Join the HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge for Secure Speech

Government offices follow rigorous specifications outlined by the National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) to ensure any rented spaces used for government work are just as secure as bespoke government buildings Rented offices are only used when it is necessary for the nature or location of work being carried out. But additional, retrofitted protections are often required.

HMGCC Co-Creation is presenting this challenge where there is a requirement to develop and deploy materials that can be retrofitted into small sized rooms (approximately 5 x 5 metres) on the walls, floors and ceilings, to provide acoustic dampening to at least 45 dB attenuation.

Funding Information

• Budget per single organisation: up to £60,000
• Budget per consortium: up to £120,000
• Project duration: 12 weeks

Outcomes

• The outcome focus of the 12-week project should be the demonstration of a selection of materials that could potentially be used to reflect or dampen acoustics.
• They would encourage the focus from TRL (Technical readiness level) 3 (critical function proof of concept) up to TRL 5 (basic validation in relevant environment).
• There will be many trade-offs to consider, which may only become obvious during attempted installations. So, they would encourage you to de-risk this activity by developing/identifying multiple materials that may fulfil the critical function.
• Ideally they are looking for an acoustic and materials specialist to provide novel, high spec materials
• Mandatory targets:
  • Acoustic dampening must be provable to at least 45 dB attenuation. If not achieved in the 12-week project, then there should be a defined, clear pathway to achieve this later.
  • Outcome of the 12 weeks must be the demonstration of acoustic attenuation testing data.
• Things to consider:
  • Material should be robust and capable of global transportation
  • Final product must be personally transportable
  • Routes to commercial exploitation should have been explored/identified
  • No specialist installation should be required
  • Space-saving solutions are needed, that do not take up significant areas of room. For example, large acoustic cones may be out of scope
  • Retrofitted into existing office spaces should be possible.
  • Solutions should not interfere with existing infrastructure, such as cabling, electrical sockets, air con units etc.
• What they are not interested in:
  • Horizon scanning
  • Soundproofing booths

Eligibility Criteria

• This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.
• Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

Evaluation Criteria

• All proposals, regardless of the application route, will be assessed by the HMGCC Co-Creation team. Proposals will be scored 1–5 on the following criteria:
  • Scope: Does the proposal fit within the challenge scope, taking into consideration cost and benefit?
  • Innovation: Is the technical solution credible, will it create new knowledge and IP, or use existing IP?
  • Deliverables: Will the proposal deliver a full or partial solution, if a partial solution, are there collaborations identified?
  • Timescale: Will the proposal deliver a minimum viable product within the project duration?
  • Budget: Are the project finances within the competition scope?
  • Team: Are the organisation/delivery team credible in this technical area?

For more information, visit Connected Places Catapult.