W911KF-25-S-C002.pdf

U.S. Army Contracting Command – Anniston Army Depot (ACC-HDA) Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Commercial Solutions Opening

(CSO)

Announcement Number: W911KF-25-S-C002

1. General Information

1.1 Authority

This CSO is issued under the authority of 10 U.S.C. §3458, as amended by Section 1823 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The amended statute authorizes the Department of Defense to acquire commercial products, commercial services, and non-developmental items through a general announcement and a peer, technical, and/or operational review of proposals. This CSO serves as the general announcement mechanism through which the Army seeks to modernize the OIB at Anniston Army Depot. Finally, Contracting Officers shall treat items, technologies, and services acquired using a CSO as commercial items. Contracts or agreements under this authority shall be fixed-price, including fixed-price incentive fee contracts.

1.2 Background

The U.S. Army recognizes that investments in producibility and advanced manufacturing will need to continue to be made to support a vast array of crucial activities, including but not limited to acquisition, sustainment, logistics, and ultimately the Army’s Modernization of its OIB. Anniston Army Depot is the designated Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence (CITE) for tracked and wheeled ground combat vehicles (minus Bradley), towed and self-propelled artillery, assault bridging systems, individual and crew served small caliber weapons and locomotives, rail equipment and non-tactical generators. In order to deliver impactful operational results, the US Army must modernize the OIB, particularly in the areas of Agile / flexible facilities, connected digital enterprise, advanced manufacturing, Digital Twin, automation, and cyber security. DEVCOM has coined these technologies collectively as Convergent Manufacturing.

With the focus on both “new capabilities” and “operational constructs” convergent manufacturing technologies will accelerate the OIB’s capability to get advanced solutions to the Warfighter while enhancing and optimizing the Defense Manufacturing Base for today and tomorrow’s missions.

Manufacturing excellence is critical for Army technology dominance and force projection to increase the “Speed of Battle.”

This CSO will utilize the process authorized by DFARS Subpart 212-70. Under this CSO, the DoD will be allowed to competitively procure commercial items, commercial services and non-developmental items. CSO procedures provide a streamlined acquisition process and simplified contract terms resulting in FAR-based contracts awarded under Part 12 Commercial Item Procedures. Both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors may be awarded contracts under this CSO. Under a CSO DoD contracting officers may competitively select proposals received in response to a general competitive announcement, similar to a broad agency announcement, based on a review of proposals by subject matter experts.

The FY26 NDAA supersedes earlier references to Class Deviation 2022-O0007 and Section 803 of the FY22 NDAA. All acquisitions under this CSO rely solely on the amended statutory authority in 10 U.S.C. §3458.

1.3 CSO Procedure

This CSO is a competitive announcement posted on a Government Point of Entry (GPE), System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) continuously open until September 30, 2030. The government reserves the right to extend this CSO beyond the open until date by amendment if the authority is extended. Under this CSO the DoD may seek solution briefs, presentations/pitches and/or proposals from traditional and nontraditional business entities.

This CSO is intended to seek proposals for commercial products, commercial services, non-developmental items and services or adaptations/modifications of existing commercial product technologies and services to enable the seamless integration of manufacturing resources from across the enterprise to meet U.S. Army needs. This include, but are not limited to, the linking of legacy analogue manufacturing systems with modern digital systems, the expansion of modeling and simulation to speed up decision making and the ability to deliver the right materiel solution to the soldier at the right time and in the right place. This CSO may result in the award of various types of contracts, which may include but are not limited to commercially-available technologies immediately available, commercially-available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can incrementally improve commercial technologies, existing government-owned capabilities, or concepts for broad defense applications. The government intends to award FAR-based contracts under Part 12 Commercial Item Procedures, but reserves the right to award additional types of contracts depending on the specific Area of Interest (AoI) and industrial base responses to the AoI.

The CSO process may include a multi-phased submission and evaluation approach that is dependent upon specific AoIs. The AoIs are focused topic(s)/categories that will be published separately via the GPE at www. sam.gov. The following phases may be used:

Phase 1 – Submission of written solution brief

Phase 2 – Presentation/Pitch (if applicable)

Phase 3 – Request for Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP)

A CSO is considered a competitive process, intended to ensure that competitive procedures are used to the maximum extent practicable. All solution briefs, presentations/pitches and/or proposals submitted in response to any AoI will be in response to and governed by this CSO.

The CSO outlines the procedures that are available for utilization by the government for http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.beta.sam.gov/

AoIs to ensure a competitive process is followed. The competitive process under this CSO may result in a two or three phase approach (solution brief, presentation/pitch (if applicable), and a full written proposal):

Phase 1 Solution Briefs: A solution brief must be submitted as specified in Sections 3.2 of this CSO. The government will evaluate solution briefs against the criteria stated in this CSO. The government will not pay companies for the costs associated with solution brief submissions.

