The SERDP Fire Equipment Prize Challenge is a competitive event designed to encourage the development of advanced remotely operated equipment, ground-based autonomous vehicles, and other remote-operated technologies (excluding aircraft) for wildfire response in hazardous conditions. This challenge is a collaborative effort led by the Central Florida Tech Grove in partnership with NAWCTSD and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The primary objective of the challenge is to improve wildfire response operations on and near military lands, with a particular focus on enhancing firefighting efficiency, safety, and effectiveness through innovative technological solutions.

The challenge is geared towards addressing the complexities of wildland fire response in hazardous environments, particularly those affected by wildfires in high-risk areas such as military lands. The technologies explored will focus on advancing remotely operated and autonomous ground vehicles, which could significantly improve firefighting capabilities and reduce risks to human responders. Submissions will be evaluated by subject matter experts (SMEs) from supporting DoD entities and partner agencies with expertise in wildfire response technologies. These SMEs will assess the technical merit of the proposed solutions based on their ability to meet the challenge’s objectives and technical requirements.

The prize challenge will award monetary prizes to the top three performers. The first-place winner will receive $85,000, with $55,000 and $30,000 being awarded to the second and third finalists, respectively. In addition to the financial rewards, participants will gain exposure to leaders within Team Orlando and other branches of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), potentially leading to further collaboration opportunities. Finalists may also have the chance to engage in follow-on projects such as Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), expanding the impact and reach of their innovations.

Eligibility to participate is open to individuals or teams from various sectors, including industry, academia, state and local government, and nonprofit entities. Participants must be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older. Federal employees and support service contractors are not eligible, and participants must not use federal funds for their involvement in the challenge. Each submission must comply with all specific requirements set forth for the prize challenge, and participant eligibility will be verified during each phase of the challenge.

The timeline for the challenge includes several key milestones. The challenge officially opens on January 29, 2025, with registration also opening on the same date via the Challenge.gov platform. A virtual information session will be held on February 6, 2025, to provide potential participants with further insights. Participants must submit their solutions by February 28, 2025, with subsequent evaluations and selection of semi-finalists occurring by mid-March. Semi-finalists will present their solutions on April 14, 2025, followed by the selection of the final winners at the Presentation/Demo Day on April 18, 2025.

The initial submission requirements for the challenge include a final video demonstration of the proposed solution, a presentation outlining the solution’s capabilities, and a matrix showing how well the solution meets the technical requirements. Participants must also identify potential barriers to implementation and recommend next steps to further develop their solution.