CALL-FOR-PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS … 1 of 8 CALL-FOR-PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS FOR...

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CALL-FOR-PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS FOR INNOVATIVE UAS

OPERATIONS IN SINGAPORE

Summary

The Call-for-Proposal (CFP) seeks to develop systems and technologies to enable the

innovative and wide-ranging use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Singapore’s urban

environment.

The Call will provide up to 50% funding for each successful proposal, with the funding amount

capped at S$1.5 million for each project, to develop working prototypes to prove concept of

the proposed solution.

The CFP will focus on the following:

Enabling the innovative use of UAS in Singapore’s urban environment

The Call-for-Proposal will be open between 03-Nov-2017 and 05-Jan-2018.

For more information, please email to [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

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SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF CALL-FOR-PROPOSAL

1. Background

1.1. In recent years, there have been rapid technological advances and significant

investments made in the unmanned aviation sector. The commoditisation of unmanned aircraft

systems (UAS), or drones, has led to many new and innovative applications across industries,

improving processes and saving time and manpower. Examples of current use cases include

surveillance, incident response, inspection and aerial imagery.

1.2. Singapore’s current regulatory framework facilitates the operation of UAS for

commercial purposes through a progressive permit regime. For instance, permits need to be

granted prior to any commercial UAS operation. Assessments for permit approval take into

consideration public and aviation safety and security.

1.3. However, there are two key challenges for commercial UAS applications in Singapore:

1.3.1. Limited airspace for UAS operations. Given the risks arising from operating

UAS in proximity to manned aircraft, limited UAS operations can take place

within 5km of any aerodromes. To accommodate more commercial UAS

applications in Singapore, there is a need to develop new and innovative

technologies to enable the innovative and wide-ranging use of UAS within the

available airspace.

1.3.2. Urban environment. The risks posed by UAS operations to people and property

include injury to persons and damage to property. Such risks are compounded

in a densely populated urban environment. As such, most commercial UAS

applications around the world are restricted for use in rural areas. There is a

need to develop new technologies and co-create new guidelines and rules that

would enable the safe operation of large numbers of UAS in Singapore’s urban

environment.

1.4. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

aim to collaborate with the industry to leverage advances in UAS technology to further enable

beneficial UAS use in Singapore’s urban environment, while ensuring aviation and public

safety.

2. Problem Statement

Seeking the development of systems and technologies to enable the innovative use of UAS

in Singapore’s urban environment.

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2.1. Potential UAS use cases that are sought through the CFP could include uses that

would help in the following areas:

2.1.1. Increasing productivity for manpower-intensive processes

2.1.2. Improving the logistics network in Singapore (e.g. parcel delivery)

2.2. Proposed solutions could also help to address current operational challenges relating

to UAS operations at high population density areas, near aerodromes and in proximity

to restricted areas.

2.3. Key elements in each applicant’s proposal could include, but are not limited to, the

following:

2.3.1. Beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. BVLOS operations represents

the next step for the industry, and an area of opportunity for the unmanned

aviation sector. Unlike current visual line of sight (VLOS) operations, BVLOS

operations have the potential to expand commercial UAS applications to

transform existing processes.

2.3.2. Operations in urban environment. MOT and CAAS are looking for solutions that

will address both public and aviation safety considerations in urban

environments. Such solutions could include Urban UAS Traffic Management

(UTM), as well as sense-and-avoid (SAA) solutions and reliable communication

capabilities. Proposed solutions that have the potential to maximise

Singapore’s airspace for UAS use will be beneficial for Singapore.

2.4. The proposal should also capture enabling systems and technologies that will be

developed, to enable innovative and wide-ranging UAS operations in Singapore’s urban

environment. These could include:

2.4.1. Fleet management for solutions involving the operation of more than one UAS

and ensuring separation between unmanned aircraft, as well as between

unmanned aircraft and other objects. Such solutions could potentially act as

building blocks to an urban UTM system.

2.4.2. Navigation solutions to ensure robustness and accuracy of UAS positioning.

Examples include navigational and positioning solutions in GPS denied

environments, and robust geo-fencing capabilities that would keep UAS

operations within specific flight envelopes (for both lateral and altitudinal). The

proposed solution should include developing capabilities that allow for the

unmanned aircraft to maintain communications link with the operator/control

station, while navigating through obstacles.

2.4.3. Sense-and-avoid (SAA) technology including sensor-based solutions to enable

automatic avoidance of both unknown static and dynamic obstacles/hazards

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detected during flight. The proposed solution should allow the UAS to navigate

through our urban environment and obstacles safely.

2.4.4. Failure management technology that allows for the UAS to detect potential

failures of critical systems in flight, and to have an adequate fail-safe system in

place. To handle such failures, the communication system should be sufficiently

robust to enable the UAS operator to:

i. Maintain situational awareness of UA operating BVLOS, potentially

behind buildings, and

ii. Allow for the operator to take over control of the UA within a reasonable

reaction time during an emergency.

Predictive failure capabilities that could predict potential failures through flight

data analysis would also be beneficial. Some examples are failures in the

aircraft system due to motor and battery deterioration. This would help to ensure

continued airworthiness of the UA in use.

