Project G.I.
Responses Due By
2025-12-31 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time
Project G.I. (Prize Challenge)
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 Defense (DoD) 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 Defense 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 DoD 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 DoD 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. Eligible for up to $50K per company selected for Phase 2.
- 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. Eligible for up to $500k per company selected for 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 for successful Phase 3 increments.
- 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 # | Description | Timeline |
1: FPV Effects | Tactical employment of kinetic effects in denied environments | Phase 1: Submissions must be received by 2359 EST on 10 July to be evaluated. Notifications received NLT 10 Aug. Phase 2: (T) 20 Aug - 30 Sept 2025. |
2: Kill Chain | Accelerate the kill chain for small, expeditious units in contested and denied environments | Phase 1: Submissions received by 2359 EST on 15 AUG 25. Notifications received NLT 15 SEP 25 Phase 2: (T) 15 OCT - 15 NOV 25 |
3: Emerging problem set | To be published | Phase 1: Submissions received by 2359 EST on 15 NOV 25 Notifications received NLT 20 DEC 15 Phase 2: (T) 20 JAN 26 - 10 FEB 26 |
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 DoD end users to the maximum extent possible. As with any test event, the possibility of damage or destruction exists. Companies understand that DoD 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 DoD 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 Defense and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoD 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 DoD 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:
- What does winning look like?
- A total prize budget of $20M will be awarded across the three Design Reference Missions (DRM’s) outlined below.
- Where can I submit additional questions not answered in this FAQ?
- Questions can be submitted to project-gi@diu.mil. If relevant, answers will be posted to this FAQ. The issue preventing emails from going through was fixed on 17 June.
- I see that DRM 3 isn’t defined yet? What does that mean?
- In an effort to be maximally responsible for emerging problem sets and capability gaps, we have built in the planned date of an event while providing flexibility to partner units to update their most pressing capability gaps over the next several months.
- I have additional questions and want to talk to someone.
- 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.
- Who will operate capabilities selected for Phases 2 and 3?
- There will be a training period by companies for DoD operators beginning several days prior to the week of the demonstration events. To the maximum extent possible, military members will operate platforms.
- Will there be follow on contracts?
- Being designated as a winner of a prize challenge under US Code 4025 makes your solution eligible for follow-on Prototype OTs.
- There is no guarantee that any follow-on awards or contracts will be awarded.
- What happens at the end of Phase 2?
- 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.
- If I’m already on the Blue UAS List, do I need to compete?
- Yes.
- Can I team up with a partner?
- The DoD 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.
- Will proprietary solutions be accepted?
- 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.
- What should I put in my proposal?
- 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.
- If I submit during the first DRM period, will I be considered for all 3 DRM’s if I note that on my submission?
- Yes.
- If I submit during the second DRM period, will I be considered for DRM’s 2 and 3 if I note that on my submission?
- Yes.
- I have a great idea but it’s not called out as needed in this solicitation. Should I submit it?
- No.
- Will I get feedback on my submission?
- Individual feedback will be provided for submissions selected for Phases 2 and 3.
- Industry wide feedback will be provided for common trends for success and failure of submissions selected / non-selected during Phase 1.
- When do I need to submit to be considered for each DRM?
- DRM 1: Submissions must be received by 10 July to be evaluated. Notifications received NLT 10 Aug 25.
- DRM 2: Submissions must be received by 15 AUG 25. Notifications received NLT 15 SEP 25.
- DRM 3: Submissions must be received by 15 NOV 25. Notifications received NLT 20 Dec 25.
- Can I submit components to Project G.I.?
- Yes, if they are relevant to the DRM’s described.
- Do I need to submit a full platform, or can individual components be submitted?
- Yes, at this point we anticipate adding components to the Blue UAS Framework and individual components can be submitted.
- When do the 3 fully operational examples need to be ready?
- They must be ready by the first day listed for Phase 2 for each of the DRM's you submit to.
- Is the production rate, costs and Lifetime delivered sales expected for the specific DRM product / solution? Or for all company offerings?
- This question refers to the specific DRM product / solution.
- What documents need to be submitted?
- 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.
- Will there be another Ask Me Anything (AMA)?
- DIU will host another AMA for Project G.I. in the late summer. We recommend following the DIU LinkedIn account for awareness of when the AMA is scheduled.
- What are the specific weight / range / payload / endurance / etc. requirements you want?
- 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 market place generate the most optimal solutions for end users rather than having the government dictate solution characteristics.
- Is there a preferred video submission solution?
- Evaluators from across the DoD 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. For example, if you submit on 01 July for DRM's 1, 2, and 3, the video must remain accessible through 19 Dec (the day before no later than notification of decision for DRM 3). Files also need to be accessible on DoD networks. If required, DIU can download video and provide access to DoD evaluators.
- Can non US firms participate?
- Yes, as long as they are not from a covered country.
- How were the DRM's chosen?
- They were developed by the partner units to deal with pressing and emerging problems they need to be capable of dealing with.
- Can portions of a submission occur across multiple submissions? For example, can an individual component be used across multiple platforms?
- Yes.
- You want solutions now, but you also say you "want companies to successfully develop, deliver, and sustain". What does that mean?
- 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.
- Where can I view the recent AMA?
- https://www.diu.mil/latest/usd20m-diu-project-g-i-challenge-targets-next-generation-uas-solutions
- What time do submissions have to be submitted by for consideration?
- Submissions must be received by DIU no later than 2359 EST for the date listed for each DRM. DRM 1 = 2359 EST 10 July. DRM 2 = 2359 EST 15 Aug. DRM 3 = 2359 EST 15 Nov. Submissions not received in DIU's system by those times will only be considered for future DRM's.
Design Reference Mission #1 - Contested Spectrum Kinetic Employment
Problem
Operations against a near-peer must expect a fully-contested electromagnetic spectrum. Targeting, ISR, BDA, and kinetic capabilities must be able to be employed at the tactical level. Options available to DoD today are susceptible to existing countermeasures and defenses in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Desired Solution Attributes
Examples of desired solutions include those able to guarantee two-way communication between the platform and operator under Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments to enable the delivery of kinetic effects on a variety of targets.
Recent examples, provided as illustrative examples only, of capabilities with operational success in combat include but are not limited to, directional antennas, mesh networks, and fiber optics.
Solutions should be able to operate at ranges up to and ideally beyond 20 kilometers. Proposals should offer technically sound, mission-relevant and proven solutions at a price range that is effective on a cost per effect basis.