Fast Following = CSO + OTA

Abstract

Acquisition and technology professionals are rushing to understand the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). Forward thinking policy makers have handed us 10 USC 3458: Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and commercial services using general solicitation competitive procedures; a broadly worded acquisition authority that, if used to its fullest potential, can shift the current contracting paradigm. With this shift in the contracting paradigm comes disruption. With that disruption comes better, faster, and stronger capabilities, and at a lower cost to the taxpayer. The lack of official guidance and data need not scare the acquisition community. In fact, this works in our favor. Having designed and implemented a CSO for innovative technologies utilized by the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) now Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), we aim to demystify the CSO. We will discuss concepts and tactics of the TryAI Commercial Solutions Opening model for rapid, low-cost demonstrations of innovative commercial products. This paper outlines the mechanics of designing and executing a Commercial Solutions Opening that impacts your organization.