Problem Statement

Ensuring consistent, resilient energy across military installations and operational theaters has become an increasingly complex challenge for the U.S. military. Aging infrastructure, dependence on vulnerable civilian power grids, complex liquid fuel logistics, and rising energy demands from advanced technologies all threaten mission assurance. Frequent electricity outages, grid disruptions, and limited backup capacity jeopardize critical systems responsible for command, control, communications, and logistics. This directly undermines readiness, training, and operational effectiveness. These vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for secure, scalable, and independent energy solutions that ensure continuous power for the warfighter to operate anytime, anywhere, regardless of external grid instability or supply chain disruptions.

The U.S. Army, alongside the Defense Innovation Unit, seeks to prototype Microreactor Power Plant(s) (MPPs) capable of developing a suite of advanced nuclear power plant energy solutions to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of War (DoW). These MPPs will leverage recent advances in the nuclear industry to provide continuous and reliable power in all DoW scenarios and will be demonstrated on a military installation within the United States by 2030.

Background

On 23 May 2025, four executive orders (EOs) were issued that aimed at modernizing America’s nuclear energy posture, with direct implications for the Army and the broader DoW. In particular, EO 14299 Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, states that “it is the policy of the United States to ensure the rapid development, deployment, and use of advanced nuclear technologies to support national security objectives, such as the protection and operation of critical infrastructure, critical defense facilities, and other mission capability resources.” These orders represent a strategic shift towards immediately and impactfully leveraging advanced nuclear technologies. Meeting the objectives of EO14299 requires a focus on both installation and operational energy goals through a coordinated prototype program that leverages MPP technologies to address the Department of War’s energy needs. 

Project Approach

The broader Department of the Army’s Janus program objective is to develop a suite of prototype solutions for MPPs that can supply power for both installations and non-permanent operations. The Janus project approach under the DIU CSO will use an iterative prototype development process to provide a clear path to transition of the successful commercially demonstrated technology solutions. “Suite” refers to the DoW’s intent to select multiple reactor designs for the OTA Agreement, each to be paired with an Army installation by the Army after contract award. This will involve prototyping a First of a Kind (FOAK) MPP under the Army’s regulatory authority, followed shortly after by a Second of a Kind (SOAK) MPP, also using the Army’s regulatory authority. The Department is seeking fission-based solution sets for installation and defense purposes. 

Vendors will be paired with Army installations after the OTA contract award. Vendors will develop their FOAK prototype for demonstration on that installation and commence design of the SOAK prototype near the end of FOAK design. The SOAK prototype is expected to build on lessons learned from the FOAK and include design changes from the FOAK prototype, through iterative prototyping. 

Vendor solutions submitted under the AOI are highly encouraged to use the FOAK and SOAK approach in their proposals, and discuss the path from SOAK to Nth-of-a-kind production. Solutions may utilize the operating life of both the FOAK and SOAK MPPs in series to reach the 30-year lifetime power generation, assuming continuity of power across the 30-year period. 

The Army will be announcing the selection of the initial group of installations for the Janus project MPP prototypes at a later date. Vendors are prohibited from contacting or responding to queries from the installations regarding any aspect of CSO HQ084520SC001 or the Janus project. Vendors who do not comply with the prohibition may be removed from participation in the Janus Project. 

Project Objectives

The Department is seeking solution briefs for the full lifecycle of MPPs that would notionally start operations at an Army installation located in the United States before the end of calendar year 2030. Solution briefs should include all stages of an MPP’s lifecycle: design, testing, regulation, construction, operations, deconstruction, and returning the site to an unrestricted release status.

The objectives of the prototype include: 

• Provide mission assurance through energy resilience for a range of defense applications. 
• Assemble and operate prototype MPPs on military installations within the United States to demonstrate the capability of the MPP designs to provide safe, secure, reliable, and environmentally compliant electricity and thermal energy (if needed) in support of readiness goals for mission critical assets.
• Engage with the government and privatized distribution providers, transmission providers, and commodity providers currently serving U.S. Military installations to facilitate seamless and resilient energy regardless of commercial grid conditions.

Final solutions will follow a process under the U.S. Army Regulatory Authority for the entire lifecycle. The U.S. Army’s regulatory authority is derived from section 91b of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. § 2121(b)), as implemented pursuant to the Presidential Directive of 23 September 1961. Vendors will follow the Army regulatory process as documented in AR 50-7 (2016), although additional guidance will be provided during Phase 2 and throughout the FOAK design. AR 50-7 can be found at: https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/r50-7_Web_FINAL.pdf. 

Awarded vendors will be given opportunities to provide feedback on gaps in Army regulatory processes as additional regulatory guidance is provided. Additional regulatory requirements, such as transportation of nuclear material on public highways, should be addressed by Vendors during their proposals.

Reviews and implementation during the MPP prototype development process will include an integrated and phased approach to compliance with planning and design, planning and construction, architecture and engineering, building construction, environmental, operating, safety and physical/cyber protection, emergency response planning, deconstruction, and spent fuel management requirements. 

