HMGCC Co-Creation Space: Emulated Phone
7 November
Summary of the challenge
Emulated phone technology is being sought by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to support its work using multiple aliases to communicate with numerous people nationally and internationally.
In its latest challenge, HMGCC Co-Creation wants to hear from organisations which have an emulated phone solution to potentially help the NCA in its future work. The solutions being put forward by organisations applying for this challenge should already be at mid to high Technical Readiness Level (TRL).
Organisations are being asked to apply if, over a 12-week period, they can develop and demonstrate a piece of technology to meet this challenge. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads, and other indirect expenses.
Context of the challenge
This HMGCC Co-Creation challenge, launched on behalf of the NCA, is looking for an emulated phone solution.
The NCA’s mission is to protect the public from serious and organised crime. It operates across the UK and around the world. This requires NCA officers to be able to communicate securely, effectively and dynamically with officers and a range of partners 24/7, 365 days a year. Communications include voice, text, video and picture messaging.
Officers may use multiple aliases and several physical mobile phones to interact with numerous people, protecting their identity and the identity of those with whom they communicate. The NCA wants to reduce the use of physical handsets, in favour of simplifying operations by using a single approved device. The single device should be able to host a series of emulations that can be spun-up and decommissioned rapidly. Due to the sensitivity of some operations, there must be minimal risk of emulation being linked, and any risks should be identified and clearly articulated for the risk owner.
The gap
When applying for this challenge, please consider the following questions and how a solution relates to them:
- Could an officer use your solution to run multiple different aliases, with minimal contagion risk?
- Can the solution be used within a secure government facility where mobile phones may be prohibited?
- What are the running costs and maintenance overheads?
- Does this simplify the users’ experience compared to using multiple nontraceable phones?
- Would its use look normal for a plain-clothed officer, for example during transit through an airport?
- Is there a risk of exposing identities within the phonebook?
Dates
- Competition opens Thursday 10 2024
- Deadline for questions Tuesday 22 October 2024
- Clarifying questions published Tuesday 29 October 2024
- Competition closes Thursday 7 November 2024 (5pm)
- Applicant notified Monday 18 November 2024
- Pitch day Tuesday 26 November 2024
- Target project kick-off Monday 6 January 2025
Eligibility
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.
How to apply
Please submit your applications to challenges@sa.catapult.org.uk
Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. The page/slide limit excludes personnel CVs and organisational profiles.
There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:
- Applicant details: Contact name, organisation details, and registration number
- Scope: Describe how the project aligns to the challenge scope
- Innovation: Describe the innovation and technology intended to be delivered in the project, along with new IP that will be generated or existing IP that can be used
- Deliverables: Describe the project outcomes and their impacts
- Timescale: Details how a minimum viable product will be achieve within the project duration
- Budget: Provide project finances against deliverables within the project duration
- Team: Key personnel CVs and expertise, organisational profile if applicable
All information you provide as part of your proposal – whether submitted directly to HMGCC or via a collaborator platform – will be handled in confidence.
