National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) - Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO)
NSIC funds early-stage U.S. hardware startups developing dual-use prototype technologies with TRL 3+ for commercial acceleration and defense-relevant maturation under OTAs.
RESTRICTED TO: SMALL BUSINESS SBIR STTR
⚑ Continuously open submission; pitch decks accepted year-round. · Targets early-stage hardware startups with dual-use commercial and defense applications. · Funding is via Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), not a standard assistance grant. · Topics of Interest are maintained on the NSIC website and availability of funds may limit awards by area.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 100 strong | SBIR/STTR — core Hub pipeline (faculty founders + small-business partners); funds commercialization; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
Description
NSIC’s mission is to strengthen the national security innovation base by addressing the shortfall of private investment from trusted sources in early-stage technology startups developing dual-use hardware products - technologies which have both commercial and national security applications. NSIC funding will enable companies to further develop their products, reducing future technical risk and time to market and increasing prospects for private investment. NSIC provides funds to hardware startups which have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher. Under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (2022) (previously 10 U.S.C 2371b), NSIC seeks to award Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to early-stage technology startups at various stages of prototype development. The products which eventually result from awarded agreements will be valuable in commercial markets as well as in defense applications, enhancing the future mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The current Topics of Interest are found at the NSIC website: https://www.nsic.mil/ This announcement is continuously open; Pitch Decks may be submitted and will be evaluated for the general requirements of the Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO) at any time throughout the year. The availability of funds may limit the ability of the U.S. Government to make awards in specific areas. Pitch Decks are sought under Topic of Interest referenced on the NSIC website. This CAO is intended to ensure that to the maximum extent practicable, competitive procedures are used when entering into agreements to carry out these prototype projects. This announcement satisfies the competition requirements in 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (b)(2).
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . 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.