The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) Data Mesh Reference Design (REFDES). The objective is to establish a set of software services that enable seamless interoperability of data across the Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise while retaining federated control, hosting, and ownership. The DoD aims to break the data out of stovepipes and create a data mesh that allows data users to discover, access, and consume DoD data products via self-service API. The data access must support attribute-based access control (ABAC) and operate in a zero-trust environment. The program consists of three phases, starting with the development of a formal REFDES in Phase I, followed by the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in Phase II, and concluding with the delivery of a full production capability in Phase III. The REFDES must address key concepts such as VAULTIS compliance, services communication model and framework, data templating, dynamic attribution association, automated notification services, and cybersecurity and zero trust support. The resulting data mesh will support interoperability for applications in both battlefield and boardroom settings. The proposal submission deadline is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.