RE:Note on $40m dnd contracting processAgree with you @Percy on the stage like construction of the $40 M contract.
But I don't think there are any competitors left, as the project description say it was the "best overall proposal". Maybe there are project partners to DM, that will work with DM together on the project.
That would mean DM would have to share their funding money.
Also we should keep in mind, it's a funding project. This means the money DM gets, will only be to cover their development costs. That's all. No profit BUT at the end of that r&d project, DM will have a very advanced Ai. As product development is the most expansive part of growing a business, this funding project by DND is crucial for DM future.