DARPA's Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) for Commercial Strategy
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 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) for Commercial Strategy. This initiative seeks to close military and civilian capability gaps by transitioning and commercializing innovative solutions derived from DARPA's Research and Development (R&D) programs. The DCSO also oversees the Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative (EEI), which provides funds for embedded entrepreneurs to assist performers with commercialization efforts. Proposals are due by April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
DARPA is soliciting proposals for solutions that transition and commercialize DARPA R&D-funded technologies into practical capabilities. Proposals should present varying technical, scientific, and business approaches. The Statement of Work (SOW) template (Attachment 1) requires offerors to detail:
- Background/Introduction
- Tasks: Focused on reducing business risk, with specific completion criteria, schedules, reports, metrics, and milestones. Tasks must be tailored to the proposed commercial solution.
- Embedded Entrepreneur (EE): Identification and engagement of highly qualified EEs to lead SOW execution.
- MVP Development (Optional): Tasks focused on market entry, proving utility, and demonstrating end-user value.
- Milestone Payment Schedule: Selection of a pre-defined structure or a custom schedule.
- Intellectual Property: Details on IP delivered to the government.
- Key Personnel: Qualifications for EE candidates.
- Period of Performance: Base Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP) is 12 months; Minimum Viable Product (MVP) efforts should not exceed 24 months.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (Solicitation)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: July 14, 2025 (Amendment 0001)
- Place of Performance: Arlington, VA
Submission Requirements
Proposals submitted on or after July 14, 2025, must conform to the updated DCSO solicitation and Attachment 1 - SOW template (dated 7/14/2025). Offerors must complete the SOW template, focusing on business risk reduction and defining commercial opportunities. Additionally, Attachment 2 - Price Template (Excel spreadsheet) must be completed, detailing labor, travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), materials, and equipment costs with required justifications and supporting documentation.
Additional Notes
Amendment 0001 is an administrative update to the solicitation and SOW template, primarily updating the document identifier. It does not alter proposal submission deadlines or requirements beyond mandating the use of the updated documents.