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 continuous special notice designed to rapidly acquire innovative commercial technology and research & development solutions for all Army Mission Areas. This solicitation aims to maximize Army lethality and revive the industrial base by addressing capability gaps and fostering technological advancements. The AOS remains open indefinitely, with specific "Calls for Solutions" and "Active Capability Gap" (ACG) opportunities released periodically.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks commercial, innovative solutions, potential capabilities, basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototypes that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide meaningful technological advancements. It leverages various acquisition authorities, including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, and 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021, 4022, 4023, and 3458 (Defense Commercial Solutions Opening). The solicitation highlights procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). Example areas include Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, Army Enterprise Business Solutions, Tactical Communications, Soldier Equipment, Ground Combat Systems, and Aviation.
Submission Process
Interested parties can respond through two primary methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners proactively submit Solution Briefs addressing Army Example Areas. The ACG process, detailed in Attachment 1, involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory), Live Pitch, and Solution Proposal.
- Call for Solutions: Government-issued announcements posted as amendments under this AOS. These calls specify unique submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and deadlines. For example, the MAHC-III Call for Solution (Enterprise_25-02) sought solutions for the Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army Increment II (IPPS-A Inc II), with Solution Briefs due June 27, 2025.
Contract Details
The AOS is an open solicitation that will remain active until canceled by the U.S. Army. Awards may be made using Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or non-FAR agreements, such as Other Transactions (OT) for prototype projects. The Government will not reimburse companies for costs incurred during the submission phases.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
There is no specific set-aside for the overall AOS. Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov and Wide Area Work Flow. Offerors must represent their small business size and status. Preference may be given to innovative, existing, and reference-verifiable commercial abilities for specific calls.
Key Dates & Deadlines
The Army Open Solicitation itself is open in perpetuity. However, individual "Calls for Solutions" and "Active Capability Gap" opportunities will have specific, limited response times. For instance, Solution Briefs for the MAHC-III Call for Solution were due June 27, 2025, at 1700 hours EDT.
Additional Notes
Amendments to the AOS are posted frequently, with revisions highlighted in yellow. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, subject to appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) analysis. All official updates and submissions are handled via SAM.gov.