National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) - Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO)

The National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) is seeking proposals for innovative commercial hardware technologies that accelerate development of products for both defense applications and commercial markets. The Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO) is a competitive solicitation that will result in the award of prototype projects for the development of engineering prototypes, production prototypes, demonstration systems, pilot production lines, and associated test and measurement equipment and processes. The CAO is open to early-stage technology startups that have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher and have a dual-use solution with commercial and defense applications. • The company must be an independent, angel or seed stage technology startup developing dual-use hardware products. • The proposed prototype development must align with a topic of interest. • The company must have a specific prototyping concept in mind or have already shared one with DIU previously. • The company must have a clear product development plan and understanding of technical risks. • The company must have a team with strong, relevant experience. • The company must be a U.S. company or have a significant existing or planned U.S. presence where the work proposed will be performed.