Opportunity
DIU CSO #MCM Modernization Prize Challenge
U.S. Navy Prize Challenge for Advanced Mine Countermeasure Solutions
Buyer
U.S. Navy, Defense Innovation Unit
Posted
June 02, 2026
Respond By
June 11, 2026
Identifier
MCM Modernization Prize Challenge
NAICS
334511, 336414, 336419
The U.S. Navy, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is launching a prize challenge to identify and field advanced mine countermeasure (MCM) solutions for maritime environments: - Government Buyers: - U.S. Navy - Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; open to all commercial providers with mature solutions - Products/Services Requested: - Modular, communication-resilient, and rapidly deployable technologies for neutralizing maritime mines - Three mission tracks: - Near Surface & Volume Engage - Bottom Mine Detect - Bottom Mine Engage - Solutions must be at Technology Readiness Level 7 or higher - Integration with Navy-selected Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) required - In-water testing and demonstration at a U.S. Navy Warfare Center - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Solutions must be ready for operational deployment within six months - GNSS-denied navigation capability - Encrypted command and control - High survivability and compliance with Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) constraints - International participation allowed with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) screening - Cash prizes up to $3,000,000 per track and potential for follow-on prototype or procurement awards
Description
The U.S. Navy, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, seeks modular, communication-resilient, rapidly fieldable capabilities to neutralize diverse maritime mine threats in high-current chokepoints to ensure freedom of navigation. The challenge focuses on three mission tracks targeting near surface and volume/moored mines as well as bottom mines, requiring solutions that increase mission speed, reduce costs, and remove personnel from threat zones. Solutions must be mature technologies (TRL 7 or higher) and capable of integration on an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). The challenge includes in-water testing and offers cash prizes and potential follow-on awards.