Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) UxS Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
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 Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities. This CSO seeks innovative commercial solutions for "UxS as a service" models, First Person View (FPV) platforms, and UxS training. Awards may be made as Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts or Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements. The overall availability for submissions extends through December 31, 2026, with specific bi-annual deadlines for various Areas of Interest (AOIs).
Scope of Work
NSWC is seeking solutions across four primary Areas of Interest (AOIs):
- AOI 1: "UxS as a Service" Solution: Subscription-based models for UxS systems, including platforms, payloads, C2 systems, software, AI, training, maintenance, and spare parts, with particular interest in expanding undersea systems.
- AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Innovative FPV systems to enhance user situational awareness for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
- AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Innovative FPV systems enabling individual users to kinetically engage targets, with encouragement for systems that can also perform ISR.
- AOI 4: UxS Training: Innovative solutions to improve user situational awareness through UxS platforms, focusing on maritime environments, autonomy, and specific training scenarios.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts under FAR Part 12 or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4022-23.
- Period of Performance: Generally no greater than 12 months for solutions/proposals, unless negotiated.
- Set-Aside: None specified (open to traditional and non-traditional defense contractors).
- Eligibility: Non-traditional Defense Contractors (NDCs) are encouraged. Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or through teaming arrangements. Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required for award.
Submission & Evaluation
The process involves three phases:
- Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions via the Vulcan Platform.
- Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): For selected Phase I submissions, involving demonstrations and experimentation.
- Phase III (Proposal): For companies intended for award, involving collaborative development of Statements of Work and negotiation. Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit, Innovation, Importance to Agency Programs, and Business Viability.
Submission Deadlines
Submissions are made via the Vulcan Platform. Key deadlines include:
- AOI 1: Extended to April 7, 2026.
- AOI 2 & 3: Bi-annual deadlines on January 9, 2026, and May 15, 2026.
- AOI 4: Bi-annual deadlines on April 9, 2026, and October 9, 2026. The overall opportunity remains open for submissions until December 31, 2026.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Stephanie Simpson at stephanie.simpson@socom.mil or NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.