Taking a leaf from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Research and Engineering Directorate has initiated a prize effort to entice “inventive and novel approaches to solve problems of US military interest. DARPA has used big bucks to spark interest in such endeavors as new robotic vehicles. In its first foray, DDR&E is offering a $1 million prize for a wearable electric power system that would reduce the weight “dismounted warfighters” must carry to support their load of electronic equipment. Potential competitors will get a briefing this fall and must register by Nov. 30. DDR&E, which plans to conduct the competition in fall 2008, has set up a new prize Web site utilizing the old Uncle Sam Wants You image and the catchphrase “Could You be the Winner?”
Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said he'll give special attention to coordinating with the Navy on buys of new weapons.
