{"id":15936,"date":"2022-07-27T15:10:49","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T15:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/?page_id=15936"},"modified":"2024-03-08T18:39:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T18:39:23","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/home\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Implemented by\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>

Implemented by Capital Consulting Corporation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

Phase 3 winners announced<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><\/span>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Who is eligible to participate?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The Challenge is open to anyone age 18 or older participating as an individual or as a team. Federal employees and employees of the Challenge management entities are prohibited from participating.<\/p>\n

Submissions must be made in English. All Challenge-related communication will be in English.<\/p>\n

Individual competitors and teams may originate from any country, as long as United States federal sanctions do not prohibit participation.\u00a0 See the Sanctions Programs and Country Information | U.S. Department of the Treasury<\/a><\/p>\n

Please note that this eligibility differs from the eligibility under the America COMPETES Act.<\/p>\n

Please see Challenge terms and conditions<\/a> for additional eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Who is eligible to participate in Phase 2 and Phase 3?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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This Challenge uses a down-select approach, so only winners of Phase 1 are eligible to participate in Phase 2, and only winners of Phase 2 are eligible to participate in Phase 3.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Can submissions come from individuals and\/or organizations?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Both are acceptable. Please see the eligibility requirements listed on the website covering both individuals and organizations. Please note that there are tax implications for citizens who receive prize money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is the competition open to existing companies with established projects? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Yes, the competition is open to individuals or existing companies with existing solutions as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>If I receive federal grants or contracts, can I still apply?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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If you are a current grantee and have received Government funding for similar projects, you or your employer may not be eligible for award under this Challenge. Please contact us if you need help determining your eligibility.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How can we stay up to date on what\u2019s happening with the Challenge?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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To sign up for updates or to learn about current progress, please visit the Challenge signup page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Do I need to submit a notice of intent in advance to participate?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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No, but we encourage you to register in advance so that you get up-to-date information about the Challenge. Just click the \u201cContestant Portal<\/a>\u201d button on this page and follow the instructions to complete your registration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How can the prize money be used?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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There are no restrictions on how prize funds can be used. You and your organization may be required to report the funds received for tax purposes, but NIOSH imposes no constraints on how prize monies can be used.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens to my intellectual property and how will it be protected?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The participant grants to the Federal Government an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and display publicly the submission on the web or elsewhere, and a non-exclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on its behalf, the solution throughout the world. Each solver will retain all other intellectual property rights in their submissions, as applicable. To participate in the Challenge, each solver must warrant that there are no legal obstacles to providing the above-referenced nonexclusive licenses of the solver\u2019s rights to the Federal Government.<\/p>\n

To receive a prize for their submission, solvers must agree to grant the Federal Government a non-exclusive license to the inventive concept or inventions and patents in all intellectual property demonstrated by the winning\/award submissions.<\/p>\n

