NEEDIPEDIA - COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING - CSO

The Needipedia Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), solicitation number HHM402-23- SISO-0002, is an agency-wide initiative by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to acquire innovative commercial products, services, and technological advances to close capability gaps. Administered by the Virginia Contracting Activity, this follow-on solicitation is open from December 29, 2023, to December 28, 2028. It seeks participation from a diverse range of sources, including large businesses, small businesses, academic institutions, and independent consultants. The program utilizes the NeedipeDIA portal to connect innovators with mission requirements, focusing on areas such as information technology, R&D studies, and commercial technology maturation. The procurement process begins with the submission of a concise two-page white paper and a specific coversheet. Proposals are evaluated on their own merit based on overall innovation, relevance to the DIA mission, and cost realism, following the mantra start small, scale fast or fail cheap. While the solicitation encourages participation from various socioeconomic categories, including SDVOSBs, WOSBs, and HUBZone businesses, there are no specific set-asides. Awards may be made using traditional procurement contracts or Other Transaction Authority under 10 USC 4021 and 4022. All electronic and information technology must comply with DFARS part 239, and awardees are required to use the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system for electronic invoicing.