1. Introduction

DEEP is evolving how humans access, explore and inhabit underwater environments. Through flexible, modular and mobile subsea habitats that allow humans to live undersea up to 200 m for up to 28 days, work-class submarines, and advanced human performance research, DEEP completely transforms what we are capable of underwater and how we conduct undersea science and research.

To initiate engagement with the scientific community, DEEP is requesting information from the public on potential scientific and research applications utilising DEEP assets. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to provide DEEP with a better understanding of the scope of potential scientific partner and customer requirements.

Responses to this RFI will inform engineering, operational, and procedural specifications of DEEP assets and missions; responses will also inform future science collaborative call opportunities led by DEEP.

Responses that identify and describe any potential scientific and research opportunities that would be unique to, or enhanced by, undersea habitation (including training and development of undersea habitants) and a sustained undersea presence are welcome. Potential research areas include (but are not limited to):

 

2. RFI Specifications

This RFI is only intended to be a request for information. Information submitted as a response to this RFI is solely for the purpose of informing DEEP scientific partner and customer requirements.

Academic and industry responses are encouraged, but there is no restriction on which organisation can submit a response to this RFI. We welcome all organisations, irrespective of industry type or nationality.

Nothing contained in this RFI or any other communication made by DEEP shall constitute an agreement, contract or representation. Submission to this call will not result in funding and does not guarantee future collaboration. In the future, and outside of this RFI, DEEP will release a separate call for proposals for scientific collaborations. DEEP reserves the right to change any aspect of, or cease, this RFI.

3. How to Respond to this RFI

Responses must be submitted by email to dawn.kernagis@deep.com no later than February 9 2024, 11:59PM EST.

A response to this RFI will be limited to:

Responses must be submitted as a PDF document and consist of the following sections:

​1) Response Author and Institution/Company

​2) Title

3) Background: Briefly describe the research or science topic, recent scientific advancements, and knowledge gaps. Describe how the proposed research would fill those gaps.

4) Research Objectives: Provide a brief description of the research objectives.

5) Approach and Requirements: Describe how the research would be conducted. Define what the requirements (e.g., environmental, technical, personnel) would be to conduct this research. Expand on the utility of DEEP assets in conducting this research.

6) Research Vision: Discuss the long-term vision of your research beyond the described project or application.

4. Confidentiality, Intellectual Property and Data Protection

Information provided to DEEP in response to this RFI will only be shared with DEEP personnel, its professional advisors and affiliated companies (DEEP Personnel). An internal DEEP report will be generated to retain information we have collected as part of this RFI which will also only be shared between DEEP Personnel.

All intellectual property rights (IPR) and all materials will remain the property of DEEP or the party submitting information as part of the RFI. No transfer of ownership, or rights or licenses to use or otherwise exploit the disclosing party’s intellectual property rights are implied or granted by this RFI.

In providing the information requested in this RFI, you confirm that you are providing consent that the information provided by you may be shared with DEEP Personnel. DEEP agrees that it shall comply with the requirements of legislation and regulatory requirements in force from time to time in relation to the use of your personal data. Information relating to how we will process your personal information can be found in DEEP’s Privacy Policy here.

For questions on confidentiality, intellectual property and data protection, please email: privacy@deep.com

5. Questions and Additional Information

For questions or additional information about this call, please contact Dr. Dawn Kernagis by email:

dawn.kernagis@deep.com