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DIU - Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) is a grant from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) that funds commercial companies developing containerized autonomous drone delivery systems for rapid large-scale military deployment. The solicitation seeks innovative solutions enabling automated storage, launch, recovery, and refit for multi-agent UAS systems from containerized platforms with minimal crew burden.
Awards are prototype contracts under Other Transaction (OT) authority, with amounts negotiated based on solution scope, and successful prototypes may receive follow-on production contracts. Eligible applicants are U.S. and international commercial vendors meeting OT authority requirements, including nontraditional defense contractors or small businesses. The solicitation closed February 17, 2026.
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DIU CADDS Funding Opportunity | Autonomous Drone Systems — BW&CO DIU - Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
DIU’s Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) solicitation PROJ00637 — Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) seeks innovative commercial solutions to enable rapid deployment and autonomous operation of large numbers of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from containerized platforms. This opportunity closes February 17, 2026 at 23:59:59 US Eastern Time — urgent submission recommended . How much funding would I receive?
The exact award amount is not specified online. DIU typically awards prototype contracts under Other Transaction (OT) authority , with budgets determined during negotiation based on solution scope and DoD partner need. Follow-on production contracts may be possible if the prototype is successful.
What could I use the funding for? This solicitation is looking for solutions that: Enable rapid, large-scale UAS deployment from containerized platforms. Automate storage, launch, recovery, and refit for multi-agent systems.
Provide rapid transport and emplacement using military/commercial vehicles. Support resilient command and control interfaces and open architecture integration. Reduce human operator burden and minimize required crew size.
You’d be expected to demonstrate capabilities within ~90 days of award. Are there any additional benefits I would receive? Potential follow-on production contracts without additional competition under 10 U.S.C.
§ 4022 if the prototype succeeds. A fast-moving path into Department of Defense fielding and contracting. What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Proposal Deadline: February 17, 2026 @ 23:59:59 US/Eastern . DIU typically reviews solution briefs first , then invites selected teams to pitch/submit full proposals (often within ~30 days). Prototype projects are generally expected to be demonstrable within ~90 days of award.
Where does this funding come from? DIU is part of the U.S. Department of Defense , focused on accelerating commercial tech adoption for defense applications. Funding is administered under Other Transaction (OT) authority — a flexible contracting approach outside traditional FAR rules.
Who is eligible to apply? U.S. and international vendors are eligible to respond. To use an OT agreement, requirements of 10 U.S.C.
§ 4022 must be satisfied (e.g., contributions by nontraditional defense contractors, small business participants, or cost sharing). What companies and projects are likely to win? Competitive submissions will: Clearly align with rapid autonomous UAS deployment at scale .
Demonstrate modularity, open architecture, and operational utility . Show ability to reduce human operator burden and handle austere environments. Present clear pathway to meet the ~90-day demonstration target.
Are there any restrictions I should know about? Compliance with Section 889 of the John S. McCain NDAA is required for award.
IP is generally retained by the company, with negotiated DoD use rights. OT agreements have specific cost-sharing and contractor status rules under 10 U.S.C. § 4022 .
How long will it take me to prepare an application? Solution briefs are typically ~5 pages (or ~15 slides) and can be prepared in 1–3 weeks with focused effort. Full proposals (if invited) will require detailed technical and project execution plans.
Crafting solution briefs that clearly align with DIU’s mission and review criteria. Developing full OT proposals with technical, cost, and operational plans. Strategizing for rapid prototype demonstration and DoD transition pathways.
How much would BW&CO Charge? Fractional support is $300 per hour . For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Review the solicitation here. DIU DOD DOW UAS CSO OTA SWARM Drone Defense & Dual Use Technology Robotics & Autonomous Systems Aerospace & Spacetech National Security Logistics https://www. bwcoconsulting.
com National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Research & Qualification BAA – DLA DIU - Sensors and Seekers For Fire Control
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Unspecified, but DIU typically works with commercial companies. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was February 17, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
DIU - Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) is funded by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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