SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening

The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking innovative commercial items, technologies, and services to support various activities through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. The CSO is a streamlined mechanism for engaging interested sources and utilizing flexible acquisition procedures. The government is particularly interested in innovative approaches to counter strategic competitors' malign influence, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and emerging cyber technologies and methodologies.

The document outlines a Call for Proposals (CSO) from the Secretary of the Air Force aimed at acquiring innovative commercial items, technologies, and services through streamlined acquisition processes, as authorized by the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The CSO is framed as a two-step process, where interested parties must first submit a "White Paper" for preliminary consideration before being invited to submit a proposal. White Papers will be accepted throughout the CSO's availability until August 15, 2025, with an emphasis on early submissions for prioritization. The final deadline for proposal submission is September 15, 2025, contingent upon a government request following a successful White Paper evaluation. Proposals should include a technical and price volume, and there is no cap on the number submitted, although only those requested by the government will be considered. This initiative highlights the Air Force's desire to engage with commercial innovation while maintaining the flexibility to award contracts or other transaction agreements based on project needs. Therefore, the document serves as a guide for potential contractors on the submission process and requirements for participation in this federal program.

The United States Air Force (USAF) Secretary of the Air Force Concepts, Development and Management (SAF/CDM) issued Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA7146-20-S-C001 to acquire innovative commercial items, technologies, and services for concept development activities. This CSO, effective until September 30, 2025, utilizes a “CLOSED-OPEN TWO STEP WITH CALLS” process, requiring initial White Paper submissions by August 15, 2026, followed by invited Proposals due September 15, 2026. The objective is to support major program thrust areas such as countering strategic competitors' malign influence, Big Data/AI/ML technologies, and emerging cyber technologies. Awards will be fixed-price commercial contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for prototype projects, with an estimated budget of $100 million for planning. Submissions are evaluated based on technical merit, importance to agency programs, funds availability, and price.