START:
Orients the viewer to the beginning of the process.

YOU SUBMIT BRIEF IDEA RELATED TO THEME TOPIC VIA WEBSITE:
The first action in the process is for the viewer, having already studied the site “themes,” to determine that they have a substantial idea related to this theme that DoD may find suitable for funding. The viewer is prompted to submit their idea through the submission form on the site.

OUR TECHNICAL EXPERTS REVIEW ALL IDEAS:
The viewer’s submitted idea is reviewed for completeness and broad relevance, more information requested if necessary, and a thoughtful review is conducted by the same technical experts who wrote the theme soliciting the idea.

WE EVALUATE EACH IDEA:
Each submitted idea is evaluated for its potential. Specifically it is evaluated for (1) its potential to resolve a stated need as described at www.DefenseSolutions.gov, (2) a sound technical basis demonstrating understanding of technology challenges required to achieve the desired prototype performance, and (3) for the degree, amount, and kind of maturation and test efforts needed to produce a functioning prototype. Note that a very good idea may not be precisely related to the specific theme, or that it may have high potential, but cannot be executed within the schedule or the budget allotted. It is likely that at this stage the high potential submitters will be asked to compose more detailed offers for consideration. Submitters are notified if their idea is not selected to continue.

IDEA(S) SELECTION:
During this phase of the process, a final decision is made to select ideas for further development. Full proposals submitted will be evaluated on six criteria: 1. Potential of the proposed idea to meet the described need. 2. Military impact of a successful prototype. 3. Sound technical and managerial approach to the proposed work, including a demonstrated understanding of any technology challenges required to achieve the desired system performance.  4. Submitter’s capability to perform proposed work and history of performance in developing related technologies and systems. 5. Cost realism. 6. Prototype delivery schedule.

YOU ENTER AWARD NEGOTIATIONS WITH DOD:
For those idea(s) selected for funding, negotiations begin. Negotiations will typically involve the detailed proposal offer, price, payment schedule, deliverables, schedules, intellectual property, and etc. Typically, a single purpose, legally binding agreement will be executed which requires the submitter to produce the desired item and the government to pay for it.

AWARD:
If negotiations are successful and an agreement is signed, the award is made, binding both parties.