Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) - Other Transactions for Prototype Projects

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) seeking innovative commercial technologies to accelerate defense capabilities through Other Transactions (OT) for prototype projects. This competitive solicitation is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4022 and aims to attract technologies from both commercial and defense sectors. The CSO is not subject to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and will support concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can improve existing capabilities or create new defense applications. Posted on January 8, 2025, with a due date of January 7, 2030, the opportunity is open to companies interested in developing prototype solutions for defense technology needs. The solicitation specifically targets innovative technologies that can be rapidly adapted to meet emerging defense requirements.

Contractors interested in participating must complete a three-phase evaluation process, beginning with the submission of Solution Briefs limited to 6 pages or 15 slides in response to specific Areas of Interest posted on SAM.gov. Eligible participants must be registered in SAM.gov and the government invoicing system, with a preference for nontraditional defense contractors offering unclassified solutions. Performance periods for prototype projects will generally not exceed 24 months, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts without additional competition. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical merit, innovation, company viability, affordability, and data rights. The government will not reimburse proposal preparation costs, and projects exceeding $5 million will require Comptroller General access to records. Importantly, all submitted solutions must comply with U.S. export control regulations and utilize U.S.-based data storage. Non-government advisors may participate in the evaluation process under non-disclosure agreements, providing additional expertise in technology assessment.