# Department of War Streamlines Technology Transition

The Department of War is preparing a centralized industry “front door” and a back-end capability-screening process to address funding and acquisition barriers that can keep defense technologies from moving from prototypes into production and long-term programs of record. The department is also integrating financing expertise into technology decisions, a shift that may affect how startups and non-traditional firms position their capabilities for adoption. The 2027 Defense R&D Summit on February 4, 2027, is an opportunity for contractors to hear about seed-fund programs and build relationships.

- A centralized intake and screening approach could give smaller and non-traditional firms a clearer route to present capabilities, while making technology fit and financing considerations more consequential in transition decisions.
- Companies developing defense prototypes can prepare concise evidence of capability and production-transition needs for discussions with government stakeholders; the signal does not specify formal submission requirements.
- Contractors may use the February 4, 2027, summit to learn about seed-fund programs and build relationships relevant to moving technologies toward production.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of War (DOW)
- Office of Strategic Capital
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

### Sources
- [Getting Your Technology Past the Valley of Death FAQ](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/valley-of-death-military-research-developmet-rd-sbir-sttr-production) - ExecutiveGov