The Department of Defense is looking to develop a more agile and effective mechanism to evaluate emerging capabilities, embed end-users early in the product development cycle, and accelerate the prototyping and fielding of transformative technologies that can deliver operational advantage at speed. Deadline July 10.

Problem

Modern threats are accelerating the development and deployment of advanced uncrewed systems across all domains of warfare. These technologies are reshaping the character of war, specifically by democratizing the ability for persistent surveillance, precision targeting, electronic disruption, and low-cost mass effects at scale. As adversaries adopt UxS capabilities with increasing speed and sophistication, the DOD needs to identify, assess, and integrate next-generation UxS solutions at a faster pace to maintain tactical and strategic overmatch.

Opportunity

The Defense Innovation Unit and the DoD’s partners are seeking “ready-now” uncrewed systems solutions to enhance the speed and lethality for small, dispersed targeting-strike cells operating under Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Low-Bandwidth conditions, known as “DDIL.”

This latest DIU challenge includes up to $50,000 for the first phase, $500,000 for the second phase, and $3 million for phase three.

Requirements

Solutions should fundamentally improve how tactical formations “sense, decide, and strike, independent of consistent communication” or extensive logistical support. UxS solutions of interest include uncrewed aerial systems, electronic warfare, and uncrewed ground vehicles.

The DOD is specifically looking for “mature, mission-ready—ideally mission-proven—capabilities” that can participate in live evaluations within three months of this solicitation’s release.

Submissions

Submissions can be submitted at the bottom of this long page.

Deadline

Submissions are due by July 10.

Next Steps / More Information

Check out this page for extensive details and submission form.

Difficulty Level

Easy. Simple form and PDF attachment. Should be five or fewer pages, or a slide decks no longer than 15 slides. Watch our video with Sarah Pearson of the DIU for details on this process; she recommended that companies submit 15 slides with significant details, video clips, and more … more is better.

Questions

Questions can be addressed to the DIU at project-gi@diu.mil or you can contact Scott Cohen of The CET Sandbox at scott@cetsandbox.com.