Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) STREAMLINING PROCUREMENT FOR EFFECTIVE EXECUTION & DELIVERY (SPEED) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

The purpose of this CSO is to allow for competitive selection of innovative commercial items, technologies, and services to obtain solutions or new capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements in meeting the AFIMSC's Areas of Interest (AoI). The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) is a vital engine for fostering innovation throughout the Air Force. It functions as a dynamic community, bringing together a diverse group of individuals from active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, civilian service, and contractor roles.

This broad mix of backgrounds and experiences is crucial for generating creative solutions the Air Force needs to meet evolving challenges. AFIMSC acts as a central connector, linking Airmen with the resources necessary to transform innovative ideas into reality. This includes securing funding for promising projects, forging connections with industry experts and companies who offer specialized knowledge and technologies, and providing expert guidance and mentorship to navigate the often-complex path of development and implementation.

A core element of AFIMSC's strategy is cultivating and facilitating agile engagements fostering collaboration with entities outside the traditional military structure. They embrace the principles of open innovation, understanding that valuable solutions can emerge from diverse sources. AFIMSC actively bridges the gap between the Air Force and the wider innovation ecosystem, engaging with established companies, startups, universities, research institutions, and even non-traditional contributors who may not have previously worked with the military.

This "bottom-up" approach empowers Airmen at all levels to identify challenges and propose solutions, ensuring that innovation is driven from the ground up. Solutions presented gain valuable visibility within the Air Force and other government entities, potentially informing future contract solicitations, grants, and agreements. Successful solutions may be selected for prototyping, testing, demonstration, and eventual deployment.

Ultimately, AFIMSC contributes to the growth and development of the non-traditional military-business ecosystem, strengthening relationships between the Air Force and the private sector and driving the development of innovative solutions to critical Air Force challenges. In essence, AFIMSC is a driving force, helping the Air Force embrace innovation and adapt to a rapidly changing world. This CSO will utilize a solicitation process authorized by DFARS Subpart 212-70.

Under this CSO, the Air Force will be allowed to competitively procure innovative commercial items, technologies, and services. CSO procedures provide a streamlined acquisition process and simplified contract terms resulting in FAR-based contracts awarded under Part 12 Commercial Item Procedures. Both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors may be awarded contracts under this CSO.

Under a CSO Air Force contracting officers may competitively select proposals received in response to a general competitive solicitation, similar to a broad agency announcement, based on a review of proposals by scientific, technological, or other subject matter experts.