# DoD Partners with In-Q-Tel on Technology Scouting

In October 2026, the Pentagon formalized an agreement with In-Q-Tel (IQT) to scout and conduct technical due diligence on commercial technologies aligned with the Department of Defense’s six critical technology areas. The effort aims to move validated prototypes from the lab into operational field evaluations with combatant commands within 12 months. The announcement identifies no contract value, open solicitation, or industry entry process, so the arrangement signals a potential route to evaluation—not a currently defined contract opportunity.

- Commercial and non-traditional firms with relevant, validated prototypes can assess how their capabilities align with DoD’s stated critical technology priorities; the signals do not specify those areas or how companies can submit technologies.
- The 12-month field-evaluation benchmark emphasizes transition from technical validation to operational use. Companies should distinguish potential evaluation from a commitment to purchase or award a contract.
- No solicitation, contract value, or application process is identified, limiting immediate bid planning. The announcement does not establish a direct procurement channel for interested firms.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Critical Technologies (CT)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

### Vendors
- In-Q-Tel (IQT) (Technology-scouting and technical due-diligence partner)

### Key Quotes
> Over the next 12 months, our benchmark for success is simple and unambiguous: moving validated commercial prototypes out of the lab and into active operational field evaluations with our combatant commands.
> — Michael Dodd, Assistant Secretary for Critical Technologies

### Sources
- [Pentagon Partners With In-Q-Tel On Rapid ‘Technology Scouting’ For Critical Priorities - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/pentagon-partners-with-in-q-tel-on-rapid-technology-scouting-for-critical-priorities/advanced-transformational-technology) - defensedaily.com
- [Pentagon partners with CIA’s In-Q-Tel for ‘technology scouting’ - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-partners-with-cias-in-q-tel-for-technology-scouting) - Breaking Defense