MDBD Horizon Scanning & Technology Watch

Task requirement

Proposals are sought that would provide the project with a baseline of current technology and regular horizon scanning and selected technology watch outputs identifying new ideas, techniques and technology for further investigation within the project. Dstl defines Horizon Scanning as:

Processes and techniques for the systematic identification, at an early stage, of important but unfamiliar developments, to create new opportunities and mitigate risks arising through surprise. Dstl defines Technology Watch as:

Processes and techniques for monitoring the evolution of technologies and technology areas which are known to be of interest. These include following the maturation cycle of emerging technologies and identifying new applications for existing technologies.

Therefore, in horizon scanning, new technical areas of interest are realised only after information has been retrieved, whereas in technology watch, technical areas of interest are specified before information is retrieved. Ideas can be at any maturity level from initial idea to concept but should be innovative and present a fresh approach for military deception.

The scope of the MDBD project covers all aspects of 'technical' deception. Whilst 'technical' deception is not an official term, it is taken to refer to the use of technology options as part of deception actions.

An initial baselining activity would provide a snapshot of;

1/Technologies with the potential for use in deception activity

2/The current level of development of technologies and likelihood of further development 3/For those technologies that are commercially available

4/The availability (eg. widespread or single source)

a/Current usage/market

b/Indicative costs

c/Likelihood of further development

It is suggested that following the baselining activity, horizon scanning output is delivered quarterly over a period of three years. Selected topics for technology watch would be agreed following discussions with Dstl and the supplier and updates on those topics would be provided at least annually.

The expectation is that this task will;

Maintain a watching brief for new technologies and concepts that may have potential for use in UK military deception activities.

Increase understanding through technology watch on early technologies identified as having potential.