The Department of National Defense is seeking efficient passive Detection, Classification, Localization, and Tracking (DCLT) algorithms to acoustically track vessels of interest using Defense Research and Development Canada’s acoustic sensors subject to different environmental conditions. Innovators will be expected to provide algorithm(s) to be presented via design documentation during Phase 1 and then as updated documentation and demonstrable software in Phase 2, the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada posted in an update last month. The closing date is August 15, 2025. 14:00 Eastern Time.

Need to Know

Here are a few things you need to know before you get started on your application to this challenge:

• This challenge is only open to receive proposals for Phase 1 (Proof of Feasibility) of our Challenge Stream. Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1-4 can be submitted to this challenge
• We recently made changes to the Challenge Stream, we have outlined the new parameters
• Read through the official solicitation documents
• To read the tender notice for this specific challenge, refer to Tender Notice | CanadaBuys

Problem Statement

Traditional sonar technology relies on complex and power/memory-intensive processing schemes. Some future sonar systems will be transitioning to underwater, autonomous, battery-powered, and standalone (without cables) systems that will be less capable in terms of power, processing, and storage. Those future systems will be equipped with an array of sensors (multiple sensors of the same type), deployed in a wide range of locations, and used for long-term missions thus being subject to the seasonal variabilities and environmental conditions. An example of such systems can be found in Figure 1 of referenceFootnote1 listed below. Those autonomous systems can be deployed as a singleton or as a group, with the latter configuration typically involving a limited amount of data transfer at a low data rate.

This software challenge is meant to explore new approaches that could help develop efficient detection, classification, localization, tracking (DCLT) acoustic data processing solutions that are appropriate for those future autonomous systems.

Applicants (Offerors) qualifying for Phase 1 will receive representative multi-channel acoustic data and non-acoustic data to help develop their proposal. The data will be collected from a busy harbour environment and municipal transit ferries will represent the contacts of interest for the development of DCLT solutions. Candidates qualifying for Phase 2 will receive a larger sample of those datasets. Dataset selection may represent various environmental conditions inclusive of severe weather (heavy rainfalls, strong winds, etc.) and seasonal variations (distinct sound speed profiles). Phase 2 final demonstration will use a new dataset with unusual ferry routes. Successful applicants to Phase 1 of the Challenge will undertake development of a detailed solution concept as a proposal for consideration to progress to Phase 2. Candidates selected to continue to Phase 2 will develop functional solutions for demonstration. Phase 2 will concentrate on solutions that are viable for battery-powered systems with limited computing and communication capabilities.

Acoustic data will originate from two underwater hydrophone (underwater microphone) arrays in a shallow water environment. Non-acoustic data will include sound speed profiles, weather data, orientation data, underwater current data, ferry Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data of nearby maritime traffic. All ferries will be equipped with GPS thus providing ground-truth.

Background and Context

Canada’s recent Defence policy update “Our North, Strong, and Free” clearly stipulates the importance and urgency of monitoring Canadian Arctic waterways that are becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change. The vast expanse of Canada’s North, harsh environmental conditions, and lack of infrastructure all create a significant challenge for subsea surveillance and monitoring on a wide scale. The need for long-term deployment of surveillance solutions in remote regions in this challenging operational context could be partially addressed through the use of autonomous acoustic solutions, both fixed-location and mobile. Any solution operating in Canada’s expansive and remote geography would need to carry their own power reserves that must be used judiciously.

Development of innovative capabilities to address the challenging and extremely remote operational environment of the North not only supports Canadian national security priorities but also Canadian obligations as part of NORAD and NATO.

Canada has a strong depth of experience related to the gathering, processing, and analysis of acoustic information and has growing capability regarding autonomous solutions and artificial intelligence. These strengths enable the potential to create solutions to address the significant challenge of monitoring the waterways of the arctic for the national security of Canada and our allies. In addition, development of sovereign capability for these national security challenges could also lead to dual-use solutions that address non-military needs thereby creating broader economic benefit.