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TABLE 2. CSO CROSS TALKS—INTERNAL AGENCY PROCESSES (CONTINUED) Category Findings
PCOs should rely on program managers and technical specialists to frame Statements of Work and Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structures. PCOs should work with Defense Contract Management Agency at the onset if they will be assisting with pre-award surveys or post-award administration. PCOs should work closely with legal support to avoid issues with a wide range of solutions.
BP
BP
BP
BP
PCOs should create/maintain relevant documentation.
PCOs should ensure subject matter experts (SMEs) perform robust technical evaluations. PCOs should negotiate price and terms and conditions bilaterally (after proposals are solicited competitively), in line with industry’s normal practices. Contracting organizations should plan appropriately to facilitate shorter procurement acquisition lead times (e.g., hiring/assigning additional personnel and deprioritizing the team’s other workload to award high-dollar requirements in a compressed timeline). Contracting organizations and PCOs should establish a central document repository for oversight and surveillance documents. Contracting organizations should establish a unified contracting division for CSO solicitations and awards. Contracting organizations and PCOs should integrate acquisition professionals and SMEs in acquisition planning and development.
BP
BP
BP
BP
BP
BP
BP
PCOs should establish relationships among stakeholders.
PCOs should ensure consistent socialization and communication of timeline, plans, and processes.
BP
Note. Adapted from DoD OT Quarterly Commercial Solutions Opening Cross Talk [Bulletin], Department of Defense (2022, 2023); PCOs = Procuring Contracting Officers; CSO = Commercial Solutions Opening.
TABLE 3. CSO CROSS TALKS—SOLICITATION DEFINITION
Category
Findings
Contracting organizations observed that every agency/subunit/etc., has its own unique requirements; even if another part of DoD has contracted for a certain product/service, it could be considered “new/innovative” to your specific part of DoD and warrant an award from a CSO. PCOs should draft CSOs with a phased approach (e.g., abstracts and oral presentations) to reduce the workload for both government and contractor. PCOs should provide enough background/contextual information for the problem statement or Area of Interest (AOI) in the CSO in order for offerors to construct a successful proposal. PCOs should standardize evaluation criteria across the AOI (each solution will still differ but can be assessed based on its unique ability to respond to the government requirement). PCOs should adjust scope and specificity of CSO language based on individual circumstances.
S
BP (S)
BP
BP
BP
Note. Adapted from DoD OT Quarterly Commercial Solutions Opening Cross Talk [Bulletin], Department of Defense (2022, 2023); PCOs = Procuring Contracting Officers; CSO = Commercial Solutions Opening.
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Defense ARJ , Spring 2025, Vol. 32 No. 1
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