1ST QTR FY-18 COMMANDANTS INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Date Signed: 9/29/2017 | MARADMINS Number: 541/17
Cancelled
MARADMINS : 541/17
R 291940Z SEP 17
MARADMIN 541/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/1ST QTR FY-18 COMMANDANTS INNOVATION CHALLENGE//
POC/CAPT STEENBERGE, RYAN/MCRCO, TEL: 703-432-1028/EMAIL: RYAN.STEENBERGE@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This message serves as an announcement for the 1st quarter FY-18 Commandant's Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the Marine Corps Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO).  The purpose of the challenges is to solicit innovative ideas from Marines, Sailors, and government civilians from across the Marine Corps.
2.  Background:  The Marine Corps Operating Concept states that complex terrain is one of the key drivers of change in the future security environment.  Collateral damage in highly urbanized areas will be difficult to avoid.  Densely populated areas with constricting topography and poor infrastructure will make vehicular and aerial movement readily observable and easily disrupted.  Urban areas will also challenge our ability to find cover and concealment and achieve surprise.  The Marine Corps needs to be ready to not only operate in, but excel in this complex terrain.  In doing so, we must also be prepared to simultaneously fight, keep the peace, and provide humanitarian assistance – the familiar “three-block war”.
2.a.  An urban environment is defined as an operating environment characterized by three integrated factors:  A complex man-made physical terrain, a population of significant size and density, and an infrastructure upon which the area depends.
3.  Challenge:  Identify concepts and/or technologies that solve a uniquely urban problem and will make Marines more capable and effective, conducting the full range of military operations, in an urban environment.
4.  Evaluation Criteria:  Submissions will be evaluated based on four criteria.
4.a.  Did the submission meet the challenge parameters?
4.b.  How original/innovative is the submission?
4.c.  Is the submission's solution suitable, feasible, and complete?
4.d.  What is the submission's evaluated impact on the Marine Corps?
4.e.  Additional consideration will be given to submissions that are collaborative, either before submission or through the challenge website.
5.  Beginning 11 October 2017, Marines (active and reserve), Sailors, and government civilians from across the Marine Corps will have the opportunity to participate in this Innovation Challenge.  Ideas can be submitted at:  http:(slant)(slant)www.innovate.marines.mil until 12 November 2017.  Submitted ideas will be carefully reviewed and winner(s) will be selected as well as noteworthy submissions identified.  Challenge winners will be announced via MARADMIN, the website, and e-mail beginning 18 December 2017
6.  Individuals are encouraged to work and submit as teams.  Everyone is encouraged to comment on ideas throughout the submission period to continue the idea's development.  A submission is not required prior to commenting on the site.  Individuals are allowed to submit more than one idea.
7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.//