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OUSW-R&E/P&E Joint Rapid Fielding Activity
Deadline: Rolling Submission
Funding Award Size: TBD
Description: One Nation Innovation and the Joint Rapid Fielding Activity (JRFA) seek vendors to deliver program management and technical support to accelerate prototyping, experimentation, and rapid fielding. OTA-based prototype with potential follow-on production.
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
One Nation Innovation, in coordination with the Joint Rapid Fielding Activity (JRFA), is seeking qualified vendors to deliver prototype organizational, technical, and operational support services to accelerate emerging warfighting capabilities from prototyping through fielding to the Joint Force .
This opportunity focuses on building a scalable program management and technical support framework that enables rapid prototyping, experimentation, assessment, and transition of technologies aligned with Department of War (DoW) modernization and rapid capability development priorities .
The solicitation does not specify an application deadline.
If your firm can operate in classified environments, manage complex technical integrations, and accelerate technology transition at speed, this is a strategically positioned prototype opportunity with potential follow-on production or scaling awards.
How much funding would I receive?
It states that:
This prototype will be awarded leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle .
The initial award may be augmented with additional prototype or production awards pending successful evaluation, operational fit, and government need .
Multiple awards may be made based on technical merit, readiness, and mission alignment .
A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate is required as part of the proposal .
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports delivery of integrated organizational, technical, and operational support services to JRFA .
Activities may include:
Disciplined program management and mission-engineering–informed planning
Technology identification, maturation planning, and documentation
Development of feasibility refinements, requirements clarification, and risk identification artifacts
Preparation of technologies for operationally relevant testing, including safety, RMF, spectrum, airworthiness, logistics, and operator-facing materials
Support for prototyping and experimentation events (planning, synchronization, data collection, troubleshooting, coordination)
Integration risk identification and interoperability gap resolution
Knowledge management systems, templates, taxonomies, and digital collaboration environments
Outreach support to grow and nurture the defense industrial and innovation ecosystem
Support for innovation burden sharing and experimentation with allies and security partners
Expected deliverables include:
Monthly status reports
Planning, maturation, and evaluation artifacts
Readiness and integration materials
Knowledge-management tools and repeatable processes
Final report with metrics, lessons learned, and transition recommendations
Other deliverables as required by the JRFA mission owner
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
The solicitation states:
The initial award may be augmented with additional prototype or production awards pending successful evaluation, operational fit, and government need .
Successful solutions and prototypes may transition to follow-on task orders or scaling activities .
This creates a potential pathway beyond the initial prototype effort.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
This is an Open Challenge.
Submissions remain open for extended durations.
Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.
There is no specified application deadline in the solicitation.
The solicitation does not specify a defined award decision timeline or funding disbursement schedule.
Offerors must include a Schedule outlining prototype delivery, deployment, and phased demonstration.
Where does this funding come from?
Awards will be made leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle.
One Nation Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit intermediary for rapid government acquisition and innovation.
Who is eligible to apply?
The solicitation does not explicitly define eligibility restrictions.
Proposals must include:
Organization name
Lead point of contact
Contact information
Proposals must also address readiness for classified work and ability to operate within government-managed prototype environments.
No additional eligibility limitations are specified in the solicitation.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Based on the stated evaluation priorities, competitive applicants will demonstrate:
Ability to mature technologies in pre-requirement environments aligned with DoW priorities
Demonstrated skill in structured prototyping, experimentation planning, and data collection
Capacity to produce test-readiness artifacts (safety, certification, interoperability, logistics) at speed and rigor
Strength in generating bodies of evidence from technical and operational data
Capability to field a stable, high-competence, cross-functional team that can manage complexity and resolve integration challenges rapidly
Past performance demonstrating rapid deployment or technical advisory support in DoD or dual-use adjacent environments is required .
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Proposal length is limited to 10 pages (12pt Arial font).
A separate cover page is required.
Required proposal sections are explicitly defined (Technical Overview, Integration Path, ROM Cost Estimate, Past Performance, Schedule, Proposed Personnel Outline).
Solutions must meet defined mechanical, operational, safety, environmental, and integration criteria.
Security Requirements: None.
No cost share requirement is specified.
