How the DIU Commercial Solutions Opening Actually Works
A practical breakdown of DIU's Commercial Solutions Opening — how it differs from traditional procurement, what makes a strong submission, and why it matters for commercial tech companies.
We connect cutting-edge innovation with real-world impact, ensuring no idea is left behind in shaping a safer future.
Of small businesses are unaware of which contracts are a relevant to them → great fits never apply.
Government tech buys average ~22 months, 3× longer than private sector; discovery & diligence steal time.
DoD tells newcomers to expect ~18 months before the first win.
We’re a team of engineers and operators who’ve built hardware and software for 30+ years. Over the last decade working with the U.S. Navy and government, we’ve seen how procurement slows or sidelines mission-ready innovation—duplicate funding, long scouting cycles for tech that already exists, and great fits that never get funded.
Having worked with startups through prime contractors, we saw the same core gap: the right company and the right government need rarely find each other fast enough—costing months and millions.
We built Outrider to fix that. Our mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies that strengthen national security. We started by serving partner companies and government teams; the response was overwhelmingly positive—so we’re opening Outrider to everyone.

Leveraging AI, our platform bridges government needs with diverse emerging industry solutions, ensuring impactful technologies swiftly reach their intended users.
Outrider paves the way for transformative ideas that redefine the limits of what is possible in national defense, ensuring that no innovation goes unnoticed and every opportunity for progress is maximized.
Join Outrider to uncover relevant government opportunities, secure funding for your innovations, and actively contribute to national security and defense.
We’re always looking for bold thinkers and problem-solvers who want to drive impact at scale. Explore open roles and become part of our mission.

Discover how Outrider is reshaping the landscape of innovation in national security.
A practical breakdown of DIU's Commercial Solutions Opening — how it differs from traditional procurement, what makes a strong submission, and why it matters for commercial tech companies.
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