Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) 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 Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to accelerate the attainment of defense capabilities. This CSO seeks innovative, commercial approaches under the authorities of 10 U.S.C. § 3458 and/or 10 U.S.C. § 4022. Solutions are solicited via Areas of Interest (AOIs) published separately on SAM.gov. The CSO is open for five (5) years, with an overall response date of March 12, 2030.
Scope of Opportunity
WHS/AD is looking for commercially available technologies, innovative commercial products and services, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities. These should improve commercial technologies and existing Government-owned capabilities, or offer other concepts for defense application. The goal is to provide innovative and agile contracting solutions as the Single Enterprise Contracting Office (SECO) for the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) and other Department of War (DoW) mission partners.
CSO Process & Eligibility
The CSO procedure involves three phases: a Solution Brief, a Pitch, and a Prototype Proposal. The Government may, at its discretion, forgo the Pitch phase and proceed directly to a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP).
Eligibility for prototype transactions, as detailed in Amendment 004, references 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d) and includes conditions related to nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, non-profit research institutions, and specific funding sources. Foreign-owned businesses are advised on submission procedures.
Submission Requirements
Solution Briefs should be limited to 5 pages or 15 slides. Specific content requirements are detailed in the CSO document, emphasizing technical merit, feasibility, business viability, and rough order of magnitude (ROM) pricing. Resumes or facility descriptions should not be submitted.
Evaluation Criteria
Solution Briefs are evaluated on their relevance to the AOI and appropriate use of the CSO. Pitches are assessed based on technical merit, feasibility, business viability, ROM price, and data rights.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under 10 U.S.C. § 3458 and/or 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
- Duration: Open for five (5) years.
- Set-Aside: None specified (open competition).
- Overall Response Date: March 12, 2030.
- Published Date: March 26, 2026 (latest amendment).
Additional Notes
Companies are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for specific AOI postings and any further amendments. Questions regarding the CSO content should be directed to the WHS/AD Point of Contact, Meghan T. Meyers at meghan.t.meyers.civ@mail.mil.