DCSA INNOVATION GATEWAY

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) solicitation, titled "DCSA Innovation Gateway" (Solicitation Number: HS0021-26-CSO-DCSA), active from June 23, 2026, through June 22, 2031. This solicitation serves as a commercially-focused portal to award Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for prototype projects under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. DCSA's technical priorities focus on four primary areas: digital transformation enablement, data integration and advanced analytics (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), cyber and industrial security (such as securing the defense industrial base and implementing zero-trust architecture), and digital workforce development and IT governance. To be eligible for an OTA, projects must include significant participation from a nontraditional defense contractor, a nonprofit research institution, or a small business; alternatively, partners must provide a one-third cost-share. The evaluation process operates via phased "Innovation Calls" published on SAM.gov. In Phase 1, vendors submit a six-page Solution Concept Paper (utilizing Attachment 1) for evaluation based on concept viability, mission alignment, and affordability. Promising vendors may be invited to Phase 2 for a full proposal, demonstration, or oral presentation, or proceed directly to Phase 3 for collaborative negotiations and award execution. Successful prototype completions may lead to follow-on, non-competitive production contracts. Non-government advisors may assist in evaluations under strict non-disclosure agreements.

This document is the official Solution Concept Paper Template (Attachment 1) for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Innovation Call under solicitation number HS0021-26-CSO-DCSA. It provides instructions and formatting guidelines for vendors submitting proposals to the DCSA Innovation Gateway. The template consists of a mandatory cover page, a table of contents, and six core sections restricted to a maximum of six pages. The cover page collects administrative details, prime and subcontractor information, points of contact, a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) eligibility certifications under 10 U.S.C. 4022. It also includes standard proprietary data protection language. The core sections of the proposal require vendors to detail: 1. **Problem Understanding:** Clarifying DCSA's operational challenges and the desired user end-state. 2. **Proposed Concept & Vision:** Presenting a "big idea" narrative and visual concept diagram. 3. **High-Level Technical Approach:** Outlining the technical philosophy, software stack, architecture, and development methodologies like Agile or DevSecOps. 4. **Intellectual Property & Data Rights:** Disclosing background IP, foreground IP, and third-party dependencies. 5. **Risk & Opportunity Spotlight:** Identifying the primary technical or programmatic risk alongside overlooked opportunities. 6. **Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM):** Providing high-level cost estimates, phase breakdowns, and potential cost-sharing structures. Strict formatting rules apply, requiring single-spaced, 11-point Calibri Light font with one-inch margins.