High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) for Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) Wireless Backhaul

This Challenge Notice is issued under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program (ISC) Call for Proposals 004 (EN578-24ISC4). For general ISC information, Offerors can visit the ISC website at: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en Please refer to the Solicitation Documents Innovative Solutions Canada Program Call for Proposals – 004 - Tender Notice | CanadaBuys https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-3… which contains the process for submitting a proposal. Steps to apply: Step 1: Read this challenge. Step 2: Read the Call for Proposals : https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-3… Step 3: Propose your solution here : TBD The Department of National Defence (DND), Shared Services Canada (SSC) and National Research Council of Canada (NRC) are seeking the development of a solution that will extend the reach of ultra-long-range wireless backhaul (i.e. over-the-horizon ranges) using High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS). Challenge sponsor: National Research Council (NRC) Funding mechanism: Contract Opening date : October 20, 2026 Closing date : December 1, 2026, 14:00 Eastern time Problem statement The Government of Canada recognizes the critical role that advanced communication technologies play in supporting national defence, public safety, and the security of Canadians. Reliable and resilient connectivity in dangerous, remote, and sparsely populated regions is essential for effective defence operations, emergency response, and border monitoring. However, delivering such connectivity remains a significant challenge due to Canada’s vast geography, low population densities, and extreme environmental conditions. The Department of National Defence, Shared Services Canada and National Research Council of Canada are seeking the development of a solution that leverages High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) to provide ultra-long-range wireless backhaul (i.e., over-the-horizon ranges). This capability will enhance communications under harsh weather or challenging terrain in theatres of conflict, in remote areas, and isolated regions with little to no current connectivity. The ultimate goal is to improve secure, high-speed communications for Canadian defence, surveillance, and emergency operations while also potentially benefiting civilian emergency response connectivity needs. The successful applicant is responsible for securing a demonstration site as well as a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) clearance from Transport Canada to demonstrate the HAPS capabilities. Desired outcomes and considerations Essential (mandatory) outcomes The proposed solution must: 1. Demonstrate the capability to travel from the surface up to 20 kilometers +/- 2 kilometers and travel laterally within the corridor of 20 kilometers +/- 2 kilometers. 2. Operate at a specified, nominal, fixed point relative to the Earth for an extended period (minimum of 3 days). 3. Launch, deploy, and operate from land or water-based environments. 4. Provide a minimum of 100 Watts to support the deployment of long-range sensors. 5. Deliver high-bandwidth, high-availability, ultra-low latency wireless connectivity comparable to current offerings (e.g. 4G/LTE, Starlink, or equivalent) in the telecommunications industry. 6. Support current (e.g. 4G/LTE, Starlink, or equivalent) wireless systems and infrastructure. 7. Provide a minimum of 1000 km² service area coverage and a minimum of 200 km² of transit area coverage based on usage demands. 8. Be deployable within 6 hours for heavier-than-air HAPS or within 24 hours for lighter-than-air HAPS. 9. Incorporate automated decision-making for flight maneuvers and operations. 10. Operate at cold temperatures between -50 to at least -70 degrees Celsius. Additional outcomes The proposed solution should: 1. Have a power management system that optimizes power consumption and adapts to usage demand. 2. Be capable of continuous power generation and recharging during ground operations and flight through renewable energy sources. 3. Have non-assisted launch and land capability from land or water-based environments. 4. Support next generation wireless systems and infrastructure. 5. Maintain wireless connectivity in the presence of intentional and unintentional wireless channel interference. 6. Provide communications link security features and platform hardening to prevent signal interception, hacking and unauthorized platform hijacking. 7. Demonstrate the ability to daisy chain the signal using intra-HAPS (i.e HAPS group 1 to HAPS group2), and/or inter-HAPS (between individual HAPS). 8. Support backhauling requirements for future wireless networks. 9. Complement the terrestrial communication infrastructures. 10. Minimize the amount of traditional backhaul hopping. 11. Support point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh links. Background and context High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) are unmanned vehicles designed to operate in the stratosphere at altitudes of 20 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. HAPS are classified into two main types: Lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms and Heavier-than-air (HTA) platforms. LTA platforms include balloons and airships characterized by low energy consumption but has limited maneuverability. On the other hand, HTA platforms which include light unmanned aircrafts that rely on electric motors to generate and maintain lift offer greater maneuverability but have payload weight restrictions and can have an energy deficit issue as a result of prolonged dark periods during winter months at higher latitudes. HAPS offer several advantages such as its ability to be airborne for long durations and less expensive to operate compared to satellites. Since HAPS fly at lower altitudes than satellites, they are able to provide low latency data communications. The propulsion systems for HAPS generally use sustainable energy sources which have a lower environmental impact than rocket launches for satellites. Presently, existing wireless backhaul technologies have limitations in terms of coverage and during emergency situations for remote areas, nomadic users, and scattered populations. A merging solution between HAPS and ULR (Ultra-Long-Range) wireless backhaul, offering broadband services, would be a great benefit to a wide range of populations, especially in times of crisis and during emergency situations where traditional telecommunication services suffer outages. Additionally, HAPS are highly effective platforms for enhancing military communications and remote sensing capabilities. They can be used to complement military satcom infrastructure, offering capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. When equipped with high-resolution cameras, radars, and signals intelligence systems (SIGINT), HAPS provide continuous coverage of areas of interest. Maximum Contracts value and travel Phase 2 • Maximum funding: $2,000,000.00 CAD • Project duration: Up to 24 months • Estimated number of contracts: 1 This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to award any contracts for the total approximate funding. Final decisions on the number of Phase 2 awards will be made by Canada based on factors such as evaluation results, departmental priorities, and availability of funds. The Government of Canada reserves the right to make partial awards and to negotiate project scope changes. Travel The selected Offeror is required to travel and deploy the solution at a demonstration site to validate the performance of the prototype. Kick-off meeting All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference. Progress review meeting(s) Any progress review meetings will be conducted by telephone or videoconference. Final review meeting All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference.