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) to rapidly acquire and deliver innovative commercial technology and research and development solutions to the Warfighter. This Special Notice aims to support all Army Mission Areas and revive the industrial base, remaining open in perpetuity until canceled.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to maximize Army lethality by accelerating the adoption of advanced commercial technology, transforming capabilities, and growing the industrial base. It 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; Advanced Manufacturing; Army Test and Evaluation; and Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience). The solicitation also highlights procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP).
Contract Details
This solicitation utilizes various authorities, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and 10 U.S.C. authorities for research projects, prototype projects, and acquiring innovative commercial products/services. The default approach is to use Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with Other Transactions (OTs). Awards may be made as contracts or OTs. Iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs without further competitive procedures. The AOS will remain open indefinitely, but individual "Calls for Solutions" will have limited response periods.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties can respond via two methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners submit solution briefs addressing Army Example Areas. The ACG process, detailed in Attachment 1, involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory), Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal. Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" as amendments on SAM.gov for particular needs. These Calls will outline submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them.
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in SAM. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring NDAs.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). They must represent their small business size and status, be deemed responsible, and not be suspended or debarred. The solicitation defines and encourages participation from Non-traditional Defense Contractors. No specific set-aside is mentioned for the overall AOS, but it encourages broad participation.
Key Information
The solicitation is frequently updated, and all revisions are highlighted in yellow. 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. Contact: Kristin Height or Robin Delossantos at usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.