The US Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) has launched a new acquisition pathway to accelerate the integration of advanced solutions into bases and mission support teams.
The Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Commercial Solutions Opening (SPEED CSO) creates a competitive process to buy innovative products, technologies, and services that has potential to “fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements.”
AFIMCS said that the approach cuts timelines and gives teams more control in shaping solutions tied to the organization’s core responsibilities, including force protection, civil engineering, as well as warfighter and family assistance.
The process allows authorized individuals to define specific problems while promoting refinement through direct engagement with industry, unlike conventional acquisition methods.
Officials noted that the SPEED CSO can move concepts to contracts in as little as 10 days.
“To maintain our edge, we have to move at the speed of the commercial market,” said Jonathon Byrnes, director of intelligence, strategic planning, and requirements at AFIMSC.
“The SPEED CSO is about breaking down barriers that can slow delivery to the field, allowing us to get the best technology from our industry partners faster than ever before.”
Charles Kelm, mission sustainment division chief at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, said his team is already using the pathway to explore artificial intelligence tools to fast-track military construction planning.
“A process that once dragged on for eight to 12 months is now a brisk four-to-six-week sprint,” Kelm stated.
