US Coast Guard seeks tracking technology via SVIP
The Defence Science Institute (DSI) in Melbourne reports that the US Coast Guard has issued two solicitations via the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). SVIP is the US Department of Homeland Security’s alternative procurement agency to reach innovators in the Silicon Valley and similar industry/research ecosystems. It is different to DIU in that while DIU seeks mature technologies that it can put into warfighters’ hands very quickly, hence opening solicitations for only 10 working days, SVIP seeks to develop new capabilities starting at lower TRLs. Its calls are open for up to one year and SVIP accepts applications every three months – the three quarterly dates for applications are below.
Maritime Object Tracking Technology (MOTT): For this technical call, DHS is interested in tracking solutions that are interoperable with current USCG maritime and aviation assets that use Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio Frequencies (RF) to track and locate the current generation of Data Marker Buoys (DMB). A possible solution could be tracked by both Automatic Identification System (AIS) and RF. A robust and effective MOTT will bolster USCG mission capabilities. The ability to more clearly mark objects in water with a system that can be more widely used by all USCG personnel will bolster the effectiveness of waterway security, drug interdiction, search and rescue missions and provide aid in navigation techniques, marine safety, and migrant interdiction.
Read more here (including how to submit your application)
Language Translator: For this technical call, DHS is interested in a small handheld device that, when activated, allows the user to interpret a variety of languages quickly, to allow members to carry on two-way conversations in multiple languages. This allows immediate communication between parties, and the conversations are recorded for future playback. This device, once deployed, would work to automatically identify the language, translate and display the conversation in real-time. The translation results should also be displayed on a screen for responders and other parties to see so they can understand each other more quickly and accurately. A technology that is fast, accurate and easy to understand and operate would significantly improve U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) mission capabilities.
Read more here (including how to submit your application
Three quarterly dates: 22/6/2020, 20/10/2020 and 20/2/2021