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Jun 09, 2023

Affordable and Adaptable Unmanned Air Systems Autonomy

Updated 28 July 2023 © Crown copyright 2023 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit

Updated 28 July 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-affordable-and-adaptable-unmanned-air-systems-autonomy/affordable-and-adaptable-unmanned-air-systems-autonomy-qa

A: If you have a hardware partner in mind from a software perspective that is your choice. But there there is no requirement for a hardware partner.

A: On board systems, you can demonstrate technology involving a platform, but it needs to be able to integrated.

A: Yes, but make sure that as a supplier you can demonstrate your idea against the challenges set out in the competition document. If it meets those requirements, we would been keen to see it.

A: We’re trying to answer the requirements within the challenges. But we won’t be turning down launch systems; if that forms part of the proposal then please put it in the application.

A: Absolutely. But if you don’t have integration into ATAK, you will not be excluded from the competition.

A: We are not in a position to give more information. Focus on your ideas being as adaptable as possible.

A: We are not looking for a new platform, but the systems. We are not focusing on the platform.

A: The types of targets are vehicles.

A: Most likely not, we are looking at systems which can search and scan i.e. novel sensors. Unless you have specific target identification capabilities (vehicles).

A: You can address one or both challenges in your bid.

A: It is wide, but it provides an opportunity to demonstrate different systems.

A: it would be useful to cost in your own systems, we are looking to leverage our systems further down the line.

A: It will be the Military Aviation Authority (MAA)

A: We acknowledge this is a challenge, which is why we are looking for new and novel options. Noting that it will not be a ready technology; we are looking to accelerate, and test and trial in a research and experimentation space.

A: Yes, but using competition document as a reference. Consider where your solution best fits, and against which challenges. Would it be of interest to integrate data from expendable platforms, yes; but it may not fit within this particular competition. Your local Innovation Partner will be able to help you find the best route.

A: Yes, that is one interpretation of the competition document.

A: Yes. If it is affordable and it could be integrated, we are happy to see it.

A: Yes.

A: Yes, control of the UAV is a priority requirement.

A: TRL 6 and 3 months with a demonstration of technology.

A: In principle, yes if within the technical scope of the call and it achieves TRL 6. But this is very much dependant on the technology and what is demonstrating.

A: It depends on the number of bids, the quality, and technical progression. Therefore the number of projects we can fund depends on price points and number of proposals submitted.

A: You essentially provide a narrative as to your solution for the requirements; and cost your proposal. It is whatever you would need to deliver the project. Budget is £800k, and if feasible you can submit to the limit. If your budget is £400k, then it is £400k.

A: My advice is to focus on the quality of your bid, and align it to competition challenges. If they are high quality and fulfil end user need, then we will consider what to do and how to fund.

A: From section ‘2.3 Total funding available’, the total funding available is £800,000 (ex VAT). It also states that it expects to fund several proposals for this competition. Therefore there is no set limit on how many proposals will be funded or the value of each proposal. Please submit your innovation with the appropriate cost attached. The £800,000 is total available for this competition either for multiple or single projects, dependent on submissions.

A: No, but you will need to declare any previous/ongoing funding.

A: We can’t offer any details, as it is still in the planning stages. Following the conclusion of the competition, the details will be released.

A: Yes, it will be flagged to both.

A: Development in this call remains at OFFICIAL and not above. In terms of nationality restrictions, you will declare your team’s nationality in your bid, and this will be taken into consideration, as part of application and commercial process.

To aid the contracting time of successful suppliers, we ask suppliers to complete the SAQ before they submit their proposal. The SAQ can be completed here using the DASA Risk Assessment RAR-260635306.

A: DASA do not do this, we can signpost, but up to you to broker those relationships. With regards consortia, we will contract with the supplier who submits the bid, but they are welcome.

A: The timescales are in the competition document, we will contract ASAP, with competition finished by the end of the year and with all spends by mid-December. Anything after that is outside scope of the call.

A: We are looking at a multi-layered approach. Think of current conflict and land operations, and consider our adversaries within that. Flight of platform, electronics environs. GNS tested environments, and terrain. Use those to shape your bid; bearing in mind environments and focus can change over time.

A: For this call, and the onward life, a supplier needs to be in position to produce the product or service.

Due to extenuating circumstances and security sensitivities we have been unable to publish all questions received. We will continue to update this document should further information be available.