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2025-12-31 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time

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Project G.I.

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Project Description

Project G.I. (Prize Challenge)

Updated 1 Dec 2025: This challenge is now accepting solutions for DRM 4: Extreme Cold Weather ISR. Please see below for full details and submission deadline. 


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 War (DoW) 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 War 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 DoW 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 DoW 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 (Closed, no further submissions accepted)

  • Description: Tactical employment of kinetic effects in denied environments 
  • Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 10 July to be evaluated. Selection notifications will be sent out NLT 10 Aug.  
  • Phase 2: 20 Aug - 30 Sept 2025.


DRM 2: Kill Chain (Closed, no further submissions accepted)

  • 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. Selection notifications will be sent out NLT 08 Sept. 
  • Phase 2: 06 – 09 Oct. 


DRM 3: Frontier Dominance (Closed, no further submissions accepted)

  • Description: Technologies that enable dispersed forces to see and sense farther, last longer, and remain undetected in contested environments.
  • Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 16 November 2025 to be evaluated. Selection notifications will be sent out NLT 20 December.  
  • Phase 2: One week in February 2026 (exact dates TBD).  

DRM 4: Extreme Cold Weather ISR

  • Description: Technologies that enable dispersed forces within the INDOPACOM theater to sustain UAS ISR operations despite low temperatures and other high latitude complications.
  • Timeline: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 15 December 2025 to be evaluated. Selection notifications will be sent out NLT 06 January 2026.  
  • Phase 2: 2-8 February 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

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 DoW end users to the maximum extent possible. As with any test event, the possibility of damage or destruction exists. Companies understand that DoW 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 DoW 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 War and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoW 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 DoW 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.

FAQs

FAQ section:


