DARPA's Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) for Commercial Strategy

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals through its Commercial Solutions Opening (DCSO) to transition and commercialize innovative technologies derived from DARPA's research and development programs into practical military and civilian capabilities. This solicitation, managed by DARPA's Commercial Strategy team within the Director's Office, specifically focuses on the Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative (EEI), which provides funding for organizations to hire external entrepreneurs to assist with commercialization efforts. Eligible organizations must possess technology derived from prior DARPA R&D efforts, either as direct contractors or through acquired rights to the technology. Proposals will be evaluated based on three primary factors: potential contribution to DARPA's mission, commercialization readiness, and fair and reasonable pricing. The solicitation remains open through April 30, 2026, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis, and an amendment was issued on July 14, 2025, requiring all proposals submitted after July 14, 2024, to conform to updated solicitation requirements.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The base Commercial Solutions Proposal is limited to $350,000 with a typical performance period of 12 months for the base effort, and an optional Minimum Viable Product development phase extending up to 24 months. DARPA may award either fixed-price procurement contracts or Other Transaction agreements based on evaluation results and fund availability. The primary place of performance is Arlington, Virginia, though the solicitation allows for work to be conducted at various locations as appropriate for the specific technology and commercialization activities. The initiative encompasses a comprehensive framework requiring detailed tasks across 14 primary areas, including competitive analysis, financing plans, market engagement strategies, and regulatory compliance activities.