Phase 2 Presentations/Pitches (if applicable): Companies whose solution briefs are evaluated to be of merit, may be invited to provide a pitch following the instructions provided in Sections 3.3 of this CSO. In the event that the government requires a demonstration, additional information will be provided in the specific AoI highlighting those procedures, otherwise Phase 2 will be comprised solely of the presentation/pitch. The government reserves the right to request additional technical information to determine if a company has a viable solution for the government’s specific AoI. The government will not pay companies for costs associated with pitches, unless otherwise stipulated.

Phase 3 Request for Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP): Those companies that are evaluated to be of merit through Phase 1 or Phase 2 or a combination of these avenues, may be invited to submit a full written proposal following the instructions provided in Section

3.4 of this CSO. Request for CSP’s under this CSO are subject to the availability of government funds. The government will not pay companies for costs associated with developing submissions in regards to this CSO or resulting AoI, unless otherwise stipulated within the AoI.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to forgo Phase 2 by directly requesting CSPs from “all or some” of the proposed solutions based on the individual merits. The government also reserves the right to move expeditiously through the phases based on the merit of submissions if urgent requirements arise.

The government may add AoIs against this CSO at any time throughout its duration.

Interested companies are encouraged to frequently check the GPE website for new AoI postings.

NOTE: During any step of the CSO, the government may send questions or comments for the offerors to address via email.

Benefits of the CSO process and the potential for award include:

1. A streamlined application process requiring only minimal corporate and technical information for fast track evaluation timelines for Solutions Briefs.

2. Negotiable payment terms for non-dilutive capital.

3. Negotiable intellectual property (IP) rights.

4. Secure and direct feedback from end users, mission partners and users within the DoD to help product teams develop and hone product design and functionality.

5. Each proposal is evaluated on its individual merits rather than on a comparative basis.

2. Definitions

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

2. “Commercial Solutions Opening” (CSO) is a competitive procedure contracting officers may use to acquire commercial items, commercial services and non-developmental items.

3. 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/or presentations/pitches.

4. “Nontraditional Defense Contractor” is defined in 10 U.S.C. § 2302(9) as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for a least the one-year period preceding the announcement of sources by the 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 41 U.S.C. § 1502 and the regulations implementing such section. This includes all small business concerns under the criteria and size standards in 13 C.F.R. § 121.

5. “Nonprofit Research Institution” means a nonprofit institution, as defined in 15

U.S.C. § 3703 as an organization owned and operated exclusively for scientific or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which ensures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

6. “Small Business Concerns” is defined in the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C 632).

7. “Best Value” - The FY26 NDAA redefined “best value” to mean the optimal combination of cost, quality, technical capability or solution quality, and delivery schedule. This standard guides award decisions under this CSO.

3. GUIDELINES FOR SOLUTION BRIEFS, PRESENTATIONS, AND COMMERCIAL

SOLUTION PROPOSALS

3.1 General Guidelines

Solution briefs, presentations, and proposals submitted under this CSO should be concise and focused on the essential information needed for the Government to evaluate the proposed commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item.

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or marketing materials are discouraged. When helpful, offerors are encouraged to include diagrams or figures that clearly illustrate the core elements of the proposed solution.

Offerors may submit multiple solution briefs in response to a single Area of Interest (AoI), provided each submission represents a distinct concept. Each solution brief must address only one concept aligned to the AoI. Unless otherwise specified in the AoI, the anticipated period of performance for any effort proposed under this CSO should generally not exceed twelve months.

All submissions must be unclassified. Documents must not be marked “CONFIDENTIAL.” If a submission contains proprietary or restricted data, the offeror must clearly mark the material and include the required restrictive legend on the cover page. The Government will protect proprietary information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which provides protection for certain commercial and financial information for a period of five years after receipt.

Foreign-owned firms may participate independently or as part of a team; however, the ability to receive an award may depend on the firm’s ability to obtain necessary clearances or approvals for access to controlled information. All submissions must be provided electronically in accordance with the instructions in the applicable AoI. Submissions received outside the prescribed method or timeframe will not be evaluated.

Offerors whose submissions are not selected to advance will be notified in writing. Additional feedback may be provided at the discretion of the Contracting Officer or Agreements Officer.

3.2 Phase 1 — Solution Brief

3.2.1 Phase 1 Submission Requirements

The solution brief provides the Government with an initial understanding of the proposed solution and its relevance to the AoI. Unless otherwise stated in the AoI, solution briefs should not exceed five single-sided pages in 12-point font, or fifteen briefing slides. The title page does not count toward the page limit; however, the executive summary does.

Each solution brief must include:

1. Company and Contact Information. The submission must identify the company name, title of the submission, date, point of contact, email address, phone number, and physical address. The specific AoI being addressed must be clearly identified.

