{
    "id": "canadabuys:cb-409-31548836",
    "url": "https://outfortender.com/tender/canadabuys-cb-409-31548836",
    "official_notice": "https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-409-31548836",
    "title": "MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System",
    "titles": {
        "en": "MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System",
        "fr": "Initiative MINERVA – Système d’aéronef sans équipage dans l’Arctique"
    },
    "description": "****AMENDMENT 004 - An attachment has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge. ***AMENDMENT 003 - An attachment has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge. **AMENDMENT 002 - An attachment has been added. THIS AMENDMENT IS TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS ON INCLUDING AN ATTACHMENT. *AMENDMENT 001 - An attachment has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge. *Please note that the ISC website will be available on August 13, 2026 at 10:30am EST.* This Challenge Notice is issued under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program (ISC) Call for Proposals 004 (EN578-24ISC4). For general ISC information, Offerors can visit the ISC website at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/101.nsf/eng/home Please refer to the Solicitation Documents Innovative Solutions Canada Program Call for Proposals – 004 - Tender Notice | CanadaBuys https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-331-17030872 which contains the process for submitting a proposal. Here are a few things you need to know before you get started on your application to this challenge: 1. This challenge is only open to receive proposals for Phase 2 (prototype development) of our Challenge Stream. - Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness level (TRL) 5 and 9 can be submitted to this challenge: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/isc-technology-readiness-level-scale 2. We recently made changes to the Challenge Stream; we have outlined the new parameters: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/challenges Steps to apply: Step 1: Read this challenge. Step 2: Read the Call for Proposals : https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-331-17030872 Step 3: Propose your solution here : https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/minerva-initiative-arctic-uncrewed-air-system?auHash=6CHvUJo1TFseah1BoKfUzu0d5rKaz3SNEPiCsitv82I MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Army (CA) requires an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic operational conditions that is domestically produced, easy to operate and maintain, and adequately rugged to enable the Canadian soldier to successfully fight and survive on the future battlefield. Challenge sponsor: Department of National Defense (DND) Funding mechanism: Contract Opening date: August 13, 2026 Closing date: September 24, 2026, 14:00 Eastern time Challenge Problem statement The Canadian Army (CA) soldier is facing an increasingly complex and dangerous battlespace in the future. A major element of the complexity and danger is the extreme cold weather conditions inherent in operations in the Arctic environment as the CA and Canadian Ranger (CR) executes responsibilities for sovereignty operations and Search and Rescue (SAR). The CA presently lacks an UAS capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic conditions. The CA requires an innovative uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) that provides an uncrewed alternative to gather information shareable with Other Government Departments (OGD) while operating in extreme cold weather conditions. This innovation must be simple, durable, and highly survivable providing soldiers with an effective capability for future conflicts that integrates seamlessly into operations while minimizing training and maintenance requirements, allowing soldiers to focus on their mission. Desired outcomes and considerations Essential (mandatory) outcomes The proposed solution must: 1. Be composed of an: a. Air vehicle: The airframe containing the onboard electronics, propulsion, and payload. b. Sensor payload: The equipment required for navigation and to complete a mission, such as cameras or imaging systems. c. Ground control station: The system (laptop,…",
    "description_language": "en",
    "buyer": "Department of Public Works and Government Services (PSPC)",
    "country": "CA",
    "country_name": "Canada",
    "category": "Architectural, construction and engineering services",
    "procedure": "Competitive - Selective tendering",
    "published": "2026-08-13",
    "deadline": "2026-09-24T14:00:00",
    "status": "open",
    "source": "canadabuys"
}