CSO_Enterprise Mold Mitigation_Neutralization_Mold Growth Prevention in Army Barracks_23Jun2026.pdf

Commercial Solutions Opening – Enterprise Mold Mitigation, Neutralization, and Mold Growth Prevention in Army Barracks

1.0 General Information.

1.1 Notification.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) issued under the authority of Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) DFARS 212.70. The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC), on behalf of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), is seeking innovative commercial technologies, products and/or services that will provide enterprise-wide mold mitigation, neutralization, and mold growth prevention in Army Barracks rooms.

Authorized under RFO DFARS Subpart 212-70, this CSO enables the MICC and AMC customer to competitively procure solutions through a streamlined acquisition process, allowing for rapid decisions. This approach underscores our mission to expedite the award and delivery of critical technologies, products, and services, that support the Army’s objective to identify and rapidly prototype and field solutions that actively mitigate, neutralize, or prevent mold growth in typical barracks environments. The Government requires solutions that are highly economical regarding both procurement cost and the required manhours for installation, operation, and lifecycle maintenance. Any contracts awarded under this authority will be structured as fixed-price contracts, acknowledging Phase 1 responses requested herein may alter the Government’s approach. Through this initiative, the MICC and AMC customer reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, readiness and warfighter health, ultimately delivering fundamental warfighter support with improved quality of life and readiness through warfighter health and well-being.

NOTE: While this is a complete CSO as detailed herein, the MICC reserves the right to pursue alternative contracting methods as a result of Offeror responses to Phase 1 requirements herein and continued Government analysis. For example, the Government may elect to pursue a solution via Other Transaction Authority (OTA). If this, or any other change occurs, the public will be notified via a sam.gov posting.

1.2 CSO Procedure.

MICC seeks to award RFO FAR contracts under RFO FAR Part 12, Commercial Procedures, while acknowledging commercial responses to Phase 1 herein may impact the Government’s approach. This CSO may result in awards to proposals through fiscal year 2028. The Government reserves the right to extend this CSO beyond the open until date by amendment if the authority is extended. The Government reserves the right to amend this CSO solicitation as necessary amendments for emerging requirements and changes in authority occur. Amendments to this CSO will be posted via the Government Point of Entry (GPE) at SAM.gov. The Government may add Areas of Interest (AoIs) against this CSO at any time throughout its duration. Interested companies are encouraged to frequently check www.SAM.gov for new AoI postings. The CSO outlines the procedures that are available for utilization by the Government for AoIs to ensure a competitive process is followed. Requests for a Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) under this CSO are subject to the availability of government funds. The government will not pay companies for costs associated with developing submissions in regard to this CSO or resulting AoI. This CSO may include awards for, but are not limited to, commercially available technologies immediately available, commercially available technologies, products or services fueled by commercial or strategic investment, and agile development activities that can incrementally improve mold prevention and neutralization, products or services.

1.3 Solicitation Process.

The CSO solicitation process may include a multi-phased solicitation and evaluation approach that is dependent upon specific AoIs. The AoIs are focused topic(s) or categories specified in Section 3. The following phases may be used:

Phase 1 – Submission of Solution Brief and White Paper;

Phase 2 – Presentation (if applicable); and Phase 3 – Request for Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP).

The Government reserves the right to forgo Phase 2 based on the individual merits and Government need. The Government also reserves the right to move expeditiously through the phases based on the merit of submissions if urgent requirements arise.

The Government will provide no funding for direct reimbursement of white paper or proposal development costs. During any step of the CSO, the Government may send written questions or comments for the offerors to address via email, or other suitable communication methods as determined by the Government. The Government may engage in communication exchanges with companies during any phase of the process including development of the formal proposal phase.

2.0 Definitions.

“Area of Interest” (AoI) means an announcement posted on the GPE website (www.sam.gov), which may result in the award of various types of contracts that will be dependent on the specific AoI requirement.

“Commercial Solutions Opening” (CSO) is a competitive procedure contracting officers may use to acquire commercial items, technologies, or services.

“Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP)” is a commercial proposal that is submitted in response to an AoI that is governed by a CSO. CSPs may be requested as a result of Solution Briefs and White Papers and/or presentations.

3.0 Guidelines for Solution Briefs and White Papers, Presentations (if applicable), and Commercial Solution Proposals.

3.1 General Guidelines.

3.1.1 Companies may submit multiple solution briefs in response to any single AoI if each submission represents a separate and distinct concept. Individual solution briefs may only address one concept based on the stated AoI.

