Find the Right Path to Working With DIU

Problem Statement: 

The use of small watercraft by our nation’s adversaries, including transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and state actors, to smuggle illicit cargo and aliens across the U.S.'s maritime borders presents a growing security challenge. These agile vessels, often operating in densely populated areas and under cover of darkness, require interdiction strategies that do not expose the suspect vessel’s operators, civilian bystanders, and law enforcement personnel conducting the interdiction to an undue level of risk.  

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of War (DoW) are seeking solutions capable of reliably stopping non-compliant small watercraft without placing undue risk to the DHS/DoW personnel conducting these interdictions, operators/passengers onboard the non-compliant vessel (NCV), and nearby innocent civilians on the water.   

Design Reference Mission:

Imagine the following scenario: off the Southern California coast, a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) boat is on patrol in US territorial waters and identifies a suspect vessel operating at high speed. The USCG boat turns toward the suspect vessel, which observes the USCG asset coming toward them and starts to accelerate and swerve erratically. The vessel’s operator tosses his cell phone into the water and starts to turn back toward the international maritime border. At this time, the suspect vessel is deemed to be noncompliant and the appropriate use of force rules apply while the USCG boat attempts to interdict the NCV.  

Based on the NCV's speed and the vessel operator straddling the engine of the personal watercraft, the USCG officer determines that any immediate use of force, including and up to disabling fire, would place undue risk to nearby mariners and/or the passengers onboard the NCV. The USCG asset continues to pursue the NCV and waits for a less risky time to employ its progressive use of force tactics to stop the NCV. A short time later, the NCV crosses into Mexican waters and the USCG asset must cease pursuit. If the USCG asset had a non-lethal solution that could have disabled the NCV from a distance and not placed undue risk to nearby innocent civilians and the passengers onboard the NCV, they could have safely apprehended the NCV and maintained the United States’ border sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Proposed Solution:

A solution brief’s technical merit and relevance will be based on the solution’s ability to meet the primary attributes and the cumulative evaluation of the secondary solution attributes:

Primary Attributes:

• The solution must be able to disrupt, disable, or prevent the continued operation of a non-compliant small watercraft or its operator through non-kinetic effects with minimal collateral damage or risk exposure to nearby civilians and the solution’s operators. This could be, but is not limited to, localized, non-kinetic energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation), a novel Electronic Attack (EA) method, or other novel means. 
• The solution must be able to defeat a single high-speed small watercraft at a time.
• The solution must be able to be utilized or deployed from USCG small boats (25’-45’) while underway. The solution must be standalone and require minimal technical integration with the boat. 
• The solution must exist in a technically mature state of development in order for the government to host a baseline assessment of the solution’s capabilities at a government identified test location, subject to range availability, planned to occur within 60 days of receipt of a prototype OT award. 

Secondary Attributes:

• Shortening the amount of time from when the decision to employ the solution is made until it is ready to defeat the noncompliant small watercraft is preferred and must be characterized. Additionally, minimization of the “dwell time” (the time from solution starts acting upon the target to the defeat of the target) is also desirable and must be characterized.
• It is preferred if the solution can simultaneously defeat multiple noncompliant small watercraft with various engine types (e.g. 4-stroke gasoline, 2-stroke gasoline, diesel) and various propulsion methods (e.g. outboard propeller, inboard propeller, shrouded or water jet propulsion).  
• Additionally, it is also preferred if the solution can defeat multiple noncompliant small watercraft over an extended period of time without requiring any crew interaction (e.g. reloading of the effect, installation of new energy source, resetting of the device, etc). 
• Preferred solutions will be easily operated and require minimal operator training prior to use. Additionally, it is preferred for solutions to be maintenance-free or require minimal field-level maintenance.  
• The solution should minimize installation size, weight, power, and any restrictions imposed on other systems onboard a maritime vessel. 
• Solutions should not rely upon the host platform for power or other ancillary power sources but come with its own power source (swappable is preferred). 
• The production solution should be capable of achieving compliance for shipboard installation onboard a USCG, DHS, or other DoW maritime vessel and able to operate in a harsh maritime environment (e.g. exposure to salt water, shock, etc).    
• The solution should be able to demonstrate adaptability to evolving operational threats including the ability to leverage real-time, or near real-time, operational deployment data, logs, and user feedback to assess, correct, and/or improve system behaviors and performance including safely, securely, and promptly deploying software updates to fielded systems. Companies may assume the U.S. government will share data on evolving threats. The ability for the vendor to receive a DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) and/or DD2345 (Military Critical Technical Agreement) is required in order to share the data at the appropriate classification level, but an active DD-254 is not required for a prototype OT to be awarded to a vendor. Additionally, successful solutions may be required to provide personnel with appropriate security clearances and eventually the ability to obtain a Facility Clearance to store classified information.

