Jette launches ventilator competition

Army acquisition executive Bruce Jette today directed the Expeditionary Technology Search, or xTechSearch, program team to start a competition for a ventilator to be used in the field in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The service is looking for a low-cost, easily produced emergency ventilator that requires minimal components and is designed for mass production, according to a press release.

"The technology solution must provide a rapid-response breathing apparatus capable of short-term, rugged field operation in a small footprint that will support field hospitals," Zeke Topolosky, xTechSearch program manager, said in a statement.

The competition is open to all American businesses, according to the release.

Proposals will be evaluated immediately upon submission and companies will receive a $5,000 award to present virtual pitches to a panel of judges. Those selected to develop concept prototypes will be awarded a cash prize of $100,000.

The first virtual pitch panels will begin April 13.