What is a Commercial Solution Offering (CSO)?
A CSO is a competitive procedure used to acquire innovative commercial items, technologies, or services. It allows the government to buy existing commercial tech quickly, often through pitch decks instead of written proposals.
Buying What Already Exists
Unlike SBIR (which funds R&D to create something new), CSOs are typically used when a solution already exists in the commercial market and just needs to be adapted for government use.
The goal is speed. Agencies want to adopt technology that is already working in the private sector.
Who Uses CSOs?
Popularized by DIU (Defense Innovation Unit), but now used by GSA, DHS, and various DoD components.
The Submission Process
Solution Brief / Pitch Deck
Instead of a 50-page document, you submit a short slide deck or a 5-page brief describing your technology.
The Pitch
If selected, you are invited to pitch your solution live (or virtually) to government stakeholders, similar to a VC pitch.
Request for Prototype Proposal
If they like the pitch, they ask for a full proposal and negotiate a contract (often an OTA) to pilot the technology.
Why Pursue CSOs?
- Low Barrier to EntrySubmitting a slide deck is much easier than writing a full federal proposal.
- SpeedThe entire process from submission to award can happen in under 60 days.
- Commercial TermsContracts are often structured with commercial-friendly terms regarding IP and payment.
Official Resources
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