The Pentagon’s innovation arm wants to expand its regional footprint, with new hubzones in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Montana to boost outreach with tech companies.
“We’re really humbled and excited by the opportunity at DIU to be that on ramp for commercial and dual-use technology into the department. And one of the ways that we do that is by having people out in the regions,” Liz Young McNally, the Defense Innovation Unit’s deputy director for commercial operations, said Wednesday at the Apex Defense forum.
“We also have regional folks as well in places like Pittsburgh and New York and other places…so that we can better scout what commercial technology exists and help companies figure out how they can get through the department.”
The agency released a “sources sought” memo Wednesday to garner market research on the proposed new locations.
“The recipients of these awards will be expected to provide direction to improve the ways in which non-traditional companies and talent can work with the Department of Defense and grow regional defense innovation ecosystems in the state,” the memo states. “Each hub will oversee the execution of projects and initiatives that address barriers for working with the DOD, and enhance the defense innovation base through regionally-driven efforts. The hubs will also be required to coordinate with other OnRamp Hubs across the nation and with broader DIU and US government organizations.”
The OnRamp hubs will act as a “front door” to the Pentagon with a “physical space for mentoring, convening events, and programming,” while also providing services such as cyber hardening and “access to research and development or testing and evaluation” among other qualities, according to the memo.
Since its inception in 2015, DIU has grown in size and influence when it comes to how the Pentagon buys and fields commercial technologies.
The agency is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., but has regional offices in Austin, Texas, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. There are also on-ramp hubs in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio, and Washington state.
