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 solicit innovative commercial technologies for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing Department of Defense (DoD) mission effectiveness. This CSO utilizes Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. § 2371b and is open for five years, with specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) posted and updated on the DIU website. The active version of this CSO was published on March 13, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
DIU aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technology, transform DoD capabilities, and strengthen the national security innovation base. Prototype projects can include proof of concept, models, pilots, novel applications of commercial technologies, agile development, design, development, and demonstration of technical or operational utility. Submissions must be unclassified, and the period of performance for a Solution Brief or proposal should generally not exceed 24 months.
Submission Process
The competitive process involves three phases:
- Phase 1 (Solution Brief): Submitted electronically via the DIU website (max 5 pages or 15 slides). 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. Not compensated unless stipulated. Evaluation criteria include relevance, technical merit, feasibility, company viability, ROM price, schedule, and data rights.
- Phase 3 (Proposal): Invited companies submit a full written proposal (Request for Prototype Proposal - RPP), including technical, price/cost, and schedule components.
Eligibility & Contract Details
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) leading to Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to nontraditional and traditional defense contractors and non-profit research institutions.
- Requirements: Companies must have a DUNS number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Availability: The CSO is open for five years from its initial release, with specific AOI submission periods.
- Contact: For inquiries, email info@diu.mil.
- Website: Visit https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us for current AOIs and updates.