3.1.2 Questions regarding the objectives or preparation of the solution brief should be addressed to the AMC Point Of Contact (POC) for all AoIs, Mr. Aaron Okoro, ejikeme.a.okoro.civ@army.mil. Note, the MICC POCs for submission at 3.1.3 below shall be included on copy, for awareness.

3.1.3 Submissions must be submitted electronically to the MICC POCs listed as follows:

Contracting Officer, Ingrid Smith, ingrid.v.smith.civ@army.mil Contract Specialist, Avangela Ligons-Sutton, avangela.y.liggons-sutton.civ@ army.mil

3.1.4 Entities submitting solution briefs that are not chosen for the presentation phase or the CSP phase will be notified in writing as soon as practicable. Further verbal feedback may be provided, upon request, at the Contracting Officer’s discretion.

3.1.5 All solution briefs, presentations/pitches, and proposals must be unclassified. Do NOT mark any documents as “CONFIDENTIAL”. Solution briefs, presentations/pitches, and proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or use by the government except for evaluation purposes shall include the following general disclaimer on the cover page:

“This [select one: solution brief, Presentation, or Proposal] includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the government , except to non-government personnel for evaluation purposes, and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this submission. If, however, an agreement is awarded to this company as a result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent agreed upon by both parties in the resulting agreement.

This restriction does not limit the government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]”

Recommended marking (header or footer) for portions of business plans and/or technical information that are to be protected for a period of five years from FOIA disclosure. Codified at 5 U.S.C. §552, FOIA provides that disclosure of certain types of information (i.e. trade secrets and commercial or financial information) is not required, and may not be compelled, for five years after the date on which the information is received by the Department of War.

3.2 Solution Briefs and White Papers.

3.2.1 Solution Brief and White Paper Content.

Solution briefs and white papers shall not exceed 10 single-sided written pages using no smaller than a 12-point font or, alternatively, solution briefs and white papers may take the form of briefing slides which shall not exceed 20 slides. Any combination of pages and slides shall not exceed 20 pages. The cover page or title slide are not included in the page or slide count.

Solution Briefs and White Papers must include the following:

1. Cover page or title slide identifying the AoI, Company Name, Company Address, Date, and

Point of Contact Information (i.e., Name, Title, E-Mail Address, and Phone Number).

2. Executive Summary providing a high-level narrative of the technology, product and/or service proposed.

3. Technical Concept – Offerors may submit Solution Briefs and White Papers addressing one or more of the AoIs at Section 5. Solutions shall be safe for human environments and comply with all relevant and applicable safety standards.

4. Price for the proposed solution to include desired payment terms shall be stated. Any firm fixed price for services shall include the applicable monetary wage-fringe benefits for the employee class expected to be employed under the contract in compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards, as applicable.

• If an alternate contracting approach and/or pricing arrangement is recommended, substantiate accordingly.

3.2.2 Solution Brief and White Paper Basis of Evaluation:

Solution brief evaluation criteria are listed in order of importance from top to bottom. Individual solution briefs and white papers will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria described below:

1. Technical Merit and Efficacy: The proven or expected effectiveness of the solution to anticipate, detect, monitor, neutralize and prevent mold in barracks room setting safely and reliably

2. Economic Viability: The total lifecycle cost of the system. Procurement, installation, and replacement parts must be cost-effective at an enterprise scale.

3. Manpower Efficiency: The solution must minimize the burden on facility engineers and service members. Systems requiring continuous manual cleaning, complex installation, or frequent part replacements will be rated lower.

4. Scalability (CONUS to OCONUS): The offeror's demonstrated ability to manufacture, distribute, and support the solution across the phased rollout plan.

Solution briefs and white papers will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria listed above, not against other solution briefs submitted in response to the same AoI. The Government may elect to use external market research in the evaluation of a company’s viability. The Government reserves the right to select “all, some, or none” of the solution briefs submitted in response to the AoI. The Government will endeavor to complete the Phase 1 evaluation of solution briefs within 30 calendar days of the closing of the submittal period and will attempt to notify the company of the results of the evaluation as soon as practicable.

Additional technical evaluation criteria specific to a particular project may be used. In these instances, the additional criteria will be posted within or as an attachment to the AoI on the GPE website.

Based on the results of the Phase I evaluation, the Government may elect to invite “all, some, or none” of the proposed solutions into Phase 2 Presentations or directly into Phase 3 by requesting a CSP. As stated above, if the Government elects to proceed with an alternative procurement approach (e.g., OTA), all participating Offerors will be notified at this time through sam.gov notification.

