ERDC: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory - Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is seeking innovative commercial technologies, products, and services that support military infrastructure, energy systems, robotics, additive construction, environmental management, and facility lifecycle optimization.
This opportunity uses a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to identify promising technologies that could later receive contracts if funding becomes available.
Companies must first submit a short solution brief describing their technology. If the government determines the solution is promising and funding is available, the company may be invited to submit a full proposal and potentially receive a contract.
Solution submissions will be accepted through 5PM CST, 30 October 2026, and companies may submit at any time prior to this deadline.
How much funding would I receive?
The document states that Areas of Interest generally have no known funding specifically available, and funding may become available later through Individual Program Requirements (IPRs).
If a solution is selected and funding is available, the government may request a full proposal and proceed toward an award.
Contracts issued under this solicitation will be firm-fixed-price. Awards typically range from $500k - $5m.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding would support technologies and services aligned with ERDC-CERL mission areas. The solicitation identifies the following Areas of Interest (AOIs):
Materials and Structures
Sustainable engineered wood, mass timber, and bio-structural building solutions
Bio-based building insulating and finishing solutions
Installation Energy
Technologies that improve energy and water efficiency and security, including:
Combined heat and power generation
Fuel cells and reformers
Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, hydropower)
Water treatment, recycling, and storage systems
Waste-to-energy technologies
Warfighter Engineering
Additive construction and deployable 3D printing systems
Autonomous material processing and construction equipment
Robotics for engineering operations
Autonomous terrain shaping and infrastructure inspection systems
Operational Energy
Hybrid power systems
Energy storage and monitoring technologies
Power generation systems
Energy management software and infrastructure
Training Lands and Heritage
Natural infrastructure condition assessment
Soil and plant monitoring systems
Environmental analytics and forecasting tools
Sustainment Management Systems
Facility lifecycle investment optimization tools
Building sensor analytics and digital infrastructure management
Risk-based decision systems for facility maintenance and modernization
Solutions may include research and development, products, technologies, or services, and they do not need to be commercially available at the time of submission.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Companies selected under this CSO may receive:
Firm-fixed-price government contracts
Potential use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) if appropriate
Collaboration with government teams to develop performance work statements (PWS) and project details
Opportunities to demonstrate technologies through virtual or in-person demonstrations
Additionally, solutions that are technically promising but lack immediate funding may remain in the government’s library for consideration for up to three years after submission.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Submission deadline
Solution submissions will be accepted through 5PM CST, 30 October 2026.
Application process
Step 1 – Solution Brief Submission
Companies submit a short package including:
Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
Technical solution brief (maximum 5 pages)
Pitch deck (maximum 15 slides)
Optional 5-minute video
Pricing information
Step 2 – Government Evaluation
The government evaluates submissions based on:
Technical merit and innovation
Importance to agency programs
Availability of funds
Step 3 – Request for Full Proposal (if selected)
If the solution is selected and funding is available, the government may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).
If funding is not immediately available, the solution may be retained for consideration for up to three years.
Companies whose solutions are not selected will generally be notified within 30 days of submission.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), specifically the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL).
The program is administered under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) authority pursuant to DFARS 212.70.
Awards may be issued using:
FAR-based contracts
Other Transaction agreements (OTAs)
Other appropriate contracting vehicles
Who is eligible to apply?
The solicitation is issued on a full and open basis, meaning companies of any size may apply.
Applicants must:
Be registered in SAM.gov
Have a valid UEI and CAGE code
Be registered to bid on contracts, not just grants
Entities not properly registered in SAM at the time of award are not eligible to receive a contract.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
ERDC-CERL evaluates submissions based on three factors:
Technical merit and innovation
The solution must represent a new technology, process, method, or new application of an existing technology.
Importance to agency programs
The solution must demonstrate potential to improve the effectiveness of CERL mission areas.
Funding availability
The government also encourages submissions that include:
Evidence of commercialization or market use
Demonstrations or full-scale examples
Visual materials such as diagrams or models
Real-world use cases showing feasibility
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Proposals must not contain classified data or sensitive information.
Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
Prices must remain valid for at least 90 days after the response date.
If the proposed solution is valued above $900,000 and the company is not a small business, the proposal must include a subcontracting plan prepared in accordance with FAR 19.704.
The government may conduct site visits or product demonstrations, but participation does not guarantee award.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The initial submission is relatively lightweight and typically includes:
2-page cover letter
5-page solution brief
15-slide pitch deck
Pricing information
Optional 5-minute video
For most companies, preparing the initial submission typically requires a short proposal effort, though the solicitation does not specify a preparation timeline.
A more detailed proposal may be required later if the government requests a full solution proposal.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support your application by:
Determining which Area of Interest best fits your technology
Developing a high-impact solution brief and pitch deck
Positioning your technology around CERL’s evaluation criteria
Preparing the pricing volume and commercialization narrative
Supporting any full proposal or follow-on RFP request
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.