AFRL Enterprise CSO: Centralized Open Spiral
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a Centralized, Open Two-Step Spiral under its Enterprise Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) (Announcement FA865226SC003). This initiative seeks innovative commercial solutions, ranging from advanced component development to operational systems, specifically for Foundational Technologies (AFRL/RE). The process begins with the submission of a Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB).
Scope of Work
AFRL is soliciting Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB) submissions for innovative solutions that align with the Areas of Interest (AOI) identified in Attachment 1 of the main AFRL Enterprise CSO. Solutions should cover advanced component development through operational systems development. Participation in this Open Spiral is currently limited to Foundational Technologies (AFRL/RE).
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) / Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- Product/Service Code: AC13 - National Defense R&D Services; Military; Experimental Development
- Set-Aside: None specified
- CSB Submission Due: April 30, 2027, by 5:00 PM Eastern
- Published Date: April 29, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This is a two-step process:
- Step One (CSB Submission):
- Offerors must submit a Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB) via email to afrl.cso.mailbox@us.af.mil with the subject "CSB Submission under Centralized Open Two-Step Spiral".
- For Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), use the DoD Secure File Access Exchange (DoD SAFE) and contact the Contracting Officer for a drop-off link.
- CSBs will be evaluated per Section 8 of the AFRL Enterprise CSO. Only CSBs categorized as 'Selectable' will be invited to proceed to Step Two. Submitting a Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP) without a prior CSB will result in ineligibility for award.
- Step Two (CSP Submission):
- Invited offerors will receive a Request for Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP) with specific due dates and instructions. CSPs will be evaluated per Section 8 of the AFRL Enterprise CSO, with deviations noted in the Step-Two Request.
Important Notes
Prospective offerors MUST view the main AFRL Enterprise CSO Announcement (FA865226SC003) separately on SAM.gov to access all referenced attachments and detailed instructions. General questions should be directed to AFRL.CSO.Mailbox@us.af.mil. The notional timeframe for CSB review is 180 days, but may be longer.