Expressions of Interest (EOI) close 5:00pm AWST 30 January 2024. EOI forms are available in the Publications section of this page and should be emailed to the address below.
About
The Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) initiative is a joint Defence Science Centre and Commonwealth program that seeks to foster engagement between industry and academia to address real world problems in the defence sector.
The aim of the DaRT initiative is to explore concepts and generate ideas to address emerging defence sector needs early in the Defence Capability Life Cycle. This initiative allows the defence sector to provide instant feedback on early concepts with successful design solutions receiving $20,000 - $200,000 in grant support.
Key dates
| Date | Time | Activity |
| 29 Nov 2023 | 5.30pm - 8pm AWST | Information session (presentation and further information available on request by emailing DSC@jtsi.wa.gov.au) |
| 29 Nov 2023 | NA | EOI open |
| 30 Jan 2024 | 5:00PM AWST | Applications close |
| End of Q1 2024 | NA | Assessment and evaluation |
| End of Q1 2024 | NA | Award of DaRT grant |
| End of Q1 2025 | NA | Delivery of outcomes |
2023 Themes and problem statements
There are 2 themes in this year’s challenge:
- Theme 1: Stealth and Adaptive Defence: Unseen, Unmatched
- Theme 2: Naval Prowess: Innovations in Design and Precision
Theme 1: Stealth and Adaptive Defence: Unseen, Unmatched
Enhancing Stealth in Freefall Insertion Operations or Development of materials that minimise detection at freefall insertion.
Freefall insertion operations, crucial for Special Forces and covert missions, require materials that can significantly reduce personnel and equipment visibility to infrared (IR) and radar detection. These materials must absorb IR radiation and minimise radar reflection effectively.
For IR detection, materials need high IR absorption and heat dissipation capabilities while preventing reflection. Radar detection demands materials with low radar cross-section (RCS) to reduce echoes and enhance stealth.
For this theme the key research questions to be addressed include material properties for stealth, optimising IR absorption, reducing IR reflection, and innovative fabrication techniques. Successful concepts will receive support to advance solutions for safer and more successful freefall insertion operations.
Advancing Active Camouflage Technology
Traditional statice camouflage patterns used by military personnel struggle to adapt to changing surroundings, making it easier for adversaries to spot them. Moreover, carrying equipment can disrupt the camouflage effect, compromising concealment.
There's an urgent need for an active camouflage system that can dynamically adjust appearance to match the immediate environment, offering superior concealment and enhancing military personnel's survivability and mission success.
Key challenges in developing this active camouflage system include adaptive concealment, durability, power efficiency, and integration.
For this theme the key research questions to be addressed include how advanced sensor technologies can detect and analyse real-time environmental changes for effective adaptation, identifying responsiveness materials that can swiftly adjust appearance for optimal concealment, and designing a system capable of withstanding harsh conditions without compromising functionality or durability. Successful concepts will receive support to drive advancements in active camouflage technology, improving military personnel’s safety and mission effectiveness.
Theme 2: Naval Prowess: Innovations in Design and Precision
Combating Top-Weight Creep in Naval Fleets
Naval fleets worldwide are grappling with "top-weight creep", a critical issue arising from the continuous addition of heavy systems and armaments to surface warships and corvettes. This top-heavy imbalance compromises their performance, manoeuvrability, and stability during combat.
To address this challenge, we must focus on optimising upper deck components design and reducing weight through innovative approaches like additive manufacturing and lightweight materials. The aim is to enhance vessel capabilities and survivability by redistributing weight and lowering the centre of gravity.
For this theme the key research questions to be addressed include optimising design without sacrificing integrity, exploring lightweight materials, and quantifying the impact on vessel performance. Successful concepts will receive support in advancing solutions to mitigate top-weight creep and improve naval fleet effectiveness.
Eligibility
Show more- This event is open to industry, academia, individuals and groups who reside in Western Australia.
- The applicant must have an Australian Business Number and appoint a central point of contact responsible for all dealings with the Department.
- Multi-partner submissions, (example: research and industry) are preferred but not essential.
- It is not a pre-requisite for team members to be Australian citizens.
How to submit EOI
Show more- Download the expressions of interest form and submit by email to DSC@jtsi.wa.gov.au.
- Expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm AWST 30 Jan 2024.
- Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
All submissions receipted into this inbox will receive a return email acknowledging the submission. If you do not receive this acknowledgment, please re-submit.
For any questions, please contact the Defence Science Centre team at DSC@jtsi.wa.gov.au
Assessment Criteria
Show moreExpressions of Interest will be assessed by the Problem Owner and the Defence Science Centre against the assessment criteria below.
- Novelty: The extent to which the proposed solution entails the delivery of a novel scientific, engineering, or technical output.
- Feasibility: The extent to which the proposed solution can feasibly be delivered given the proposed delivery approach and resources commitment (consumables; facilities; researchers; others).
- Value for Money: The extent to which the proposed solutions deliver an effective return on investment for the capability to be delivered.
- Effect: The extent to which the proposed solution will deliver effects that will increase or enhance the operational performance of the ADF.
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