Making Data Make Sense: Real-time Data Analysis for Rapid Decision Making

IMPORTANT To avoid last minute technical difficulties that could delay your submission, please send your request to open an epost Connect conversation as soon as possible, following the epost Connect instructions listed in Part 2 - Bidder Instructions of the CFP. -------------------------------------------------------- UPDATES December 9, 2020 Attachment 3 has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge. November 10, 2020 The previous update was made in error. There is currently no Questions and Answers attachment pertaining to this Challenge. November 9, 2020 Attachment 3 has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge. -------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 004 (W7714-207317). -------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO APPLY Please refer to the main solicitation documents which contain the process for submitting a proposal. Step 1: Prepare for Proposal Submission Read the Call for Proposals documents and Challenge tender notice in their entirety. Step 2: Download and Complete Attachment 1 – Electronic Proposal Submission Form

Attachment 1 – Electronic Proposal Submission Form can be found at the bottom of each Challenge tender notice page on Buy and Sell. If you have technical difficulties downloading and opening the form, please follow the instructions in Attachment 2 – Technical Instructions, found at the bottom of the Challenge tender notice page on Buy and Sell. The security warning on the form is for DND internal information only. The use of epost Connect enables submission of the form through an encrypted delivery platform for secure electronic delivery of Protected B documents.

Step 3: Follow the submission instructions listed in Part 2 – Bidder Instructions of the CFP

Please allow sufficient time to register and submit the completed form before the Challenge closing date and time. Additional attachments or documentation (technical drawings, CVs, diagrams, etc.) must not be submitted and will not constitute part of the Bidder’s proposal. Only one proposal is permitted per epost Connect conversation. For multiple submissions, this process must be followed for each proposal submitted.

-------------------------------------------------------- MAXIMUM FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE PERIOD Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge. The individual maximum contract funding available under Component 1a is up to $200,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months. This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding. -------------------------------------------------------- CHALLENGE DETAILS Challenge Title Making Data Make Sense: Real-time Data Analysis for Rapid Decision Making Challenge Statement The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are seeking innovative solutions to assist joint military commanders by rapidly and seamlessly analyzing, fusing, and sharing domain-centric information into a single command and control (C2) system that supports all levels of operations, in order to enhance and support military decision-making. Background and Context Modern militaries must increasingly engage in joint or multi-domain operations (MDO) to achieve their objectives by operating simultaneously across multiple domains, while taking into account the interdependence of different domains. Domains are typically grouped into the following categories: physical (air, space, land, maritime); digital (cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, information); and the cognitive or human domain (disinformation, psychological, strategic communications). However, there are significant challenges that must be overcome before truly simultaneous operations across multiple domains can be executed in real-time. Military operations are highly dynamic and present-day sensors are collecting vast amounts of data that has to be analyzed, fused, and disseminated before military commanders can make use of that data to make better-informed decisions. Different platforms also use different communication systems, which further prevents the ability to analyse, fuse and share the data in real-time. Desired Outcomes The DND/CAF is looking for innovative solutions for the real-time analysing, fusing and high-speed sharing of data from all types of sensors across multiple domains (in particular, cyber, air and space domains) into a single C2 system to enable rapid decision-making. Solutions can include, but are not limited to the following:

Tools/methods/mechanisms to collaboratively share data from multiple airborne/ground sensors. High-speed and secure data sharing mechanisms for all types of airborne/ground sensors; Automated pre-processing capabilities for collected data on the sensor platform; A “System of Systems” approach to the processing of data in a timely and efficient manner; Capabilities for assisting analysts to vet the data acquired from multiple sensors, automatically, in real- or near-real-time, by identifying essential elements within the data; Standardized communications systems for sensor platforms.

-------------------------------------------------------- ENQUIRIES All Challenge-related enquiries must be submitted in writing to: TPSGC.PAIDEES-APIDEAS.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca Enquiries must be submitted no later than 10 calendar days before the Challenge notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered. For more information about the IDEaS program, Bidders can visit the IDEaS website.