The European Space Agency is soliciting proposals for a feasibility study assessing the technical and economic viability of deploying services based on Satellite Communications, Satellite Navigation, Earth Observation data, and/or other space assets to support Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) operations.
The program aims to address needs in detection and situational awareness, prediction, early warning and response planning for the benefit of both government and commercial users. The study will eventually propose a roadmap for development.
The feasibility study includes an Option where ESA will work together with European Defence Agency to demonstrate the benefits that the National Stakeholder Communities (NSC) in charge of combating CBRNe threats in EU Member States can get from the utilization of services integrating space and terrestrial technologies.
The NSC includes different bodies engaged with the planning and execution of actions in response to CBRNe threats (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Security and Justice, command and control forces). These entities can have different mandates according to the country in which they operate.
Each feasibility study will be eligible for 100% ESA funding, up to €250K, for nine months duration. The available budget for each feasibility study addressing also the Option is up to €350K, 100% funded by ESA and EDA.
Further details are available at the ESA’s ARTES Applications website. The Tender closing date is July 31, 2017. Prior to submitting a Full Proposal, the Prime and all subcontractors must register as potential bidders via esa-star, and are encouraged to initiate that process as soon as possible.
Source: ESA, adapted.