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), issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), is a continuous initiative to rapidly acquire and deliver innovative solutions across all Army Mission Areas. Its purpose is to revive the industrial base, maximize Army lethality, and accelerate the adoption of commercial technology and research and development solutions. This solicitation is open in perpetuity until canceled.
Scope of Work / Requirements
ACC-APG seeks commercial, innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide 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," such as:
- 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) Procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) are also highlighted.
Contract Details
This Special Notice leverages various authorities, including FAR, DFARS, and 10 U.S.C. for research projects, prototype projects, and acquiring innovative commercial products/services. The default approach is to utilize Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with Other Transactions (OTs). Awards may be made as contracts or OTs, supporting iterative prototyping. 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 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. Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability. Detailed procedures are outlined in Attachment 1.
- Call for Solutions: The Government issues specific "Calls" for needs, posted as SAM.gov amendments. These Calls provide their own submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them. Eligibility: Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in SAM, represent their small business size and status, and be responsible. Non-traditional Defense Contractors are encouraged. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals.
Additional Notes
The AOS is frequently updated, with revisions highlighted in yellow. Request for Information (RFIs) posted under AOS are for market research only. Contact: For inquiries, email usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.