Executive Summary
The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and DIU will sponsor facility clearances for small, non-traditional and commercial vendors so they can join classified technical exchanges. This is not funding. Capability statements are accepted on GoColosseum through March 31, 2027, 10:59 PM CDT.
Selected vendors join a Rapid Facility Clearance cohort as subcontractors to Maximus Federal Services under the ONIX Other Transaction framework. Selection sets up the security pathway only: no payment, and no promise of funded work.
Solicitation at a Glance
- Agency: Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (Mission Capabilities and Multi-Domain Joint Operations), with DIU and the Mission Engineering and Integration Activity
- Opportunity: Rapid Facility Clearance Cohort Pilot
- Authority: Other Transaction Authority, 10 U.S.C. 4022 (ONIX OTA framework, via Maximus Federal Services)
- Funding: None. No payment for participation or sponsorship
- Due Date: Open November 5, 2026 to March 31, 2027, 10:59 PM CDT
Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the March 31 deadline.
What Is the Rapid Facility Clearance Pilot?
A cohort that gives selected vendors a DD Form 254 flow-down, NISS sponsorship and security mentorship so they can pursue a facility clearance without first winning a classified contract.
What Problem Is DoW Trying to Solve?
Companies without a facility clearance cannot access classified work, but they usually need a classified contract to get one. The pilot breaks that loop so the Government can assess technology and talk with vendors in a classified setting.
What You Get and What It Costs
- You get: Facility clearance sponsorship, security mentorship and, subject to DCSA adjudication and need-to-know, access to classified technical exchanges or concept development
- You pay: The costs of setting up and running your industrial security program
- Rules: 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM); DCSA adjudicates all facility and personnel clearances
- Not included: Payment, funded technical work or any preference in future awards
Eligibility
- Who can apply: U.S. industry, academia and nonprofits, especially commercial, non-traditional and small businesses
- Account: A GoColosseum marketplace account is needed to apply
How to Apply
- Join: the GoColosseum marketplace
- Submit: a capability statement and solution concept on the challenge page by March 31, 2027, 10:59 PM CDT
- Prepare: for NISPOM compliance work if selected
What Happens After You Submit?
- Selection: The Government selects cohort participants
- Clearance: DCSA processes facility and personnel clearances
- Access: Classified exchanges follow need-to-know determinations
Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?
Good fit if your defense technology needs classified access to be evaluated and you can carry the cost and paperwork of a security program.
How BW&CO Can Help
BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For DoW security pathways like the Rapid Facility Clearance pilot, we help you:
- Write a capability statement tied to joint operational problems
- Map the NISPOM compliance steps and costs
- Prepare your team for DCSA clearance processing
- Plan which classified programs to pursue next
- Line up funded opportunities once you are cleared
Plan Your Facility Clearance Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this funding?
No. There is no payment for participation or sponsorship.
When does it close?
March 31, 2027, 10:59 PM CDT.
Who sponsors the clearance?
Selected vendors become subcontractors to Maximus Federal Services under the ONIX OTA framework, which enables DD 254 flow-down and NISS sponsorship.
Who decides on clearances?
DCSA adjudicates all facility and personnel clearances.
What does it cost me?
The costs of setting up and maintaining your industrial security program.
Does selection mean a contract?
No. It sets up the security pathway only.
Where do I apply?
On the GoColosseum marketplace; an account is required.
Can BW&CO help with a facility clearance application?
Yes. We can help with the capability statement and the compliance steps. Book a call with our team.