Threat Detection in Fast Parcels

Scope

This is an Open Call to industry and academia, entitled Threat Detection in Fast Parcels, run by the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), on behalf of the Home Office’s Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT). The call is seeking a proposal which addresses the requirement through a two-phased approach, but only Phase One will be initially funded.

Call Processes

The Call is being run in a similar way to Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) calls, consisting of short Phase One projects, followed by a smaller number of more substantial Phase Two projects. The call is open to all organisations that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution. Development is 100 per cent funded and particularly suited to small and medium sized business. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.

This Call and guidance is focused on Phase One. Phase One projects are short proof of concept projects. Successful projects from Phase One will be considered (in a separate procurement process) for Phase Two funding.

Phase One proof of concept projects should not exceed three months, with a notional value of £0 to £30,000. Phase Two projects will typically be around a year in duration, but may be up to 2 years long, and will be eligible for significantly higher funding than Phase One projects. We anticipate that the outputs from Phase One projects will take the form of a feasibility study, experimental results or prototype. Phase One projects must successfully demonstrate the concept of their proposed technical solution, to be eligible for consideration of further funding. Phase One proposals must state clearly the goals and outcomes of the Phases Two and the proposed route to market. Proposals can include references to relevant literature which substantiates any technical claims made. It is anticipated that funding and procurement for Phase Two project will start from about the summer of 2016.

We welcome collaborative proposals between two or more organisations, particularly with Fast Parcel operators.

The proposal must be submitted using the Threat Detection in Fast Parcels application form (Ref.: CST06.20b-HOS/15/051). All proposals must be submitted to the CONTEST & SOC S&T Programme Office no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday 24th November using the HOSProcurement@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk E-Mail account. All correspondence about relating to this call must include the Call title and Reference Number (Threat Detection in Fast Parcels – HOS/15/051). More than one proposal may be submitted by a supplier.