H9224027SC001 CSO NSWC_TVEE_Final.pdf

Special Notice Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

H92240-27-SC-001

Naval Special Warfare Command

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC), in partnership with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive Office Special Operations Forces (SOF) Warrior / Program Manager SOF Protection and Integration (PM-PI), and its subordinate and associated commands seek to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of advanced Tactical Maritime Survivability (TMS) and Target Vessel Embarkation Equipment (TVEE) capabilities in support of the Joint Force, SOF, and allied maritime boarding elements.

The core objective is to deliver standardized, ruggedized, and highly portable scaling and breaching tools to NSW operators conducting high-risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO).

1.2 NSWC seeks to award Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or Other Transaction (OT) agreements (see 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021-23) to establish a streamlined pipeline for next-generation embarkation equipment and specialized operator training. Resultant contracts or agreements will provide physical systems, material configurations, and/or training across a broad range of capabilities. These capabilities must directly support mission effectiveness in terms of high-angle scaling poles, high-load dynamic attachment hooks, lightweight tactical ladders, transport/buoyancy systems, and non-munitions breaching kits to be acquired, developed, or improved upon if already in use by NSWC, USSOCOM, the Department of War (DoW), or the U.S. Government, as well as interagency and FVEY partners. As such, under the authority of DFARS Subpart 212.70, NSWC releases this CSO.

1.2.1 NSWC anticipates the award of a Firm-Fixed Price type contract in accordance with FAR Part 12. Offerors are encouraged to review FAR 52.212-4 for standard terms and conditions of a FAR Part 12 contract.

1.2.2 In addition, NSWC may award an OT Agreement in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022-

23. Non‐FAR Contracts and Agreements are anticipated with nontraditional and traditional defense contractors to carry out projects that are directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of the SOF Operator and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or material to be acquired or developed by the NSWC, or the improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by NSWC.

1.3 Use of a CSO in accordance with DFARS Subpart 212.70 is considered to be a competitive procedure for the purposes of 10 U.S.C. chapter 221 and FAR 6.102 and the procedures set forth in this announcement satisfy the competition requirements within 10 U.S.C 4022(b)(2) and 4022(f)(2)(A). Contracting Officers shall treat items, technologies, and services acquired using a CSO as commercial items. Agreements Officers may make awards in accordance with 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021-23. Awards made in accordance with 10 U.S.C. §§ 4023 are not subject to competition requirements.

1.4 Through this CSO, the Government may make awards in response to proposals for innovative technologies under a multi-phased process through December 31, 2028. This CSO outlines the procedures to submit a response to the specified Area of Interest (AOI) and consists of three-phases: Solution Brief/White Paper, Demonstration/Pitch, and Proposal.

1.4.1 Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Solutions will be sought under each specified AOI. Initial submissions will be requested as a Solution Brief (SB) generally in the form of a White Paper (WP) or Scout Card (SC) through the Vulcan Platform. A team of Government subject matter experts (SMEs) for the relevant AOI will evaluate each submission for advancement to Phase II based on its potential to address capability gaps within the identified AOI. The Government may elect to proceed directly to Phase III after a successful Phase I evaluation.

1.4.2 Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): Solutions selected in Phase I to proceed to Phase II will undergo further evaluation in Phase II typically in a demonstration and experimentation setting. The Government may host solution providers at NSWC or USSOCOM experimentation venues to develop actionable evaluation reports on invited innovations and their ability to address prioritized SOF capability gaps and needs. Participation may be accomplished through an independently arranged Phase II Demonstration/Pitch with the Government. Discussions may continue outside of the Phase II session. Participation in Phase II would be entirely at the offeror’s expense. Favorably evaluated capabilities may be selected to receive a Request for Proposal (RFP) that marks the beginning of Phase III.

Note, Phase II is optional for the CSO process, and may not always be conducted, or may not be required for every successful Phase I submission.

1.4.3 Phase III (Proposal): The Government will only advance companies to Phase III if it intends to award a contract or agreement for the proposed solution. Companies will collaboratively build Statements of Work (SOWs) with the Government team and negotiate Contract/Agreement Terms and Conditions for Award.

1.4.4 The Government desires to select capabilities for further action as a result of this CSO.

However, if a particular company or companies are not selected under any Phase, there shall be no charge to the Government for efforts made and no reimbursement from the Government. Any company non-selected for consideration under any Phase may request continued conversations with the Government regarding the company’s proposed capabilities, products or services.

