SOF AT&L Innovative Technology and Agile Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) CALL CSO003 PEO Maritime, Special Operations Forces Combat Diving Development

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is a template for submitting questions and comments related to the SOF AT&L Innovative Technology and Agile Acquisition Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) CALL CSO003.

• The template provides fields for Question Number (Q01, Q02, etc.), Page & Section references, and the Question/Comment itself.
• It is intended for bidders to formally submit their inquiries regarding the solicitation.

This document serves as a structured method for bidders to seek clarification, which may lead to formal responses or amendments from the government that could impact requirements, due dates, or submission rules.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) call (CSO003) seeks innovative commercial solutions to address a wide range of maritime warfighting challenges for the USSOCOM SOF AT&L Maritime program. The goal is to accelerate the identification, development, and fielding of disruptive combat diving technologies, including advanced life support, sub-surface communications, signature management, and diver mobility.

• Solutions should focus on innovative application or modification of existing commercial technologies or Nondevelopmental Items (NDI).

• Offerors must demonstrate ability to deliver innovative commercial products or NDIs adaptable for prototyping, testing, and evaluation.

• Collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Government entities is required.

• Specific areas of interest include:

  • Navigation and Propulsion equipment
  • Communications (acoustic and optical underwater)
  • Signature Management (underwater acoustics)
  • Maritime Environmental Protection (thermal regulation, contaminated water protection, marine life protection)
  • Life Support Systems (rebreathers, diver treatment capabilities, training, and maintenance support)

• Solutions containing software, electronic, or networked components must adhere to Open Systems Architecture (OSA) standards.

• Awards may result in an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) or a FAR-based contract.

• Contract types may include Firm Fixed-Price contracts or OTAs for Prototype Projects, with potential for follow-on noncompetitive production agreements.

• Period of performance for White Papers or proposals should generally not exceed 18 months.

• White Papers are due by 2 June 2026.

• Submissions must be unclassified and sent via email.

• Evaluation will be based on technical merit, importance to agency programs (relevancy & business viability), and funds availability.

• A response to White Papers is expected within 15 days of the submission deadline.

• Favorable White Papers may lead to a pitch/demonstration, and potentially a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors are encouraged to submit.

• Foreign-Owned businesses may submit alone or through teaming arrangements with U.S.-owned businesses.

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

• Questions regarding the call should be addressed by 26 May 2026.

• Submissions will not be returned.

• Government may use AI for initial review of submissions.