PD GMV_ISV-Heavy_CSO_30MAR26.pdf

CONTRACTING COMMAND – DETROIT ARSENAL

ISV Heavy (ISV-H) COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING (CSO)

DATE: MARCH 20, 2026

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Authority

The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) established innovation as a central line of effort in the national defense strategy of the United States. Under 10 U.S.C. 3458, Contracting Officers may acquire innovative commercial products, non-developmental items, technologies, or commercial services using a competitive procedure called a CSO. Under a CSO, the Department of Defense may competitively select proposals received in response to a general solicitation, similar to a broad agency announcement, based on a review of proposals by scientific, technological, or other subject-matter expert peers. Use of a CSO in accordance with DFARS Subpart 212.70 is a competitive procedure for the purposes of 10 U.S.C. 221 and FAR 6.102. Finally, Contracting Officers shall treat items, technologies, and services acquired using a CSO as commercial products and commercial services. Contracts or agreements under this authority shall be fixed-price, including fixed-price incentive fee contracts.

1.2 Acquisition Framework:

Participation in this CSO is strictly voluntary, and responses provided shall be at no cost or obligation to the Government. The Government will not reimburse participants for any costs associated with responding to this CSO. Data submitted to the Government will not be returned and will be retained by the Government. The CSO process is covered by the Procurement Integrity Act (PIA).

The U.S. Army seeks commercial solutions and advanced technologies for the Infantry Squad Vehicle– Heavy (ISV-H) program. The ISV-H will provide critical operational capabilities, including exportable power to support tactical operations and onboard power to enable mission command while maneuvering meeting the Desired Capabilities as identified in Attachment B. The primary intended employment of the ISV-H is at the division and brigade echelons, with a currently approved Army Procurement Objective and Army Acquisition Objective 606 platforms. As the Army fields employ this capability, it may be determined that the ISV-H, or a variant thereof, is suitable for employment at echelons below the brigade level.

The Government may employ a multi-phased solicitation and evaluation approach, including the use of Artificial Intelligence under this CSO.

Under Segment 1, the Government may make up to three awards for commercial technologies through a competitive, multi-phase process.

The Government anticipates pursuing Segment 2, which may include the award of up to three OTA agreements and/or FAR-based contracts. Under Segment 2, selected offerors may be required to provide up to three prototype systems per offeror for Government evaluation. The Government intends to use these prototype systems in two concurrent events: an user assessment and minimum requirements testing at an Army Test Center. Segment 2 awardees shall provide Contractor Logistics Support at each location, including operator training, spare parts, and maintenance support necessary to sustain the systems during Government testing and evaluation activities. Additional schedule information is provided in Attachment A, Segment 1 and 2 Integrated Master Schedule.

For any Segment 2 effort executed, the Government may also acquire logistics data necessary to support an organic maintenance strategy at First Unit Equipped (FUE) in Segment 3. Such logistics data may include commercial operator manuals, commercial maintainer manuals, and training support package development.

Following successful completion of Segment 2 prototype activities, the Government may award one or more Segment 3 follow-on production contracts to all, some, or none of the participating offerors, with or without further competitive procedures.

1.3. CSO Procedure:

The Government seeks to award the following but is not limited to: FAR contracts under FAR Part 12, Commercial Procedures; or non-FAR agreements such as Other Transaction Agreements under 10 U.S.C 4022 for the Army and/or its customers that are directly relevant to enhancing the effectiveness of development, integration, demonstration, and sustainment of ground vehicle systems capabilities to support Army modernization priorities and improve readiness.

The Government’s objective is to identify and acquire innovative, commercial-based solutions that provide the best solution. Offerors are therefore encouraged to propose its best solutions, even if the proposed solution does not meet all desired capabilities.

Due to Government budget uncertainties, no specific dollars have been reserved for awards under this CSO, and the Department of War agencies will provide no funding for direct reimbursement of whitepaper or proposal development costs. Requests for a proposal under this CSO are subject to the availability of funds across all phases.

The Government may elect to forego Phase 2 of this CSO with some or all of the offerors; however, that discretion rests with the Government. Entities that elect to forego a Phase will not be allowed to submit a written proposal for Phase 3.

The Government may engage with offerors at any phase of the process, including the development of the formal proposal phase, to address any aspect of their submission. This may include, but is not limited to, questions about the offeror, technical proposal, cost, schedule, or other relevant factors. During any step of the CSO, the Government may send written questions or comments to the offerors to address via email, or other suitable communication methods as determined by the Government. Unless otherwise stipulated, failure to answer within 24 hours may result in the Government disregarding the response.

