RULES

STAGE 1: Solution Description

The Solution Description stage invites all eligible Contestants to complete Solution Description submission requirements. Contestants’ solutions will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) and judges who will make their selections based on the clarity of the submission; the feasibility of the solution; and how well the submission addresses the Operational Use Case and Drone Design Specifications.

Up to 20 Contestants will receive awards including invitations to advance to Stage 2: Design, Prototype Build & Safety Evaluation and/or prize awards.

STAGE 2: Design, Prototype Build & Safety Evaluation

This stage has two milestones for Contestants to demonstrate progression in the design of their solutions, development of a working prototype, and compliance with the safety requirements. 

STAGE 2.1: Design

In this stage, Contestants will develop their designs to build their prototype UAS solutions according to the specifications and required safety standards. They will submit design review materials.

Up to 15 Contestants will receive prize awards. Up to 5 Contestants will not receive awards but may be invited to continue to Stage 2.2.

STAGE 2.2: Prototype Build & Safety Evaluation

In this stage, the Contestants will purchase and/or create the hardware necessary to implement the design approach outlined within their Solution Description and refined in the design. Contestants may take part in a series of design reviews to demonstrate progress towards achieving the teams’ proposed designs, culminating in the final evaluation.

Walk-on Evaluation

As part of Stage 2.2, Walk-on Contestant entries will be evaluated with an opportunity to advance to Stage 3.

Up to 15 Contestants (which may include Stage 2 Contestants and/or Walk-on Contestants) will receive prize awards, and invitations to participate in the Stage 3: Live Test & Evaluation.

STAGE 3: Live Test & Evaluation

The Live Test & Evaluation Contest is the final stage of the Challenge and consists of the live competition (Location will be announced later). Stage 2 winners will travel to the Live Event site to compete in Stage 3. All Contestants will be required to complete a UAS safety check prior to demonstrating their prototype drones’ capabilities. Contestants who pass the initial compliance review will be evaluated and scored by a panel of judges, and based on those scores, may receive prize awards.