2. Executive Summary. The brief must include a concise summary describing the proposed commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item and its relevance to the requirement.

3. Technical Concept. The submission must describe the technical approach, the maturity of the solution, and how the proposed capability addresses the requirement described in the AoI. Offerors should explain whether the solution is a commercially available product or service, a nondevelopmental item, or a commercial capability requiring minor adaptation. Proprietary elements should be clearly identified.

4. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Price. The brief must include a ROM price sufficient for the Government to assess general affordability.

3.2.2 Phase 1 Evaluation Procedure

During Phase 1, the Government conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the proposed solution warrants further consideration. The evaluation focuses on the responsiveness of the submission to the AoI, the technical feasibility of the proposed solution, and its alignment with ANAD’s OIB modernization priorities. The Government also considers whether the proposed solution appears deliverable within a reasonable timeframe and whether the ROM price is realistic for the scope described.

Each solution brief is evaluated independently and not in comparison to other submissions.

The Government may use market research to support its assessment. Based on the Phase 1 evaluation, the Government may invite the offeror to participate in Phase 2, request a full Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) under Phase 3, or determine that the solution will not be pursued. The Government will make reasonable efforts to complete Phase 1 evaluations within thirty calendar days of the AoI closing date.

3.3 Phase 2 — Presentation or Pitch (If Applicable)

3.3.1 Phase 2 Submission Requirements

If the Government determines that additional insight is needed, the offeror may be invited to provide a presentation or pitch. The purpose of Phase 2 is to allow the offeror to elaborate on the technical approach, demonstrate the solution if applicable, and address questions arising from the Phase 1 review. Presentations may be conducted in person, virtually, or through a written submission, depending on the AoI.

During the presentation, the offeror should describe the technical feasibility of the solution, its applicability to the requirement, and any anticipated integration considerations. The offeror should also provide a refined ROM price and notional schedule, discuss any intellectual property considerations, and address any additional information requested by the Government.

3.3.2 Phase 2 Evaluation Procedure

The Government evaluates Phase 2 presentations to determine whether the proposed solution demonstrates sufficient technical merit, mission relevance, and implementation feasibility to warrant a request for a full CSP. The evaluation considers the clarity and credibility of the technical explanation, the maturity of the solution, the realism of the proposed schedule, and the risks associated with execution, integration, and intellectual property assertions.

Each presentation is evaluated independently. Following the evaluation, the Government will notify the offeror whether it is invited to submit a CSP under Phase 3, whether the solution remains of interest but cannot proceed due to funding constraints, or whether the solution will not be pursued. If funding is not assigned within 120 days of the Phase 2 evaluation, the Government will notify the offeror that the AoI selection process is closed.

3.4 Phase 3 — Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP)

The third phase of the CSO process is the submission of a full Commercial Solution Proposal. Offerors invited to Phase 3 must ensure that their proposal remains valid for at least 120 days. The CSP consists of two volumes: a technical proposal and a price proposal.

Additional forms or attachments may be required as specified in the AoI.

3.4.1 Phase 3 Proposal Content

Offerors invited to submit a CSP may engage with Government technical and contracting personnel to clarify requirements and ensure the proposal accurately reflects the intended effort. Offerors may also propose their own commercial terms and conditions, such as license agreements, for Government consideration. While the Government may adopt customary commercial practices where appropriate, certain terms may not be acceptable due to statutory or regulatory constraints.

3.4.1.1 Technical Proposal Volume

The technical proposal must provide a detailed description of the work to be performed. It should include a comprehensive technical approach, work plan, schedule, deliverables, staffing, assumptions, and risk mitigation strategies. The proposal must demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirement and describe how the project will be managed and executed. Cost information must not be included in the technical volume.

3.4.1.2 Price Proposal Volume

The price proposal must include sufficient detail for the Government to determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable. The proposal should include itemized pricing for all deliverables and services. If the proposal includes any fixed-price incentive elements, the offeror must provide the required pricing structure. The Government may request additional supporting information if necessary to complete the price analysis. Proposal preparation costs are not reimbursable.

3.4.2 Phase 3 Evaluation Procedure

The Government evaluates CSPs to determine whether the proposed solution is technically sound, feasible, and aligned with the requirement. The evaluation includes an assessment of technical merit, mission relevance, implementation readiness, and risk. The schedule is evaluated for realism and adequacy. The price proposal is evaluated to determine whether the proposed price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 15.404-1.

3.4.3 Proposal Evaluation Ratings

The technical proposal will be rated as Acceptable or Unacceptable. An acceptable proposal is one that is technically sound, feasible, and aligned with program objectives. An unacceptable proposal does not meet these standards and will not proceed to award.

The price proposal will be rated as Fair and Reasonable or Not Fair and Reasonable. A fair and reasonable determination does not guarantee award, as funding availability and program priorities also influence award decisions.