3.2.3 Solution Brief and White Paper Submission.

Solution Briefs and White Papers should be emailed to the MICC POCs identified above, by 4:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 08 Jul 2026.

3.3 Presentations (if applicable).

Presentations are at the invitation of the Government. The invitation will be issued in writing and may include requests for additional information or detail from the company’s solution brief.

In addition to the Presentation, the Government may request an additional written submission to supplement or clarify the information provided in the Phase 1 solution brief and white paper.

Depending on the specific solution proposed at Phase 1, the Government may request an in-person, virtual, or paper demonstration.

3.3.1 Presentation Content.

The Presentation should demonstrate and provide further details on the technical and business viability of the proposed AoI solution. The Presentation should:

1. Describe or demonstrate how the proposed solution represents an application of commercial technology to the AoI.

2. Provide a notional schedule.

3. Identify any Intellectual Property (IP) involved in the effort and associated restrictions on the government’s use of that IP.

4. Elaborate on the proposed price.

5. Address any additional information or detail from the company’s Phase 1 solution brief and white paper, as specified in the government’s invitation to Phase 2.

3.3.2 Presentation Basis of Evaluation.

Individual presentations will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria below and not against any other presentations held under the same AoI. Presentation submissions will be valid for 90 days after presentation evaluation.

Presentation evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance below. Presentations will be evaluated on the following factors, as provided in the AoI:

1. Level of relevancy of the solution in addressing the AoI with a commercially available product, process, or service;

2. Technical merit of the proposed solution to adequately address the AoI need(s) and demonstrated feasibility for the government to pursue the proposed solution;

3. Level of uniqueness, or innovative approach to solve the government’s need;

4. Level of technical risk or maturity;

5. Level of risk in the proposed milestone schedule and its ability to meet the AoI need within a relevant time period;

6. Level of risk in the company’s viability and business solution; and

7. Level of risk in anticipated IP and data rights assertions.

After completing the evaluation of presentation submissions, the Government will notify the company of one of the following:

o Request a CSP for evaluation in Phase 3;

o The proposed solution is not of continued interest to the Government and will not be considered for a CSP Phase 3; or o The proposed solution is of continued interest to the Government but is not currently eligible for an invitation to Phase 3 CSP submission due to the current lack of Government resources or funding.

NOTE: If Government funding or resources are not assigned for a Phase 3 CSP 90 days after completion of the evaluation, the Government will send written notification of non-eligibility and officially close the AoI selection process.

3.4 Commercial Solution Proposals.

Commercial Solution Proposals are submitted at the invitation of the Government and may be as a result of the Government electing to forego phase 2. Offerors must ensure that the CSP is valid for at least 180 days from the submission date. The CSP must be prepared in two separate Volumes as follows: Volume I Business and Price; and Volume II Technical.

3.4.1 Proposal Content

3.4.1.1 Volume I Business and Price Proposal.

3.4.1.1.1 Business Section.

State terms and conditions. Companies should note that there are certain terms and conditions the Government may be unable to accept. However, projects awarded through the CSO may provide flexibility to adopt customary industry standards where it is otherwise legal and meets the Government’s general public responsibility. Companies should familiarize themselves with RFO FAR 12, RFO DFARS 12, and RFO DFARS PGI 12.

3.4.1.1.2 Price Section.

The price volume must contain sufficient information to allow the Government to perform a basic analysis of the proposed price. The Government reserves the right to request any other price data or supporting cost information the Government deems necessary to determine whether the total overall price is fair and reasonable. This can include but is not limited to commercial price catalog(s), previous commercial sales receipts, and other proprietary information to help the Government determine reasonableness and future budgetary cost estimates.

The cost of preparing proposals in response to this CSO is NOT considered a direct charge to any resulting award or any other contract.

The Government reserves the right to further define the required price proposal content based upon the specific AoI requirements or Offeror information presented at Phase 1 and/or 2, as applicable.

3.4.1.2 Volume II Technical.

The technical volume shall include a detailed work plan indicating how each aspect and objective of the AoI is to be accomplished. The technical volume should be in as much detail as the offeror considers necessary to fully explain its proposed technical approach or method, including all assumptions utilized to develop its proposed solution and associated costs. The technical volume should reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. The technical volume must include information on how the proposed solution will be organized, staffed, and managed, as applicable. Information should be provided that demonstrates the company’s understanding and management of important events or tasks. The technical volume must include a list of suggested deliverables and deliverable dates.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to further define the required technical proposal content based upon the specific AoI requirements or Offeror information presented at Phase 1 and/or 2, as applicable.

