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Discovering solutions to improve public safety and reduce drownings in canals throughout the United States.

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How to Participate

Get involved and learn more about the key steps to participating in the Canal Safety Challenge.
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Step 1

Register

01 sep - 02 sep
Do you have an idea to improve public safety and reduce drownings in canals throughout the United States? Do you have an idea to make egress from the canals easier or allow for safer rescue and recovery efforts? You must first register no later than Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 5:00 PM Mountain.
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Step 2

Submit

01 sep - 02 sep
Individuals, teams, and organizations that meet eligibility criteria are welcome to submit solutions. Ideas should focus on solutions that prevent drownings and contribute to the safety of children, adults, and animals. Submit no later than Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 5:00 PM Mountain.
Submission
Step 3

Evaluation

01 sep - 02 sep
Each valid submission receives scores and comments from five Evaluation Panel members, using a trait-scoring rubric with four criteria: effective, affordable, feasible, adaptable. All scores are normalized to ensure fairness for all solvers.
Scoring Process
Step 4

Build a Prototype

02 sep - 03 sep
Informed by the results of the Evaluation Panel, up to three Finalists will be named. Finalists will be awarded $50,000 each to build a prototype within a six-month period, according to their submitted proposals. Prototypes need to be completed by Friday, November 5, 2021.
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Step 5

Demonstration

02 sep - 03 sep
Finalists will attend a demonstration event in November 2021 to compete for the Final Prize at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Hydraulics Laboratory in Lakewood, Colorado. Informed by the Demonstration Event Panel, the Winner will be selected and will receive a $100,000 award.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question answered? View the full list of FAQs, or email us.

What is the Canal Safety Challenge?

Who can participate?

We’re a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program grantee. Can we submit?

How do I submit a proposed solution?

How will submissions be assessed?

What can I win?

Are you ready to help prevent drownings in canals throughout the United States?

Submissions have closed.

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