AIR COMBAT COMMAND HEADQUARTERS (ACC HQ) ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION CENTER (AMIC) COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING (CSO)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Air Combat Command Headquarters (ACC HQ) Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC) has released Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Solicitation FA4890-CSO-0001-24 seeking innovative commercial technologies that address specific operational needs of the U.S. Air Force.
This CSO invites companies to propose commercial technologies or services that could close capability gaps or advance Air Force mission capabilities across areas such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, counter-UAS, data aggregation, cross-domain security, and communications.
The program uses a two-phase submission process beginning with a short quad chart and white paper. Selected companies may then be invited to submit a full proposal for potential contract award.
This CSO is open for two calendar years from the original publication date on SAM.gov (5 September 2024) and submissions may be made at any time during that period.
Companies developing innovative commercial solutions aligned with the listed technology topics should consider submitting early while the solicitation remains open.
How much funding would I receive?
The solicitation does not specify award amounts, award ranges, or total program funding. Typical awards range from $500k to $5m.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding would support development, demonstration, or deployment of innovative commercial technologies that address Air Combat Command capability gaps.
Proposals must align with one of the solicitation topics listed in Attachment 7, including:
Target custody data systems
Cross-domain security solutions
Automated coordinate mensuration
Counter-UAS detection and defeat systems
Aircraft sunshade sustainment management solutions
AI/ML for cyber threat detection and response
Cyber risk analysis using AI
Data aggregation systems for cybersecurity
AI lifecycle management and observatory platforms
Zero Trust security solutions
Deployed communications capabilities
Automation of cyber documentation processes
On-demand communications squadron network enhancements
Solutions may include:
Existing commercial technologies
New technology or methods not currently used by the U.S. Air Force
Research and development related to innovative technologies
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Awards resulting from this CSO may be issued as:
FAR Part 12 commercial contracts, or
Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
Additional benefits may include:
Opportunity to deploy technology with the U.S. Air Force
Potential to address mission-critical defense capability gaps
Ability to pursue follow-on development and deployment opportunities
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Submission Window
The CSO is open for two calendar years from the original publication date on SAM.gov (5 September 2024).
Application Process
Phase I submission:
Quad Chart (1 page)
White Paper (maximum 5 pages)
Phase II submission (by invitation only):
Technical proposal
Price proposal
Statement of Work
Companies invited to submit Phase II proposals will have 30 calendar days to submit the full proposal.
Estimated Award Timing
The solicitation states that companies should assume a contract start date approximately 90 days after proposal submission.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding would come from the Air Combat Command Headquarters (ACC HQ) through the Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC).
ACC is responsible for:
Organizing and equipping combat-ready forces
Operating fighter, reconnaissance, battle-management, and electronic-combat aircraft
Providing command, control, communications, and intelligence systems to support national security missions.
Who is eligible to apply?
The solicitation does not specify eligibility restrictions by organization type.
However, to receive an award, offerors must:
Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Be considered responsible contractors under FAR Part 9.1
Have a satisfactory performance record
Be eligible for award under federal law and regulation
The CSO seeks commercial technologies and services, and all solutions acquired through the program will be treated as commercial items.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Proposals are evaluated based on three equally weighted criteria:
Technical merit and applicability
Importance to agency programs
Funding availability
During Phase I, the Government reviews quad charts and white papers to determine:
Whether the company demonstrates technical understanding of the topic
Whether the solution represents a viable innovative capability
The Government may also conduct peer or scientific review panels as part of the evaluation process.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions and requirements include:
Phase I submissions must be unclassified.
Phase I submissions must include:
1-page Quad Chart
White Paper not exceeding 5 pages.
Phase II technical proposals are limited to 10 pages.
Statement of Work documents are limited to 10 pages.
All proposed solutions must be commercial technologies or services.
The Government may also negotiate data rights clauses depending on the technology and contract terms.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Preparation time depends on the phase.
Phase I submission
Quad Chart (1 page)
White Paper (≤5 pages)
Companies can typically prepare this type of submission relatively quickly, though the solicitation does not specify preparation timelines.
Phase II submission
If invited, companies will have 30 calendar days to prepare the full proposal package.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support companies pursuing this CSO by:
Assessing fit with AMIC technology topics
Developing the quad chart and white paper
Structuring the technical proposal and Statement of Work
Preparing the price proposal
Positioning the project around ACC mission needs and evaluation criteria
Our team has experience preparing submissions for defense innovation programs and Commercial Solutions Openings.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.