outlined in Joint Service Publication 536 ‘Ministry of Defence Policy for Research Involving Human Participants’ irrespective of any separate ethical procedures (e.g. from universities or other organisations). This ensures that acceptable ethical standards are met, upheld and recorded, adhering to nationally and internationally accepted principles and guidance.

The following definitions explain the areas of research that require approval:

• clinical: conducting research on a human participant, including (but not limited to) administering substances, taking blood or urine samples, removing biological tissue, radiological investigations, or obtaining responses to an imposed stress or experimental situation
• non-clinical: conducting research to collect data on an identifiable individual’s behaviour, either directly or indirectly (such as by questionnaire or observation) All proposals must declare if there are potential ethical issues.

Securing ethical approval through this process can take up to 3 months. We, therefore, recommend that you only include research in Phase 1 that doesn’t require ethical approval. Work that might require ethical approval should be planned for future phases of work which have longer and more flexible timescales.

However, if you think that your Phase 1 proposal may require ethical approval, please ensure that you adopt an approach in your submission as follows:

• Milestone 1: gaining ethics approval for the project, including delivery of the research protocols (the protocol will need to be detailed by completing the ethics application form)
• Milestone 2: proposed research that will be carried out subject to gaining ethics approval (optional phases to be formally invoked, where appropriate)

A contractual break point must be included after milestone 1.

Read more on the MOD Research Ethics Committee.

The requirement for ethical approval isn’t a barrier to funding; proposals are assessed on technical merit and potential for exploitation. Successful proposals will be supported through the ethical review process; however, an outline of your research methods must be included in your proposal to help this process.

8.2 Animal testing

All research involving animal testing conducted or sponsored by Dstl is subject to processes that ensure appropriate ethical review and responsible use of animals by Dstl.

We define “involving animal testing” as:

• research that at any stage has involved or will involve use of animals in the United Kingdom, regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
• research that at any stage has involved or will involve use of animals, conducted outside the United Kingdom, regulated by the relevant competent authority that, if in the United Kingdom, would be regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

This requirement for ethical approval isn’t a barrier to funding. If you think your proposal involves animal testing, please ensure that your proposal highlights this. Proposals of suitable technical merit with the potential for exploitation that include animal testing will be required to provide supplementary information to enable appropriate ethical review to take place. Ethical review will be conducted by moderators with suitable expertise who will consider proposals in the context of the Dstl’s Use of Animals policy.

Proposals will be supported through this process. All contracts that involve animal testing will include break points so that projects containing animal testing that can’t obtain the necessary external licensure within the required timescale (for example a licence as required by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and/or don’t meet the Dstl’s Use of Animals Policy don’t proceed.

8.3 The Regulation of Investigatory Power Act (2000)/Investigatory Powers Act 2016 considerations

The Regulation of Investigatory Power Act (RIPA)/Investigatory Powers Act 2016 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, regulating the powers of public bodies to carry out surveillance and investigation, and covering the interception of communications. DASA encourages all bidders to be mindful of legal and ethical considerations particularly where experiments may impact on privacy under Investigatory Powers legislation and obligations under the Data Protection Act. Your proposals must identify and minimise legal risk. Further details can be found here.