Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Prototyping

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Prototyping program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is designed to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology across the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to strengthen U.S. national security by rapidly prototyping, fielding, and scaling commercial solutions that address critical defense needs. DIU works in partnership with various DoD organizations, combatant commands, and interagency partners to identify and integrate innovative technologies. The program focuses on leveraging the agility and advancements of the commercial sector, particularly in dual-use technology areas.

DIU Prototyping funds the competitive prototyping process, enabling the DoD to access and adapt commercial technologies for military applications. The program targets six key technology areas where commercial industry leads: Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Autonomy, Cyber, Energy, Human Systems, and Space. Through the Commercial Solutions Opening process and Other Transaction Authority, DIU facilitates contract awards for prototypes that can augment existing government capabilities or introduce new operational concepts. These efforts are driven by the need to maintain technological superiority in an era of strategic competition, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy.

The Accountability Bookkeeping Dashboard is a line item aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in DoD financial management. The objective is to prototype and field a dashboard solution that enhances bookkeeping and accountability for defense expenditures. This supports broader goals of increasing operational efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars by providing real-time visibility into financial transactions and resource allocation. Enhanced financial management is increasingly important as the DoD seeks to reform acquisition policies and sustain military-technical superiority.

Additive Manufacturing of Undersea Drones focuses on prototyping advanced manufacturing techniques for unmanned undersea vehicles. The goal is to leverage commercial additive manufacturing capabilities to produce drones that can be rapidly deployed and tailored for specific missions. This initiative addresses the need for flexible, scalable solutions in the maritime domain, where technological agility can provide operational advantages and support new concepts in undersea warfare.

Advance Rocket Propulsion supports the prototyping of next-generation rocket propulsion technologies. The objective is to identify and adapt commercial advancements in propulsion systems for defense applications, enhancing the U.S. ability to project power and maintain access to space. This line item aligns with the strategy to develop persistent satellite capabilities and on-demand space access, which are critical for maintaining deterrence and operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Aircraft Autonomy is dedicated to prototyping autonomous systems for military aircraft, with a focus on human-machine teaming and scalable autonomy. The program aims to adopt and counter autonomous technologies, improving decision-making speed and operational impact. These efforts support the DoD's goals to integrate autonomy into air operations, enabling new operational concepts and increasing the resilience and effectiveness of the Joint Force.

Quantum funds the prototyping of quantum technologies, including computing, sensing, and secure communications. The goal is to leverage commercial sector advancements to enhance defense capabilities in areas such as encryption, data transfer, and persistent surveillance. Quantum technologies are considered critical for maintaining technological superiority, especially as adversaries invest heavily in this domain.

Operational Energy Capability Improvement Non-S&T addresses the need for enhanced energy solutions across DoD installations and distributed operations. The objective is to prototype and field commercial energy and materials technologies that improve resilience, efficiency, and operational capability. This supports the broader goal of optimizing the defense ecosystem and ensuring the Joint Force can operate effectively in diverse environments.

Program Increase Unspecified represents additional funding allocated to support unspecified increases in DIU prototyping activities. This line item provides flexibility to respond to emerging requirements or opportunities identified during the fiscal year, ensuring that the DIU can maintain momentum in its mission to accelerate commercial technology adoption for national security.