Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) UxS Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
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 Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to accelerate the development, procurement, and integration of Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities for the Joint Force, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and allied SOF. This CSO seeks innovative solutions for "UxS as a service," First Person View (FPV) platforms, and UxS training. Awards may be Firm-Fixed Price (FAR Part 12) contracts or Other Transaction (OT) agreements. Submissions are accepted via the Vulcan platform, with various deadlines extending through December 31, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NSWC aims to enhance mission effectiveness by acquiring, developing, or improving UxS systems and training. The scope includes platforms, payloads, Processing-Exploitation-Dissemination (PED), programming (firmware, software, AI), communications, and Command and Control (C2) systems.
The CSO identifies six Areas of Interest (AOIs):
- AOI 1: "UxS as a Service" Solution: Subscription-based models for UxS, with particular interest in undersea systems.
- AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations: Solutions to enhance user situational awareness through FPV systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
- AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations: Solutions for FPV systems enabling kinetic engagement of targets.
- AOI 4: UxS Training: Solutions to improve user situational awareness via UxS platforms, focusing on maritime environments and autonomy.
- AOI 5: Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Operations: Solutions for enhanced situational awareness and control in maritime operations.
- AOI 6: Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Operations: Solutions for subsurface ISR, seabed reconnaissance, and bathymetric surveying.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FAR Part 12) contracts or Other Transaction (OT) Agreements (10 U.S.C. §§ 4022-23). Potential for follow-on non-competitive production agreements for Prototype Projects under OT.
- Period of Performance: Generally no greater than 12 months.
- Set-Aside: None specified. Open to traditional and non-traditional defense contractors. SAM registration is required for award.
- Agency: Department of Defense, US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Naval Special Warfare Command.
- Place of Performance: California, 92155, United States.
Submission & Evaluation
The process is multi-phased:
- Phase I (Solution Brief/White Paper): Initial submissions via the Vulcan platform. Submissions should be concise (max 5 pages).
- Phase II (Demonstration/Pitch): Selected solutions undergo demonstration and experimentation (optional, at offeror's expense).
- Phase III (Proposal): Companies selected for award will negotiate terms and build Statements of Work.
Evaluation Criteria: Technical merit, innovation, relevance to agency programs, business viability, and affordability.
Deadlines
- AOI 1: April 7, 2026
- AOI 2 & 3: Bi-annual submissions, with the latest deadline being December 31, 2026.
- AOI 4: Bi-annual submissions, with deadlines including April 9, 2026, and October 9, 2026.
- AOI 5 & 6: December 31, 2026.
- Overall Response Date: December 31, 2026.
Contact Information
Questions should be directed to NSW.CONTRACTING.CSO.SHDMBX@socom.mil.