  1. Can problem descriptions and dates change?
    1. Yes. We will modify problem descriptions in response to changing end user needs and modify timelines as required to meet end users needs. We encourage you to monitor the website to remain abreast of any changes. Submissions received that do not align to updated problem descriptions or new timelines will not be considered.
  2. For additional context that discusses many of the underlying intentions behind Project G.I., please read Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance by Kateryna Bondar from CSIS. This report outlines multiple recommendations around requirements, commercial sector R&D, warfighter involvement throughout the entire process, and procuring "good enough" solutions available now rather than technically "perfect" solutions available at some undetermined point in the future.
  3. Where can I submit additional questions not answered in this FAQ? 
    1. Questions can be submitted to project-gi@diu.mil. If relevant, answers will be posted to this FAQ.
  4. I have additional questions and want to talk to someone. 
    1. While Project G.I. remains open, no meetings with individuals or specific companies will be held on this topic in order to maintain a fair and competitive process. 
  5. Who will operate capabilities selected for Phases 2 and 3? 
    1. There will be a training period by companies for DoW operators beginning several days prior to the week of the demonstration events. To the maximum extent possible, military members will operate platforms. 
  6. Will there be follow on contracts?
    1. Being designated as a winner of a prize challenge under US Code 4025 makes your solution eligible for follow-on Prototype OTs. 
    2. There is no guarantee that any follow-on awards or contracts will be awarded. 
  7. What happens at the end of Phase 2? 
    1. Companies may be selected to continue to Phase 3 where they will provide capabilities and support to the partner unit over a period of 6-9 months for feedback and iterative product development. Additional prize funding will be awarded if selected for Phase 3. 
  8. If I’m already on the Blue UAS List, do I need to compete? 
    1. Yes. 
  9. Can I team up with a partner?
    1. The DoW understands vendors may not address all attributes in this solicitation fully; teaming proposals are welcome. Due to the preference to demonstrate within three months of this solicitation, preference will be given to individual or team solutions with demonstrated performance to date.
  10. Will proprietary solutions be accepted? 
    1. While a modicum of integration is always required, solutions that are walled off or require extensive time, labor, and expense to integrate additional third party options will not be considered. 
  11. What should I put in my proposal? 
    1. The criteria outlined in the AOI should be addressed. Key details should include size, weight, power, cost (SWaP-C), performance, ruggedness (e.g., IP rating), and ease of setup. Vendors should also outline delivery timelines, training plans, and their ability to scale production.
  12. I have a great idea but it’s not called out as needed in this solicitation. Should I submit it? 
    1. No. 
  13. Will I get feedback on my submission? 
    1. Individual feedback will be provided for submissions selected for Phases 2 and 3. 
    2. Industry wide feedback will be provided for common trends for success and failure of submissions selected / non-selected during Phase 1.
  14. Can I submit components to Project G.I.? 
    1. Yes, if they are relevant to the DRM’s described.
  15. Do I need to submit a full platform, or can individual components be submitted?
    1. Yes, at this point we anticipate adding components to the Blue UAS Framework and individual components can be submitted.
  16. When do the 3 fully operational examples need to be ready?
    1. They must be ready by the first day listed for Phase 2 for each of the DRM's you submit to.
  17. Is the production rate, costs and Lifetime delivered sales expected for the specific DRM product / solution? Or for all company offerings?
    1. This question refers to the specific DRM product / solution.
  18. What documents need to be submitted?
    1. You should submit a pitch deck, pdf format, with a maximum of 8 slides plus 1 slide for each specific DRM you are applying to and include a link to a video of your solution in real life operation using the functionality proposed.
  19. Will there be another Ask Me Anything (AMA)?
    1. We recommend following the DIU LinkedIn account for awareness of when future AMA's are scheduled.
  20. What are the specific weight / range / payload / endurance / etc. requirements you want?
    1. We are seeking solutions that address the problem sets as described. Solutions can encompass a wide range of variations on tangible metrics. The intent is to have commercial industry propose solutions in order to allow a competitive marketplace generate the most optimal solutions for end users rather than having the government dictate solution characteristics.
  21. Is there a preferred video submission solution?
    1. Evaluators from across the DoW will have to view the files over the period that the Prize Challenge remains open. Links must remain accessible throughout the entire period that your submission may be judged. Files also need to be accessible on DoW networks. If required, DIU can download video and provide access to DoW evaluators.
  22. Can non US firms participate?
    1. Yes, as long as they are not from a covered country.
  23. How were the DRM's chosen?
    1. They were developed by the partner units to deal with pressing and emerging problems they need to be capable of dealing with.
  24. Can portions of a submission occur across multiple submissions? For example, can an individual component be used across multiple platforms?
    1. Yes.
  25. You want solutions now, but you also say you "want companies to successfully develop, deliver, and sustain". What does that mean?
    1. Submissions need to be mission ready, but companies are also expected to make their solutions better over time. Iteration of capabilities in response to user feedback and a changing battlefield is what develop means-capabilities need to be thought of as a continuous journey, not a single static one time deliverable.
  26. What time do submissions have to be submitted for consideration?
    1. Submissions must be received by DIU no later than 2359 EST for the date listed for each DRM. Submissions not received in DIU's system by those times will only be considered for future DRM's.
  27. I want to submit a classified proposal. Is that ok?
    1. No. We will not accept classified submissions.
  28. How long can our presentation be?
    1. 8 slides, plus one additional slide for each DRM your proposal is relevant for. The counting of slides starts with the beginning of your presentation.
  29. Should I register with SAM.gov if my company is not already registered?
    1. Yes. In order to move on from Phase 2, SAM.gov registration is required.
  30. I'm having trouble submitting my proposal. What should I do?
    1. Follow the trouble shooting steps outlined here.


Design Reference Missions


Design Reference Mission #1 - Contested Spectrum Kinetic Employment

(Closed)

Design Reference Mission #2 - Expeditious Targeting Operations

(Closed)

Design Reference Mission #3: Frontier Dominance - See Farther, Last Longer, Stay Hidden

(Closed)


Design Reference Mission #4: Extreme Cold Weather ISR - Operate and Sense in Multi-domain Cold Weather Environments

Problem Statement

The Arctic and other cold regions are strategic landscapes where global powers vie for influence. To maintain a competitive edge, the U.S. military requires robust and reliable environmental assessment capabilities, particularly in challenging high-latitude environments and adverse weather conditions. As such, the Department of War is seeking solutions that enable dispersed forces within the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) theater to sustain UAS related Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations,conduct shipboard launch and recovery despite low temperatures, minimal infrastructure, and confined launch and recovery.

Operating Environment: Solutions must function reliably in all geographic regions where the Polar Security Cutter, Arctic Security Cutter, and US Army cold weather operations are expected to operate. This includes extreme cold, gusting/high winds, low-temperature fogs, maritime salt-spray, and varying visibility conditions.


