DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Army would like to invite interested entities to participate in the 2023 xTechInternational Advanced Manufacturing and Materials competition, a forum for eligible international small businesses and international academic institutions to engage with the Department of Defense, earn prize money, and potentially participate in the accelerator program. xTechInternational offers an opportunity for eligible participants to pitch novel technology solutions directly to the DoD.

The U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), the U.S. Office of Naval Research Global (ONR-G), and the Air Force Research Laboratory have partnered with the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) (ASA(ALT)), to deliver the 2023 xTechInternational competition. The Army recognizes that the DoD must enhance engagements with eligible international small businesses and academic institutions, by: (1) understanding the spectrum of international ‘world-class’ technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoD; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional international innovators into the DoD Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing mentorship and expertise to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoD.

The xTechInternational competition will consist of two-rounds: (1) Call for concept white papers and optional video (2) Final Technology Pitch event, awarding up to $530,000 in cash prizes to select eligible entities throughout the competition. Ultimately, up to 10 finalists from round one will receive a cash prize of $10,000 each and invitation to demonstrate their innovative technology solutions to DoD challenges. Up to five participants from the finals round will be selected as winners of the competition will have an opportunity to receive an additional grand-prize of $150,000 each. Details on the prize structure are listed in this announcement. In addition to non-dilutive cash prizes, participants will have the opportunity to engage with U.S. DoD and other international partners through information sharing and networking opportunities. Finalists will be entered into the xTech Accelerator to receive intensive mentorship and access to networking events to help grow their companies for DoD and commercial users.

The efforts described in this notice are being pursued under the authorities of 10 U.S.C. § 4025 (formerly 2374a, Prizes for Advanced Technology Achievements) to award cash prizes as described in this announcement and 10 U.S.C. § 4003 (Prototype Projects). While the authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTechInternational competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoD or USG organization for a funding opportunity outside of this event. The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information which may or may not result in partnership opportunities.

The competition can be used to identify international Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) technology solutions that meet the criteria for award of a follow-on contract for additional proof-of-concept or prototype development.  Finalists of the prize competition may be invited to submit a proposal for further development of their proposed technology innovation based on the needs of the Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly. The efforts described in this Notice are being pursued under the authorities of 10 USC 2374a.

SCHEDULE AND PRIZES

PHASE 1: Concept White Paper

Jan 19, 2023 - Mar 2, 2023

Up to 10 Finalists

$10K/each

PHASE 2: Final Technology Pitches

May 30, 2023 - Jun 9, 2023

Up to 5 Winners

1st Place: $150K, 2nd Place: $100K, 3rd: Place: $75K, 4th Place: $60K, 5th Place: $45K

PHASE 3:

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PHASE 4:

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ELIGIBILITY

The entities allowed to participate in this competition must be international small business or international academic and research institutions.  A small to medium business is defined as those with <1500 staff headcount. Participating entities must have or be able to obtain a CAGE code if selected to advance in the competition. Instructions on how to obtain a CAGE code can be found on the xTechInternational registration page. U.S. entities are eligible to participate only if they are partnering with an international business and the international business is the lead, identified as the point of contact and submitter.

Each eligible entity

• Shall be incorporated in, and maintain, a primary place of business in a foreign country;
• May not be a U.S. Federal or foreign government entity or employ a U.S. Federal employee acting within the scope of their employment;
• Must be able to obtain a NCAGE code to process payments; and
• May not be a U.S. business or U.S. academic institution