Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) is seeking innovative commercial technologies to support next-generation ground vehicle systems through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). This is a rolling, multi-phase opportunity covering a wide range of Areas of Interest (AoIs), including power systems, autonomy, survivability, robotics, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Critical deadline: The “Durable Replacement Track System for M88A2 Vehicle” AoI deadline has been extended to 06 April 2026.

Most other AoIs are open on a continuous basis unless a specific suspense date is listed, meaning companies can submit at any time—but priority is given to time-sensitive topics.

This is a flexible, non-traditional DoD contracting pathway designed to move quickly from concept to award, including pilots, prototypes, and commercially ready solutions.

How much funding would I receive?

Not specified in the solicitation, but typically between $500k - $2m.

The CSO explicitly states that:

  • “no specific dollars have been reserved for awards”

  • awards are subject to availability of government funds

What could I use the funding for?

Funding can support development, demonstration, and deployment of innovative commercial technologies relevant to Army ground vehicle systems.

Examples across AoIs include:

  • Power generation, propulsion, and energy systems

  • Autonomous systems and robotics

  • AI/ML-enabled vehicle capabilities

  • Cybersecurity and software systems

  • Logistics, maintenance, and supply chain technologies

  • Advanced manufacturing and materials

  • Vehicle survivability and protection systems

  • Modeling, simulation, and training systems

Projects may include:

  • Commercial technologies already available

  • Adaptations of existing commercial products

  • Concept demonstrations and pilots

  • Incremental improvements to existing systems

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

  • Access to multiple award pathways, including:

    • FAR Part 12 contracts

    • Other Transaction Agreements (10 U.S.C. 4022)

    • Cooperative Agreements

  • Ability to work directly with Army technical teams

  • Opportunity for follow-on awards and scaling

  • Flexible contracting with potential for industry-standard terms

  • Potential to establish long-term partnerships with GVSC

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Application timeline:

  • The CSO is open through 2029 unless extended

  • Most AoIs are continuously open unless a specific deadline is listed

  • Example:

    • Durable Replacement Track System for M88A2 Vehicle: 06 April 2026

Process timeline:

  • Phase 1: Solution Brief submission

  • Phase 2: Presentation (if invited)

  • Phase 3: Full proposal (CSP)

Additional timing details:

  • Presentations remain valid for 90 days

  • CSP proposals must be valid for 180 days

  • Awards occur only if funding becomes available

The Government may move quickly through phases if priorities are urgent.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) under the authority of:

  • 10 U.S.C. 3458 (Commercial Solutions Opening authority)

  • Other DoD acquisition authorities including 10 U.S.C. 4022

GVSC operates under the U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not restrict eligibility to a specific entity type. Eligible participants may include:

  • Commercial companies

  • Small businesses

  • Nontraditional defense contractors

  • Nonprofits

  • Foreign-owned companies (subject to approvals and clearances)

To receive an award, companies must:

  • Have a Unique Entity ID (UEI)

  • Be registered in SAM.gov

  • Not be suspended or debarred

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects are evaluated based on:

  • Relevance to the specific AoI

  • Technical merit and feasibility

  • Level of innovation

  • Commercial readiness or near-term applicability

  • Risk (technical, schedule, pricing)

  • Availability of funding

Priority is placed on:

  • Commercially available or near-term solutions

  • Technologies that can be demonstrated quickly

  • Solutions aligned with Army modernization priorities

  • High-TRL technologies with clear transition pathways

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

  • No reimbursement for proposal or solution brief preparation costs

  • Submissions must be unclassified

  • Export-controlled data may require approvals

  • Awards are not guaranteed, even after proposal submission

  • Government may:

    • Skip phases

    • Cancel opportunities

    • Award to all, some, or none of applicants

Additional constraints:

  • Typical period of performance is generally no greater than 12 months unless otherwise specified

  • Intellectual property terms may be negotiated

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Initial submission (Phase 1):

  • Solution brief: up to 5 pages or 15 slides

This is relatively lightweight and can typically be prepared quickly.

Later phases (if invited):

  • Presentation (Phase 2)

  • Full proposal with technical and pricing volumes (Phase 3)

Effort increases significantly in Phase 3 depending on project complexity.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

  • Identify the right AoI for your technology

  • Position your solution for maximum relevance and competitiveness

  • Develop a high-impact solution brief aligned with evaluation criteria

  • Support Phase 2 presentations and Phase 3 proposals

  • Help structure pricing and commercialization strategy

  • Navigate DoD contracting pathways and compliance requirements

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Previous
Previous

U.S. Navy NSWC Crane - MOBILITY PROTOTYPING

Next
Next

DevX Autonomy: Open Call Solicitation for Innovative AUS Solutions