The Department of Homeland Security has reopened its Maritime Commercial Solutions Opening Program (CSOP) with a new, targeted focus on unmanned surface vessels to support Coast Guard operations.
The updated solicitation introduces Strategic Focus Area H, aimed at closing a capability gap in maritime pursuit, interdiction, and persistent presence at sea. DHS is working with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Program Executive Office for Rapid Acquisition Services to accelerate solutions.
Phase 1 submissions opened March 25 and will be accepted through April 8, followed by rolling eight-week review cycles. Officials are encouraging companies with ready solutions to submit early.
DHS is seeking platforms that can autonomously or semi-autonomously intercept and track fast-moving vessels, remain on station for extended periods, and maintain resilient communications. Modular payloads and integration with command-and-control systems are also key requirements, with underwater threat detection identified as a secondary but highly desirable priority.
The solicitation also allows for contractor-owned and operated service models, expanding beyond traditional hardware procurement.
Companies with prior submissions may revise proposals if they align with the new focus area, as DHS works through earlier delays and advances selected solutions toward Phase 2.
Read more about the solicitation on SAM.gov here.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)