Supplementary Information:

• Each brief should detail how the proposed non-lethal solution maximizes effectiveness against the localized target(s) while minimizing collateral damage to protected assets, infrastructure, innocent bystanders, and nearby marine wildlife. Descriptions and definitions of non-lethal and low collateral effects can be found in DoD Inst 3200.19, Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Human Effects Characterization. Compliance with approved non-lethal weapons effects should be apparent through either inspection or similarity with existing, approved DoW non-lethal methods.  
• Solutions briefs will identify the maximum range that they will be able to defeat small watercraft, and state whether that range has been validated or proven in an operational environment, in the lab or a controlled testing environment, or this is a theoretical range based on solution’s design characteristics. 
• Solutions briefs will describe the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of the solution.
• Solutions briefs will identify if the solution can be used in dismounted (mobile) operations.

Project G.I. (Prize Challenge) 

Background

Modern peer and near-peer threats are accelerating the development and deployment of advanced uncrewed systems (UxS) 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 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must identify, assess, and integrate next-generation UxS solutions at a faster pace to maintain tactical and strategic overmatch.

Furthermore, traditional requirement and acquisition timelines do not support the needs of our warfighters, the Services, or Combatant Commands. The Department of Defense requires 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.

Problem

DIU and its DoD partners seek “ready-now” uncrewed systems (UxS) solutions to enhance the speed and lethality for small, dispersed targeting-strike cells operating under Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Low-Bandwidth (DDIL) conditions. Solutions should fundamentally improve how tactical formations sense, decide, and strike, independent of consistent communication or extensive logistical support.

UxS solutions interest include uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), electronic warfare (EW), and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV). Companies are welcome to collaborate and submit joint proposals.

Attributes

Proposed challenge solutions must enhance a tactical formation’s lethality, survivability, or overall mission effectiveness within the specified Design Reference Mission (DRM). Submissions should feature mature, mission-ready—ideally mission-proven—capabilities that can participate in live evaluations within three months of this solicitation’s release. Companies should only submit when their solution meets this mission-ready standard. Future iterations will support related but separate DRMs, focused on expanded environments, units, or tactical missions. Submissions will be evaluated for overall utility to the broad interest areas and for specific applicability to the unique use cases for each specific DRM. The FAQ section provides additional details for specific DRM’s.

Solicitation, Competitive Process, and Iteration Overview

This challenge will allow for flexibility and scalability for DIU’s Project G.I. effort and will serve the needs of a variety of DoD customers. DIU intends to execute successive evaluations based on this AoI, with each “iteration” focusing on a specified DRM–with specific mission context, operational constraints, and desired attributes.

Each iteration will follow a three-phase competitive process:

• Phase 1 - Proposal evaluation and down selection. Companies selected to go to Phase 2 are eligible for up to $50K per company contingent on successful attendance and execution at the live Phase 2 demonstration event.
• Phase 2 - Live demonstration event oriented on a specific DRM. Based on user feedback and evaluation during the demonstration event, vendors will receive notification of selection to Phase 3.
• Phase 3 - Based on performance in Phase 2, end-user feedback, capability maturity, and available funding, the Government may pursue one or more of the following actions:
  • Provide cash prizes under 10 USC 4025 Prize Challenge authority to incentivize further maturation. Eligible for up to $3M per company through successful completion of Phase 3 increments which will be conducted as “sprint” development cycles. 
  • Procure and deliver selected systems to partner units for extended testing, assessment, and training.
  • The Government may issue a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) and award a Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement for further prototyping.

