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 innovative commercial technology and research & development solutions to enhance Army lethality and support all Army Mission Areas. This solicitation remains open in perpetuity until canceled, allowing for continuous submission of solutions.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technology, transform Army capabilities, and grow the industrial base. It seeks innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements across a wide range of "Army Example Areas." These include, but are 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
- Army Test and Evaluation
- Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience)
Contract Details
The AOS utilizes various acquisition 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, with iterative prototyping supported. Successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs. While the AOS is open indefinitely, individual "Call for Solutions" will have limited response periods.
Submission & Evaluation
There are two primary methods for industry partners to respond:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): This flexible method allows industry to submit Solution Briefs addressing specific Army Example Areas. The ACG process involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory, 5 written pages or 15 slides), Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal (optional). Attachment 1 details submission requirements and evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, Viability).
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for solutions as amendments on SAM.gov. These Calls will outline their own submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Offerors must represent their small business size and status, be responsible, and not suspended or debarred. The solicitation encourages participation from non-traditional Defense Contractors. No specific set-aside is designated for the overarching AOS, but small business participation is emphasized.
Important Notes
The AOS document is frequently updated, with revisions highlighted in yellow. The Government will not reimburse companies for costs incurred during the ACG submission phases. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, subject to NDAs.
Contact Information
For ACG submissions and general inquiries, contact: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.