Evaluation criteria

Extent to which the concept reflects the true lived experience of Veterans and clearly articulates the population it is intended to serve. Extent to which the concept promotes equity by designing for the unique circumstances of a specific population. 

Extent to which the concept outlines where it will operate and how it will sustainably reduce Veteran suicides. 

Extent to which the concept demonstrates a level of advancement beyond established scientific methods, technology, and current practices. Extent to which the concept represents a range of cross-disciplinary expertise. 

Extent to which the concept is grounded in evidence-based or evidence-informed research and incorporates further evidence development in future plans.

Extent to which the concept is able to complement, build off of, or integrate  into existing VA systems and can sustainably grow to make a significant impact on the Veteran population.

Extent to which the concept takes into account any ethical considerations applicable to its approach, including ethical data collection practices, safe messaging practices, and privacy concerns. 

Extent to which the solution will be accessible to the Veteran population it is intended to serve.  

Extent to which the refined solution has the potential to significantly reduce suicides for its intended Veteran population.

Extent to which the solution demonstrates a level of advancement beyond initial submission, established scientific methods, existing technologies, and current practices, and effectively uses challenge resources or feedback.

Extent to which the refined solution’s timeline and development plan are thoroughly detailed, feasible, and actionable. 

Extent to which the solution’s testing and development plan complements, builds off of, or integrates into existing VA systems and can sustainably grow to impact the solution’s intended Veteran population.

Extent to which the solution takes into account any additional ethical considerations raised in Phase 1.