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)
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 technologies and services that address defense-related activities, with a focus on closing capability gaps and enhancing technological advancements. The CSO follows a two-step process requiring interested vendors to first submit a White Paper for preliminary evaluation, with the open period for submissions lasting until September 1, 2025, and the final proposal submission deadline set for September 30, 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Kevin T. Adams at kevin.adams.20@us.af.mil or by phone at (301) 203-4766.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Title
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    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.
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    Solicitation
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