U.S. Army Contracting Command – Anniston Army Depot (ACC-HDA)Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
This is a continuously open Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) from the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Anniston Army Depot to fund innovative commercial technologies that modernize the Army’s Organic Industrial Base (OIB). The program is actively seeking solutions across advanced manufacturing, automation, digital enterprise, and related areas.
The CSO is continuously open until September 30, 2030. Companies can submit in response to specific Areas of Interest (AoIs) as they are released on SAM.gov, so timing depends on each AoI posting. Early engagement is strongly encouraged as the government can move quickly through evaluation phases.
How much funding would I receive?
Not specified in the solicitation, but awards typically range from $500k to $5m.
Awards are dependent on specific AoIs and availability of government funds
Pricing is proposed by the company (starting with a rough order of magnitude in early phases)
Final award amounts are negotiated during the proposal phase
What could I use the funding for?
Funding is intended for innovative commercial technologies, products, and services that support modernization of Army depot operations.
Relevant use cases include:
Advanced manufacturing and maintenance technologies
Automation and robotics
Digital enterprise systems (AI, IoT, cloud, 5G)
Predictive maintenance and diagnostics
Logistics and inventory modernization
Process modernization (e.g., coatings, surface treatment)
Workforce development systems
Energy and environmental solutions
Solutions may include:
Commercial technologies already available
Adaptations of existing commercial products
Pilot demonstrations or concept development efforts
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
The CSO highlights several non-dilutive and strategic benefits:
Streamlined application process with minimal initial requirements
Negotiable payment terms (non-dilutive capital)
Negotiable intellectual property (IP) rights
Direct feedback from DoD end users and mission partners
Fast-track evaluation timelines for early-stage submissions
Each proposal evaluated on its own merits (not comparatively)
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
CSO open until: September 30, 2030
AoIs are released separately and define specific submission windows
Typical process timeline:
Phase 1 (Solution Brief): Government aims to evaluate within ~30 days after submission deadline
Phase 2 (Pitch): Evaluation typically within ~30 days
Phase 3 (Full Proposal): Timeline not specified
Awards: Dependent on funding availability and negotiations
The government may accelerate or skip phases depending on urgency and proposal quality.
Where does this funding come from?
U.S. Army Contracting Command – Anniston Army Depot (ACC-HDA)
Authorized under:
Section 803 of the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act
DFARS Subpart 212-70 (Commercial Solutions Opening authority)
Funding supports Department of Defense modernization priorities for the Organic Industrial Base.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Traditional defense contractors
Nontraditional defense contractors
Small businesses
Nonprofit research institutions
Foreign-owned companies (subject to clearance and approval requirements)
Additional requirements for award:
Must obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
Must be registered in SAM.gov
Must not be suspended or debarred from federal contracting
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Projects are evaluated based on:
Alignment with specific AoI requirements
Technical merit and feasibility
Level of innovation and uniqueness
Commercial readiness and ability to meet immediate needs
Realistic pricing and schedule
Company viability and risk profile
Solutions that demonstrate clear applicability to Army needs and strong commercial maturity are most competitive.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Submissions must be unclassified
Proposal preparation costs are not reimbursable
Solution briefs and pitches are generally unpaid
Period of performance typically should not exceed 12 months (unless specified otherwise)
Export-controlled technologies may require approvals
Awards are subject to availability of funds
The government may select all, some, or none of submissions
Only a Contracting Officer can execute agreements
Additionally, submissions must follow AoI-specific instructions and deadlines to be considered.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Phase 1 Solution Brief:
Up to 5 pages or 15 slides
Includes executive summary, technical concept, and rough pricing
Later phases (pitch and full proposal) require more detailed technical and pricing information.
Overall preparation time depends on the complexity of the solution and the phase reached.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support across all phases of the CSO:
Identify and track relevant AoIs as they are released
Develop high-impact solution briefs aligned to evaluation criteria
Prepare pitch materials and messaging for Phase 2
Build full Commercial Solution Proposals (CSPs)
Support pricing strategy and negotiation positioning
Ensure compliance with all CSO requirements
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.