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 the Army Open Solicitation (AOS), a Special Notice designed to rapidly acquire and deliver innovative commercial technology advancements and research and development solutions to the Warfighter. This open-ended solicitation aims to support all Army Mission Areas, maximize lethality, and revive the industrial base. It remains open in perpetuity until canceled by the U.S. Army.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to obtain commercial, innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide innovative technological advancements. It covers a wide range of Army Example Areas, including but not limited to: Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, 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, and Advanced Manufacturing. The solicitation also highlights procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP).
Contract Details
This is an open solicitation that will remain active indefinitely. Awards may be made as Other Transactions (OTs) for prototype projects or contracts, leveraging various authorities such as FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, 10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022, §4023, and §3458 (Defense Commercial Solutions Opening). Iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs without further competitive procedures.
Submission & Evaluation
There are two primary methods for responding:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners submit solution briefs addressing specific Army Example Areas. The ACG award procedures involve up to three phases: a mandatory Solution Brief, an optional Live Pitch, and a Solution Proposal. Attachment 1 details the submission requirements, evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability), and selection processes.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for solutions via SAM.gov amendments for particular needs. These calls will specify their own submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and may involve phases such as solution briefs, white papers, demonstrations, or live pitches. Calls for Solutions are independent of ACG procedures, have limited response times, and will include individual response deadlines.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Companies must possess a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) government invoicing system. Offerors must represent their small business size and status. Companies must be deemed responsible and not suspended or debarred. Any actual or potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs) must be identified prior to award. The solicitation encourages broad participation and does not specify a set-aside for the overall AOS, but individual Calls for Solutions may have specific requirements.
Important Notes
The AOS document is subject to frequent updates; revisions are highlighted in yellow for transparency. Request for Information (RFIs) posted under AOS are for market research only and do not guarantee a subsequent Call for Solution. Only a warranted Government Contracting/Agreements Officer can contractually bind the Government. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be utilized in evaluations, requiring appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).