SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening
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 (SAF/CDM) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), FA7146-21-S-C001, seeking innovative commercial solutions, technologies, and services for Defense-related activities. This CSO operates under the Defense Commercial Solutions Offering Pilot Program and utilizes a two-step process involving White Paper submissions followed by invited proposals. The overall open period for White Paper submissions extends until September 1, 2026, with a specific White Paper due date of August 15, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This CSO aims to acquire innovative commercial items, technologies, and services that fulfill SAF/CDM requirements, close capability gaps, or offer technological advancements. The initiative focuses on areas such as:
- Countering strategic competitors' malign influence.
- Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.
- Emerging cyber technologies and methodologies. The government is looking for new technologies, processes, or methods, or new applications of existing ones.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under the Defense Commercial Solutions Offering Pilot Program. Awards may be made via Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) contracts (fixed-price or fixed-price variant) or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for prototype projects.
- Open Period for White Papers: Initiation to September 1, 2026.
- Ordering Period: Initiation to September 30, 2026.
- Estimated CSO Budget: $100 Million (for planning purposes; funding not currently available).
- Set-Aside: None (Full and Open Acquisition). All interested vendors, including small businesses and non-traditional contractors, are encouraged to respond. Foreign participation is allowed.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a Two-Step process:
- Step 1: White Paper Submission. Contractors may submit White Papers at any time during the open period. A specific White Paper due date is August 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM Washington, D.C. local time. White Papers should include a Cover Page, Technical/Management section, and Rough Order of Magnitude. The first 30 days of posting receive priority review.
- Step 2: Proposal. Only White Papers that result in an invitation from the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) will lead to a request for full Technical/Management and Price proposals. A Contractor may only submit one proposal in response to a request.
- Evaluation Criteria (descending order of importance): Technical, Importance to Agency Programs, Funds Availability, Price. Proposals will be categorized as "Selectable" or "Not Selectable."
- Last Day for Awards: September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM Washington, D.C. local time.
Contacts
- Procuring Contracting Officer: Kevin Adams (kevin.adams.20@us.af.mil, 301-203-4766)
- Program Manager: Ms. Catherine Anderson (catherine.anderson.5@us.af.mil)