Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the DoD Office of Strategic Capital (OSC)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to attract and scale private capital for technologies critical to U.S. national security. This CSO seeks innovative solutions from commercial companies, including those with limited defense ties, to execute OSC's mission. It operates under 10 U.S.C. § 3458 and/or § 4022, allowing for both Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracts and non-FAR-based agreements (Other Transactions). The latest amendment clarifies the submission and evaluation process.
Scope of Work
OSC's mission is to attract and scale private capital for critical component-level technologies with broad commercial applications relevant to national security. This involves using loans and loan guarantees in partnership with other federal agencies. The CSO aims to acquire innovative technology or innovative means/methods to achieve this objective, focusing on areas where public support is needed to attract private investment. OSC is particularly interested in partnering with nontraditional and traditional defense contractors and nonprofit research institutions for prototype projects.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 3458 and/or § 4022
- Potential Awards: FAR-based contracts or non-FAR-based agreements (Other Transactions)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published: May 6, 2026 (latest amendment)
- Response Due: Ongoing (no specific end date provided, typical for CSOs)
- Place of Performance: Arlington, VA
Evaluation & Submission
The CSO outlines a two-phase process involving White Papers and subsequent Proposals. Amendment 002 provides detailed guidance on White Paper content, format, and evaluation criteria. It also covers requirements for Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Prototype Proposal (RPP), award requirements (including SAM registration and CAGE code), and provisions for Other Transactions (OTs) for iterative prototyping.
Additional Information
For a deeper understanding of OSC's mission and investment strategy, refer to: https://www.cto.mil/osc/investment-strategy/. The point of contact for this opportunity is William A. Waterworth at william.a.waterworth.civ@mail.mil.