National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) - Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO)

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).