# DIU Expands Classified Market Access

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is using its Bridge Program to reduce classified-market entry barriers for commercial and nontraditional defense firms by sponsoring Top Secret facility clearances before contract award and providing shared classified workspaces, including mobile SCIFs. DIU issued the first CLASS ACT solicitation on September 24, 2026, and plans a 36-month pilot with periodic solicitations. The article title reports a ceiling of up to **$146.8 million** for shared classified space, although the article body gives no further procurement details.

- Companies seeking to compete for classified defense work can review DIU’s Work With Us portal for upcoming solicitations and eligibility guidance.
- Pre-contract clearance sponsorship and shared workspace access may reduce the upfront cost and time barriers for firms that lack their own cleared facilities.
- The 36-month pilot and periodic solicitations create recurring entry points for eligible firms; the $146.8 million figure is a ceiling, not a stated award or guaranteed funding.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- Department of War (DoW)

### Sources
- [One of the biggest barriers for new defense vendors is clearances, not tech. DIU is moving to sponsor facility clearances before a contract and fund shared classified space, with a ceiling of up to $146.8M. That's how you widen the bench.
https://t.co/0LV9BLPNYS](https://x.com/bsware/status/2118074179559862783) - twitter-defense