Air Force: SAF/CDM Commercial Solutions Opening and Specific Calls
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Air Force is seeking innovative commercial solutions to modernize its fragmented HR technology environment supporting over 700,000 personnel. The system currently consists of over 118 disparate applications and 84 legacy systems, creating inefficiencies, data silos, and security risks.
This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) with a rolling submission model, but there is a key near-term deadline:
“Closed” Due Date for White Paper Submissions: 4:00PM Washington, DC Local Time, 25 April 2026
Submissions are still accepted after this date under the open period, but early submissions receive priority consideration. This is a strong opportunity for companies with capabilities in cloud, DevSecOps, data integration, and enterprise modernization to secure follow-on prototype or production work.
How much funding would I receive?
Estimated CSO Budget: $100 Million (for all awards under the CSO)
Award size: Not specified
Number of awards: Not specified
Funding per project: Not specified
Funding will be provided “from time-to-time” and no guarantees are made regarding availability.
What could I use the funding for?
1. Application Refactoring & Modernization
Re-architect legacy HR systems into modern, secure SaaS-based solutions
Reduce technical debt and reliance on outdated infrastructure
Transition systems built on platforms like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Outsystems into a more sustainable architecture
2. DevSecOps
Implement CI/CD pipelines for continuous software delivery
Improve speed, security, and reliability of deployments
Embed security practices directly into the development lifecycle
3. Human-Centered Design (HCD) & Discovery
Use user-centric research and design methods to define requirements
Develop technical blueprints that reduce development risk
Improve user experience across HR systems supporting 700,000+ personnel
4. Enterprise Integration & API Development
Build reusable APIs to connect disconnected systems
Eliminate data silos across the HR ecosystem
Enable a unified data environment across platforms
5. Data Migration & Validation
Migrate data from legacy systems into secure cloud environments
Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and consistency
Support consolidation of duplicative data platforms
How to think about fit
Strong use cases will:
Directly address fragmentation, inefficiency, and security risks in the current HR ecosystem
Align with the Air Force’s shift toward agile, cloud-based, AI-enabled systems
Enable faster deployment, better user experience, and reduced sustainment costs
You may respond to one or multiple focus areas depending on your solution.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential for follow-on production contracts or OTAs if prototype efforts are successful
Access to a streamlined acquisition pathway (CSO) designed for faster engagement
Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems impacting 700,000+ personnel
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
White Paper
“Closed” Due Date for White Paper Submissions: 4:00PM Washington, DC Local Time, 25 April 2026
Open submissions continue after this date under the CSO
CSO Deadlines (Overall Program)
Due Date for Final White Paper Submissions: 4:00PM WASHINGTON, DC LOCAL TIME, 15 AUG 2026
Due Date for Final Proposal Submissions: 4:00PM WASHINGTON, DC LOCAL TIME, 15 SEP 2026
Last Day for Awards: 11:59PM WASHINGTON, DC LOCAL TIME, 30 SEP 2026
Process
Step 1: Submit White Paper (required)
Step 2: If selected, you will be invited to submit a full proposal
Government may review submissions on a rolling basis
Where does this funding come from?
Sponsor: Secretary of the Air Force (SAF), Concepts, Development and Management (SAF/CDM)
Authority: Section 879 of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (Defense Commercial Solutions Opening Pilot Program)
Who is eligible to apply?
All sources capable of addressing the objectives of this CSO are eligible
Additional requirements:
Must comply with security requirements (including DoD classification guidance)
Must be able to operate in DoD cloud environments (IL5 with scalability to IL6)
What companies and projects are likely to win?
The government prioritizes solutions that:
Demonstrate breakthrough innovation, not incremental improvements
Address urgent mission needs and improve operational effectiveness
Enable rapid testing, prototyping, or proof-of-concept delivery
Reduce data silos, inefficiencies, and security risks in HR systems
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
White Paper is mandatory before any proposal submission
Proposals can only be submitted if requested by the government
Only fixed-price contracts or OTAs are allowed
Funding is not guaranteed and subject to availability
Must comply with export control laws (ITAR/EAR)
Potential conflict of interest restrictions for existing contractors
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
White Paper limit: Maximum 10 pages
Intended to be streamlined and low-cost to prepare
Exact preparation time is not specified, but the process is designed to minimize upfront effort before invitation to full proposal.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support you by:
Identifying the strongest focus area alignment for your solution
Positioning your concept for “innovation” vs. incremental improvement scoring
Structuring a 10-page White Paper that meets all requirements
Translating your product into DoD-relevant language and outcomes
Preparing you for proposal invitation and follow-on funding
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.