SOF AT&L Innovative Technology and Agile Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) CALL CSO003 PEO Maritime, Special Operations Forces Combat Diving Development
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 US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), through its SOF AT&L Maritime program, has issued Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) CALL CSO003 to identify and accelerate the development of innovative combat diving technologies. This initiative seeks commercial solutions for advanced life support, sub-surface communications, signature management, and diver mobility. White Papers are due by June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
This CSO focuses on innovative applications or modifications of existing commercial technologies or Nondevelopmental Items (NDI) to address maritime warfighting challenges. Key areas of interest include:
- Navigation and Propulsion: Advanced equipment for diver movement.
- Communications: Acoustic and optical underwater communication systems.
- Signature Management: Technologies to reduce underwater acoustic signatures.
- Maritime Environmental Protection: Solutions for thermal regulation, contaminated water protection, and marine life protection.
- Life Support Systems: Enhancements for rebreathers, diver treatment capabilities, training, and maintenance support. Solutions involving software, electronic, or networked components must comply with Open Systems Architecture (OSA) standards. Collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Government entities is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) / Solicitation
- Potential Award Types: Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for Prototype Projects or FAR-based contracts (e.g., Firm Fixed-Price). Successful prototypes may lead to noncompetitive production agreements.
- Period of Performance: White Papers or proposals should generally not exceed 18 months.
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, including foreign-owned businesses (alone or teamed with U.S. firms).
- White Paper Due Date: June 2, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET.
- Questions Due Date: May 26, 2026.
- Published Date: May 13, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit unclassified White Papers via email. Evaluation criteria include technical merit, importance to agency programs (relevancy and business viability), and funds availability. The Government expects to respond to White Papers within 15 days of the submission deadline. Favorable White Papers may lead to a pitch/demonstration, followed by a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) or Request for Proposal (RFP). All submitting companies must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
The Government may utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the initial review of submissions. Submissions will not be returned.