A successful MPP prototype will provide a sound and demonstrated technological solution for commercial operations. A successful prototype will complete fuel load and testing phases and will be permitted by the Army Regulator to begin normal operations. The OTA prototype will transition to unrestricted operations as a COCO MPP with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), production OTA, or other Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract.

Desired Solution Features 

Desired solution features include the following attributes and capabilities: 

• Incorporates nuclear fuel that is enriched to 20% or less U-235 and that is legal for defense purposes. The fuel must be qualified, available, and fabricated on a timeline that will meet program timelines.  
  • Defense-purpose feedstock may be made available as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) for FOAK and SOAK MPPs through an Army fuel allocation process. If feedstock is provided as GFE, vendors will be responsible for transportation, blending, and fabrication of the fuel. 
  • Vendors should address the implications of a) the Government not providing feedstock as GFE, b) of the Government providing feedstock as GFE for only the first fueling, and c) the Government providing feedstock as GFE for the operational life of the MPP.
• Capable of producing electrical power in the range of kW-level up to 20MWe (up to 60 MWth). Capable of local control and dispatch and integrated to the greatest extent practicable into existing infrastructure, operations centers (if applicable), workflows, and operations and maintenance systems. 
• Capable of startup/shutdown and monitoring operations both with and without commercial power availability (both black start and grid-connected start capability). 
• Capable of MPP operations with a commercial power connection, and an alternative credited independent power source as a backup. 
• The MPP should be operated only from the control room located within the Army installation (remote or wireless operation is not allowed). 
  • MPPs with remote maintenance and diagnostics capabilities that comply with relevant cybersecurity U.S. Government standards, e.g., NIST 800-171 Rev. 2 for Federal Contractors, may be considered. 
  • The MPP control room must be designed to accommodate two operators, with space for an additional person, at a minimum. 
• The MPP design should include passive safety features to the extent practical to ensure MPP key safety functions are satisfied under all conditions, states, and modes. 
• Radiation exposure at the MPP site boundary should not exceed the limits provided in 10 CFR 20 during routine operations. Proposals must sufficiently account for relevant factors, including sky shine, emissions from activated site materials, and surrounding buildings at various elevations around the site boundary. 
• The MPP design must address Natural Hazard Phenomena, including seismic loads, external floods, and other potential hazards.
• The MPP design must have clearly articulated systems and safety case approaches, including an initial set of proposed design criteria and design safety strategy.
• Vendor strategy and capability to continuously provide full power supply for up to 30 years, including operations, maintenance, sustainment, and refueling activities. 
  • There are no restrictions on the proposed strategy to achieve 30-years of continuous power (e.g., refueling or ‘replaceable’ modules to maintain continuity of operations). 
  • The overall lifecycle strategy of the MPP by the Vendor will be evaluated and must include associated costs/risks with the proposed strategy for long-term operations.
• Non-core irradiated material should be removed or qualified for unrestricted release within 2 years upon completion or termination of the power production contract. An initial irradiated material disposal plan, along with an associated finance structure, must be approved by the Army before design permitting. 
• Irradiated core material should be removed from the site notionally within 5 years of completion or termination of the power production contract, or as otherwise agreed upon by the Army. An initial core decommissioning plan, along with an associated finance structure, must be approved by the Army before MPP operations are permitted. 
• A target site area should be sized appropriately for FOAK (and SOAK if co-located) to ensure compliance with Federal radiation limits in 10 CFR 20 and the anticipated Seismic Design Category. Selected Vendors will be paired with an installation post-OTA award.
• Reasonable and appropriate safety, physical, cyber, and safeguards measures should be implemented in the design consistent with best practices. Army-specific requirements will be provided to vendors invited to participate in Phase 2 Pitches. 
• In addition to the above desired solution features, solutions must address the aspects below: 
  • A nuclear supply chain for nuclear-grade equipment that is clearly identified and credibly available to supply equipment to meet the notional timeline. The nuclear supply chain identified must meet defense-purpose limitations; any part of the nuclear supply chain reliant on international sources must be identified and mitigated with a plan approved by the Army.
  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) for equipment included in the design. The TRL and MRL readiness levels will be evaluated in depth during Phase 2 Pitches. 
  • Identified gaps in available Computational analytical tools, Codes, or Standards accepted for nuclear use. Identified analytical tools, Codes, or Standards for which the design will operate outside the approved range 
  • (e.g., the MPP operates at a higher temperature than existing foundational data).
  • Identified gaps in available material performance data for safety or reliability-related equipment under anticipated operating conditions.
  • Plans and approaches to move from FOAK to SOAK, to Nth-of-a-Kind development and production. Plans to commercialize or develop commercial versions of proposed MPP prototype designs.
  • Long-term plans for fuel acquisition and manufacturing, including the status of negotiations or agreements with miners, enrichers and/or fabricators.

***11 Dec update: There is an issue affecting some submissions through the web portal. If you do not receive an email confirming successful submission, contact us at project-gi@diu.mil with all the details of the error that you can provide. If you receive an email confirming successful submission, do NOT contact us asking for confirmation your submission was received. ***

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

• 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 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.