Airlift Efficiency Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
This Air Force CSO funds competitive solutions for airlift efficiency, with the posted AOI focused on blended wing body aircraft and C-17 propulsion.
⚑ Federal contract / CSO, not a grant. · Submissions accepted only in response to specific AOIs and due dates. · Closed-open through 2026-02-26; government may extend by amendment. · Likely requires a non-university lead contractor; universities may participate only if allowed under the solicitation structure.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 75 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | portfolio topics: energy, national_security_defense; social/behavioral work is none; funds applied research; university can only partner, not lead; capped at 45 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
This CSO is for Airlift Efficiency hosted by the 763rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron for Air Force Operational Energy Office (SAF/IE). Individual Area's of Interest (AOIs) issued against the CSO will be posted under this notice. 02/26/2025: FA4452-25-S-C001 AOI (1) - Blended Wing Body (BWB) and C-17 Propulsion This AOI is issued under the CSO. All details regarding submission and evaluation factors are provided in the attached documents titled "CSO Solicitation" and "AOI (1) - Blended Wing Body and C-17 Propulsion". This CSO Solicitation is a competitive solicitation that is closed-open until 26 February 2026. Submissions will only be accepted following specific AOI submission due dates and times. The Government reserves the right to extend this CSO beyond the closed date by amendment if the authority is extended.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE / FA4452 763 ESS.
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Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.