This approach ensures maximum flexibility for the Government to seek clarification and refine understanding as needed. The Government may issue amendments to this CSO to inform offerors of changes.

1.4 CSO Phases:

The following phases may be used:

1. Phase 1 White Paper Proposals: A White Paper must be submitted as specified in Section

3.2.1. of this CSO. The Government will evaluate against the criteria stated in this CSO. The Government will not pay offerors for the costs associated with submissions.

2. Phase 2 Engagement/Presentation: Offerors whose White Papers are evaluated to be of merit may be invited to an Engagement with the Government, which shall include providing a Presentation. The Government reserves the right to request additional technical information to determine if an offeror has a solution of merit for the Government’s specific requirement. The Government will not pay offerors for costs associated attending the engagement.

3. Phase 3 Request for Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP): Those offerors that are evaluated to be of merit through Phase 1 or Phase 2 or a combination of both, may be invited to submit a full written proposal following the instructions provided in Section 3.4 of this CSO. The Government will not pay offerors for costs associated with the proposal.

2. DESIRED CAPABILITIES

2.1. Technical Capabilities

Should describe its proposed solution to meet the capabilities defined in Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities.

2.2. Right To Repair and Data Rights

The Government is implementing “Right to Repair” provisions in Production contracts to ensure the Army has access to essential maintenance tools, software, technical data, and the ability to diagnose, maintain, and repair systems, even in cases where intellectual property restrictions may apply. Further, the Government will require transparency in component specifications to facilitate sustainment and compatibility with Army logistics systems.

Right to Repair provisions are vital to empowering the Army to maintain operational readiness and reduce lifecycle costs by enabling independent diagnostics and repairs. Offerors must demonstrate how their solutions will provide the Army with the tools, training, and data necessary to sustain vehicle systems effectively while balancing intellectual property protections and commercial viability.

Offerors are encouraged to propose approaches to ensure the Army’s ability to maintain and repair systems in diverse operational environments while safeguarding proprietary information and supporting a competitive commercial market.

It is the Government’s intent that in Segment 3, the Production Contract, should meet the proposed Right to Repair strategy defined in Attachment C: ISV-H Right to Repair and Data Rights.

2.3. Logistics Products Development

The logistics product development strategy for the ISV-H is to ensure Soldiers can perform all operator and maintenance tasks organically at First Unit Equipped (FUE) through the platform's entire sustainment lifecycle. To bridge any initial gaps, Logistics Assistance Representatives (LARs) will provide support to units at FUE for any maintenance requests that exceed the unit's organic capability.

Segment 2 will be utilized to procure the offerors’ commercial Operator and Maintainer manuals in preparation for a potential Segment 3 Production contract award. To ensure long-term sustainment, a 3-year-priced parts list will be required to facilitate parts replacement for unit maintenance requests, complementing the initial sustainment package (ASL and Shop Stock).

To facilitate this strategy, the following items will be requested from the offeror in Segment 2 defined in Attachment C: ISV-H Right to Repair and Data Rights.

• Data & Software: The contractor's commercial Operator and Maintainer manuals with XML files, a 3-year priced parts list, access to all relevant OEM data, schematics, and drawings. This also includes OEM diagnostic software licenses.

• Spares & Tools: An initial spares package and one complete set of Special Tools and Test Equipment not currently in the Army system.

• Training & Support: Development of a training support package for Operational New Equipment Training (OPNET) and Field Level Maintenance New Equipment Training (FLMNET).

3.0. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

3.1. General Guidelines

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or proposals are not desired.

When applicable, use of a diagram(s) or figure(s) to depict to the essence of the proposed solution is strongly encouraged.

Offerors may only submit one proposal in response to this CSO.

All Presentations, White Papers and Proposals must be Unclassified. Do NOT mark any documents as “CONFIDENTIAL”. Presentations, White Papers and proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or use by the Government except for peer review purposes shall include the following general disclaimer on the cover page:

“This [select one: Presentation, White Paper or Proposal] includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government, 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 offeror 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]”

Recommend marking (header or footer) “To the extent permitted by law and regulation, such information will not be released by the Government to the public pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request, 5 U.S.C. Section 552, without prior notification to the Contractor”.

3.2. Phase 1 White Paper:

3.2.1. Phase 1 Content:

Unless otherwise stated, the Phase 1 submission will take the form of a white paper (white paper limited to 20 pages), that shall include but are not limited to the following:

1. Description of Technical Approach to meet Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities.

2. Photograph or graphic illustration of concept or technology.

3. Risks and Challenges - list of technical, scientific or commercial risks and challenges along with approach to risk mitigation where applicable; including a plan to address any Technical Capabilities not currently met.

