USAFA Rapid Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the "CSO FA700025SC001 Call 005" opportunity, specifically concerning the "USAFA Al High School Transcript Reading and Scoring Capability." It clarifies security requirements, personnel restrictions, and intellectual property rights.

• Foreign Participation: Foreign IT companies and foreign nationals are strictly prohibited from participating. All work must be performed by U.S. Citizens.
• CUI Handling: The system will handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). This requires U.S. Citizen personnel for development, administration, and access.
• "U.S. Person" Definition: The government defines "U.S. Person" to include Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders). Therefore, U.S. Green Card holders are permitted to own, develop, and manage the program, but foreign persons are not permitted access.
• Security Requirements: While U.S.-based development and hosting are required, the solution must also meet industry standards for PII protection and security controls for the specified environment (Impact Level 4 preferred).
• Intellectual Property (IP): The Government will retain unlimited rights to all Government data. However, the contractor will retain commercial rights to their underlying proprietary software and may resell their product.

This Q&A document clarifies critical personnel and security requirements that bidders must adhere to. It confirms that only U.S. Persons, including Green Card holders, can participate in the work, and foreign entities are excluded. It also clarifies IP ownership, which is important for understanding the contractor's rights regarding their proprietary software.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to questions regarding the USAFA AI High School Transcript Reading and Scoring Capability (CSO FA700025SC001 Call 005).

• Foreign IT Company Participation: Foreign IT companies are not allowed to team for this program. This is due to the requirement that all work must be performed by U.S. Citizens, in accordance with the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG).
• CUI Handling: The system will handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). Processing CUI necessitates the use of U.S. Citizen personnel for development, administration, and access.
• ITAR Certification: ITAR Certification is not applicable as foreign IT companies are prohibited from participating.

This clarification explicitly prohibits foreign IT companies from participating in the solicitation, impacting teaming arrangements and proposal eligibility.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is Call 005 under the Rapid Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA700025SC001, specifically for the U.S. Air Force Academy's (USAFA) Area of Interest (AOI) USAFA-002, Academics. The USAFA Directorate of Admissions seeks an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered automated solution to process and score high school and college transcripts for applicants. The goal is to streamline transcript processing, improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency, reduce manual data entry, and accelerate application review timelines.

• An AI-based platform capable of extracting data from transcripts from all 50 U.S. states and territories.

• Continuous improvement of accuracy through machine learning and user corrections.

• Extraction and standardization of key transcript data elements (e.g., class rank, GPA, course names, grades, rigor).

• Conversion of GPA scales to a standardized 4.0 scale and a configurable USAFA scale.

• Support for various file types including PDF and common image formats.

• A user interface for reviewing and correcting extracted data.

• Processing of transcripts 24/7/365 with a turnaround time of no more than two calendar days.

• Integration with USAFA's Salesforce CRM.

• Preferred: Impact Level 4 (IL4) processing environment and natural language processing for custom queries.

• Prohibited: Use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in the AI processing.

• Anticipated award includes one base year with four option years.

• Target go-live date/initial operational capability (IOC) is October 1, 2026.

• Implementation timeline is a maximum of 16 weeks.

• This call will be conducted in two or three phases; the government may forgo Phase II.

• Interested offerors must submit Quad Charts and Solution Briefs.

• Phase I submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.

• Submission deadline for Quad Charts and Solution Briefs is May 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MST.

• Not specified in this document.

• Offerors may submit proposals only in response to a specified area of interest.

• The government will not pay for costs associated with solution brief submissions.

• All solution briefs must be unclassified.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation FA700025SC001 Call 004 for Warfighter Training Support Services.

