DIU and NSIN Launch Blue UAS Refresh Challenge
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) have announced a prize challenge aimed at advancing the Blue Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program. This initiative seeks to identify new platforms, components, and capabilities across First Person View (FPV), Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 categories, along with software solutions that meet Department of Defense (DoD) operational requirements. Submissions can range from complete UAS platforms to individual components or software modules, provided they comply with the 2020 and 2023 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and the 2024 American Security Drone Act.
The challenge addresses a pressing shortfall in UAS availability for DoD end users, who require reliable systems for training and combat preparation. DIU emphasized the urgency, noting that “there are no permanent solutions in this space” and highlighting the need for baseline hardware paired with agile software to meet the demands of modern contested battlefields. Since the inception of Blue UAS, the pace of technological change has accelerated, and this event is designed to match that speed with faster updates to the approved list.
Companies may submit multiple entries and collaborate with partners to strengthen proposals. A panel of subject matter experts will evaluate submissions, selecting finalists for a demonstration event scheduled for 4–6 November 2024 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, California. Winners will be announced on 15 November 2024, following a verification process to ensure compliance with relevant laws and a cybersecurity analysis. Successful entries may be added to the DIU Blue UAS List or Blue UAS Framework List, potentially opening doors to follow-on opportunities such as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
Eligibility extends to companies not domiciled in covered foreign countries or under unmitigated foreign control, as determined by the Secretary of Defense. Both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, as well as small businesses, are encouraged to participate. Solutions must be ready for demonstration by the November event.
Applications will be judged on seven primary criteria: technical capabilities, commercialization potential, quality of demonstration, operational effectiveness, cost and scalability, end-user feedback, and payload options. Additional considerations include ground control station and software flexibility, NDAA compliance, electromagnetic interference resilience, navigation robustness, and the ability to host diverse payloads. Business metrics such as lifetime sales, delivered units, and DoD customer adoption will also factor into evaluations.
During the demonstration, flights will occur both day and night, with DoD end users operating the systems to the fullest extent possible. Participants must accept the risk of damage or loss, as neither the DoD nor other participants will be liable for accidents. DIU will secure a blanket Exception to Policy waiver to facilitate broad participation.
Pitch decks must follow a 16:9 format and address the specified features. Selected teams will provide training materials in advance, enabling at least three DoD operators to complete recommended training. At the event, companies must supply two skilled operators to assist with demonstrations.
DIU, with offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., serves as the DoD’s gateway to commercial technology, accelerating the adoption of dual-use capabilities. NSIN, nested within DIU, fosters collaboration among universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups to develop technologies that directly support national security missions.
Applicants retain ownership of their intellectual property, granting DIU and NSIN a limited license for testing and evaluation related to the challenge. The government reserves the right to award contracts or Other Transaction agreements for prototypes or research based on submissions, but is not responsible for costs incurred before an award.
Key dates include the solicitation release on 5 August 2024, an “Ask Me Anything” session on 12 August, closure of submissions on 19 August, finalist announcements on 15 September, and the November demonstration event.
