Competitions
The pilot SBRI competition with the Department of Health (DH) on Healthcare Associated Infections is now open, with two topics:
1. Hand Hygiene
2. Pathogen detection in the healthcare environment
On Topic 1, we are looking for technologies for improving hand hygiene effectiveness, compliance or both.
On Topic 2, the ideal test would be a test for product residue itself that gives rapid results to facilitate immediate corrective action, and is simple enough to be performed on the ward without the need for a laboratory.
Suppliers are invited to tender for contracts to develop technology to meet DH's requirements in these areas. Details of the Invitation to Tender, Technical Specification, Application Form and Guidance Notes are available from www.nihr-ccf.org.uk/site/programmes/i4i.
Applications should be sent to sbri@nihr-ccf.org.uk before the closing date at noon on 24 November 2008. We particularly welcome proposals from early-stage technology businesses.
This competition complements other current activities in the Health Care Associated Infections Technology Programme, described in the Context document.
These are opportunities requiring a high degree of innovation and are an opportunity not only to gain revenue to fund technology development, but also to develop the relationship with a key long-term potential customer.
How SBRI works
The new SBRI is a specific programme for the procurement of technology development projects by government departments. Key features of the programme include:
- Open competition for all projects via Technology Strategy Board
- Phased project structure - projects selected for Phase 2 on basis of Phase 1 performance
- Phase 1: Feasibility (up to 6 months)
- Phase 2: Development (up to 2 years)
- 100% funded by contracting department
- Standard contract terms for each Department
- Intellectual Property rests with contractor (with certain rights of use for the Department)
How to take part
Full details of the tender process, key terms and conditions and specifications are available from www.nihr-ccf.org.uk/site/programmes/i4i
Other competitions
The MOD pilot competitions on Maritime and Energy are now closed. However, funds for development in these areas (as in others) remain available through the Centre for Defence Enterprise (see Related Links).
The Technology Strategy Board is committed to growing the SBRI programme with government. The MOD intends to add at least one more topic to the pilot competition in 2008. Details will be shown here when available. Other Departments will be taking part from April 2009.