• Quad Chart Content: The quad chart should outline a concept for the full 47-month training continuum, including goals, objectives, and outcomes, aligned to cadet development and warfighter readiness.
• Contract Type: This is a separate effort, not an extension of a previous contract. The selected contractor will be directly responsible to the Government under a new contract vehicle.
• Solution Approach: Both technical/digital learning tools and immersive training approaches are acceptable, provided they contribute to achieving training outcomes. Integrated solutions are supported.
• Experience Requirement: The requirement for 10+ years of military training and exercise planning experience applies to a combination of the offeror organization's corporate history and the proposed key personnel's cumulative individual experience. The evaluation emphasizes capability-based assessment, including organizational experience and personnel qualifications, focusing on the credibility of the overall solution rather than rigid weighting.
• Analysis Completion: The Government has not completed a full analysis of the training continuum. The contractor is expected to assess requirements and define training inputs (curriculum, resources, etc.).
• Development Approach: A phased/spiral development approach is feasible, with the contractor responsible for continuous development and improvement of training. No fixed start date is provided.
• Student Hours: Expected student hours are not predefined; the contractor will determine training hours and engagement levels as part of program design.
• Facilities & Resources: Some facilities/resources (e.g., office space, network) are government-provided. The contractor must identify additional requirements and plan infrastructure and resources.
• Personnel Mix: A mixed model is anticipated, with the contractor providing primary execution and instruction, and the Government providing oversight, coordination, and augmentation.
• Transition Period: The transition period involves ramp-up, staffing, and knowledge transfer. Full execution is steady-state delivery. Transition planning is likely evaluated as part of the technical approach.
• Contractor Role: The contractor will be responsible for execution, advisory, and planning support. The Government retains decision authority and oversight.
• Incumbents: Incumbent contractors are eligible to recompete.
• Evaluation: Evaluation will be based on the ability to meet performance outcomes, metrics (e.g., ≥90% proficiency, ≥15% improvement), and the credibility of the methodology. All four SOO objectives (design, logistics, execution, evaluation) are important and require balanced capability demonstration.
• Teaming/Subcontracting: Teaming arrangements and subcontractors are acceptable and should be identified in Phase I submissions.
• Surge Periods: Surge periods include summer training programs and major exercises. The contractor must plan for scalable surge support.
• On-Site Presence: Primarily on-site presence is expected, but hybrid/episodic models are acceptable if aligned to training events.
• Data Systems: No mandated system is identified; offerors should propose an integrated data collection and evaluation framework.
• Security Clearances: Not specified, but CAC access is likely required, with clearance levels depending on the role.
• Budget: The Government does not have a budget range or ceiling.
• Quad Charts: Typically, one quad chart per solution/concept is expected. An annual summary is sufficient for Phase I.
• Cadre Members: The vendor is required to propose the number of cadre members needed.
• Training Breakdown: No detailed breakdown is provided; the contractor must develop ROM assumptions and define the training structure.
• Systems Integration: Offerors should propose compatible or integrable systems. Government provides network access.
• AR/VR/MR: Use of AR/VR/MR is permissible if proposed.
• Quad Chart Graphics: The Government will allow graphics on the Quad Chart to be produced in less than 12-point font.

These answers clarify requirements related to the scope of work, evaluation criteria, contractor responsibilities, and submission details, which may impact proposal preparation and strategy. Key deadlines or submission rules were not explicitly modified, but the clarifications provide essential details for developing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (Call 004) is issued against the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Rapid Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA700025SC001. It seeks innovative and non-traditional solutions to support a 47-month cumulative military training continuum for approximately 4,000 Cadets annually. The goal is to develop cadet familiarity, exposure, and applied understanding of Joint Warfighting Functions through outcome-oriented training.

• Design, integration, and execution of military training activities.

• Support for training delivered via classroom instruction, field training, exercises, simulations, and scenarios.

• Development of a comprehensive warfighter training program, including curriculum and courseware.

• Assessment and planning for training resources (infrastructure, facilities, equipment, manpower).

• Expert instruction, mentorship, and leadership in core areas such as Command and Control, Intelligence, Fires, Movement and Maneuver, Sustainment, and Combat Survival.

• Establishment of a data-driven system for program evaluation and improvement.

• Solutions must demonstrate 10+ years of military training and exercise planning experience, expertise in large-scale training design and execution, and experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, and POIs.

• Anticipated award includes one base year with four option years.

• Submission deadline: 20 April 2026 at 10:00 AM MDT.

• Questions accepted until: 13 April 2026 at 10:00 AM MDT.

• Submissions require Quad Charts and Solution Briefs, prepared according to formats in Attachments 1 and 2 of the Base CSO.

• Phase I submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.

• The Government may forgo Phase II and proceed directly to Phase III based on Phase I submissions.

• All solution briefs must be unclassified.

• This call is placed against a closed CSO. Offerors must respond to a specified area of interest.

• Services will be performed at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

• Offerors must be capable of operating in a military training environment and meet installation access and security requirements.

• The Government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is Call 003 under the Rapid Acquisition CSO FA700025SC001, specifically for USAFA-004, Professionalism, focusing on a "USAFA Virtual Perimeter" solution. The U.S. Air Force Academy seeks an innovative commercial solution to virtually monitor its perimeter using autonomous measures that can detect and notify security forces of ground targets. The system must operate 24/7, day and night, in all weather conditions, and be self-sufficient with wireless communication and solar or battery power due to limited power distribution.