3.4.2 Proposal Evaluation.

3.4.2.1 Basis of Evaluation.

Proposals will be reviewed as received by a Government subject matter expert(s). The CSO evaluation criteria is listed in descending order of importance below. The Government subject matter expert(s) will first review the proposal for adequacy and eligibility to determine the extent to which the following requirements are met:

1. The merit and risk elements of the proposed technical approach are acceptable and address the priorities outlined in the AoI(s);

2. The proposal performance schedule is realistic and adequate; and,

3. The proposed price is fair and reasonable.

3.4.2.2 Evaluation Rating.

3.4.2.2.1 Volume I Business and Price will be evaluated as follows:

a. Fair and Reasonable: The price proposal has been evaluated and deemed fair and reasonable. A Fair and Reasonable proposal may proceed to the award process. A fair and reasonable price determination does not guarantee contract award. The following will be taken into consideration: program priorities, outcome of negotiations, and availability of funds.

b. Not Fair and Reasonable: The price proposal has been evaluated and deemed not fair and reasonable. Proposal submissions given this designation may not proceed to the award process without negotiations that result in a fair and reasonable determination.

3.4.2.2.2 Volume II Technical will be evaluated and assigned one of the following ratings:

a. Acceptable: The proposal has been evaluated and deemed appropriate for additional consideration and discussion. An acceptable proposal is generally considered well-conceived, technically sound, and important to program goals and objectives. An acceptable proposal may proceed into negotiations or directly to the award process.

NOTE: An acceptable rating does not guarantee contract award. The following will be taken into consideration: program priorities, outcome of negotiations, and availability of funds.

b. Unacceptable: The proposal has been evaluated and deemed inappropriate for additional consideration. An unacceptable proposal is generally not considered well-conceived, technically sound, or does not meet program priorities. An unacceptable proposal will be rejected.

4. Awards.

4.1 General Guidelines.

If the Government proceeds with the CSO process, upon favorable review and funds availability, the government may choose to make a fixed price award using RFO FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to negotiate directly with the company on the terms and conditions prior to execution of the resulting contract or agreement, including payment terms, and will execute the contract or agreement on behalf of the government.

In order to receive either a fixed price award using RFO FAR Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority:

1. A company must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and shall be registered in the System for

Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving an award. Companies are advised to commence SAM registration upon pursuing an AoI announcement.

2. A company must also register in the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment

(PIEE) Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) application.

3. A company must be determined to be responsible by the Contracting Officer and must not be suspended or debarred from award by the Federal Government nor be prohibited by Presidential Executive Order or law from receiving an award.

Receipt of a request for CSP does not guarantee that a company will receive an award and the government reserves the right, at any point prior to award of a contract or agreement, to cancel the Request for CSP. The government reserves the right to make awards to all, some, or none of the selected solutions.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to amend this CSO solicitation as necessary amendments for emerging requirements and changes in authority occur. Amendments to this CSO will be posted through GPE.

4.2 Procurement Integrity Act (PIA)

The CSO solicitation process for RFO FAR contracts is covered by the Procurement Integrity Act (PIA). PIA is implemented for RFO FAR contracts through RFO FAR part 3.104.

Accordingly, the CSO competitive solicitation process and awards made thereby must adhere to the ethical standards required by the PIA.

5.0 Areas of Interest (AoIs)

• AoI 1, Enterprise Monitoring: Low-cost sensor networks capable of detecting conditions conducive to mold (e.g., detect moisture within walls, floors, ceilings, or HVAC systems; specific humidity/temperature thresholds) and integrating with base facility management systems to allow pre-emptive mitigation before severe outbreaks occur.

• AoI 2, Novel/Alternative Mitigation: Non-UV commercial technologies that achieve the same objective. Examples may include advanced desiccant systems, novel low or no maintenance dehumidification systems, automated localized climate control sensors, antimicrobial piping or wall insulation, antimicrobial surface treatments, or autonomous air purification systems. Must demonstrate a clear return on investment compared to traditional remediation.

• AoI 3, UV Light Solutions: Automated or semi-automated Ultraviolet (UV) light systems designed to neutralize mold spores on surfaces and in the air. Must include safety mechanisms (e.g., occupancy sensors) to prevent human exposure, and demonstrate long bulb life to reduce maintenance manhours.

• AoI 4, Industry Solution: Any alternative solution not listed within an AoI above that meets the Army’s objective of an expedited prototype/field solution that actively detects, monitors, mitigates, neutralizes, or prevents mold growth in typical barracks environments while balancing procurement, execution and maintenance costs may be offered.