Finding Innovative Solutions for Test (FAST) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
ID: FA9302-21-S-C001Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9304 AFTC PZZEDWARDS AFB, CA, 93524-1185, USA

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AJ12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) titled "Finding Agile Solutions for Test (FAST)" to acquire innovative solutions for defense test needs. This open CSO will facilitate the issuance of 'Calls' for specific objectives, with the aim of partnering with industry to develop new technologies, processes, or applications that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's test mission. The government intends to award FAR Part 12 fixed-price contracts or Other Transactions for Prototype projects, with individual awards generally not exceeding $100 million, and all proposals must be submitted by September 30, 2022. Interested parties can reach out to the primary contact, Marc Venzon, at marc_anthony.venzon@us.af.mil or by phone at 661-277-3234 for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Charles C. Richardson
    (661) 275-3248
    (661) 277-0470
    charles.richardson.16@us.af.mil
    Carlos A. Barrera
    (661) 277-8438
    (661) 277-0470
    carlos.barrera.8@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) called Finding Innovative Solutions for Test (FAST) to acquire innovative solutions for defense test needs. This open CSO will issue 'Calls' for specific objectives, with awards made by September 30, 2022. The program seeks to partner with industry for new technologies, processes, or applications. Calls may utilize one-step, two-step, open, or closed structures for white paper/proposal submissions. Evaluation factors include technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funds availability. The government intends to award FAR Part 12 fixed-price contracts or Other Transactions for Prototype projects, with individual awards generally not exceeding $100M. Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and adhere to cybersecurity requirements like DFARS 252.204-7019 and 7020.
    The FAST Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is a solicitation by the Air Force Test Center aimed at fostering innovative solutions for defense-related testing, valid until September 30, 2022. It invites various organizations to issue specific Calls for proposals, which can take different structures (one-step, two-step, open, closed) and emphasizes that submissions must align with the defined areas of interest and evaluation factors. Interested parties must register in the SAM database, submit proposals to the designated contacts, and adhere to cybersecurity requirements as dictated by the solicitation.
    The Finding Innovative Solutions for Test (FAST) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is a solicitation by the Air Force Test Center targeting innovative solutions to enhance defense testing. This open CSO allows various defense organizations to issue specific Calls for proposals until September 30, 2022. Solutions sought may involve new technologies or novel applications of existing ones, aimed at advancing efficiency in test missions. Proposals can be submitted through a structured Call process, which could be either one-step, two-step, open, or closed, depending on the needs of the issuing organization. Most awards are expected under fixed-price contracts, with individual award amounts generally not exceeding $100 million. The initiative seeks industry partnerships to leverage innovative solutions for capability gaps, promoting a collaborative approach to defense operations. Communication with prospective offerors is encouraged, and all submissions must comply with registration and security requirements. The FAST CSO reflects the government’s move to adapt to rapid technological advancements in defense capabilities and maintain operational effectiveness.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    Air Force Operational Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is conducting a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to acquire innovative commercial items, technologies, and services aimed at addressing various Air Force requirements and capability gaps. This initiative, authorized under Class Deviation 2022-O0007, seeks solutions priced under $100 million that can enhance mission capabilities, streamline operations, or provide technological advancements. Proposals must be submitted via email by September 30, 2026, and will be evaluated based on technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funding availability, with a focus on small businesses as this opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Interested parties can reach out to the 87 CONS CSO Team at 87CONS.CSO.Team@us.af.mil for further information.
    AFTAC Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) 2024
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), is soliciting proposals for innovative technologies under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) 2024. This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in nuclear treaty monitoring, advanced detection technologies, and counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, with a focus on eight specific technology areas including geophysics, atmosphere and space, and enterprise-wide data management. The funding for successful proposals may range from $150,000 to $5,000,000 over a performance period of one to five years, with a two-phased evaluation process that begins with submissions of Quad Charts and White Papers. Interested parties should contact David Dike at david.dike.2@us.af.mil or Ian D. Batchelor at ian.batchelor.1@us.af.mil for further information.
    Air Force - Small UAS & Asymmetric Capabilities - Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is initiating a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to seek innovative commercial technologies that support defense and asymmetric capabilities, specifically through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Special Operations Forces & Personnel Recovery Division. This CSO aims to address future requirements through a structured three-phase competitive process, which includes Solution Briefs, Pitch Sessions, and full written Proposals, although no proposals are being accepted at this time. The CSO is significant for enhancing the capabilities of the Air Force in areas of special operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Interested parties can find further guidance in the attached documents, with the CSO open for an initial period until September 3, 2026, and no funding currently available for this initiative. For inquiries, contact the USAF Asymmetric Capabilities CSO Group at USAFAsymmetricCapabilitiesCSO@groups.af.mil.
    SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Secretary of the Air Force Concepts Development and Management (SAF/CDM), is soliciting innovative commercial solutions via the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA7146-21-S-C001. This initiative aims to acquire cutting-edge commercial items, technologies, and services that address defense-related activities and close existing capability gaps, particularly in areas such as countering strategic competitors, Big Data, AI/ML technologies, and emerging cyber technologies. The CSO operates under a two-step process, with White Papers due by September 1, 2026, followed by invited proposals due by September 30, 2026, and anticipates multiple awards with an estimated budget of $100 million. Interested vendors can contact Kevin T. Adams at kevin.adams.20@us.af.mil or (301) 203-4766 for further details.
    Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) STREAMLINING PROCUREMENT FOR EFFECTIVE EXECUTION & DELIVERY (SPEED) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC), is seeking innovative commercial solutions under the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The primary objective is to acquire advanced technologies and services that enhance project outcomes, particularly in optimizing construction costs and schedules while integrating data-driven insights for improved project performance. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with a diverse range of entities, including non-traditional defense contractors, to address critical challenges faced by the Air Force. Interested parties should note that submissions for the first spiral of proposals are due by November 1, 2025, and can contact Brock Moon at brock.moon@us.af.mil or Nicholas Kimmey at nicholas.kimmey@us.af.mil for further information.
    AFLCMC Armament Directorate Rapid Response (ADRR) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for Innovative Execution
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Armament Directorate, is soliciting innovative commercial solutions via the Rapid Response (ADRR) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for future requirements related to weapon technologies and system concepts. This CSO aims to facilitate the rapid development and characterization of novel capabilities, supporting various lifecycle phases from concept to sustainment, and may lead to FAR Part 12 contracts or Other Transactions. The opportunity is open until June 4, 2026, with specific requirements and submission deadlines communicated through periodic "spirals." Interested parties can reach out to primary contact Sara Riley at sara.riley@us.af.mil or secondary contact Jill Harms at jill.harms.1@us.af.mil for further information. Please note that no funding is currently available, and unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.
    Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Buyer not available
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI), seeking innovative solutions for space test, training, exercises, and related infrastructure. The procurement aims to acquire advanced commercial products and technologies, particularly focusing on specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) such as Continuous Fitness Assessment, Multirole Satellite Frequency In-field Test Suite, and enhancements to the National Space Test and Training Complex. This initiative is critical for enhancing the capabilities of military Guardians and ensuring effective training and operational readiness. Interested offerors must submit their proposals by the extended deadline of December 5, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Capt Megan McChrystal at megan.mcchrystal@spaceforce.mil or Crystal Price at crystal.price.6@spaceforce.mil.
    AFLCMC Data Operations Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    AFLCMC Data Operations Commercial Solutions Opening is a Special Notice issued by the DEPT OF DEFENSE, specifically the DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE. The notice is for the establishment of a modern Data Operations (DataOps) solution to support critical national security systems. The objective is to deliver an enduring, secure, robust, efficient, responsive, agile, elastic, and extensible classified DataOps solution. The notice states that AFLCMC is open to the identification of technologies useful for modernizing DataOps for sophisticated security and weapon systems. The notice also mentions that the CSO may result in the award of FAR Part 12 Contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 USC 4022, through Calls via Amendments to the CSO. The notice emphasizes that no proposals or white papers are being requested at this time, and they will be requested via Calls published under the CSO solicitation. AFLCMC is interested in capabilities from all interested vendors, including traditional defense contractors, nontraditional defense contractors, large businesses, small businesses, and research institutions. The notice highlights that many of the critical national security systems operate in varying classification environments, including highly classified environments. The CSO seeks to fund innovative technologies that propose new solutions to expand AFLCMC's capabilities as it relates to modern DataOps Focus Areas. The notice also mentions the Technology Focus Areas, which include Hybrid Cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS; Information Transport; Fielding Operations; Crypto-Net Managements/Commercial Solutions for Classified; Network Operations Center (NOC) / Security Operations Center (SOC); and Help Desk. The notice provides definitions for terms such as CSO with Calls, Open Period Calls, Closed Calls, Areas of Interest/Focus Areas, White Paper, and Prototype Project. It states that the CSO may result in the award of prototype projects and that the Government reserves the right to award a FAR Part 12 contract or an Other Transaction (OT) under 10 U.S.C. 4022 agreement, or no award at all. The notice also mentions that the CSO will have Closed Calls, which can be either a one-step or two-step process, and that AFLCMC is not obligated to make any awards and all awards are subject to the availability of funds and successful negotiations.
    AF CyberWorx Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force CyberWorx, is soliciting innovative commercial technologies and services via its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA7000-23-S-C001, aimed at enhancing critical defense capabilities. The initiative specifically seeks solutions for the Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Phase II, which will improve the NIPR and SIPR network infrastructure across the USAFE-AFAFRICA area from July 23 to August 13, 2025, by integrating advanced technologies such as SD-WAN, SRv6, IP Address Management (IPAM), and upgraded DHCP systems. This procurement is vital for establishing a robust and secure communication network, ensuring compatibility with existing systems, and maintaining operational excellence. Interested parties should submit their proposals, including a Rough Order of Magnitude for equipment costs, to Gary Monson or Tikiwa Durrell at 10CONS.PK.Cyberworx@us.af.mil, with the submission process involving multiple phases and evaluation based on technical merit and funding availability.
    Project Sabre - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is initiating Project Sabre, a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) aimed at acquiring innovative commercial solutions for enhancing mission system capabilities within weapon system platforms and munitions. This initiative focuses on leveraging commercial technologies to address integration challenges and minimize vendor lock, utilizing open architectures and standards to revolutionize warfighting capability delivery. The CSO operates under 10 U.S.C. 3458 and DFARS 212.70, allowing for FAR Part 12 Contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). Interested parties can reach out to Joseph Mizzi at joseph.mizzi@us.af.mil for further information, as future calls will be issued under this base CSO.