Fellowship: Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) 2025 Inviting Applications

Are you a U.S.-based acquisition professional working in the Department of Defense (DoD)? Are you passionate about bringing agile commercial technology into the hands of service members? Then the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) 2025 is calling for you!

This U.S. government program, jointly developed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), is a prestigious 12-month fellowship designed to equip federal contracting officers and military acquisition professionals with the tools, skills, and real-world experience to revolutionize how the U.S. government procures cutting-edge commercial technologies.

Applications are now officially open for this virtual, U.S.-based fellowship program that begins in October 2025 and runs through September 2026.

What is the ICAP Program?

ICAP is a transformational fellowship hosted within the United States Department of Defense (DoD), offering participants the chance to work on real-world innovation-driven acquisition projects. You’ll engage directly with DIU contracting officers, cross-functional teams, and commercial solution providers to deliver tech-focused solutions at commercial speed.

In addition to immersive project work, participants will complete online coursework through DAU’s Other Transaction (OT) Credentials Program—an essential toolkit for modern-day acquisition professionals.

ICAP Goals at a Glance

The ICAP program was built to modernize government contracting and strengthen U.S. defense readiness. Its primary goals include:

• Training DoD Contracting Officers on modern acquisition techniques suited to commercial technology.
• Immersing Fellows in real-world project collaborations with non-traditional defense contractors.
• Empowering Participants to return as change agents—able to teach others and influence acquisition strategies across the DoD.
• Building a National Network of innovation-driven contracting professionals across U.S. defense components.

Who Can Apply?

ICAP 2025 is looking for motivated, experienced U.S. acquisition professionals, including:

• Permanent U.S. Government civilian employees in the 1102 contracting series (GS-13/14 or NH-03/04)
• Active duty U.S. military officers (O-4/O-5) serving as contracting officers.

Applicants should demonstrate technical expertise in contracting and a willingness to innovate within the acquisition landscape.

Application Requirements

Your ICAP application must include:

• A current resume
• A letter of intent outlining your goals and motivation
• A supervisor’s recommendation letter

All applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. Chosen fellows will participate in a 12-month virtual rotation with DIU and will conclude the program by delivering a capstone project that serves as a training blueprint for their home agency.

Apply: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: June 3, 2025
• Applications Close: July 31, 2025
• Fellowship Offers Sent: September 2025
• Program Begins: October 2025
• Program Duration: 12 months (Remote/Virtual).