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 Army Open Solicitation (AOS) is a perpetual special notice from the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) designed to rapidly acquire innovative commercial technology and research & development solutions for the Warfighter. It aims to support all Army Mission Areas and revive the industrial base. Vendors can respond through Active Capability Gap (ACG) submissions or specific Calls for Solutions.
Purpose
The AOS seeks to maximize Army lethality by enabling the rapid acquisition and delivery of innovative solutions. It focuses on accelerating advanced commercial technology adoption, transforming capabilities, and growing the supporting industrial base. The Army is interested in obtaining commercial, innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide innovative technological advancements, including basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototypes.
Scope of Work
The solicitation covers a wide range of Army Example Areas, including but not limited to:
- Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors
- Army Enterprise Business Solutions
- Tactical Communications
- Soldier Equipment
- Ground Combat Systems
- Missiles and Space
- Simulation Training and Instrumentation
- Aviation
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Installation Support and Innovation
- Advance Manufacturing
Contract Details
The AOS will remain open indefinitely until canceled by the U.S. Army. Awards may be made using various authorities, including FAR-based contracts (e.g., Broad Agency Announcements, Other Competitive Procedures) or non-FAR agreements such as Other Transactions (OTs) for prototype projects (10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022). Iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs.
Submission & Evaluation
Vendors can respond via two primary methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners submit Solution Briefs addressing specific Army Example Areas. The ACG process involves up to three phases: a mandatory Solution Brief (Phase 1), an optional Live Pitch (Phase 2), and an optional Solution Proposal (Phase 3). Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability. Attachment 1 provides detailed submission requirements and evaluation criteria.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for needs via SAM.gov amendments. These Calls will detail their own submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and response times, which are independent of the ACG process.
Eligibility
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) invoicing system. They must represent their small business size and status, be deemed responsible, and not be suspended or debarred. Offerors must also identify any actual or potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs).
Key Dates & Contacts
The Army Open Solicitation itself is open in perpetuity. However, individual Calls for Solutions will have specific, limited response periods. For general inquiries and ACG submissions, refer to the specific mailboxes listed in Section J - Contracting Information of the AOS document. Primary contacts: Kristin Height and Robin Delossantos (usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil).