The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)… will use the Commercial Solutions Opening Pilot Program (CSOP) procedures to acquire innovative, commercial items, technologies and services currently in the production/commercialization phase as well as adaptations of existing commercial products. The DHS CSOP is a non- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based solicitation authority for acquiring innovative and commercial solutions.
Section 880 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) authorized DHS to implement a pilot program to competitively procure innovative commercial items, technologies, and services using commercial solution opening procedures. CSOP is a new acquisition mechanism that provides a streamlined acquisition process and simplified contract terms that is designed to maximize efficiency and economy and minimize burdens and administrative costs for both the Government and industry.
That was from a DHS Special Notice. HT: Jerry. It will be used for Covid-19 by the Procurement & Acquisition Innovation Response (PAIR) Team.
Unlike Other Transactions, which is a non-FAR method of contracting, Commercial Solutions Openings is a non-FAR solicitation method. Hear all about CSOs in my conversation with Victor Deal. Essentially, it is a long open period where a general problem is presented. Offers can be provided through a white-paper and interesting ones may be invited to give a pitch. The technology and requirements remain flexible. One or many awards may result to one or many contractors through the CSO, which may either use OT contracts or FAR-based fixed price contracts (but not cost-reimbursable).
Perhaps one of the silver linings of Covid-19 will normalize the motions of non-FAR strategies.
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