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(Left to right) Prescott Paulin, Department of Defense for Research & Engineering, Industry Engagement Director; Chief Operating Officer for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Blake Moore; and Sarah Pearson, Department of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Director of Strategic Initiatives & the Bridge Program; moderated by Jen Judson, Bloomberg News, speaks during the 2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference, in Washington, D.C. September 10, 2026. (DOD Photo by Devon Bistarkey).

DIU moves to prototype new contract model that will fast-track security clearances for startups

Senior officials unveiled the plan and impending solicitation, which was developed under DIU’s new Bridge Program.
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A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel operates in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 29, during Digital Horizon 2022. The three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence integration event involves employing new platforms in the region for the first time. (U.S. photo by Sgt. Brandon Murphy)

Deploying contractor-owned robotic vessels could be a fruitful long-term option for the Navy, Secretary Del Toro says

During an interview with DefenseScoop, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said contractor-owned drones could help the sea service overcome acquisition challenges and keep pace with technological change.
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