Commercial and Economic Research and Innovation (CERI)
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
FA7146 SAF OC PK
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
FA7146-20-S-0001(CERI)
NAICS
541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Classification Code
B599
Additional Details
Documents2
The Department of the Air Force, through the Secretary of the Air Force Concepts Development and Management (SAF/CDM), Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (OCEA), has issued a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for the Commercial and Economic Research and Innovation (CERI) initiative. This procurement is conducted under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process, specifically identified as FA7146-20-S-0001(CERI), and is designed to competitively select innovative commercial items, technologies, and services that address OCEA’s mission needs.
Purpose and Scope:
The CERI CSO seeks to identify and acquire cutting-edge commercial solutions or new capabilities that fulfill OCEA requirements, close existing capability gaps, and advance technological innovation in areas relevant to commercial and economic analysis. The initiative is authorized under the Defense Commercial Solutions Offering Pilot Program and is now governed by DFARS Subpart 212.70, which enables the Air Force to leverage commercial innovation for defense applications. The CSO is general in nature, inviting proposals that address broad mission or technical interests, with the flexibility to issue targeted Calls for specific objectives or focus areas as needed.
Procurement Structure and Process:
This opportunity follows an open, two-step CSO process:
1. **Step One – White Paper Submission:** Contractors are invited to submit White Papers at any time during the open period, which runs from initiation until 1 September 2026 for receipt of White Papers, and until 30 September 2026 for awards. White Papers should include a cover page, technical/management section, and a rough order of magnitude. Submissions are evaluated by subject matter experts and rated as "Highly Recommended," "Selectable," or "Not Selectable" based on technical merit, management approach, and price/affordability. Multiple submissions are permitted, and while funding is generally not provided for White Papers, select Calls may offer funding on a case-by-case basis.
2. **Step Two – Invitation to Propose (ItP):** White Papers deemed promising may result in an invitation to submit a full proposal. The ItP will specify all terms, conditions, and instructions for proposal submission, including deadlines. Only contractors who have submitted a White Paper and received an ItP may submit a full proposal. The Air Force reserves the right to award contracts or Other Transaction Agreements for all, part, or none of the proposals, based on evaluation criteria and available funding.
Key Requirements and Expected Deliverables:
Offerors are expected to propose innovative solutions that are new as of the date of submission or represent new applications of existing technologies, processes, or methods. The specific objectives and focus areas are detailed in the CSO attachment, and may be updated or amended during the open period. Deliverables will be defined in individual Calls and Invitations to Propose, tailored to the needs of OCEA and the Air Force.
Eligibility and Special Considerations:
This CSO is a full and open acquisition, welcoming submissions from all interested vendors, including small businesses and non-traditional contractors. Foreign participation is permitted as specified in the CSO attachment. The submittal of a White Paper or proposal does not guarantee an award, and the government may issue amendments or targeted Calls throughout the open period to address evolving requirements.
Contracting Entity and Contact Information:
- **Contracting Entity:** FA7146 SAF OC PK, Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (OCEA), Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense
- **Place of Performance:** United States (Country Code: USA)
- **NAICS Code:** 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- **Product Service Code:** B599
- **Primary Contact:** Jennifer Villarreal, Procuring Contracting Officer ([email protected])
- **Secondary Contact:** Linda Cavazos ([email protected])
- **Submission Email (CC):** [email protected]
Contractors interested in this opportunity should review the CSO and any associated attachments for detailed requirements, objectives, and submission instructions. The open period has been extended through 30 September 2026, allowing for ongoing submission and evaluation of innovative solutions. This procurement represents a significant opportunity for commercial entities to contribute to the Air Force’s mission by delivering advanced research, analysis, and technological innovation in the commercial and economic domain.
For further details and updates, contractors are encouraged to consult the official notice at [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/opp/4698450f350f4db0a6db4e2bc9322468/view).