CLASS ACT
This DIU pilot helps eligible nontraditional defense contractors obtain facility clearances so they can compete for classified Department of War contracts and solve classified technical challenges.
⚑ Federal contract opportunity, not a grant. · Intended for nontraditional defense contractors seeking access to classified contracting; universities would generally need to participate through a contractor arrangement rather than as the direct applicant. · Topics, submission rules, and administrative guidance may be amended during the pilot. · No set-aside used; no deadline stated.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 55 good | funds commercialization; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 35 weak | portfolio topic: national_security_defense (primary); social/behavioral work is none; funds commercialization — not a research fit; university can only partner, not lead |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 35 weak | technical depth: substantial; funds commercialization (capped) |
Description
In accordance with the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) §874, Establishment of Pilot Program for Access to Shared Classified Commercial Infrastructure, the Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) would like to expand the number of available Nontraditional Defense Contractors seeking access to, and competing for, classified contracts issued by the Department of War (DoW). This pilot solicitation titled, “Classified Access to Address Critical Technology (CLASS ACT)”, seeks to assist entities with capabilities or technology highly relevant to the DOW to gain facility clearances so that they can bring their innovation to the Department, and help solve classified technical challenges. This solicitation and its accompanying instructions constitute a pilot program under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. DIU anticipates that topic areas, submission and evaluation criteria, and administrative guidelines will undergo active iteration and amendments following initial implementation based on operational insights and participant feedback. Potential offerors should reference amendments to this solicitation for updated guidance and revised solicitation instructions.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: No Set aside used. Notice type: Special Notice. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE / DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.