How to bid on the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Enterprise Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

What the Air Force Research Laboratory is buying

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking innovative technologies and services. This is an ongoing opportunity, with specific solicitations called "Spirals" released periodically. The AFRL is looking for solutions that are new technologies, processes, methods, or new applications of existing ones. This is a chance for businesses to provide cutting-edge solutions to the Department of the Air Force.

Resulting awards will be fixed-price contracts under FAR Part 12, or Other Transactions for Prototype (OTP) under 10 USC 4022. Foreign participation is not authorized for this opportunity.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is an ongoing opportunity, first published on July 08, 2026. The overall deadline for this Enterprise CSO is April 30, 2030, at 5:00 PM ET. However, individual "Spirals" (specific solicitations) will have their own deadlines, which will be detailed when they are posted on sam.gov. Vendors should monitor sam.gov for new Spiral releases and their associated deadlines.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that can provide innovative technologies and services. This includes research and development, or new applications of existing technologies. Firms in professional services, technology development, and research sectors are likely candidates. The AFRL is looking for solutions that meet the definition of "innovative" as either new as of the submission date or a new application of an existing technology, process, or method.

How to respond

To find specific "Spirals" under this CSO, you will need to access the government's portal. Click "View original source" to open the opportunity. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view some documents, though many bids do not require one.

Once on the portal, refer to the enclosed Spiral Tracker for active Spiral solicitation numbers. Search for these specific solicitation numbers within sam.gov to find the detailed requirements and submission instructions for each individual Spiral.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response for a Spiral under this CSO, focus on clearly demonstrating the innovative nature of your proposed technology or service. Explain how your solution is new or how it applies existing technology in a novel way to meet AFRL's needs. Ensure your proposal directly addresses the specific Area of Interest outlined in the individual Spiral.

Pay close attention to the type of award, whether it's a fixed-price contract or an Other Transaction for Prototype. Tailor your proposal to align with the expectations for that award type. For fixed-price contracts, clearly define your scope and deliverables. For prototypes, emphasize the developmental aspects and potential for future production. Always review all attachments and amendments for the specific Spiral you are bidding on, as these will contain critical details and requirements.