The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is a collaborative initiative led by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) in partnership with the Applied Research Institute (ARI). This marketplace serves as a platform for high-tech innovation within the Department of Defense (DoD), focusing on technologies in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), digital solutions, and data analytics. The marketplace is designed to provide government buyers with a quick and effective way to discover and procure readily-awardable solutions through a digital repository of pitch videos. These solutions have undergone competitive vetting processes and are considered ready for immediate acquisition.

The marketplace’s primary objective is to simplify the process for industry, academic partners, and individual innovators to showcase their technological solutions to government buyers. It also offers a streamlined method for government buyers to find and purchase innovative solutions through rapid acquisition pathways. Videos uploaded to the marketplace undergo a structured assessment period, allowing solutions to be assessed by a team of experts, including operators, subject matter experts (SMEs), and end-users from the DoD.

Each month, there is a designated collection period during which providers can submit their solutions in the form of five-minute pitch videos. These videos must be uploaded by 12:00pm EST on the last day of the month to be included in that month’s assessment cycle. Any submissions after this deadline will be included in the next month’s review period. After the collection period, the videos are assessed within the first two weeks, and feedback is provided by the end of the month. The feedback is intended to guide participants on how well their submissions align with the marketplace’s evaluation criteria and whether their solutions are considered ready for government procurement.

Participation in the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace offers several advantages, including fast-tracked assessment timelines (with notifications issued within 30 calendar days), direct feedback from DoD operators and end-users, and the opportunity for multiple award contracts without funding ceilings, based on the quality and relevance of the submitted video. This makes it a highly attractive platform for solution providers looking to enter or expand in the government sector. Moreover, there are multiple pathways for eligibility and contract opportunities, with negotiable award terms.

The process to participate in the marketplace involves submitting a five-minute video showcasing the technology solution. Additionally, those with expertise in AI, ML, and related fields are invited to become assessors for the video submissions. Government customers can access the marketplace to explore the solutions available and refer potential vendors for inclusion. The platform also encourages active engagement through LinkedIn, where updates on video collection periods and other resources are posted regularly.

To ensure a successful submission, participants are encouraged to adhere to the detailed guidelines provided in the marketplace announcement, including a video rubric that outlines the assessment criteria. Solutions that do not meet technical or quality standards, such as videos with technical difficulties or those exceeding the five-minute limit, may be rejected, but submitters are given the chance to resubmit within the assessment period if needed. The ultimate goal of the marketplace is to create a direct connection between solution providers and government buyers, accelerating the process of innovation adoption within the Department of Defense.