SECTION 2 – AREAS OF INTEREST (AOI)

2.1 AOI 1: Advanced Maritime Boarding Systems

2.1.1 Description: Submissions should address innovative commercial solutions to modernize maritime assault and boarding operations. This AOI targets a critical capability gap in ship-scaling for SOF boat assault teams, where current manual methods (e.g., hook poles) increase operator exposure time alongside a target vessel. The objective is to significantly minimize the time required to establish access and emplace operators on a target vessel, thereby reducing vulnerability and increasing mission success probability.

2.1.2 Desired Capabilities:

2.1.2.1 Advanced Ship-Scaling Systems: Seeking advanced, powered, and potentially automated or remotely operated systems.

2.1.2.2 Powered Ascenders: Systems that assist or automate the vertical ascent for operators.

2.1.2.3 Advanced Hook/Grapnel Delivery: Systems for rapid and secure placement of hooks or grapnels.

2.1.2.4 Integrated Solutions: Integrated ladder and ascent solutions that streamline the boarding process.

2.1.2.5 Compliance: Solutions must be compliant with current NDAA language. Novel approaches beyond systems previously used by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) or partner forces are highly encouraged.

This notice fulfills synopsis requirements. Synopsis under FAR subpart 5.2 of any individual contract actions under this CSO is not required. Companies are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov as this notice may be updated with additional AOIs.

SECTION 3 – GUIDELINES FOR SOLUTION BRIEFS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND

PROPOSALS

3.1 The purpose of Phase I Solution Brief is to identify innovative solutions related to an AOI that effectively address SOF prioritized capability gaps. Offerors are encouraged to follow the instructions detailed below. The Government aims to provide an evaluation response within 45 calendar days after submission of the Phase I Solution Brief for selection into Phase II (if applicable) and within 30 calendar days after the demonstration / experimentation event.

3.1.1 Submissions – Phase I Submissions should be made via Vulcan as identified below in this section. If sensitive or classified, offerors may request additional instructions by submitting an email to: NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.

3.1.2 The CSO will remain open for a 26-month period; however, submissions are accepted only in response to specific calls issued under this parent CSO. Additional calls are anticipated during the open period.

3.1.3 Note: As new focus areas are identified by Government stakeholders, additional

AOIs may be added to this call. The Government may request subsequent solution briefs under this call for a period of three (3) months or longer if extended via amendment to this posting.

3.1.4 Phase I Submissions for call CSO- 001

3.1.4.1 NSWC seeks to award FAR contracts and/or non-FAR agreements for innovative solutions relevant to AOI 1 under CSO H92240-27-SC-001.

3.1.4.2 The deadline for submissions is 26 October 2026 at 1900 PST. Submissions are to be submitted using the following link: https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/submission?collectionUuid=6736461d-d958-4cf3-915d- 581fe7352bad

3.2 Guidelines for Solution Brief Submissions:

3.2.1 Costs of preparing and submitting solution briefs are at the Offeror’s expense.

3.2.2 Marketing information such as unnecessarily elaborate brochures or collateral are not desired. The submissions must be concise and substantive and directly address the specified AOI/interest items provided by the Government.

3.2.3 Use of diagram(s) or figure(s) to depict the proposed solution is strongly encouraged.

Generic marketing logos and graphics do not help our assessors visually understand the solution being proposed. It is encouraged to leverage dynamic media content to visually explain solutions (including diagrams, short videos, etc.).

3.2.4 Multiple solution briefs addressing different methodologies may be submitted by the same organization; however, each solution brief may only address one unique concept or offering in response to the AOI identified.

3.2.5 Training Solution submissions should include: instructor qualifications, instructor to student ratios, class size limits, course Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), hands on content, equipment available during training, train the trainer capability, SOF experience, and facilities utilized (Government vs Contractor).

3.2.6 The period of performance for any solution or proposal submitted under this CSO should generally be no greater than 12 months unless otherwise negotiated.

3.2.7 Technical data with military application may require appropriate approval, authorization, or license for lawful exportation.

3.2.8 All solution briefs shall be unclassified. Vulcan contains access control options for companies to determine who can have access to their submission. This is articulated in Vulcan when the account is established. The Government may determine a solution brief needs to be discussed and/or expanded in a classified setting and may contact the company to do so.

3.2.9 Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or through some form of teaming arrangement with one or more United States-owned business. Note: Some discussion and evaluation in Phase II may require personnel clearances depending on the venue. However, the ability to obtain a contract or agreement based upon a submission may depend upon the ability of the foreign-owned business to obtain necessary export clearances and approvals.