Key capabilities:


Modularity and Adaptability: The UAS should be designed with a modular payload system to easily accommodate different sensors and configurations depending on the specific mission requirements. This should include quick and tool-less sensor swapping capabilities.


Core Payload (Regardless of Mission)

These are essential payloads that should be included on all missions for safety, communication, and redundancy.

  • Communications Relay: A system to extend the range of radio communications between the cutter, other vessels, and personnel on the ground.
  • SATCOM (Satellite Communications): A satellite communication system for beyond-line-of-sight communication and data transfer.
  • Integrated Alternative Navigation Solution: A navigation system that can operate independently of GPS, using inertial measurement units (IMU), visual odometry, quantum, or other techniques.
  • Modular Payload Interface: A standardized interface (mechanical, electrical, data) for rapidly integrating and swapping different sensor payloads while easily and rapidly balancing the vehicle's center of gravity.

Desired Solution Attributes:

Launch:

  • Deployable by 1-2 servicemembers; other systems are also of interest.
  • Ability to launch from confined space and/or moving platform.
  • Capable of launch and recovery at density altitudes up to 8,000 feet.
  • Capable of shipboard launch and recovery, such as from shipboard helicopter landing pads, while employing minimal non-organic infrastructure.

Flight:

  • Achieve long-endurance, long-range flight – specifically, a flight range of at least 40 nautical miles and a flight duration of 8 hours – in ambient temperatures as low as -40°F.
  • Ability to take off and land in snowy, frozen conditions.
  • Navigation capability sufficient to return to the launch site, in daytime and nighttime, while receiving degraded GNSS signals and degraded magnetic signals, common at latitudes greater than 70°.  
  • Navigation and targeting capability, functional in a DDIL environment, nighttime, and while receiving degraded GNSS and magnetic signals common at latitudes greater than 70°.
  • Capable of flight in rainy conditions.

Observe:

  • Subcomponents and payloads capable of effectively performing in adverse weather conditions.

Recover:

  • Ability to land in uneven and icy/snowfield conditions.
  • Capable of landing on a confined space and/or moving platform.

Sustain:

  • Technologies that speed deployment, longevity of operations, or return to mission of cold weather and high altitude ISR systems, payloads, and subcomponents.

Note:

  • Vendors may be asked to team with or integrate other technologies into their system which would enhance their ability to effectively operate in the cold inclement weather.
  • Additional Foreign Governmental Partners allied to the interests of the United States may be directly involved during or after the prize challenge period.


Sample System Use Cases

Environmental Monitoring: UAS can be used to monitor ice floes, wildlife and wildlife habitats, and other environmental factors, providing valuable data to support conservation and management efforts.

Maritime Domain Awareness: UAS can be used to provide surveillance and reconnaissance of maritime traffic over vast areas, helping to detect and prevent illegal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. 

Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA): Conduct surveillance, detection, classification, and identification (SDCI) of a wide range of targets of interest (TOI). Imagery and data generated by the UAS will be transmitted in real time to the host unit. At a minimum, the UAS will transmit imagery to other assets properly equipped to receive the data.

 

Ice Operations: UAS can be used to provide real-time imagery and data to support icebreaking operations, helping to identify the most effective routes and reduce the risk of damage to vessels or the environment.


Note: Partial solutions that enhance cold weather UAS operations will be accepted. For example, batteries or battery management systems capable of extreme cold weather operations, cameras able to function in polar conditions, software for alternative means of navigation, hybridized propulsion systems etc. 

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Any agreement awarded off of this solicitation will include language requiring your company to confirm compliance with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232). If you are not able to comply with the law, the Government may not be able to award the agreement.

We Work With You

If we think there’s a good match between your solution and our DoD partners, we’ll invite you to provide us with a full proposal — this is the beginning of negotiating all the terms and conditions of a proposed prototype contract.

After a successful prototype, the relationship can continue and even grow, as your company and any interested DoD entity can easily enter into follow-on contracts.

Our Process

  1. We solicit commercial solutions that address current needs of our DoD partners. (View all open solicitations and challenges.

  2. You send us a short brief about your solution.

  3. We’ll get back to you within 30 days if we’re interested in learning more through a pitch. If we're not interested, we'll strive to let you know ASAP.