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.