• System Performance: 24/7 monitoring with no dead zones, minimum 3 km detection range, ability to track multiple targets, differentiate object types, filter alarms, and provide near-zero latency between detection and notification.

• Hardware & Installation: Ground-based radar (360-degree and single-direction), PTZ cameras cued by radar, seamless radar-camera integration, long/short-range visibility, thermal imaging, a mast/pole platform to withstand 150 mph winds and snow buildup, and tamper protection.

• Power & Connectivity: 100% wireless communication, ability to communicate wirelessly up to 2 miles from the base communication point, support for "daisy-chaining" communications, and 100% solar-powered with a minimum 48-hour battery backup.

• Software & Integration: Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for object classification, full compatibility with Lenel and Milestone Video Management Software (VMS), remote control via VMS, automated alarm notifications, a radar management system, and inter-system communication capability.

• Future Integration: Capability for future integration with Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and Lenel S2.

• Environmental & Maintenance: Durable to withstand all weather, minimal hands-on maintenance, minimum 10-year life expectancy, and warranty coverage.

• Desirable Characteristics: Ability to actively deter threats and detect man-made and environmental threats (fire, smoke, water, flooding).

• The call is part of a phased approach (two or three phases). The government may forgo later phases based on Phase I submissions.

• Submission Deadline: 16 Mar 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MST.

• Submission Requirements: Interested offerors must submit Quad Charts (per Attachment 1) and Solution Briefs (per Attachment 2). Only Phase 1 documentation is accepted at this time.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.

• Submission Method: Email to 10CONS.PKB.CSO@us.af.mil, tammy.martin.6@us.af.mil, and nicole.cibula@us.af.mil. Solution briefs must be unclassified.

• This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), indicating an interest in innovative commercial requirements.

• The government will not pay for costs associated with solution brief submissions.

• Offerors will be contacted regarding the government's interest or for further steps (pitch session or RFP request).

• The government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to Call 002 under the Rapid Acquisition CSO FA700025SC001, specifically for the USAFA Military Exoskeleton Technology focused area of interest.

• The submission deadline for Phase 1 Quad Charts and Solution Briefs has been updated.

• The deadline for submitting Quad Charts and Solution Briefs is now 15 Sep 2025 at 12:00 PM MDT.

• All solution briefs must be unclassified.

• The government will not pay companies for costs associated with solution brief submissions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is Call 002, issued under the Rapid Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA700025SC001, for the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). The focused area of interest is USAFA-002, Academics. The government is seeking innovative commercial solutions for AI-enabled exoskeleton technology to enhance warfighter lethality, endurance, situational awareness, and mission effectiveness. The goal is to gain insight into human factors, optimal interface design, cognitive workload management, and team integration protocols for safe and efficient operations.

Vendors are expected to provide lightweight, wearable, full and lower extremity exoskeletons that meet the following criteria:

• Initiate user movement but not independently perform motor functions.
• Provide user-initiated movement via powered function (pneumatic or similar).
• Allow flexible user movement (squatting, bending, marching, jogging, lifting weights, etc.).
• Be calibratable/programmable for multiple users of various heights and weights.
• Not require medical assistance for donning/doffing.
• Be suitable for individual function without medical supervision.

Essential physical characteristics include:

• Freestanding, not linked to external equipment.
• Battery-powered connectivity (at least 4 hours) with the power supply attached to the device.
• Adjustable hip buckle (20-42 inches).
• Accommodate user weight up to at least 275 lbs.

This call is part of a CSO and may be conducted in two or three phases. The government may forgo Phase II and proceed directly to Phase III based on Phase I submissions. The period of performance and contract type are not specified in this document.

• Submission Deadline: 10 Sep 2025 at 3:00 PM MDT.
• Submission Requirements: Interested offerors must submit Quad Charts and Solution Briefs in accordance with formats in Attachments 1 and 2 of the CSO.
• Evaluation Criteria (Phase I): Technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.
• Contact: Questions can be directed to 10CONS.PKB.CSO@us.af.mil and tammy.martin.6@us.af.mil.
• Note: Only Phase I submissions are accepted at this time. All solution briefs must be unclassified. The government will not pay for submission costs.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) call, implying a focus on commercial items and innovative solutions. No specific set-aside is mentioned.

• The government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the proposals submitted, or fund only part of a submission.
• Offerors will be contacted regarding the government's interest or a request for a pitch session/RFP.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Focused Area of Interest: Strategic Admissions Outreach (CSO FA700025SC001 Call 001).

