ARMY OPEN SOLICITATION (AOS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) has issued an Army Open Solicitation (AOS), a special notice designed to rapidly acquire innovative solutions and research and development (R&D) to support all Army Mission Areas, enhance lethality, and revive the industrial base. This solicitation is open in perpetuity, serving as an overarching mechanism for the Army to engage with industry.
Scope of Work
The AOS seeks commercial, innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements. This includes basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and incidental production. Key "Army Example Areas" include, but are not limited to:
- Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors
- Army Enterprise Business Solutions
- Tactical Communications
- Soldier Equipment, Ground Combat Systems, Missiles and Space, Aviation
- Simulation Training and Instrumentation
- Supply Chain and Logistics, Installation Support and Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing
- Army Test and Evaluation, Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience)
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (overarching mechanism). Awards may be made as Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or Other Transactions (OTs) for prototype projects. The default approach is to utilize Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with OTs.
- Authorities: Utilizes various authorities including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, 10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022, §4023, §3458, and the ESOP Program.
- Duration: The AOS remains open in perpetuity until canceled. Individual "Calls for Solutions" will have limited response periods.
- Published: April 30, 2026 (latest notice publication date).
Submission & Evaluation
There are two primary methods for responding:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners submit Solution Briefs addressing Army Example Areas. This process involves up to three phases: a mandatory Solution Brief (limited to 5 written pages or 15 slides), an optional Live Pitch, and an optional Solution Proposal. Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability. Detailed procedures are outlined in Attachment 1.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" via SAM.gov amendments for particular needs. These Calls will specify their own submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines, independent of ACG procedures.
- Eligibility: Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in SAM, and represent their small business size and status.
- Notes: The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring NDAs.
Set-Aside
No specific set-aside is designated for the overall AOS; however, companies must represent their small business size and status.