4. Technology Readiness Level.

5. Milestone Schedule to meet Attachment A: Segment 1 and 2 Integrated Master Schedule.

6. Description of availability to provide Logistics Data to include the procurement of commercial manuals, Data Rights and Right to Repair.

7. Status as traditional or non-traditional government contractor. If traditional, address willingness to cost share if resulting award is an OTA.

8. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) to meet the proposed solution.

9. Complete Attachment D: ISV-H Desired Capabilities Impact Table

All white papers must specify the project title, the Offeror’s organization, and the specific topic associated with the proposal. Phase 1 submissions must not exceed 20 pages. The white paper page limitation does not apply to Attachment D: ISV-H Desired Capabilities Impact Table.

The information should provide sufficient information on the design being proposed to allow for an assessment by a technical expert. Do not include corporate or personnel qualifications, past-experience, or any supplemental information not requested.

Offerors shall mark each page of its white paper that contains proprietary information. “It is the Government’s intention to acquire technical data and computer software, in any resultant contract, with data rights necessary to satisfy agency needs. An offeror shall provide with its white paper assertions to restrict, use, release or disclosure of data and/or computer software and documentation that will be provided during contract performance. The Offeror shall submit assertions for commercial and non-commercial technical data and commercial and non-commercial computer software in accordance with the DFARS format in 252.227-7992 accessed at www.acquisition.gov.

3.2.2. Phase 1 Basis of Peer Review:

The Government will review each White Paper and select the offerors that have the greatest potential to meet the needs of the Government. Based on the information provided, determination will be made if each offeror’s solution is of continued interest.

The Government will evaluate and select offerors using the Factors following:

1. Technical merit and applicability of the solution to Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities

2. Price to the extent appropriate, but at a minimum determining that the price is fair and reasonable.

3. Importance to agency programs (to include but not limited to Schedule, Technology Readiness Level, Logistics Data to include the procurement of commercial manuals, Right to Repair Provisions and Level of Data Rights proposed).

Relative Importance: All Factors are of equal importance.

Method of Evaluation: A scientific, technological, or other subject-matter expert peer review process.

3.3. Phase 2 Engagement/ Presentation:

3.3.1. Phase 2 Content

If the Government decides to pursue Phase 2, invited offerors will be asked to attend an Engagement with the Government to provide further details and/or clarification on the offeror’s Phase 1 proposed solution. The Government may request an in-person, virtual or paper engagement.

The offeror will present a Presentation during the Engagement. The offeror will deliver a paper copy of the presentation. The Government may request an additional written submission to supplement or clarify the information provided in Phase 1 to be provided at the Engagement.

If the Government requires a demonstration, additional information will be provided in the specific request highlighting those procedures.

3.3.2. Phase 2 Engagement/Presentation Basis of Peer Review:

Engagement/Presentation shall address the evaluation criteria listed below.

The Government will evaluate and select offerors using the Factors following:

1. Technical merit and applicability of the solution to Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities

2. Price to the extent appropriate, but at a minimum determining that the price is fair and reasonable.

3. Importance to agency programs (to include but not limited to Schedule, Technology Readiness

Level, Logistics Data, Right to Repair Provisions and Level of Data Rights proposed).

NOTE: Relative Importance: All Factors are of equal importance.

NOTE: Method of Evaluation: A scientific, technological, or other subject-matter expert peer review process.

3.4. Phase 3 Request for Commercial Solutions Proposal:

3.4.1. Content

Based on Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 peer reviews above, the Government may request offerors proceed to Phase 3, Request for Commercial Solutions Proposal. In this phase, the Government will then provide as part of Segment 2 a Statement of Work. The offeror may submit a proposal in accordance with the Segment 2 Statement of Work with the following instructions regarding content.

Offerors must ensure that the proposal is valid for at least 180 days from the submission date. The proposal must be prepared in two separate Volumes as follows: Volume I Technical and Volume II Price. Each volume shall have separate related attachments.

The offeror may propose terms and conditions including but not limited to Service License Agreements (SLA) and/or User License Agreements (ULA) governing the requirement for the Government’s consideration and negotiation.

At this stage, the selected offerors may discuss proposal development details during the proposal writing process with their assigned Government expert(s) or Government teaming partner(s). The Government reserves the right to provide responses to all potential offerors; however, any proprietary information included in an offeror's submission will be protected and handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Government may request meetings to discuss elements within a proposal.

