What Happened
Pentagon Initiative Aims to Speed Up Classified Conversations for Startups
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is set to launch a new contract model that will fast-track security clearances for startups and non-traditional companies. The initiative, developed under DIU’s Bridge Program, aims to reduce barriers for commercial technologies in military services. Senior defense officials previewed the unique contracting solicitation, which will grant temporary security clearances for classified conversations. The program is expected to prototype a process to grant Facility Security Clearances (FCL) to venture-backed and small businesses. This development was first reported by an unknown source.