Not the DOD, but DeLonge’s primary, maybe first, contact in the guv was John Podesta. Thru him, he was soon wined and dined by Colonels, Generals, Directors, and the like. I think it’s inception was an interested intersection of like-minded fellow travellers, rather than the institution(s).
Do you have a link?
Delonge said in an interview IIRC, that his first meeting was with some folks at Lockheed (at a family party) and things went up the ladder from there. But that doesn't mean the invitation to said party wasn't arranged by someone like Podesta.
From where I sit, one thing is clear.
The government (i.e., government/military officials) were ready to play ball when DeLonge happened by. Otherwise, they would have given him the cold shoulder.
It "appears" that DeLonge was the right man, in the right place, at the right time.