DIU seeks proposals for new commercial technologies

The Defense Innovation Unit wants industry to submit proposals for innovative commercial technologies that accelerate attainment of defense capabilities, according to a notice posted today.

DIU is seeking “solution briefs” through its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) solicitation that “will result in awards for prototype projects, which include not only commercially available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can incrementally improve commercial technologies, existing government-owned capabilities, or concepts for defense application,” according to the notice.

The proposals should be directly related to DIU’s areas of interest: artificial intelligence, cyber, autonomy, space, human systems as well as advanced energy and materials, according to its website.

The CSO is open for five years and includes three phases: solution brief, pitch and full written proposal.

Solution briefs should identify the areas of interest and provide a summary of technologies.

“Identify whether the effort includes the pilot or demonstration of existing commercial technology (identified as commercially ready and viable technology), or the development of technology for potential defense application,” according to the notice. “If development or adaptation is proposed, identify a suggested path to mature the technology. Identify aspects which may be considered proprietary.”