A2A Challenge: Distributed Water Quality Monitoring

ABSTRACT

A2A Ciclo Idrico distributes drinking water in the Municipality of Brescia and in numerous municipalities in the province, managing a network of approximately 3,546 kilometers. With the aim of improving the quality of the service provided to customers, A2A Ciclo Idrico is looking for a compact multi-parameter sensor with limited urban/environmental impact that can be easily integrated into the water distribution network to monitor the quality of water.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge; the Solver will only need to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by the Seeker with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

OVERVIEW

The A2A Group is the largest Italian multi-utility, at the forefront of territorial services and technological solutions for ten years, with one hundred years of history and experience. A2A, through its subsidiary A2A Ciclo Idrico, manages the integrated water supply: aqueducts, water purification plants and sewer networks.

Today, the Seeker does not have widespread systems for monitoring water quality and the functioning of pipelines. Water quality is only measured at collection points, but there is no precise information about it along the network, which prevents detailed knowledge of the quality of the water reaching the end customers.

To date, the solution to the problem can only be addressed through monitoring cabinets, which are of considerable size (450 x 750 x 185 mm (WxHxD)) and municipalities are reluctant to grant permits for the installation of new cabinets. The Seeker is primarily interested in partner able to supply or develop a compact multi-parameter sensor with limited urban/environmental impact that can be easily integrated into the water distribution network to monitor the quality of water.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge. The Solver will write a preliminary proposal (about 2-4 pages, including supporting non-confidential information and contact details) to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. Upon completion of the evaluation, the Seeker may contact selected Solvers directly to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed upon time frame.

NOTE: Proposals from Solvers who have the ability to work directly as the collaboration partner or supplier will be considered first. The Seeker will also consider proposals from other Solvers who refer a suitable candidate as a partner for a finder’s fee of $1,000 USD if convinced the candidate is worth contacting. See full description for details.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 23-Sep-2021.
Late submissions will not be considered.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

The A2A Group is the largest Italian multi utility, at the forefront of territorial services and technological solutions for ten years, with one hundred years of history and experience. We design smart and sustainable cities, with respect for the people who live there, we are protagonists of energy transition and we implement the principle of the circular economy in all of our activities. With a far-reaching strategic plan, we manage the generation, sale and distribution of electricity and gas, district heating, waste collection and recovery, e-mobility, public lighting and the integrated water services.

Through our subsidiary A2A Ciclo Idrico, we manage the integrated water supply (aqueducts, purification plants and sewerage networks) in the city of Brescia and in many municipalities in the province.

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an eRFP Challenge?

An InnoCentive eRFP Challenge allows Seekers to submit Requests for Proposals for a partner or supplier to provide materials or expertise to solve a business challenge by leveraging the InnoCentive Solver network. This global community includes organizations and individuals, such as contract research organizations, scientists, university researchers, and technology companies.

After a Solver submits an eRFP response, the Seeker evaluates the responses to determine which Solver(s) to contact for further business discussions. With eRFPs, the Solver must not provide any confidential information in the eRFP response. If your eRFP response is selected, you negotiate the terms of the contract (including scope of work, tasks and duration) directly with the Seeker.

This Challenge type does not require Intellectual Property (IP) transfer. However, sometimes Seekers request that certain IP arrangements be made should a partnership be formed.