The following are questions we have received since launching the Challenge. If you have any additional questions, refer to the Rules, Terms, & Conditions or contact us at hello@readyforrescuechallenge.com. To keep up to date on all Challenge news, subscribe to the Challenge newsletter.

Q. I don’t work in the boating industry or have recreational boating experience. Will my solution be competitive?

Yes. The Challenge is looking for innovative technologies, materials, and tools developed in or outside of the boating industry that can help make it easier to find people in the water. We encourage entrants from all industries to submit a concept.

Q. Is the Challenge also seeking ideas for new Coast Guard assets or modifications to existing Coast Guard assets, such new sensors?

The Coast Guard is seeking boater safety solutions that will improve detectability and conspicuity of people in the water. The Challenge calls for solutions that will be used by boaters and mariners and will communicate with existing Coast Guard assets. Proposing modifications to Coast Guard assets, changes to Coast Guard sensor suites, or updates to Coast Guard technologies (e.g., new sensor software algorithm, new integrated asset sensors) is discouraged.

Q. Concerning the criterion “Accessibility”, can you clarify what is considered a “cost-effective” solution?

Solutions should have the potential to be purchased by a broad set of boaters, not require extensive companion purchases, and be cost effective. A solution with an incremental cost of ~$25 or less will be viewed as cost-effective by boaters. This means that a novel, stand-alone solution would cost less than ~$25, and innovation based on an existing product will add no more than a ~$25 in incremental cost. Solutions that pose a cost greater than $25 to consumers will still be considered, but are viewed as more difficult for the public to adopt.

Please note that this is a guideline and “Accessibility” will be considered in respect to the solution as a whole.

 Q. How do I submit my concept to the Challenge?

Entrants can submit to the Challenge by going to the “Submit” page on www.readyforrescuechallenge.com and following the guide to register on Luminary LightboxTM. Entrants must register on Luminary Lightbox to participate in the Challenge.  Once registered, entrants must complete all required fields of the submission form to submit. We encourage entrants to submit at least one hour before the deadline in case any technical issues arise.

Please see the official Rules, Terms, and Conditions for details on how to submit.

Q. What is the deadline for submitting to the Challenge?

The deadline for submission is 4:59 PM ET on Monday, October 15, 2018. We encourage entrants to submit at least one hour before the deadline to ensure the submission is received.

Please see the official Rules, Terms, and Conditions for details on how to submit.

Q. May I participate in the Challenge if I do not live in the US?

To be eligible to enter the Challenge as an individual or team of individuals, the team lead must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of entry. Only the team lead must meet this requirement. A team may include team members who are not United States citizens or legal permanent residents. To be eligible to enter the Challenge as a legal entity, the submitting entity must be a legal U.S. entity whose primary place of business is in the U.S.

Entrants that do not meet these eligibility requirements may choose to team with eligible entrants.

Please see the official Rules, Terms, and Conditions for details on eligibility.

 Q. May a K-12 student enter if he/she is under the age of 18?

To be eligible to enter the Challenge as an individual or team of individuals, the team lead and all registered team members must be 18 years or older. Individuals under 18 may participate by working with registered teams, but may not be officially registered as team members.

For K-12 student teams, a parent or faculty member may choose to enter the Challenge. Alternatively, a K-12 school may register if they are a legal U.S entity whose primary place of business is in the U.S.

Please see the official Rules, Terms, and Conditions for details on eligibility.

Q. May an entrant submit more than one concept as separate submissions?

Yes, entrants may submit more than one concept as long as each concept is submitted separately. For example, if an entrant would like to enter three concepts for three different solutions, the entrant should complete three unique submission forms and submit each separately.

Q. Will I retain ownership of my intellectual property if I submit my idea to the Challenge?

Yes, entrants retain ownership of all concepts, including any software, designs, research, or other intellectual property (IP) that they submit to the Challenge. By submitting to the Challenge, the entrant grants DHS and USCG a license to store, access, and modify the submission materials.

Please see the official Rules, Terms, and Conditions for details on intellectual property and licenses.

Q. Will only the team lead receive monetary prizes?

Yes. If the team lead submits on behalf of a group of individuals, the team lead will receive the full monetary prize and will be responsible for all applicable taxes.

Q. Can I change or add team members on my team if I get selected to move into Phase II?

Yes, teams may be modified following Phase I. Please note that Phases II and III will be administered directly through DHS S&T and USCG. Please contact prizeauthority@hq.dhs.gov if you would like to update your team following Phase I.

For more information on Phases II and III, please see the Challenge.gov announcement.