Washington Headquarters Services 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 Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), Acquisition Directorate (AD) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to accelerate the attainment of defense capabilities through innovative commercial approaches. This CSO, operating under 10 U.S.C. § 3458 and/or § 4022, seeks solutions via Areas of Interest (AOIs) published separately on SAM.gov. The CSO is open for five years, with a response period ending March 12, 2030.
Purpose & Scope
WHS/AD's Emerging Capabilities and Defense Prototyping Division (ECDP) aims to award and manage research and development projects. This CSO specifically targets commercially available technologies, innovative commercial products and services, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can improve commercial technologies and existing Government-owned capabilities for defense application. Solutions are solicited through specific AOIs, which companies must monitor on SAM.gov.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
- Department/Office: DEPT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Open Period: Five (5) years
- Response Date: March 12, 2030
- Published Date: March 9, 2026 (latest amendment)
Submission & Evaluation Process
The CSO procedure involves three phases:
- Solution Brief: Companies submit a brief (5 pages or 15 slides) evaluated for relevance to the AOI and appropriate CSO use.
- Pitch: If invited, companies present a pitch evaluated on technical merit, feasibility, business viability, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price, and data rights. The Government may bypass this phase.
- Prototype Proposal: A Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) may be issued. Questions regarding CSO content should be directed to the WHS/AD Point of Contact.
Eligibility & Key Details
Eligibility criteria for prototype transactions reference 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d), outlining conditions for nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, non-profit research institutions, and funding sources. Foreign-owned businesses are advised on submission procedures and potential restrictions. Companies are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for AOI and amendment postings.
Amendments
Amendment 004 updated the description and the CSO document, clarifying communication protocols, eligibility, and the three-phase CSO procedure. Previous amendments updated the description and contracting POC.