Defense Innovation Onramp Hubs for Kentucky, Montana, and Minnesota

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), a component of the Department of Defense, is seeking U.S.-based organizations to serve as delivery partners for state-focused Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs in Kentucky, Montana, and Minnesota. The primary objective is to establish one hub per state that will help lower barriers for non-traditional, dual-use, and commercial technology companies to engage with the Department of Defense. Interested organizations must submit a comprehensive 5-page white paper by May 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST to nationalonramp@diu.mil, detailing their background, defense industry experience, ecosystem development capabilities, and approach to supporting commercial technology integration. The white paper should demonstrate the organization's ability to perform key hub functions, including ecosystem building, providing a physical innovation location, executing strategic impact projects, offering transition services, conducting industry outreach, and delivering programming and events. Respondents must be U.S.-based and U.S.-owned companies, with the understanding that submission does not guarantee a contract.

No specific set-aside designations are identified for this opportunity, and no incumbent contractors are mentioned in the pre-solicitation notice. While the exact award value is not specified, the DIU anticipates awarding one hub per state, suggesting a potential for three separate contracts. The timeline for services appears to be aligned with the May 8, 2025 response deadline, with implementation likely to follow shortly after. Respondents should be prepared to support DoD mission partners and create a robust innovation ecosystem that bridges commercial and defense technology sectors. The submission process requires careful preparation, as organizations must mark any proprietary information appropriately and consent to potential information sharing with the United States Government. Successful organizations will play a critical role in facilitating technology transfer and innovation within the defense procurement landscape.