3.2.10 Questions regarding the objectives or requirements of the solution brief should be addressed to: NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil

3.3 Phase I Solution Brief Preparation and Evaluation: Submitter’s solution brief should be concise and substantive not to exceed five (5) pages using twelve (12) point font. It must describe the proposed solution in terms of the problem(s) it is solving in response to the specific AOI and answer the questions provided by the Government as part of the submission process for Phase I. Submitters can provide additional content such as attachments of briefs, slides, and other materials, but note that the quality, relevance, and understanding of the information provided are more desirable to Government assessment teams than the volume of information provided.

3.3.1 Phase I Solution Brief Content:

3.3.1.1 Vulcan registration and access provide for user and organization profiles that can be managed globally for submissions provided by single organizations. Ensure that such information is up to date in Vulcan. – i.e., Company Name, Phone, and Address.

3.3.1.2 Provide a descriptive title for your solution brief submission. Remember that each solution brief submission should represent one unique proposal.

3.3.1.3 Technical and Business Points of Contact, E-Mail Addresses. You may also provide Government user (if applicable) or reference information.

3.3.1.4 Capability Description - Provide a summary of the proposed solution and the problem it is designed to solve.

3.3.1.5 Capability Differentiators: Describe the unique aspects of your proposed mechanism and how it differs from other similar/comparable capabilities or concepts, especially as it pertains to the specified AOI.

3.3.1.6 Readiness - Timelines for your proposed solution to better understand what is needed to further mature the offering to meet the AOI’s objectives.

3.3.1.7 Additional topics for inclusion:

3.3.1.7.1 Whether the effort includes a pilot or demonstration of the concept.

3.3.1.7.2 If development or adaptation is proposed, identify a suggested path to mature the concept to meet the stated need. Explain how the technology, process, method, or application is innovative as defined in Section 7 below. Previous work with NSWC or USSOCOM Component if applicable.

3.3.1.7.3 ROM (schedule and budget) for efforts needed to mature the mechanisms to meet operational needs and/or acquisition requirements.

3.3.1.7.4 Offeror Viability. Provide a brief overview of the offeror including summary of current investments to date or a summary of the business model for the delivery of the capability to the Government. Provide an explanation of supply chain and identify potential risks with suppliers.

3.3.1.7.5 A summary of product commercialization and go-to-market strategy.

3.3.2 Phase I Solution Brief Basis of Evaluation: Individual solution briefs will be evaluated without regard to other submissions received under this call against the following criteria:

3.3.2.1 Technical:

3.3.2.1.1 Merit – feasibility and relevancy of the proposed solution to address the

AOI in tangible ways both technically and functionally. Also, ability to address vulnerabilities of the proposed solution thoughtfully and coherently in current and emerging context.

3.3.2.1.2 Innovation – degree to which the proposed solution provides an innovative, unique, underutilized, and/or unconventional approach to solve a problem/gap under the AOI.

3.3.2.2 Importance to Agency programs:

3.3.2.2.1 Relevance – how well the proposed solution relates to the AOI.

3.3.2.2.2 Business Viability – strength of the offeror and commercial viability of the proposed solution. The Government may elect to use internal and external market research in the evaluation of an offeror’s viability. The Government may also request the offeror’s interest in external venture capital from strategic Government partners to accelerate maturation and delivery of capabilities of interest to SOF and its partners.

3.3.2.3 Affordability: Price and Budgetary considerations.

3.3.3 After evaluating a solution brief, the Government may elect to invite a Company to demonstrate its proposed solution via tabletop exercise and/or request additional information from the offeror within Phase II. The Government reserves the right to move to Phase III without prior demonstration or not to consider the proposed solution further.

3.4 Phase II Demonstration/Pitch Content: The objective is to provide evidence and more details on the technical merit, operational relevance, and business viability of the proposed solution submitted in the Phase I Solution Brief. Regardless of format, the Demonstration/Pitch must also address:

3.4.1 ROM price and notional schedule.

3.4.2 NSWC / SOF utility and how this concept could be tested within a SOF military environment.

3.4.3 Describe the expected or intended operational users of the technology.

3.4.4 Data Rights and Intellectual Property Assertions.

3.4.5 The Government may request additional information outside of the demonstration / experimentation.

3.4.6 If proposing a prototype, state how this effort constitutes a prototype.

3.5 Phase II Demonstration/Pitch Basis of Evaluation: Individual demonstration / experiments will be evaluated according to the process utilized for that purpose. In addition to Phase I basis of evaluation, Phase II assessments aim to validate the proposal in terms of its viability and applicability. Other evaluation factors for selecting proposals to move forward to Phase III may include current priorities of relevant importance to agency programs, as well as funds availability.

