On May 14, 2020, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) held a public webinar providing an overview of how we deliver leading commercial technology solutions to our Department of Defense (DoD) partners. Tom Foldesi, our Director of Commercial Engagement, led a discussion of how DIU connects with the commercial technology community, solicits and identifies the best potential commercial solutions to DoD challenges, and leverages flexible processes and acquisition authority to rapidly award prototype agreements.
DIU has lowered barriers to entry into the defense market for commercial companies driving innovation in emerging and foundational technology areas. Our fast and flexible contracting process and commitment to establishing a clear path to large-volume defense contracts has created a new way for businesses to work with the DoD on commercial terms at commercial speeds. For example, we recently transitioned to production an AI-based predictive maintenance tool for aircraft that provides a new model of readiness across the Department's vehicle fleet, modernizing our capabilities.