SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening
ID: FA7146-21-S-C-0001Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA7146 CONCEPTS DEVL MGT SAF CDMFAIRFAX, VA, 22030-6032, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC32)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/94ffcbb97fbd4b49a7d1a6c1ebba1a6f/view
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Kevin T. Adams
    (301) 203-4766
    kevin.adams.20@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FA7146-21-S-C-0001.pdf
    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.
    FA7146-21-S-C001 2025.pdf
    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.
    FA7146-21-S-C001.pdf
    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.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening
    Currently viewing
    Solicitation
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