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 and deliver innovative commercial technology and research & development solutions to Warfighters across all Army Mission Areas. The AOS aims to revive the industrial base, maximize Army lethality, accelerate advanced commercial technology adoption, transform capabilities, and grow the supporting industrial base. This solicitation remains open in perpetuity until canceled by the U.S. Army.
Scope of Work
ACC-APG is seeking commercial, innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide innovative technological advancements. This includes basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and incidental production. The scope 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
- Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience)
Contract Details
The AOS utilizes various authorities, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and 10 U.S.C. provisions for research projects, prototype projects, and acquiring innovative commercial products/services. The default approach is to use a Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with Other Transactions (OTs). Awards may be made as contracts or OTs, and iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology. Successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs without further competitive procedures.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties can respond via two primary methods:
- 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. Attachment 1 - AOS Active Capability Gap (ACG) Procedures (dated March 26, 2026) provides detailed guidelines for content, format, and evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability).
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for solutions as amendments to this Special Notice on SAM.gov. These Calls will outline their own submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines. ACG procedures do not apply to individual Calls.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and represent their small business size and status. Companies must be deemed responsible and not suspended or debarred. Non-traditional Defense Contractors are encouraged to participate. There is no specific set-aside for this overarching solicitation.
Additional Notes
The AOS document and Attachment 1 are frequently updated, with revisions highlighted in yellow. Request for Information (RFIs) posted under AOS are for market research only and do not guarantee a subsequent Call for Solution. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals.
Contact Information
For ACG Solution Brief submissions and general inquiries, contact Kristin Height or Robin Delossantos at usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.