@Erkul Kurulay
No, you do not need to be a U.S. Resident. This is an international challenge with some restrictions. I will call your attention to this section of the guidelines:
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Submissions must originate from either the U.S. or a designated country (see definition of designated country at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003), OR have been substantially transformed in the US or designated country prior to prototype delivery pursuant to FAR 25.403(c).

In addition, United States federal sanctions prohibit participation from individuals and teams from certain countries (see: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspx).

Hello Kyla, I'm from Russia, am I eligible for sanctions? May I take part?

Привет Кайла, я из России не подпадаю ли я под санкции ? Могу ли я принять участие ?

Hi Alexy, you can view the details of the US's sanctions on Russia here: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions

Russia is not a designated country (it is not listed in https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003). If you review the Russia-specific sanctions and are able to participate, you must collaborate with a team captain from a designated country and comply with the below from the guidelines/legal agreement.

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Submissions must originate from either the U.S. or a designated country (see definition of designated country at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003), OR have been substantially transformed in the US or designated country prior to prototype delivery pursuant to FAR 25.403(c).

@Kyla Jeffrey
Are Indians allowed to participate individually?

@Aditya P
Unfortunately, India is not a designated country (it is not listed in https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003) so you cannot participate as an individual.

You can participate with a Team Captain from a designated country as long as your submission abides by this requirement:

"Submissions must originate from either the U.S. or a designated country (see definition of designated country at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003), OR have been substantially transformed in the US or designated country prior to prototype delivery pursuant to FAR 25.403(c)."

Dear Kyle

The challenge looks interesting and the University has expertise in the application of NDT. The funding as I understand it is $60k phase 2 and $10k Phase 2. So does the idea need to be at TRL 8/9 since the funding of $60k for prototype development will not go too far if the proposed approach is at TRL8/9? At Phase 1 am I correct in understanding that it is just submission of an idea with a design concept?

Thanks in advance for your attention to my query.

Regards

Hitesh

Hi Hitesh,

Yes, you are correct that your Phase 1 submission plan could be a design concept. However, whatever you propose must be something that can be successfully developed and demonstrated within the 10-month Phase 2 development window. As part of your phase 1 submission, you will be asked to provide a realistic project plan for the Phase 2 development period.

You have also correctly identified the prize amounts, with the addition of the $50,000 prize amount for the Phase 3 winner. Some teams are likely to look for additional funding sources if it is required to mature their technology.