Defense Innovation Unit Commercial Solutions Opening
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to identify and acquire innovative commercial technologies for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the Department of Defense (DoD). This Special Notice utilizes Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. § 2371b. The CSO was amended on March 13, 2026, and this revised version is now active, replacing previous solicitations.
Purpose & Scope
DIU seeks proposals for innovative commercial technologies that accelerate the attainment of asymmetric defense capabilities. "Innovative" includes new technologies, processes, business practices, or new applications of existing ones that contribute to global peace and U.S. national security. Prototype projects can encompass proof of concept, models, pilots, novel applications of commercial technologies, agile development, design, development, and demonstration of technical or operational utility.
Process & Submission
The CSO follows a three-phase process:
- Phase 1 (Solution Brief): Interested parties submit Solution Briefs electronically via the DIU website in response to specific Areas of Interest (AOIs). Solution Briefs should not exceed 5 pages or 15 slides and are not compensated. Evaluation criteria include relevance to AOI, uniqueness/innovation, and technical merit/feasibility.
- Phase 2 (Pitch Session): Companies with meritorious Solution Briefs may be invited for an in-person or virtual pitch session.
- Phase 3 (Proposal): Companies with meritorious Solution Briefs and Pitches may be invited to submit a full written proposal (Request for Prototype Proposal - RPP), including technical and price/cost/schedule components.
Contract Details & Eligibility
- Contract Type: Awards will be made using Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
- Set-Aside: None specified. The CSO is open to nontraditional and traditional defense contractors and non-profit research institutions.
- Period of Performance: Generally not to exceed 24 months for prototype projects.
- Requirements: Companies must have a DUNS number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Submissions must be unclassified.
Key Information & Contact
AOIs are posted and frequently updated on the DIU website: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us. Submission periods for Solution Briefs under identified AOIs are limited. Contact: info@diu.mil