Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) UxS Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document announces a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) by the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities for the Joint Force, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and allied SOF. The CSO aims to award Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements for "UxS as a service," First Person View (FPV) platforms, and UxS training. The scope includes systems and/or training with a broad range of capabilities supporting mission effectiveness, such as platforms, payloads, Processing-Exploitation-Dissemination (PED), programming (firmware, software, AI), communications, Command and Control (C2) systems, components, and materials.

The CSO outlines a multi-phased, competitive process for innovative technologies throughout 2026/2027, consisting of three phases:

• Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions to address specific UxS technology Areas of Interest (AOI).
• Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): Selected Phase I solutions undergo evaluation in a demonstration/experimentation setting.
• Phase III (Proposal): Companies selected for award will collaboratively build Statements of Work (SOW) and negotiate contract terms.

Several Areas of Interest (AOI) are identified:

• AOI 1: "UxS as a Service" Solution: Seeking subscription-based models for UxS, including real-time feedback, updates, training, maintenance, and spare parts. Particular interest in undersea systems.
• AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Innovative commercial solutions for First Person View (FPV) systems to enhance situational awareness (SA) for individual users.
• AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Innovative commercial solutions for FPV systems enabling kinetic engagement of targets.
• AOI 4: UxS Training: Solutions to improve user SA through UxS platforms, including maritime environment expertise and innovative training technologies.
• AOI 5: Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Operations: Solutions to enhance SA and control in maritime operations using USV systems.
• AOI 6: Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Operations: Solutions for subsurface ISR, seabed reconnaissance, and bathymetric surveying using UUV systems.

Detailed technical capabilities, cybersecurity compliance, platform characteristics, and business/market analysis are required for various AOIs.

Awards will primarily be FAR-based Firm Fixed-Price contracts or OT Agreements. Contract type will be determined during Phase III. Follow-on non-competitive production agreements are possible for Prototype Projects awarded under OT.

• Phase I Submission: Via Vulcan platform. Costs are at the offeror's expense. Submissions should be concise (max 5 pages) and address the specified AOI.
• Deadlines: Vary by AOI, with specific dates provided for April, July, October 2026, and December 2026. Links to submission portals are included.
• Evaluation: Solution briefs will be evaluated based on technical merit, innovation, relevance to agency programs, business viability, and affordability.

Companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive an award. Non-traditional defense contractors are explicitly mentioned.

• Questions regarding objectives or requirements should be addressed to NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.
• Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or through teaming arrangements.
• The CSO is a competitive procedure, and awards are not guaranteed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document announces a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) by the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities. The goal is to award Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements for "UxS as a service," including platforms, payloads, training, and related components. This CSO utilizes a multi-phased, competitive process throughout 2026/2027.

The CSO is structured around four Areas of Interest (AOIs):

• AOI 1: UxS as a Service: Seeking subscription-based solutions for complete UxS systems, platforms, payloads, communication, software, AI, and training. Emphasis on undersea systems and offerings at the cheapest reliable price.
• AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Seeking commercial solutions to improve individual user situational awareness through First Person View (FPV) systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Seeking commercial solutions for FPV systems that enable kinetic engagement of targets/locations.
• AOI 4: UxS Training: Seeking commercial solutions to improve individual user situational awareness through UxS platforms, focusing on maritime environments, autonomy, and innovative technologies.

Technical requirements include aspects like operating distance, system operating time, payload capabilities, cybersecurity compliance, interoperability, and specific platform characteristics (e.g., waterproof, launch capabilities).

Anticipates awarding Firm-Fixed Price contracts under FAR Part 12, and potentially Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022-23. Contract types will be determined in Phase III. The period of performance for any solution or proposal is generally no greater than 12 months.

The process involves three phases:

• Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions via the Vulcan platform to identify innovative solutions. Evaluation by Government SMEs.
• Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): Selected solutions undergo demonstration/experimentation. This phase is optional and at the offeror's expense.
• Phase III (Proposal): Companies intended for award will collaboratively build Statements of Work and negotiate terms.

Key submission deadlines are provided for each AOI, with bi-annual submission windows for AOI 2, 3, and 4.

Open to both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors. Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or in teaming arrangements. Companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive an award.

This notice fulfills synopsis requirements; individual contract actions under this CSO will not require separate synopses. Offerors are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates. Inquiries should be directed to NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), announces the Naval Special Warfare Command's (NSWC) intent to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities. The CSO seeks innovative commercial solutions for UxS systems and training through a multi-phased, competitive process. Awards may be made via Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements.

The CSO outlines four Areas of Interest (AOIs):

• AOI 1: "UxS as a Service" Solution: Seeking subscription-based models for UxS systems, platforms, payloads, C2 systems, software, AI, training, maintenance, and spare parts. Particular interest in expanding undersea systems.
• AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Seeking innovative commercial solutions for First Person View (FPV) systems to enhance situational awareness (SA) for individual users.
• AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Seeking innovative commercial solutions for FPV systems enabling individual users to kinetically engage targets.
• AOI 4: UxS Training: Seeking innovative commercial solutions to improve user SA through UxS platforms, focusing on maritime environments, autonomy, and specific training scenarios.