• "Name Buy" Definition: A "name buy" involves purchasing student contact information, including names, test scores, and demographic details from standardized test proctors. USAFA requires standardized test score (SAT/ACT) name buys of potential applicants.
• Quad Chart & Solution Brief: Templates and instructions for the Quad Chart and Solution Brief are provided in Attachments 1 and 2 of the base CSO document.
• Proprietary Information: Offerors may mark Phase I submissions as proprietary or confidential. Markings must be clear.
• Evaluation: Only internal government reviewers will access Phase I submissions. Evaluation criteria are detailed in the CSO; performance metrics are not yet established as Phase 1 aims to identify innovative solutions.
• Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): Vendors may include professional services FTE in their proposed solutions, which will be evaluated based on their contribution to the overall capability.
• Application Volume: USAFA currently receives approximately 10,000 applications annually. No aspirational application volume or goals are provided, as Phase 1 seeks innovative solutions.
• Test Scores: The current mean SAT score is approximately 1380, and the mean ACT score is 30. No aspirational test score goals are provided.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the solicitation, including definitions, submission requirements, and current operational data. It emphasizes that specific performance metrics and goals will be determined based on the innovative solutions proposed in Phase 1.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is Call 001 under the Rapid Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA700025SC001, issued by the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). It seeks innovative commercial solutions to maximize USAFA's reach to prospective students, aiming to inspire interest and increase admissions. The goal is to enhance outreach services and technology to support an estimated yearly class size of 1200 Cadets.

Submissions should present combinations of methods, capabilities, and new technological solutions for outreach to prospective Cadets. Specific areas to address include:

• Increasing yearly applications started and finalized.
• Improving average standardized test scores of applicants.
• Providing real-time data analytics for outreach services.
• Identifying target audiences and creating communication streams for students and parents, including personalized campaigns and deadline awareness.
• Encouraging target audience applications.
• Strategic name-buy purchases.
• Integration of new technology into outreach capabilities.
• Familiarity with college application and enrollment outreach services.

Contractors must have experience with college application services, the capability to purchase student name-buys, and the ability to transmit data compatible with USAFA's Salesforce CRM.

• Period of Performance: Estimated 30 Sep 2025 – 29 Sep 2029.

• The CSO is a closed CSO with calls issued as amendments. The government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the proposals.

• This call is open for submission until 4 Aug 2025 at 2:00 PM MDT.

• Submissions will be conducted in two or three phases, with the government potentially bypassing Phase II for technically competent Phase I submissions.

• Offerors must submit Quad Charts (Attachment 1) and Solution Briefs (Attachment 2).

• Phase I submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability (as described in Attachment 7).

• All solution briefs must be unclassified.

• Submission deadline: 4 Aug 2025 at 2:00 PM MDT via email to 10CONS.PKB.CSO@us.af.mil.

This is a CSO call, implying a focus on commercial solutions. No specific set-aside information is provided in this document.

• Questions regarding this focused area of interest should be directed to 10CONS.PKB.CSO@us.af.mil.
• The government will not pay for costs associated with solution brief submissions.
• Offerors providing Phase I submissions will be contacted regarding next steps, which may include a request for a pitch session or a request for proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) issued by the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) to solicit innovative, commercial technologies and services. The goal is to meet various USAFA objectives related to leadership, academics, fitness, and professionalism, as detailed in Attachment 8. This CSO is intended to identify and acquire commercially available technologies, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can incrementally improve existing capabilities or concepts for defense application.

This CSO is a "CSO with Calls" mechanism. Specific Areas of Interest (AoIs) will be announced via "Calls" issued as amendments to this CSO. Offerors must submit proposals in response to these specific Calls. The document outlines a two or three-phased submission process:

• Phase I: Submission of Quad Charts and Solution Briefs.
• Phase II: Pitch Session (optional, at government discretion).
• Phase III: Full Proposal (Technical, Cost, and Statement of Work).

Awards will be in the form of FAR Part 12 commercial contracts or Other Transactions (OT) for Research, Prototype, and Production. Follow-on production contracts may be negotiated after successful prototype completion under an OT.

• Proposals are submitted in response to specific Calls issued under this CSO.

• Phase I submissions are evaluated based on technical merit/applicability, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.

• Price will be considered to determine fairness and reasonableness.

• The government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the proposals.

• Offerors must monitor www.sam.gov for specific Calls or amendments.

• Large business offerors responding to calls over $750K must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) for Phase III.

• Funds are not presently available; no award will be made until funds are available.

• The government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• Access to unclassified sensitive or classified information is not anticipated.

• Attachment 8 details the specific Areas of Interest: USAFA-001 LEADERSHIP, USAFA-002 ACADEMICS, USAFA-003 FITNESS, and USAFA-004 PROFESSIONALISM.