# DoD Expands Classified Industry Access

In September 2026, the Department of Defense launched a three-year experiment to give eligible technology developers a path to Top Secret clearances so they can propose solutions to specified classified problems, with prototype contracts possible for selected proposals. The effort addresses clearance-sponsorship and secure-facility barriers that can limit small and nontraditional businesses’ participation. Related Defense Innovation Unit opportunities include prototype work on maritime counter-drone capabilities and a separate private-capital call for firms able to invest at least $100 million.

- Companies interested in classified work should assess clearance eligibility, secure-facility access, and their ability to meet classified-work safeguards before pursuing the pilot.
- The classified-problem opportunity is listed on SAM.gov as 10ab7985f1044f4e8149acdc2acab43d; selected proposals may lead to prototype contracts.
- DIU’s maritime counter-drone prototype opportunity (PROJ00718) concerns threats to ports, harbors, and naval forces. The related private-capital call (PROJ00719) is aimed at firms able to fund designs while federal acquisition is pending; the stated investment threshold is at least $100 million.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)

### Sources
- [
        Pentagon seeks new ways to open classified programs to industry - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2026/10/pentagon-seeks-new-ways-to-open-classified-programs-to-industry) - Federal News Network