Sources Sought MN MT KY MF.pdf

Sources Sought: Defense Innovation Onramp Hubs for Kentucky, Montana, and Minnesota

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking information on organizations that can serve as delivery partners running state-focused Defense Innovation OnRamps Hub in Kentucky, Montana, or Minnesota. The hubs will be part of DIU's broader effort to build a unified Defense Innovation OnRamp, which aims to lower the barriers to entry for non-traditional, dual-use, and commercial technology companies to work with the Department of Defense. The DOD anticipates awarding one hub per state.

Background

DIU is focused on strengthening the defense innovation base by lowering the barriers to entry for talent and non-traditional companies to work with the DoD. As part of this effort, DIU maintains a regional presence to tap into commercial technology ecosystems and innovation bases across the country. The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs will be a key part of this regional strategy, providing a physical presence and infrastructure to support DIU's activities.

DIU is seeking the creation of hubs that can:

1) provide a physical presence and infrastructure to support DIU's activities in the state, and

2) foster collaboration and partnerships between the DoD, commercial companies, academia, and government agencies,

3) identify and transition commercial technologies that can address defense challenges, and

4) provide support for DIU's outreach and engagement activities in Kentucky, Montana, or Minnesota.

Solution Requirements

The following capabilities are desired:

● Ecosystem Building: Grow defense innovation ecosystems within the state facilitating collaboration among DoD, commercial / dual-use technology, academia, and other stakeholders;

● Physical Location: Offer a physical space for mentoring, convening events, and programming that embodies DIU’s “ front door” and reduces barriers to working with DoD. Serve as the “go to” physical convening location for the local and regional defense innovation base focused on commercial and dual-use technology;

● Strategic Impact Projects: Perform requirements analysis and plan and execute projects designed to leverage and enhance unique aspects of local innovation ecosystems by convening stakeholders, accelerating early-stage companies/tech, and addressing systemic barriers;

● Transition Services: Provide services that may include technology and manufacturing readiness level evaluations, cyber hardening (including Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification “CMMC” Support), adversarial capital screening, and authority-to-operate “ATO” support;

● Outreach and Engagement: Serve as an industry outreach focal point for key Defense organizations in the ecosystem, streamlining DoD interaction and support (e.g., operational units, PEOs, other DoD orgs acquiring commercial tech, with a focus on DIU technology areas);

● Programming and Events: Deliver local programming and events designed to educate and enable lowering barriers to entry for talent and commercial technology organizations, as well as support DIU Challenges, Accelerators, and Talent programming;

● Mission Partner Support: Support DoD intrapreneurs with project specific support and through utilization of the collaboration space, including support to DoD innovation organizations, such as members of the Defense Innovation Community of Entities);

● Access to research and development (R&D) or testing and evaluation (T&E) capabilities

● Executive team with a strong track record, thought leadership, influence, and access to key stakeholders in state and local ecosystems, specific to defense, emerging technology, and economic and workforce development;

● Organization is headquartered in the state; executive team should hold primary residency in state.

The recipients of these awards will be expected to provide direction to improve the ways in which non-traditional companies and talent can work with the Department of Defense and grow regional defense innovation ecosystems in the state. Each hub will oversee the execution of projects and initiatives that address barriers for working with the DoD, and enhance the defense innovation base through regionally-driven efforts. The hubs will also be required to coordinate with other OnRamp Hubs across the nation and with broader DIU and US Government organizations.

Submission Requirements

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability, and provide any additional information that may be relevant via White Paper (limit to 5 pages total):

1. Introduction to your Organization

a. Provide a brief overview of your organization, including its mission, goals, and any relevant experience working with technology startups and the defense industry in Kentucky, Montana, or Minnesota. Respondents should only address the state that is relevant to their capabilities. Again, the DOD anticipates making one award per state.

b. Explain how your organization's mission and goals align with DIU’s mission to accelerate the adoption of commercial technologies into the Department of

Defense, and how you plan to support this mission in Kentucky, Montana, or Minnesota.

c. Provide your point(s) of contact: Name, telephone number, email

2. Experience Working with the Defense Industry

a. Describe what products or services your organization provides to support the defense industry.

b. Describe your organization's experience working with non-traditional and dual-use defense-oriented companies, defense contractors, government agencies, or other organizations in defense.

3. Ecosystem Development

a. Describe what programs or initiatives your organization has in place in Kentucky, Montana, or Minnesota that are designed to develop and attract talent in areas relevant to commercial technology oriented for national security (e.g. STEM education, workforce development, internships).

b. Describe your experience providing support services to entrepreneurs that resulted in tangible results for the companies.

4. Commercial Technology Support

a. Describe what R&D or T&E capabilities your organization has, and how they align with DIU technology priority areas.

b. Describe your organization's experience with technology projects, including any successful projects or technologies that have been transitioned to the DoD.

c. Describe how your organization stays current with the latest trends and technologies in the defense industry, and how you plan to leverage this knowledge to support the DIU's mission in Minnesota, Montana, or Kentucky.

5. Partnership and Collaboration

a. Describe the types of partnerships or collaborations your organization has formed with other organizations in the defense innovation community (e.g. joint ventures, teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding).

b. Describe your organization's approach to building and maintaining successful partnerships, and how you measure success in this area.

Deadline

White Papers must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST), May 8, 2025, via email to nationalonramp@diu.mil.

All respondents must be U.S.-based and U.S.-owned companies.

Disclaimer

Responding to this Sources Sought does not guarantee that a contract or agreement will result.

By submitting a response, you are agreeing to allow the DIU to share your information with the United States Government. All submissions containing proprietary information shall be marked accordingly.