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SECTION 2 – ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

1. Scope of Call-for-Proposal

1.1 MOT and CAAS invite the submission of proposals for innovative UAS use to be

considered for funding. To qualify, the proposals must develop working prototypes to prove

the concept of the proposed solution.

2. Eligibility

2.1 This Call is open to local or foreign companies, organisations, research institutes and

institutions of higher learning. Applicants must declare if the proposal has received government

funding (in parts or in whole) from other sources.

2.2 Only work conducted in Singapore may be funded under the Call.

2.3 To take into consideration future commercial viability of solutions developed through

this Call, applicants are encouraged to identify and partner an end-user for the developed

solution, for inclusion and submission of the proposal for this Call.

3. Application and Evaluation Process

3.1 Proposals are to be submitted using the prescribed Concept Proposal Form. The

proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem statement and strong

execution capability. They should also include clear descriptions of the proposed solution,

developmental approach / methodology, timeline (including key milestones) and budgets.

Proposal submission shall be in two stages:

3.1.1 Stage 1: Submission of conceptual proposal with broad outlines of use-case,

focused technology areas, partners, timelines and initial cost estimates for

shortlisting

3.1.2 Stage 2: Submission of full proposal for shortlisted applicants

3.2 After the Call-for-Proposal is closed, Stage 1 proposals will be surfaced to a judging

panel for evaluation. Shortlisted proposals will be notified, and given time to provide a detailed

proposal for Stage 2 evaluation. This evaluation process may require a presentation by the

applicants to the judging panel.

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Figure 1: CFP submission process

3.3 The evaluation criteria will include the following considerations:

Category (Weightage)

Description

Value to

Singapore

(30%)

Ability to transform processes and enhance productivity

Potential benefits and/or savings from proposed solution

Partnering with an end-user for the development of a use case

Enabling

technologies

(30%)

Innovative solutions to address current challenges

Development and validation of enabling technologies

Alignment with safety considerations and objectives

Technical and operational feasibility of the proposed solution

Project

Management

(20%)

Completeness and clarity of proposed development plan and

deliverables

Resources and experience of the project team

Cost-

effectiveness

(20%)

Cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution

Table 1: Evaluation criteria

Stage 1: Submission

of conceptual

proposal

Judging panel will evaluate

proposals

Shortlisted applicants

will be notified

Preparation of detailed

proposal by shortlisted applicants

Stage 2: Submission of detailed proposal

Judging panel will evaluate

proposals

Chosen applicants for the CFP

will be notified

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4. Project Implementation

4.1 Funding will be provided for up to 50% of the qualified costs budgeted for each project,

and the funding amount for each project is capped at S$1.5 million. Qualified costs can be

classified into the following categories:

i. Purchase/Lease of Equipment and Materials

ii. Purchase/Lease of Intellectual Property and Software

iii. Professional Services

iv. Manpower

v. Others

Contributions in-kind and existing equipment and infrastructure will not be qualified. All costs

budgeted should be exclusive of any applicable Goods and Services Taxes (GST).

4.2 Expenses incurred beyond the approved funding limit will be borne by the applicant.

4.3 The costs incurred in preparing the project proposals shall be borne by the applicant.

4.4 Each project will be tracked by a set of milestones and key performance indicators

(KPIs), mutually agreed between MOT, CAAS and the applicant prior to the award. Table 3

below shows generic milestones and KPIs for the projects.

Milestone Key Performance Indicators Estimated Due Date

from Project Commencement (D)

Development of

solution/technology

Confirmation of proposed

concept and focused

technology areas

Within D+6 months

Permit approvals

granted

Finalisation of system

parameters, design and flight

operations

Within D+9 months

Flight tests Demonstration and proof-of-

concept of solution Within D+18 months

Operationalisation

Demonstration of working

prototype at the proposed

operating location

Within D+21 months

Table 3: Example of Project Deliverables

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4.5 The funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis, upon the successful

achievement of the milestones and complete submission of supporting documents for the

KPIs.

4.6 All projects must be completed within 24 months from the acceptance of the offer from

CAAS.

5. Intellectual Property (IP)

5.1 Applicants are to provide details on any intellectual property (IP) rights that could be

created from the project, including intended ownership details.

5.2 The IP rights created from the project shall be used exclusively in Singapore for a

period of time to be determined and mutually agreed between MOT, CAAS and the applicants

before the award of the grant.

5.3 MOT and CAAS shall minimally reserve a non-exclusive, perpetual and royalty-free

license to the IP created, for non-commercial, educational and research purposes only.

6. Submission

6.1 Proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected], and must be in

the format of the Concept Proposal Form.

6.2 Only proposals that are properly completed, and with relevant supporting documents

attached, will be accepted for evaluation.

6.3 Proposal submission should also quote the following in the email subject line:

“Submission for CFP – [Proposal Title] by [Solution Provider Company Name]

6.4 Submission must be completed before 05-Jan-2018 (23:59, Singapore Time).

mailto:[email protected]

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