No defined funding cap is specified.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The solicitation does not specify preparation timelines. However, the required 10-page proposal must include:
Technical approach
Integration readiness
ROM cost estimate
Relevant past performance
Delivery schedule
Personnel outline
For teams with an existing launcher solution or prototype, preparation time may be shorter. For earlier-stage concepts requiring detailed integration and cost modeling, preparation may require additional internal coordination.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can:
Translate this JRFA Support challenge into a tightly aligned, evaluator-focused 10-page proposal
Position your firm against the stated evaluation priorities
Structure your technical narrative around rapid maturation, experimentation readiness, and transition acceleration
Develop a compliant ROM cost estimate narrative
Package past performance to directly address rapid deployment and advisory credibility
Ensure security positioning is clearly articulated up to TOP SECRET requirements
This is a rolling, biweekly review opportunity. Speed and clarity matter.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.
Additional Resources
DIU: Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike (RIMES)
Deadline: February 27, 2026
Description: Apply to DIU’s Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) opportunity. Prototype OT funding for long-range unmanned aerial systems. Deadline: February 27, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
This is a DIU Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) that invites companies with novel unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of providing long-range strike support for naval surface combatants—without relying on large runways or flight decks—to submit a solution. It is a fast, flexible path to a prototype Other Transaction (OT) award that could potentially lead to follow-on production contracts across the U.S. Department of Defense. Proposals are due February 27, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.
How much funding would I receive?
The DIU CSO does not specify a fixed award amount on the posting. Instead, selected vendors typically negotiate a prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement. Funding levels vary based on solution complexity and scope, and successful prototype awards can lead to larger follow-on production arrangements.
What could I use the funding for?
You may propose funding for:
Technical development of a long-range UAS capability that meets the challenge criteria
Prototyping of vehicle hardware, autonomy software, and integration with naval systems
Test, evaluation, and demonstration efforts
Integration and safety risk reduction activities
Personnel, materials, subcontractors, and other direct costs aligned with system delivery and prototype execution
DIU’s focus is mission-relevant prototyping that can be transitioned rapidly to DoD users.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
If your prototype is successful:
You may be considered for follow-on production contracts or agreements that do not require further competitive procedures, under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f).
DIU’s CSO process provides strategic exposure and faster contracting than traditional DoD pathways.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern — submit solution brief by this time.
After submission:
DIU reviews briefs and may invite you to pitch or submit a full proposal.
Prototype OT awards are typically executed weeks to a few months after selection, depending on evaluations and negotiations.
Where does this funding come from?
This solicitation is run by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) — a Department of Defense organization that accelerates commercial technology adoption for national security missions. It uses Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to award prototype agreements directly to commercial tech companies.
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S. and foreign owned businesses are generally eligible; eligibility specifics are governed by the broader CSO requirements.
Companies must register in SAM.gov and obtain a CAGE code prior to award if not already registered.
A CMMC Level 2 (Self) cybersecurity posture is required before award.
DIU encourages commercial entities of all sizes — including first-time defense contractors — to submit solutions.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Strong candidates will offer a UAS that:
Operates without runways or large flight decks
Has ≥1400 NM one-way range with a ~1000-lb payload of standard naval munitions
Integrates with existing combat systems
Demonstrates mission autonomy and resilience in contested environments
Offers cost-effective, maintainable, and scalable approaches
Supports rapid prototyping and field demonstration within 12 months
Projects that show technical maturity, clear operational benefit, and transition readiness are most competitive.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Solutions must meet DIU CSO format and content requirements, typically not exceeding five pages or fifteen slides.
CMMC Level 2 (Self) compliance is required before award.
Any award will include compliance with applicable laws such as Section 889 NDAA requirements.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
A compliant Solution Brief should take a few weeks of focused effort to develop, including company overview, technical description, risk assessment, and linkage to challenge attributes.
For competitive positioning, start well before the deadline to refine mission relevance and prototype feasibility.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help you:
• Translate your technical capabilities into a competitive DIU solution brief.
• Strategize on Line of Effort selection and demo readiness.
• Prepare compliance documentation and security coordination plans.
• Draft a high-impact live demonstration plan that aligns with DIU and DoD expectations.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have an hourly rate to strategize, review, and edit applications of $250.
Additional Resources
Review the solicitation here.