Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Expert to Assist CIFAL Malaga in Developing Operational Procedures, User Requirements, and Training Programs for Counter-UAS Project

Project Introduction:

CIFAL Malaga is part of a European project aimed at protecting public spaces against emerging hostile drone threats by developing an advanced multidimensional Counter-UAS (C-UAS) platform. This project supports police authorities with the prevention, early detection, and optimal management of operational responses to both current and emergent drone-related threats. The project incorporates a wide range of technologies and best practices to counter the use of weaponized consumer drones, focusing on safeguarding public spaces and contributing to the novel EU Counter-UAS policy. A key component of the project includes co-creating user requirements, defining pilot use cases (PUCs), and training law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on the C-UAS platform.

Objective:

CIFAL Malaga is seeking the services of a qualified expert to assist in developing operational procedures, identifying user requirements, defining project key performance indicators (KPIs) , designing and implementing training programs The selected contractor will play a vital role in ensuring that the solutions developed are aligned with the operational needs of law enforcement agencies and comply with ethical, regulatory, and societal standards. The expert will also help deliver targeted training programs to ensure knowledge transfer and practical application within the context of public safety and security.

Scope of Work:

1. Operational Procedures and User Requirements:
   • Collaborate with CIFAL Malaga in developing operational procedures for law enforcement agencies to counter hostile drone activities.
   • Facilitate workshops, interviews, and focus groups with relevant stakeholders, including police authorities and security experts, to gather input on operational needs.
   • Lead the co-creation, analysis, and definition of user requirements through a collaborative process involving end-users and stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that project solutions align with the real-world needs of law enforcement agencies.
   • Define Pilot Use Cases (PUCs) in detail, based on feedback from stakeholders, demonstrating how the project can support the prevention, detection, and response against drone swarm threats. This process will be based on the evaluation of existing solutions and tailored feedback from Focus Groups and Individual Stakeholder Interviews.
   • Lead the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of meeting defined user requirements and PUC objectives, translating the capability gaps faced by police authorities into clear operational actions and expected outcomes.

1. Training Program Design and Delivery:
   • End-users Training Program: Design and implement a Tailored International Training Program targeting law enforcement agencies members of the Consortium. This program will be delivered over a defined period and will target a group of selected police agents from various countries. The agents will be selected based on specific criteria, including professional reference, years of experience, and role/responsibilities.
   • The training will consist of two pillars:
     1. Theoretical Knowledge: Delivered both online and in-person, covering the fundamental aspects of counter-drone technologies, regulatory frameworks, operational tactics, and ethical considerations (Main focus of the assignment).
     2. Practical Application: Hands-on physical exercises, demonstrations, and simulations of real-world drone swarm threats (Assistance with delivery).
   • Training Modules will be identified and validated with input from technical experts and end-user partners to ensure relevance and practicality.
   • Training Materials: All materials, including theoretical content and practical guides, will be compiled into both physical and online courses and delivered through the CIFAL Málaga/UNITAR Learning Platform. The online platform will allow for remote learning and self-testing capabilities for law enforcement personnel.
   • Train-the-Trainer Component: To ensure sustainability and wider dissemination, a Train-the-Trainer approach will be incorporated. Participating agents will be trained to further disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired during the program to their colleagues, possibly in their local languages.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
   • Engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and technical experts, to ensure the project addresses diverse perspectives.
   • Organize and facilitate meetings, webinars, and other events to gather insights and ensure effective communication between CIFAL Malaga and stakeholders.
   • Prepare detailed reports and summaries of stakeholder engagement activities, including recommendations for improving operational procedures, user requirements, PUCs, and training programs.
3. Evaluation and Feedback Integration:
   • Develop and implement an evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the operational procedures, PUCs, and training programs.
   • Collect and analyze feedback from law enforcement participants in the training sessions and PUCs, as well as from stakeholders involved in the development of operational procedures.
   • Use the feedback to adjust and improve the procedures, user requirements, and training content, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

Timeline:

• Majority of the assignment (related to developing operational procedures, user requirements, PUCs, and early-phase training design) will be carried out between December 2024 to June 2025.
• The end-user training program will be developed and delivered between September 2025 and October 2027 with theoretical and practical training spread throughout the project.

Deliverables:

1. Workshop and Stakeholder Engagement Reports: Summaries of all workshops, interviews, and focus group meetings conducted, including key insights and recommendations.
2. User Requirements and Pilot Use Case Report (D2.1): A comprehensive document outlining the user requirements, detailed PUCs, and KPIs defined for law enforcement agencies.
3. Training Materials and Training Delivery: A complete set of training resources, including presentation slides, exercises, assessments, and practical demonstration guidelines for the 40-hour program.
4. Evaluation Reports: Analysis of the effectiveness of training sessions and operational procedures, including recommendations for improvement.

Expertise and Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience in developing operational procedures for law enforcement or military agencies, particularly in counter-drone technologies and public safety.
• Proven track record in designing and delivering training programs for security personnel, with a focus on technology and operational preparedness.
• Strong knowledge of European regulations related to data privacy, ethics, and AI in security contexts, including GDPR and AI Act compliance.
• Experience in facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagement activities, particularly in security-related projects.
• Excellent communication and project management skills, with the ability to work across multiple stakeholders and countries.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for effective communication across international teams.

Duration and Location:

The assignment will run for an estimated duration of 12 months, with flexibility for virtual collaboration. Occasional travel to European locations may be required to participate in workshops and training sessions.

Application Process:

Interested companies or experts are invited to submit the following:

• A detailed proposal outlining their approach to the tasks described in the scope of work.
• A portfolio or CV highlighting relevant experience, particularly in counter-drone technology and law enforcement training.
• A budget proposal including fees. (Travel and stay costs related to training will be covered by the project).

Deadline for Applications:

All applications should be submitted by 15th November via email to info@cifalmalaga.org.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact info@cifalmalaga.org.