Defense Innovation Unit Commercial Solutions Opening
ID: HQ0845-20-S-C001Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEIMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSEDEFENSE INNOVATION UNITMOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, 94043, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

PSC

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (9999)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/c304359f88a0456bab1fa8837a3647f4/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) of the Department of Defense is seeking proposals for its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), aimed at enhancing military capabilities through innovative commercial technologies. This opportunity invites both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors to submit prototype projects that align with national security objectives, focusing on technologies that contribute to the sustainment of global peace and U.S. national security. The CSO process consists of three phases: submission of a solution brief, a pitch session for selected companies, and a full proposal submission for those invited, with successful prototypes potentially transitioning to production without further competition. Interested parties can find more information and updates on Areas of Interest on the DIU website at https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us, and are encouraged to contact DIU at info@diu.mil for inquiries.

    Point(s) of Contact
    DIU contact email
    info@diu.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DIU CSO HQ0845-20-S-C001.pdf
    The Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) aims to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) capabilities through the adoption of innovative commercial technologies. The CSO facilitates partnerships with both traditional and nontraditional contractors via Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) to conduct prototype projects aligned with national security objectives. The CSO process involves three main phases: 1. **Solution Brief**: Companies submit briefs addressing specific Areas of Interest (AOIs), which will be evaluated based on relevance, uniqueness, and feasibility. 2. **Pitch Session**: Selected companies present their proposals to demonstrate their technology's viability. 3. **Full Proposal**: Companies invited to this phase submit detailed proposals including technical and cost elements, which will be assessed for potential award. Additionally, the document outlines requirements for submissions, evaluation criteria, and the iterative nature of prototype projects that allow for adaptability. Successful prototypes may transition to production without further competition. This CSO underscores DIU's commitment to leveraging commercial innovation for military effectiveness while ensuring streamlined processes for vendors unfamiliar with government solicitations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Defense Innovation Unit Commercial Solutions Opening (NEW)
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
    Similar Opportunities
    Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) - Other Transactions for Prototype Projects
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is inviting proposals for its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) HC108425S0001, aimed at fostering innovative commercial technologies through prototype projects. This initiative seeks to partner with both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors, as well as nonprofit organizations, to enhance defense capabilities while bypassing standard Federal Acquisition Regulations under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The CSO outlines a three-phase evaluation process that includes submitting Solution Briefs, participating in Pitch sessions, and submitting full proposals for selected candidates, emphasizing technical merit and innovation aligned with specific Areas of Interest (AOIs). Interested parties can reach out to the DITCO OTA Mailbox at disa.scott.ditco.mbx.ps84-other-transaction-authority@mail.mil for further information, noting that awards will depend on available funding and may lead to follow-on production contracts for successful prototypes.
    NEEDIPEDIA - COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING - CSO
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is soliciting innovative ideas through its NEEDIPEDIA - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under solicitation number HHM402-23-SC-0002. This opportunity invites participation from a diverse range of sources, including large and small businesses, independent consultants, and academic institutions, to enhance the agency's operational efficiency and technological capabilities in support of its national and international mission requirements. The submission process requires a two-page white paper that includes a coversheet, an executive summary addressing key questions, and identification of a relevant Need Area, with submissions due to the designated email address. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Il Jun Yun at iljun.yun@dodiis.mil or 703-735-6430, or reach out to the general questions email at ideas2action@dodiis.mil.
    Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the DoD Office of Strategic Capital (OSC)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) aimed at attracting innovative technologies critical to U.S. national security. The OSC seeks to partner with commercial companies, particularly those without prior defense sector ties, to propose solutions that enhance military effectiveness through loans and incentives for component-level technologies. This initiative is significant as it fosters public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation in defense-related technologies, addressing strategic capital needs that are not typically met through direct procurement. Interested parties can reach out to Nicholas DeSelle at CSO@OSC.mil for further information, and submissions will be evaluated based on relevance, technical feasibility, and cost, potentially leading to FAR-based contracts or non-FAR-based agreements.
    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.
    DLA Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FY2026
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is conducting a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the fiscal year 2026, inviting proposals for innovative solutions to enhance its logistics support activities. The primary objective is to solicit Solution Briefs that address various Areas of Interest (AOIs), particularly focusing on developing Engineering Support Activities (ESA) approvable Level 3 Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for hard-to-procure or non-procurable parts, which are critical for maintaining the readiness of military services and other authorized customers. Interested offerors must submit unclassified Solution Briefs by March 13, 2026, using the provided template, and are encouraged to frequently check for updates on the AOIs. For inquiries, contact Thomas J. Walsh at Thomas.walsh@dla.mil or Lauren Runowski at Lauren.Runowski@dla.mil; please note that no funding is available for proposal submissions, as funds will only be disbursed after a signed contract.
    Washington Headquarters Services Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) of the Department of Defense is soliciting innovative commercial solutions through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. This initiative seeks to leverage commercially available technologies and innovative products and services, allowing for agile development activities that can improve existing government-owned capabilities. The CSO is open for five years and encourages submissions from nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses, with a competitive selection process that includes a solution brief, pitch presentation, and request for prototype proposal. Interested parties can contact Meghan T. Meyers at meghan.t.meyers.civ@mail.mil for further information and are advised to monitor the Government Point of Entry for updates and amendments.
    NAVWAR Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), is seeking innovative commercial technologies via a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to enhance information warfare capabilities for naval and joint military operations. This initiative aims to procure solutions that align with specific Areas of Interest (AOI) related to NAVWAR's technology portfolios, utilizing a streamlined three-phase model that includes Solution Briefs, Pitch Sessions, and Proposal submissions. The CSO process, running from June 4, 2025, to June 3, 2030, emphasizes collaboration and encourages teaming arrangements among diverse entities, with evaluations based on the relevance, innovation, and technical feasibility of proposed solutions. Interested parties should submit unclassified solutions and comply with cybersecurity and intellectual property regulations, with further details available on the NAVWAR CSO website. For inquiries, contact Alexander Holtet at alexander.holtet@navy.mil or Christopher J Murr at christopher.j.murr.civ@us.navy.mil.
    NIWC Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Office Commercial Solutions Opening
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to solicit innovative commercial products and services aimed at enhancing integrated information warfare capabilities. This initiative, authorized under 10 U.S.C. 3458, seeks to rapidly assess and deliver technological solutions that address emergent fleet needs, with a focus on Expeditionary Tactical Capabilities and Enterprise IT and Business Systems. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor the CSO (N65236-26-S-0001) on Sam.gov for future Areas of Interest where they can submit their technical solutions, as responses to this continuously open announcement will not be accepted. For further inquiries, interested vendors can contact Jessie Rehwoldt at jessie.m.rehwoldt.civ@us.navy.mil.
    DARPA's Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) for Commercial Strategy
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals under its Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) for transitioning and commercializing innovative solutions derived from DARPA-funded research and development efforts. The primary objective is to close military and civilian capability gaps by leveraging commercial solutions, with a particular focus on the Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative (EEI), which funds entrepreneurs to assist in commercialization efforts. This initiative is crucial for enhancing national security and economic growth by bridging the gap between innovation and practical application. Proposals are due by April 30, 2026, and must adhere to the updated solicitation requirements, including a detailed Statement of Work and pricing documentation. Interested parties can contact Melissa Ramirez at DARPACSO@darpa.mil for further information.
    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.