Covert Evidential Footage
About NSTIx OpTech Co-Creation
The National Security Technology and Innovation Exchange (NSTIx) is a government-led science, technology and innovation partnership that enables coherent and agile delivery of innovative national security outcomes through a co-ordinated and systematic approach to research and capability development.
NSTIx has established a government-led network of themed Co-Creation Spaces (CCS). The CCS’ combine the respective power of specialist public and private sector partners in research, capability development and end user requirements. This supports the development of effective, user-driven technology at pace in areas that are critical to national security. For more information, please see the ‘NSTIx Leaflet’ in digital form.
The OpTech Co-Creation Space (OCCS) has engaged with a network of key Community Collaborators, to accelerate and leverage access to their existing networks of industry and academic Solution Providers.
By responding to this Challenge (details provided in ‘UK Solution Provider Proposals – ‘our ask’ section) and participating in Co-Creation there is an exciting opportunity for collaboration between National Security, Community Collaborators and Solution Providers.
Context
In accordance with national policing guidelines, UK Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) officers within covert Surveillance Teams (STs) and Armed Response Units (ARUs) are required to record first- person audio-visual (AV) footage in the moments leading up to an armed-arrest, as well as all subsequent overt actions relevant to the intervention.
There is a good understanding of ‘overt’ AV recording capabilities, for example, body-worn cameras, however these capabilities are not necessarily easily transferable for ‘covert’ use – particularly at the ‘Amber’ status (i.e. pre-arrest authorisation stage). UK Law Enforcement want to explore a range of solutions to meet requirements for covert evidential AV recording during the pre-arrest, arrest and post-arrest scenarios outlined above.
Working with law enforcement end users, the OCCS have so far developed concept demonstrator models up to TRL4. This consists of a miniaturised AV unit within a robust plastic housing with a magnet on the reverse, this then connects rapidly and easily to the user’s chest area where the corresponding docking magnet is placed.
Our journey so far has been:
In Phase 1 – Working with a collaborator we observed User Centric Design methods to understand and map the user journey. Exploring existing concept designs and COTS solutions.
In Phase 2 – We created design concepts and field trial these with the users.
We are now in a position where we would like to finish the developments to a TRL7, pre-production unit that can capture evidential AV information in concept described above, by collaborating with a qualified solution provider.
The Challenge
The focus will be to deliver a working artefact to Law Enforcement users. The users will be heavily involved within this project and so can support field trials within this project and after it has finished. Funding is provided to progress to TRL7, a point where the development could be commercially exploited by the solution provider. There is a modest market within Law Enforcement but we think there is a great opportunity for the solution provider to also explore other industries such as Journalism, Healthcare, Sport, and Private Security Services.
Background IP generated in phase 1 and phase 2 will be shared once under contract and a signed NDA with the solution provider, foreground IP will remain with the solution provider, negotiations of the ownership or the background IP will take place within contract.
We are looking for proposals that state experience and expertise in the fields of general engineering, AV developments, integration, electronics, user friendly mechanical designs, wearables, body-cam developments and commercialisation. Within the proposal consideration should also be given to commercial exploitation, future product support and iterations of the development.
Commercial Consideration
This Challenge is open to sole innovators and to organisations of all types and sizes. This includes UK registered businesses of any size, Universities, and research and technology organisations. Consortiums are encouraged where a sole lead organisation contracts with the Authority & flows the terms, conditions, IP & payments, to the consortium members.
Commercial Engagement: The OCCS challenge team will select Solution Providers for this Challenge on the technical and commercial merit of the proposal received, commercial contracts and funding will be engaged through Cranfield University. Intellectual Property deliverables will be engaged with the OCCS under the terms attached.
Pricing: Solution providers are invited to submit Fixed Price proposals for the 12-week engagement. When preparing pricing please provide pricing against 3 monthly payment points in line with the sprint-profile of your project.
Please note that by submitting a proposal in response to this challenge you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of contract as issued and are thereby making a formal offer of contract, from which the Authority shall have the right to accept in part or in full should your proposal be deemed acceptable.
Submissions
Please send your proposals via the Community Collaborator you found this Challenge, alternatively you can send it directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk, but please note where you first heard of this Challenge. Ensure you include the title of the Challenge ‘Covert Evidential Footage’ in your submission.
Briefing Call
Key dates and timelines
10 October
All parties will be invited to an open Briefing Call at 10-11am, via MS Team.
23 October
All enquiries from the Briefing Call will be collated, and responses sent to all parties in an FAQ document.
03 November
The deadline for proposals to be submitted.
13 November
Selection and notification of finalists: The OCCS Challenge Team aims to select a shortlist of successful proposals and will be invited to a pitch day.
23 November
Pitch Day: An option to attend face to face or online will be made. All applicants will be provided with written feedback via the Community Collaborator once both technical and commercial assessments have been concluded.
Check back here for regular updates.