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 AFRL Enterprise Centralized Open Spiral (FA865226SC005), titled "AFRL Enterprise CSO: Centralized Open Spiral," has been cancelled, effective June 4, 2026. All future Open and Closed Spirals will be decentralized and issued by respective Mission Organizations. This notice was published on June 4, 2026.
Opportunity Overview (Prior to Cancellation)
Prior to its cancellation, this opportunity was a Centralized, Open Two-Step Spiral issued by the Department of the Air Force (AFRL) under R-DFARS 212.70, Defense Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). It sought innovative solutions, from advanced component development to operational systems, within the Areas of Interest (AOI) identified in Attachment 1 of the main AFRL Enterprise CSO Announcement (FA865226SC003).
Participation in this specific Open Spiral was limited to Foundational Technologies (AFRL/RE). The process involved an initial Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB) submission, with 'Selectable' CSBs invited to proceed to Step Two for a Request for Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP).
Key Requirements (Prior to Cancellation)
- Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB) Submission: The primary deliverable at Step One. Offerors were required to submit a CSB to be eligible for award.
- Alignment with AOI: Submissions had to align with the Areas of Interest detailed in Attachment 1 of the main CSO announcement.
- Unique Approaches: If multiple CSBs were submitted by an offeror, each needed to present a unique approach.
Contract Details (Prior to Cancellation)
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under R-DFARS 212.70.
- Anticipated Awards: The government reserved the right to make no award, or to award one or more contracts or Other Transactions for Prototype (OTP). No specific number of awards or contract type was specified at this stage.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Submission & Evaluation (Prior to Cancellation)
- Step One (CSB Submission):
- Due Date and Time: Until 5:00 PM Eastern, April 30, 2027 (prior to cancellation).
- Submission Method: Email to
afrl.cso.mailbox@us.af.milwith the subject line: “CSB Submission under Centralized Open Two-Step Spiral”. For Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), DoD SAFE was to be used. - Evaluation: CSBs were to be evaluated per Section 8 of the AFRL Enterprise CSO. Selectable CSBs would advance to Step Two.
- Step Two (CSP Submission): Due date and instructions would be specified in a subsequent Request for Step-Two CSP.
Important Notes
Prospective offerors MUST view the main AFRL Enterprise CSO Announcement (FA865226SC003) separately on SAM.gov to access all referenced attachments. General questions could be emailed to AFRL.CSO.Mailbox@us.af.mil.