Proprietary data will not be disclosed outside the Government or used for purposes other than the evaluation of the offeror's proposal.

Offerors 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 public responsibility.

3.4.2. Data

Proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes shall include the following restriction on the cover page:

“This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government, and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed -- in whole or in part -- for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, an agreement is awarded to this offeror 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]”

Each restricted data sheet should be marked as follows:

“Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.”

3.4.3. Technical Proposal Volume:

The technical volume shall include a detailed work plan indicating how the Segment 2 Statement of Work will be accomplished. The technical volume should provide a detailed explanation of the proposed technical approach or method to meet Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities. The technical volume must include details of how the project will be organized, staffed, and managed. The technical volume must include a list of deliverables and deliverable dates via an Integrated Master Schedule.

The offeror shall submit assertions regarding technical data and computer software to include an Assertion of Restrictions for the technical data and computer software and any restrictions to be made on non-technical data (e.g. business/financial/administrative data) involved in the effort.

The offeror shall submit assertions for commercial and non-commercial technical data and commercial and non-commercial computer software in accordance with the DFARS format in 252.227-7992 accessed at www.acquisition.gov.

3.4.4. Price Proposal Volume:

The price volume must include sufficient information to allow the Government to determine whether the proposed cost or price is reasonable, complete, and appropriate for the Segment 2 Statement of Work and Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities. The Government may request information regarding overhead and general administrative expenses and profit. Additionally, costs for materials must be supported by quotes, supplier agreements, or other bases of estimate, including all assumptions utilized to develop its proposed solution and associated costs.

The Government reserves the right to request additional price data or supporting cost information deemed necessary to ensure the total overall price is fair and reasonable. This may include, but is not limited to, commercial price catalogs, previous commercial sales receipts, and/or other proprietary information to assist in determining reasonableness and future budgetary cost estimates.

Give full pricing to meet the proposed solution. Furthermore, the Government is seeking information on the capabilities your solution can deliver at varying price targets, specifically within the range of $150,000 to $400,000 per unit, broken down in increments of $50,000 or less. Please outline the trade-offs that can be made in design, materials, or features to achieve lower cost targets while still aligning with the Statement of Work and Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities This analysis will help identify the optimal balance between cost efficiency and performance.

3.4.5. Proposal Basis of Peer Review:

Proposals will be reviewed by Government subject matter expert(s). In all cases, proprietary information shall be protected from competitors. The Government subject matter expert(s) will first evaluate the proposal to determine the extent to which it meets the following requirements:

The Government will evaluate and select offerors using the Factors following:

1. Technical merit and applicability of the solution to the Segment 2 Statement of Work and Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities

2. Price to the extent appropriate, but at a minimum determining that the price is fair and reasonable.

3. Level of risk in the proposed milestone schedule and the ability to meet the Attachment A:

Segment 1 and 2 Integrated Master Schedule.

4. Level of potential risk in anticipated IP and data rights assertions.

NOTE: Relative Importance: All Factors are of equal importance.

NOTE: Method of Evaluation: A scientific, technological, or other subject-matter expert peer review process.

4.0. AWARDS

General Guidelines Upon favorable review and funds availability, the Government may choose to make an award using FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority such as 10 U.S.C. 4022. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to negotiate directly with the offeror 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.

To receive an award:

1. An offeror must have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) and shall be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving an award. Offerors are advised to commence SAM registration upon pursuing an AoI announcement. Offerors are required to maintain registration in SAM throughout the period of performance of any awarded contract or transaction.

2. An offeror must also register with the prescribed Government invoicing system (ex. Wide

Area Work Flow).

3. An offeror 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 proposal does not guarantee that an offeror 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 proposal. 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 via SAM.gov.

5.0 CONTACT INFORMATION:

All submissions and questions must be made to the following concerning this CSO:

• Contracting Specialist, Erin Thelen, erin.m.thelen.civ@army.mil

• Contracting Specialist, Isabella Brass, isabella.m.brass.civ@army.mil

• Contracting Officer, Matthew Stocker, mathew.m.stocker.civ@army.mil

• Assistant Product Manager, CPT Joshua Leon, joshua.a.leon.mil@army.mil

6.0 ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A: Segment 1 & 2 Integrated Master Schedule Attachment Attachment B: ISV-H Desired Capabilities Attachment C: ISV-H Right to Repair and Data Rights Attachment D: ISV-H Desired Capabilities Impact Table