Below are the current planned iterations, associated DRMs, and timelines. Submissions received after the deadlines listed below will be evaluated for other potential partner use cases.

DRM 1: FPV Effects

Description: Tactical employment of kinetic effects in denied environments 

Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 10 July to be evaluated. Notifications received NLT 10 Aug.  

Phase 2: 20 Aug - 30 Sept 2025.

DRM 2: Kill Chain

Description: Accelerate the kill chain for small, expeditious units in denied environments.

Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 08 Aug to be evaluated. Notifications received NLT 08 Sept. 

Phase 2: 06 – 09 Oct. 

DRM 3: Emerging Problem Set

Description: To be published.

Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 15 Nov to be evaluated. Notifications received NLT 20 Dec.  

Phase 2: 20 Jan 2026 – 10 Feb 2026.  

Evaluation Criteria

Phase 1 –Proposal Evaluation

• Technical Viability and Alignment: Demonstrates technical feasibility and clear alignment with identified technical capability areas (listed below).
• Team & Company Viability: Demonstrated ability and expertise of the team/company to successfully develop, deliver, and sustain the proposed solution.
• Cost & Scalability: Cost, time, and other requirements or considerations needed to scale the capability.
• Quality of Proposal: A clear and thorough explanation of how the solution improves Soldier effectiveness in design reference mission.

Phase 2 – Live Demonstration and Pitch Evaluation (Phase 1 evaluation criteria plus the below)

• Operational Effectiveness: Demonstrated effectiveness of the solution under realistic operational conditions.
• End-User Feedback: Direct feedback and assessments from end users based on hands-on testing, observation, and interaction during live demonstrations.
• Quality of the Pitch: Effectively communicates the solution’s value to the mission and alignment with end-user needs; clearly addresses additional technical and business-related questions and details requested by the government.

Phase 3 - Award and User-Driven Iteration

• Unit-focused field assessments: Deliver selected systems to operational units for extended evaluation, training, and user-driven feedback. These efforts will support real-world assessment of the capability’s effectiveness, usability, and integration potential in representative mission environments. This Phase will require delivery of substantial numbers of systems shortly after completing Phase 2. Prizes awarded in Phase 3 will take into account the direct user feedback of operational units as they train and test systems and capabilities provided by vendors. 

Note: Additional evaluation criteria may be applied during Phases 2 and any follow on Phases in response to changing operational end user needs.

Technical Capabilities List:

To maximize relevance and competitiveness, proposed solutions should align as closely as possible with the following system preferences and evaluation priorities:

Architecture: Phase 1 and beyond criteria

• Standardization
• Interoperability / modularity / openness

Cybersecurity & Compliance: Phase 1 and beyond criteria

• National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Compliance
• If relevant, ability to provide a complete platform for third-party assessment

Platform Characteristics (as applicable): Phase 1 and beyond criteria

• Flight / operational performance
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) resilience / radio(s) used / means of communication and Command and Control in an EMI environment
• Flight range and endurance
• Cargo capacity
• Modularity
• Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) resilience and alternative navigation capabilities
• Payloads (cargo and sensors the platform can host / platforms the payload can be hosted by / ability of software to work with multiple platforms)
• Weatherproofing (ingress protection, or IP rating)
• Setup / deployment time and effort
• Available Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) for additional Payloads (or SWAP required if “partial” solution or enabling payload) 
• Relevance to geographic and climactic environments
• Ability to supply at least 3 prototypes by the dates listed in the FAQ’s. Some capabilities will not need to have 3 prototypes due to their design or employment. If that is relevant to your submission, please note it. 

End user integration

• Describe your procedures to collaborate with end users and integrate their feedback. 

