Levee Monitoring Solutions Capability Assessment

Overview

ERDCWERX is announcing a Levee Monitoring Solutions Capability Assessment in collaboration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

Problem Statement

Levees and flood control embankment structures (levee systems) are vulnerable to failure from extreme loading events such as flood overtopping and geotechnical-related failures by internal erosion. There is a recognized need for systems or method(s) that detect under-seepage, sand boils, and slope instability (deformation) on levees.

Project Objective

The objective is to identify and understand the latest technology that would be useful in assessing levee conditions and identifying changes that could lead to levee failure or reduced performance.

Operational Use Scenario

Failure mechanisms are often gradual processes and are not usually identified until after failure or a reduction in levee performance is apparent. As river systems adjust to changing environments, these loading events are becoming more frequent.

Current State

There are several techniques that are in use at specific levee sites. This includes fiber optics, geophysical surveys, and UAV technology. However, with the fast-evolving technology, it is understandable that new techniques and methods exist.

General Conditions

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is dedicated to identifying new technologies to effectively assess levees.

Unique Conditions

It is important that ERDC and its government partners remain diligent in applying recent technologies in maintaining and evaluating levee systems. Technologies should be evaluated and tested to identify tools that are relevant in identifying weaknesses in structures such as I-wall deformation or voids in levee systems as well as geotechnical-related threats such as surface erosion from overtopping.

Standards/Desirements

Proposed levee monitoring systems should include some or all of the following:

deployable during flood events
offer a platform to remotely access data
rapid method of data processing
an alert system when the levee or flood control structure is compromised

Proposed solutions can be new or build on existing technology. All potential options will be considered. Submissions for this levee monitoring tech challenge may be shared with other ERDC teams when there appears to be a fit with other projects being undertaken or planned by ERDC researchers.

Note: Submissions should NOT include confidential or proprietary details.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Technical Merit – Feasibility and applicability of proposed solution
Cost/Schedule – Preparedness and appropriateness of cost and schedule details cited
Business Viability – Organizational capacity, years in operation, relevant specialties and capabilities
Prototype/Demo – Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and availability of this solution for demonstration, if needed

Evaluations will be conducted by a project team comprised of nationally-recognized government experts who are involved in problem-solving and advancement of levee monitoring solutions.

Project Schedule

Project milestones include:
28 June 2021 Project Announced, Submissions Open
22 July 2021 Submissions Close
05 Aug 2021 Virtual Pitch Participants Selected by ERDC*
31 Aug 2021 Virtual Pitch Hosted by ERDCWERX (2-3 days)*
08 Sep 2021 Cash Prize Awards Announced by ERDCWERX*
*Dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.

Expected Result

The result will be to further the understanding of the availability and applicability of technology to monitor levees and assess changes in levee conditions. Submissions will be evaluated by ERDC subject matter experts. The parties with solutions of greatest interest may be invited to participate in a virtual pitch which includes a web-based presentation followed by technical review, if needed. The three solutions that best meet project objectives, as determined by the ERDC subject matter experts, will each be awarded a $10,000 cash prize by ERDCWERX.

How to Participate

1. Submit specific product details by providing a white paper (download white paper template)
2. Review FAQ
3. Complete the submission form

Questions: Interested parties may submit questions using this form until 15 July 2021.

Submission Instructions: Interested parties may submit by completing a submission form and including appropriate documentation.

All submissions received by 3:00 p.m. CST on 22 July 2021 will receive full consideration.

Industry, academia, national labs, individual innovators, and other parties are invited to apply for consideration. ERDCWERX tech challenges do not require that the applicant be certified to do business with the federal government.