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 make all data across the Department of Defense seamlessly interoperable while retaining federated control, hosting, and ownership. The DOD aims to establish a set of software services that allow 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: Phase I involves creating a formal REFDES, Phase II focuses on building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) version of the design, and Phase III involves delivering a full production capability. The REFDES must address key concepts such as VAULTIS compliance, services communication model and framework, data templating, dynamic attribution association, automated notification services, cybersecurity, and zero trust support. The resulting data mesh will support interoperability for applications in both battlefield and boardroom settings. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the SBIR topic link or the solicitation agency website.