Business & Market Analysis: Phase 1 and beyond criteria

• Current production rate
• Cost (provide a range of pricing to accommodate different volumes, payloads, training, and warranty options)
• Ability to provide at least 3 fully operational examples by Day 1 of the DRM window your submission is for and 2 trained operators
• Lifetime delivered sales of the proposed solution

Operator Feedback: Phase 2 and Phase 3

• Ease of use
• Learning curve
• Ability to address current capability gaps
• Impact on unit Tactics, Techniques, Procedures (TTPs)

Demonstrations at the event will occur in all relevant conditions and all submissions will be tested and operated by a designated team of DoD end users to the maximum extent possible. As with any test event, the possibility of damage or destruction exists. Companies understand that DoD and participants are not liable for accidents and will be required to sign a waiver to participate. 

To maximize participation, DIU will acquire a blanket exception to policy waiver for all participating submissions that require one.

Pitch Deck Submission Requirements:

Teams will submit a pitch deck outlining their solution that addresses the features above. Pitch decks should meet the following format requirements:

• Sized 16:9 (1920x1080 pixels)
• Horizontal presentation
• PDF file
• Maximum 8 slides plus 1 slide for each of the specific DRM’s you are applying to
• Link to a recorded video of your solution in real life operation and using the functionality proposed.

If selected to attend the event, companies shall provide training documentation and materials ahead of time to allow at least three DoD operators to complete the recommended training before the event. 

There is no guarantee that submissions will be selected. If invited, companies may incur costs not covered by the Prize Award and should be willing and able to do so. 

Feedback to Phase 2 selectees will be provided at the conclusion of each Phase 2 DRM. 

NDAA compliance and cybersecurity will be verified if selected as a winner of the Prize Challenge before any sort of prototype contract will be issued. 

FAQ’s and additional details on the Design Reference Missions for demonstrations can be viewed in the FAQ’s. 

Background Information:

Information about DIU and the DIU Blue UAS List and Blue UAS Framework can be found here https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas. 

An example of cybersecurity evaluation that may be conducted on winning submissions can be found here: https://dronewolf.darkwolf.io/intro 

About the Defense Innovation Unit

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology in the Department of Defense and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and Washington, DC, DIU is the Department’s gateway to leading technology companies across the country.

Intellectual Property Considerations:

Applicants retain ownership of existing Intellectual Property (IP) submitted under this Challenge and agree that their submissions are their original work. Applicants are presumed to have sufficient rights to submit the submission. For any submission made to the Challenge, you grant DIU a limited license to use this IP for testing and evaluation for efforts specifically related to the Challenge. DIU will negotiate with individual competitors in the event additional usage, integration, or development is contemplated.

Other Transaction Authority:

This DIU Challenge public announcement is an open call to small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors seeking innovative, commercial technologies proposed to create new DoD solutions or potential new capabilities fulfilling requirements, closing capability gaps, or providing potential technological advancements, technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities improving commercial technologies, existing Government-owned capabilities, or concepts for broad Defense application(s). As such, the Government reserves the right to award a contract or an Other Transaction agreement for any purpose, to include a prototype or research, under this public announcement. The Federal Government is not responsible for any monies expended by the applicant before award and is under no obligation to pursue such Other Transactions.

Satisfying Competition Requirements:

This DIU Challenge Open Call Announcement is considered to have potential for further efforts that may be accomplished via FAR-based contracting instruments, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for Prototype Projects 10 USC 4022 and Research 10 USC 4021, Prizes for advanced technology achievements 10 USC 4025, and/or Prize Competitions 15 USC 3719. The public open call announcement made on the DIU website is considered to satisfy the reasonable effort to obtain competition in accordance with 10 USC 4025(b), 15 USC 3719 (e) and 10 USC 4022 (b)(2). Accordingly, FAR-based actions will follow announcement procedures per FAR 5.201(b).

DIU reserves the right to cancel, suspend, and/or modify the Challenge, or any part of it, for any reason, at DIU’s sole discretion.