Full intellectual property rights also remain with the licensor. Each participant retains title and full ownership in and to their submission. The judges are federal employees who are bound by confidentiality protections and the submissions are uploaded through a secure system. No proprietary information will be released by the Challenge managers, even related to winner announcements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What testing criteria will NIOSH use to evaluate the proposed solution?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Because innovation is encouraged, testing and evaluation may need to adapt depending on the solution that is submitted. The winning white papers submitted in Phase 1 will inform NIOSH about how to best evaluate and test solutions in Phase 3. The goal will be to replicate, or replicate as closely as possible, what the solver asserts in their Phase 2 submission during Phase 3 testing and evaluation. In addition, during Phase 3 NIOSH may use standard and\/or unconventional test procedures and methods to evaluate solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Does the solution need to be able to filter out mist particulates? For example, using spray bottles of cleaning solutions. You said no gas or vapors?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Solutions will be demonstrated using a NIOSH approved Filtering Face Respirator (FFR). These disposable half facepiece respirators filter out particulates such as dust, mists, and fumes. They do not provide protection against gases and vapors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Will ANSI Z88.10 be an evaluation component?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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It is not a requirement of this challenge to meet specified criteria listed in respiratory protection standards and regulations. However, solvers should be aware of applicable test methods and procedures contained in these standards since they could be used during Phase 3 evaluation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is PDF-format required for submission of the white papers?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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PDF is preferred but not mandatory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is there a target cost for the end user?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Cost will be considered as a component of the evaluation criteria in Phase 1 and Phase 2. However, there is no set dollar cap specified for the final market price of the solution.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is the solution only required for fit testing of FFRs, or will other reusable respirator types be considered?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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During the COVID-19 pandemic certain types of personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness, like FFRs, were in high demand. Furthermore, beginning in 2021, FFRs were distributed to the public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This Challenge is focused on providing end users immediate evaluation and feedback on the fit of their FFR. Solutions can address fit of other respirator types, but other respirator types will not be part of the evaluation for this challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Can you please discuss acceptable methods for the device to sample the FFR deadspace while the FFR is being used? For example, does the use of push probes present issues because it would constitute a modification of an existing NIOSH-approved FFR?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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This is up to the solver to decide. The challenge is seeking innovative approaches. It is not a requirement to sample \u201cFFR deadspace\u201d as part a solution for this challenge. Solutions must be demonstrated on NIOSH approved FFRs, and modification may be required to demonstrate new and innovative technologies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is there a specific plan to help the winning solutions be stockpiled for future public health emergencies?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The Challenge is focused on novel technologies and innovative approaches that deliver immediate evaluation and feedback to end users about the fit of FFRs during use. Incorporation of solutions into PPE stockpile strategies is not a requirement of the challenge but could be taken into consideration as part solution evaluations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Regarding a device that gives data on real-time fit or seal checking, if this device attaches to a manufacturer\u2019s FFR, does it constitute a modification to that FFR?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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It depends on how the solution is incorporated. If a solution modifies the NIOSH approved FFR it could present a challenge to the solver in terms of bringing the solution to market later. However, it would not preclude the solver from submitting such an innovation to this Challenge. All innovative approaches and novel technologies are welcome.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is the solution meant for the individual end-user to check fit?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The solution could require the end user to check fit, but it is not a requirement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Does this need to work for all FFRs that NIOSH has currently approved or can it be a subset?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Solutions applicable to a broad number of NIOSH approved FFRs will be taken into consideration during evaluation. However, it is not a requirement. Solutions only need to be demonstrated on one type of NIOSH approved respirator during Phase 3 evaluation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Would the winning solution require OSHA approval?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Respirators used in occupational settings must be in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Solutions should consider these regulations, but they are not a requirement of the challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is a good fit still considered to be a fit factor or equivalent of 100 i.e. 10x APF?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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A fit factor of 100 is the OSHA requirement for passing a fit test using a quantitative particle counting method. Solvers may also offer solutions such as qualitative fit test innovations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the makeup of the judging panel?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The judges are Federal scientists and experts familiar with FFR fit testing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is OSHA involved in any way? For instance, will they be evaluating the winner's product?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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NIOSH has engaged with several Federal partners in this Challenge. OSHA representatives could be part of the evaluation team.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens during Phase 3?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Phase 3 is not about further modifying Phase 2 prototypes. \u00a0Rather, winners will be invited to submit their Phase 2 prototype devices, and all required components, to a defined NIOSH facility. NIOSH will then independently test the solution\u2019s performance. Three winners will be awarded prizes ($75K for first place; $50K for second place; and $25K for third place).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How many prototypes will I need to submit?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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NIOSH test approaches and techniques will be tailored to the submitted solution. Capital Consulting \u00a0will arrange for 15-minute sessions with NIOSH and Phase 2 winners to discuss shipping and testing logistics. NIOSH staff may ask clarifying questions about the prototype demonstration and evaluation performed during Phase 2. Also, significant prototype modifications or changes should be discussed during this meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What else do I need to submit?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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You will also need to provide a product instruction manual that explains how to properly use the prototype. If software is a required component, teams must also ship the device (laptop, cellphone, tablet, etc.) \u00a0with the software pre-installed . NIOSH evaluators and testers will not be able to download any software onto government owned equipment. \u00a0You will also need to provide three samples of the NIOSH Approved\u00ae<\/sup> \u00a0filtering facepiece model that was used during Phase 2 demonstration. A signed statement attesting that the device is non-toxic to lab personnel handling the device should be part of the instruction manual.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What type of testing and evaluation will be done in Phase 3?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Testing done at NIOSH facilities will verify the results demonstrated in Phase 2 submissions. A test plan will be developed based on the technology and how it was demonstrated. This could involve a wide variety of test methods and approaches to verify performance. Laboratory evaluations will not be used for or compared to approval or certification schemes. Test results will be summarized and reported to a judge panel who will make the final decision on Phase 3 awardees.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Who pays for the shipping?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Capital Consulting Corporation will cover the shipping and insurance costs of sending your prototype package to NIOSH for Phase 3 evaluation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Will I get my materials back?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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If you would like items returned at the end of challenge, an email request should be sent to Capital Consulting. \u00a0Phase 3 participants will be responsible for all costs associated with returning equipment, materials, and prototypes. \u00a0All items not claimed by Jan. 30th<\/sup>, 2025will become government property and disposed\/excessed in accordance with appropriate regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Will I get feedback about my solution during Phase 3?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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No, all data and information generated will be used for Phase 3 evaluation and Challenge award judging.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>When do items need to be shipped?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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NIOSH must receive the shipment no later than May 15, 2024. Unexpected and unforeseen delays must be communicated to Capital Consulting immediately. Packages received after May 15th<\/sup> risk being disqualified from the challenge without proper explanation and\/or justification.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Implemented by\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>

Implemented by Capital Consulting Corporation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":10868,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15936","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15936"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15936\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16395,"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15936\/revisions\/16395"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/challenges.capconcorp.com\/respiratory-fit-evaluation-challenge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}