3.5.1 The Government will aim to complete Phase II evaluations and offeror notification within 30 calendar days of the demonstration / experimentation. All companies selected to proceed to Phase II will receive Phase II notification; however, only favorably evaluated solutions /demonstrations / pitches will be eligible to enter Phase III of the CSO process, which may lead to a RFP at the sole discretion of the Government.

3.6 Phase III Proposal Preparation: RFPs will include preparation instructions. During this Phase, companies will collaboratively develop SOWs with the Government teams for their specific projects and negotiate Terms and Conditions into their Contracts or Agreements.

SECTION 4 – AWARD

4.1 Only warranted Contracting and Agreements Officers may obligate the Government and issue awards for contracts or OT Agreements, respectively. No other feedback or statements across any Phase of the CSO process shall be interpreted to obligate the Government or create an expectation of award.

4.2 Awards made under this CSO will be primarily FAR-based Firm Fixed‐Price contracts or OT Agreements under 10 U.S.C 4022-23. There is potential for Prototype Projects with follow‐on non-competitive Production Agreements IAW 10 U.S.C 4022(f). Contract or OT Agreement type will be determined during Phase III. Multiple awards may be made to pursue similar or dissimilar solutions should they all meet the technical criteria, be selected for award, and if funds are available.

4.3 In the event an OT Agreement is awarded under 10 U.S.C 4022 for a Prototype Project, a follow‐on production agreement may be awarded to the Prototype Project recipient in a non‐ competitive manner based on completion of success criteria developed in the Prototype Project.

Successful completion can occur prior to the conclusion of a prototype project to allow the Government to transition any aspect of the prototype project determined to provide utility into production while other aspects of the prototype project have yet to be completed.

4.4 To receive an award, Companies must be a registered entity in the System for Award Management (SAM). This system verifies identity and ensures that payment is sent to the right party. The link can be found here: https://sam.gov/SAM/

4.5 In general, to invoice and receive payment, Companies must register in Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF). The Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer will provide WAWF assistance during Phase III.

SECTION 5 - NON-GOVERNMENT ADVISORS

Non-Government advisors may be used in the evaluation of solution briefs and proposals and will have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with the Government. The Government understands that information provided in response to this CSO is presented in confidence and may contain trade secret or commercial or financial information, and it agrees to protect such information from unauthorized disclosure to the maximum extent permitted and as required by law.

SECTION 6 - CONTACT INFORMATION

Be advised, only a Contracting Officer or Agreements Officer has the authority to enter into a binding agreement on behalf of the Government and has exclusive authority to change the terms of a contract or agreement. Inquiries may be sent to the Contracting Officer for this CSO announcement via NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.

SECTION 7 – DEFINITIONS

Innovative: Defined as: (1) Any technology, process, or method, including research and development, that is new as of the date of submission of a proposal; or (2) Any application that is new as of the date of submission of a proposal of a technology, process, or method existing as of such date.

Non‐traditional Defense contractor (NDC): An entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one‐year period preceding the solicitation of sources by DoD for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoD that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section (see 10 U.S.C. 3014).

Other Transaction (OT) Agreement: Legally binding instruments not subject to the requirements of the FAR obligating the Government for a purpose IAW 10 USC 4021, 4022 and 4023.

Procurement contract. A contract awarded pursuant to the FAR.

Prototype Project: IAW 10 USC 4022(e)(5),the term "prototype project" includes a project that addresses-

(A) a proof of concept, model, or process, including a business process;

(B) reverse engineering to address obsolescence;

(C) a pilot or novel application of commercial technologies for defense purposes;

(D) agile development activity;

(E) the creation, design, development, or demonstration of operational utility; or

(F) any combination of subparagraphs (A) through (E).

Although assistance terms are generally not appropriate in OT agreements, ancillary work efforts that are necessary for completion of the prototype project, such as test site training or limited logistics support, may be included in prototype projects. A prototype may be physical, virtual, or conceptual in nature. A prototype project may be fully funded by DoD, jointly funded by multiple federal agencies, cost‐shared, funded in whole or part by third parties, or involve a mutual commitment of resources other than an exchange of funds.