DIU: Counter UAS Sensing for Homeland and Mobile Defense

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) seeks commercial sensing solutions to detect, track, and classify small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for fixed homeland defense and mobile tactical use. This Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is urgent due to evolving UAS threats, and responses are due by February 26, 2026 at 23:59:59 US Eastern Time. Selected companies may be invited to a Phase 2 live demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground (AZ) in Spring 2026 — at the company’s expense — making quick readiness and regulatory compliance essential.

How much funding would I receive?

DIU does not list a specific award amount on the submission page. As a CSO, funding typically depends on the solution’s relevance and negotiation between DIU, the DoD sponsor, and the vendor — often structured as an Other Transaction (OT) prototyping agreement. Follow-on production awards can be significantly larger if the prototype is successful.

What could I use the funding for?

Prototypes should deliver scalable, survivable, life-saving sUAS sensing capabilities in two categories:
• Line of Effort 1 — Homeland Defense Sensing:

• Persistent fixed-site sensing near population centers and congested airspace.

• Must include a radar sensor with high-performance detection, tracking, and classification.
  • Line of Effort 2 — Mobile Tactical Sensing:

• Resilient, low-signature systems that operate stationary and on-the-move in GNSS-denied or contested environments.
  Proposals must demonstrate technical performance, integration paths, and operational readiness.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Rapid engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense through DIU’s CSO process.
• Potential transition to follow-on production contracts without further competition if your prototype meets success criteria under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f) authority.
• Exposure to DoD partners and Program Managers at demonstration events (e.g., Yuma Proving Ground).

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Solution briefs due: February 26, 2026 @ 23:59:59 US Eastern Time.
• Phase 2 live demonstration: Planned for Spring 2026 at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ.
Funding awards are typically announced after Phase 1 evaluation and negotiation, which can occur within DIU’s standard 60-90 day CSO window once a solution is selected for full proposal submission.

Where does this funding come from?

This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and administered by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) through its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process, leveraging Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

Who is eligible to apply?

Any commercial entity or individual with a mature sensing solution or applicable commercial-ready technology can respond. DIU encourages both established defense contractors and nontraditional vendors to submit.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitively favored proposals will:
• Address either or both LOEs fully and clearly.
• Demonstrate proven sensing performance (e.g., range, tracking, classification).
• Provide integration paths with DoD systems and readiness for live demonstration.
• Be commercially mature or near production — especially for Homeland Defense sensing.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• If selected for live demonstrations, companies must coordinate security protocols (varies for U.S. vs. non-U.S. citizens) and supply a DD Form 1494 with the Phase 1 proposal.

• Proposals must comply with DoD cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., RMF and ATO).

• Nontraditional defense contractors may enable faster OT awards; traditional contractors might need a cost share per DIU CSO rules.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Expect 2–6 weeks to prepare a compelling solution brief depending on:
• Technical readiness of your system.
• Teaming arrangements and integration plans.
• Supporting data on detection performance.
• Required compliance forms (e.g., DD 1494).

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.