4. Awards

4.1 General Guidelines

Upon favorable review and funds availability, the government may choose to make a fixed price award using FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority.

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to negotiate directly with the company on the terms and conditions prior to execution of the resulting contract, including payment terms, and will execute the contract/agreement on behalf of the government. Be advised, in accordance with FAR 1.402, only a Contracting Officer has the authority to enter into, or modify, a binding contract on behalf of the United States Government.

In order to receive either a fixed price award using FAR 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority:

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

Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving an award or agreement. Companies are advised to commence SAM registration upon perusing an AoI announcement. A company must also register in the prescribed government invoicing system (PIEE (https://piee.eb.mil). This cannot occur without an active SAM registration.

2. 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 and/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/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 announcement 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 process for FAR contracts is covered by the Procurement Integrity Act (PIA).

PIA is implemented for FAR contracts through FAR part 3.104. Accordingly, the CSO competitive process and awards made thereby must adhere to the ethical standards required by the PIA.

5. Contact Information

CSO Manager POC: Amber Burdett, amber.e.burdett.civ@army.mil CSO Alternate POC: Diana Ponder, diana.m.pritchettponder.civ@army.mil

6. General Areas of Interest (AoI):

1. Agile & Adaptive Facilities

Developing scalable, world-class facilities that can rapidly adapt to changing mission requirements. This includes the integration of physical and virtual processes to create flexible production, maintenance, and demilitarization lines, enabling the depot to respond quickly to engineering changes and supply chain variations.

2. Connected Digital Enterprise

Establishing end-to-end digital visibility across the depot to improve production volume, quality control, and real-time decision-making. This involves leveraging technologies like IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and AI to monitor processes, manage data, and enhance overall productivity and security.

3. Advanced Manufacturing & Maintenance

Integrating state of the art technologies to enhance the speed, scale, and precision of depot operations. This could include advanced robotics for material handling, hybrid manufacturing cells, AI-driven predictive maintenance for equipment, and human-machine interfaces to improve safety and performance.

4. Automation & Robotics

Implementing automated and robotic systems for materiel handling, warehousing (pick, sort, and store), and processing. This focus area aims to reduce manual labor in repetitive or hazardous tasks, improve efficiency, and increase the accuracy and speed of logistics and maintenance operations.

5. Process Modernization (e.g., Coating, Surface Treatment)

Upgrading and streamlining critical industrial processes to enhance efficiency and environmental compliance. This includes modernizing painting and coating hubs, surface treatment facilities, and other processes to reduce handling time, material waste, and energy consumption.

6. Advanced Analytics

Utilizing autonomous or semi-autonomous data analysis to gain deeper insights from depot operations. This includes techniques like machine learning, pattern matching, and forecasting to predict maintenance needs, optimize workflows, improve supply chain management, and generate actionable recommendations.

mailto:amber.e.burdett.civ@army.mil mailto:diana.m.pritchettponder.civ@army.mil

7. Logistics & Inventory Management Modernization

Re-engineering inventory and warehouse management systems to increase accuracy, reduce loss, and improve efficiency. The focus is on implementing modern hardware and software (e.g., Warehouse Management Systems) to streamline the receiving, storage, and picking processes.

8. Workforce Development & Human Capital

Creating talent management programs to build and maintain a skilled, dynamic workforce capable of operating in a modernized industrial environment. This includes developing software and systems to track training, manage certifications, and provide supervisors with data to budget and plan for workforce needs.

9. Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Management

Promoting the safe, sustainable, and efficient use of energy and chemicals across all depot operations. This involves finding state of the art solutions for surface coating, cleaning, stripping, and plating that reduce hazardous waste and improve overall sustainability.

10. Depot-Wide Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Parts Modernization

The Government is seeking state of the art commercial technologies that improve the maintenance, sustainment, and parts management of various equipment types across Anniston Army Depot, including but not limited to: industrial machinery, production equipment, material-handling systems, test equipment, and specialized depot tooling. The objective is to modernize depot-wide equipment maintenance and parts management to reduce downtime, improve readiness, and enable data-driven sustainment across all ANAD production and maintenance operations.

Desired capabilities include:

• Advanced diagnostics for fault detection, condition monitoring, and performance analysis across diverse equipment types

• Predictive maintenance technologies using sensors, IoT, or machine-learning models

• Automated parts identification and cataloging, including image-based or AI-assisted recognition

• Integrated maintenance management platforms that connect equipment health, work orders, and parts availability

• Digital work instructions, AR-enabled maintenance aids, or technician support tools

• Automation or robotics that reduce manual labor for repetitive, hazardous, or precision maintenance tasks

• Parts lifecycle visibility, including demand forecasting and supply chain optimization

Additional Areas of Interest (AoI) will be posted separately as a related notice to this CSO posting. Please check SAM.gov for future announcements.