Administration seeks public's help to improve arms-control efforts

The State Department on Tuesday launched a contest aimed at rewarding the best ideas for achieving the nation's international disarmament objectives.

The “Innovation in Arms Control Challenge” sets aside $10,000 for proposals from U.S. citizens and permanent residents that use commonly available technologies to support arms-control policy efforts. It is part of the Obama administration's effort to harness the power of technology and social networking in achieving the nation's diplomatic goals.

“The astonishing advancements in information technologies include new tools and capabilities that could help support arms control transparency and compliance,” the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance said in a statement announcing the contest. “We will collect new ideas about how these advancements can affect the implementation of arms control, verification, and nonproliferation policy. 

“Can innovation bring about better ways to prevent 'loose nukes' from falling into the hands of terrorists? Can smart phone and tablet applications be created for the purpose of aiding on-site inspectors in verifying and monitoring armaments and sensitive materials? How can we use what’s already out there in new and creative ways to address this important global objective?”

The contest ends Oct. 26. Rules and guidelines are available here.