Finding Agile Solutions for Test (FAST) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) titled "Finding Agile Solutions for Test (FAST)" under DoD Class Deviation 2018-O0016. This CSO seeks innovative solutions for test-related needs from industry partners, including new technologies, processes, or methods, or new applications of existing ones. This is an open CSO that will issue specific "Calls" for proposals as objectives are identified by AFTC, AFRL, AFOTEC, and other defense test community organizations. The overall CSO is available until September 30, 2026.

Scope of Work

The FAST CSO aims to broaden the government's access to innovative solutions to accelerate the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's test mission. Solutions should address objectives, desired end states, or capability gaps defined in subsequent Calls. This may include research and development contracts/agreements from basic research through operational systems development.

Contract & Timeline

• Opportunity Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
• CSO Number: FA9302-21-S-C001
• Issuing Agencies: Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), and other organizations.
• Contract Types: Primarily FAR Part 12 fixed-price contracts, but also Other Transaction for Prototype projects (10 USC 2371b). Follow-on production contracts are possible.
• Estimated Value: Individual awards are not anticipated to exceed $100M, though higher values may be considered upon contact with the Contracting Officer. There is no cumulative ceiling.
• Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated per Call, but organizations reserve the right to award zero, one, or more.
• CSO Availability: This CSO is open for the issuance of Calls until September 30, 2026.

Submission & Evaluation

• Submission Process: White papers or proposals are not requested at this time. They will be solicited via specific "Calls" issued under this CSO. Calls will be posted separately on SAM.gov and will include detailed instructions, due dates, and selection criteria.
• Call Structures: Calls may utilize One-Step (full proposals), Two-Step (white papers then full proposals), Open (submissions anytime within a period), or Closed (submissions by a specific date/time) approaches.
• Evaluation Factors: Primary factors include technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funds availability. Price will be considered for fairness and reasonableness. Calls may add other factors (e.g., past performance).
• Debriefings: Handled per FAR 52.212-1(l) by the cognizant Contracting Officer for each Call.
• SAM Registration: Required prior to award.
• Security/Cybersecurity: Specific requirements (e.g., DD 254, NIST SP 800-171 assessments) will be identified within individual Calls. Unclassified submissions are generally expected unless otherwise stated.

Eligibility & Notes

• Set-Aside: Not specified for the overall CSO; NAICS codes and any set-asides will be identified within each Call.
• Reimbursement: Interested parties will not be reimbursed for costs associated with responding to this CSO or its Calls.
• Communication: Open communication is encouraged for general CSO questions/feedback via email to AFTC.PZIEC.FASTCSO@us.af.mil. Specific questions related to Calls must be directed to the POCs identified within those Calls.
• Contracting POCs: Marc Venzon (marc_anthony.venzon@us.af.mil, 661-277-3234) and Carlos A. Barrera (carlos.barrera.8@us.af.mil, 661-277-8438).