Commercial Services Agreements (CSAs)

Purpose and Benefit

A variety of vehicles encourage working relationships between federal laboratories and non-federal, US based commercial entities (e.g. private companies, state and local governments, and academic institutions). These agreements allow NAWCWD to work with commercial customers to perform laboratory and range test events at DOD installations. The arrangement is win-win for government and industry.

Industry Benefit. The CSA program allows companies to take full advantage of the many resources the government has to offer on a project-by-project, pay-for-use basis. NAWCWD can provide extensive ranges, facilities, and technical expertise. This program allows private industry to leverage their investments.

Customers may perform tests on material, equipment, models, computers, software and other items using NAWCWD facilities, ranges, and laboratories. In addition, the center may provide other goods and services including expertise in various technical areas. Two of the most commonly used instruments are Commercial Service Agreements (CSAs) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).

CSAs versus CRADAs

If the task is routine in nature and relies on existing capabilities and expertise by NAWCWD and the results of the testing are not shared with NAWCWD, then a CSA is appropriate. If the task involves joint research, development, design, or testing, where NAWCWD and the customer actively participate together and share results, a CRADA is appropriate. For a complete understanding of CRADAs, refer to the Technology Transfer Office web site.

CSA History

The Weapons Division CSA program has been very active since its inception in 1998. As of February 2008:

• 256 CSAs have been established and work efforts completed
• 213 Standard - Standard CSAs are used when the work performance is for an individual defined project, or series of related tasks within a project.
• 43 Umbrella - Umbrella CSAs are used when there are multiple, repetitive tasks.  The initial task is definable, but subsequent tasks will not be until the first task is completed.

• We have completed work efforts for over 80 commercial entities; many of them repeat customers.

CSA Categories

NAWCWD is able to conduct CSAs under three statutes.

• Testing of materials, equipment, explosives, models, computer software, etc.  (10 USC §2539 [b])
• Test and evaluation of platforms, missiles and outdoor radar cross section measurements on the Major Range and Test Facility Installation (10 USC §2681)
• Sale of other goods and services; e.g., consulting, equipment manufacture and repair (10 USC §2563)

General Requirements for CSAs

• Must be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.
• Must be on a non-interference basis.
• Must be on a cost reimbursable basis with funding received in advance. Payments may be incremental.
• Work cannot be guaranteed or warranted.
• U.S. Government must be held harmless against all claims.
• U.S. Government may not compete with private industry.  If the work effort is not associated with a Department of Defense Contract or is designated a work effort under §2653, the customer must provide the Government with a "Certification of Non-Competition."

Industry can still take advantage of Government resources when…

• No other similar capability exists.
• Or the capability exists, but other sources cannot meet time requirements.
• Or other sources cannot provide adequate security or safety.
• Or other sources do not want the specific work.
• Or other sources cannot provide a unique combination of integrated products/services.
• Or the only available U.S. businesses that can provide the needed services are also competitors.

If the work effort falls under §2539(b) or §2681 and is in support of a DOD contract, the Certification of Non-Competition is not required.

Please contact the Commercial Services Agreement Program Manager for further information and details regarding establishing a CSA with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.

Phone:       (760) 939-0707
Fax:          (760) 939-0708
Email:       cheryl.hays@navy.mil