Detailed technical capabilities are listed for each AOI, covering aspects like architecture, cybersecurity, platform characteristics, and business/market analysis.

• Anticipates Firm-Fixed Price contracts (FAR Part 12) or OT agreements (10 U.S.C. 4022-23).
• Period of performance for solutions/proposals generally not greater than 12 months, unless negotiated.

The process involves three phases:

• Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions via the Vulcan platform. Evaluated for advancement to Phase II.
• Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): For selected Phase I submissions, involving demonstrations and experimentation. May lead to a Request for Proposal (RFP).
• Phase III (Proposal): For companies intended for award, involving collaborative development of Statements of Work and negotiation of contract terms.

Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit, Innovation, Importance to Agency Programs, and Business Viability.

• AOI 1: Extended to April 7, 2026.

• AOI 2 & 3: Bi-annual deadlines (e.g., January 9, 2026; April 9, 2026; July 9, 2026; October 9, 2026; May 15, 2026).

• AOI 4: Bi-annual deadlines (e.g., April 9, 2026; October 9, 2026).

• Non-traditional Defense Contractors (NDCs) are encouraged.

• Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or through teaming arrangements.

• Companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• All solution briefs must be unclassified.

• Costs of preparing and submitting solution briefs are at the Offeror's expense.

• Contact for inquiries: NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) issued by the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities. It seeks innovative commercial solutions for "UxS as a service," First Person View (FPV) platforms, and UxS Training.

The CSO outlines a multi-phased, competitive process for proposals related to four Areas of Interest (AOI):

• AOI 1: "UxS as a Service" Solution: Seeking subscription-based models for UxS systems, including platforms, payloads, software, AI, training, maintenance, and spare parts. Offerors must detail system availability, delivery rates, interoperability, and compliance.
• AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Seeking solutions to enhance user situational awareness through FPV systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Seeking solutions for FPV systems capable of kinetic engagement, with encouragement for systems that can also perform ISR.
• AOI 4: UxS Training: Seeking innovative solutions to improve user situational awareness through UxS platforms, focusing on maritime environments, autonomy, and training with innovative technologies.

Detailed technical capabilities, platform characteristics, and business/market analysis are required for AOIs 2 and 3. For AOI 4, specific questions regarding training capabilities must be addressed.

Awards are anticipated to be Firm-Fixed Price contracts under FAR Part 12 or Other Transaction Authority (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4022-23. The period of performance for solutions/proposals is generally no greater than 12 months.

The process involves three phases: Solution Brief/White Paper (Phase I), Demonstration/Pitch (Phase II - optional), and Proposal (Phase III). Submissions are made via the Vulcan Platform. Specific deadlines are provided for each AOI.

This CSO is open to both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors. Companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive an award.

Costs for preparing and submitting solution briefs are at the offeror's expense. The Government may elect to proceed directly to Phase III after Phase I. Questions should be directed to NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Special Notice for a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) issued by the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC). The CSO aims to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities for the Joint Force, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and allied SOF. NSWC is seeking innovative solutions for UxS systems and First Person View (FPV) platforms, which can be delivered through "UxS as a service" models. The scope includes platforms, payloads, Processing-Exploitation-Dissemination (PED), programming (firmware, software, AI), communications, Command and Control (C2) systems, and related components.

The CSO outlines a multi-phased, competitive process for innovative technologies, expected to run through 2026/2027. The process includes three phases:

• Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions via the Vulcan Platform to identify potential solutions.
• Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): Selected solutions undergo demonstration and experimentation. This phase is optional and at the offeror's expense.
• Phase III (Proposal): Companies with favorably evaluated solutions may be invited to negotiate contracts or agreements.

Areas of Interest (AOI) include:

• AOI 1: "UxS as a Service” Solution: Seeking subscription-based models for UxS, including real-time feedback, updates, training, maintenance, and spare parts. Offerors must detail available systems, delivery rates, interoperability, and compliance with regulations.
• AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Seeking innovative commercial solutions to enhance user situational awareness (SA) through FPV systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Seeking innovative commercial solutions for FPV systems to kinetically engage targets.

Detailed technical capabilities for AOI 2 & 3 cover architecture, cybersecurity, platform characteristics (range, duration, control modes, payloads), and business/market analysis.

Awards may be made as FAR-based Firm Fixed-Price contracts or Other Transaction (OT) Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022-23. There is potential for Prototype Projects with follow-on noncompetitive Production Agreements. Contract type will be determined in Phase III. Period of performance for solutions/proposals is generally no greater than 12 months.

• Submission Deadlines: Vary by AOI. AOI 1 deadline is January 25, 2026. AOI 2 & 3 have quarterly deadlines throughout 2026.
• Submission Platform: Vulcan Platform (https://vulcan-sof.com/)
• Evaluation: Solution briefs will be evaluated based on technical merit, innovation, importance to agency programs, and business viability.

Non-traditional Defense Contractors (NDCs) are encouraged. Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or in teaming arrangements. Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required for award.

• Costs for preparing and submitting solution briefs are at the offeror's expense.
• Questions should be directed to NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.