Stage 1

The panel of judges evaluated Stage 1 submissions using the following selection criteria. These criteria were used to select up to eight (8) Stage 1 finalists.  

Accuracy. The degree to which the solution would be able to detect, recognize, or indicate the presence of opioids in a parcel consistently and with a high degree of confidence. This includes the degree to which the solution addresses and minimizes both false positives and false negatives.

Speed. The potential for the solution to rapidly inspect parcels, considered in terms of potential inspections per unit of time.

Feasibility. The extent to which the proposed solution uses technically sound methods backed by credible supporting evidence and can be developed into a testable prototype within a four-month period.

Usability. The ease with which operators could learn, use and maintain the solution.

Flexibility. The extent to which the solution could adapt to a changing threat, including shifts in trafficker behavior, changes to opioid chemical composition patterns and detection of other threats such as new drugs or explosives.

Team. The extent to which the entrant or entrant team demonstrates the strong experience, commitment and ability needed to develop the solution from plan to testable prototype within the time and resource constraints of the Challenge.  

Stage 1 was open to international and domestic participants, as defined in the Rules, Terms and Conditions.  

Stage 2

Stage 2 submissions were evaluated using the following selection criteria. These criteria were used to select one (1) grand prize winner and one (1) runner-up.

Accuracy. The degree to which a solution is able to detect, recognize, or indicate the presence of opioids in a parcel consistently and with a high degree of confidence. This includes the degree to which the solution addresses and minimizes both false positives and false negatives.

Speed. The ability of the solution to rapidly inspect parcels, considered in terms of potential inspections per unit of time.

Reliability. The durability of a solution and its ability to withstand day-to-day use without disrupting the flow of mail.

Scalability. The extent to which a solution can process large volumes of parcels and has the potential for implementation in different environments, systems, and processes.

Usability. The ease with which operators could learn, use and maintain the solution; demonstrates an understanding of the unique use cases of parcel inspectors. Can be highly automated.

Threat adaptability. The ability of a solution to adapt over time to different threats such as new opioid analogs and changes in trafficker behavior.

Team. The extent to which the entrant or entrant team demonstrates the strong experience, commitment and ability needed to develop the solution from testable prototype to a pilotable solution. Shows an ability to iterate and learn and has demonstrated strong progress during the accelerator.