Photo By Ramon Go | Brent Dessing, acting director of contracts, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command...... read more read more
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To accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions to the warfighter, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) is embracing a flexible acquisition method known as a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). This approach offers an alternative to the traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based acquisition process, which is ideal when timelines are compressed, potential solutions are unclear or the goal is to emphasize engagement with commercial innovators.
Unlike FAR-based solicitations, which often prescribe specific solutions including detailed engineering specifications, CSOs define a high-level problem statement or a broad set of capability needs. Industry, especially non-traditional defense contractors who do not typically do business with the government, is invited to propose viable solutions to address its needs. This solution-agnostic approach fosters creativity, adaptability and collaboration, enabling NAVWAR to identify and adopt the most promising solutions (e.g., technologies) —regardless of origin. Specifically, this merit-based, streamlined evaluation process prioritizes finding the best solutions first, then negotiating the terms and conditions of the prototype acquisition.
With software playing a critical role in keeping systems agile, current, relevant and secure, NAVWAR is aligning with Department of War and executive strategies to modernize acquisitions and enhance lethality.
“At NAVWAR, we’re laser-focused on being the preeminent provider of information warfare in the world,” said John Pope, executive director of NAVWAR. “New avenues like CSOs are going to help us continue our vital work of delivering even more cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter. It is more crucial than ever that we move fast in the current environment.”
NAVWAR has previously partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on previous CSO Areas of Interest (AOI) postings. Now, it is expanding its efforts by leveraging its own authorities to engage directly with industry through its own CSO. Opportunities across the NAVWAR enterprise are conveniently available through a centralized platform, making it easier for commercial partners to contribute to NAVWAR’s mission.
“CSOs represent a fundamentally different approach to how we meet our requirements and solve problems,” said Alexander Holtet, contracting and agreements officer at NAVWAR. “Being solution agnostic does not assume that we currently have the best solution in place and allows to collaborate with industry to bring even better capabilities to the warfighter.”
For more information about NAVWAR’s newest CSO AOI opportunities, visit the webpage here: https://www.navwar.navy.mil/Work-With-Us. An AOI posting is currently active in support of Program Executive Office (PEO) Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Undersea Integration Program Office: https://www.navwar.navy.mil/Work-With-Us/Open-CSO-Calls.
About NAVWAR:
NAVWAR identifies, develops, delivers and sustains information warfighting capabilities and services that enable naval, joint, coalition and other national missions operating in warfighting domains from seabed to space and through cyberspace. NAVWAR consists of more than 11,000 civilian, active duty and reserve professionals located around the world.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2025 11:27 |
| Story ID: | 548918 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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