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 perpetual notice designed to rapidly acquire innovative commercial and research & development solutions across all Army Mission Areas. This initiative aims to maximize Army lethality, accelerate technology adoption, and transform capabilities. Vendors can respond through Active Capability Gaps (ACG) or specific Calls for Solutions.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to support all Army Mission Areas by reviving the industrial base and delivering innovative solutions to the Warfighter. It covers a broad 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
- Type: Special Notice (overarching mechanism). Awards may be made as FAR-based contracts or non-FAR Other Transactions (OTs) for prototype projects, with a default approach of Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with OTs.
- Duration: The AOS remains open in perpetuity until canceled. Individual Calls for Solutions will have limited response periods.
- Authorities: Utilizes various authorities including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, 10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022, §4023, §3458, and the ESOP Program.
- Set-Aside: None specified for the overarching AOS. Eligibility requires representation of small business size and status.
Submission & Evaluation
Vendors 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 details submission requirements and evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability).
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for particular needs via SAM.gov amendments. These calls will provide their own submission instructions, evaluation procedures, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them.
Eligibility & Notes
- Eligibility: Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in SAM, represent their small business size and status, and be deemed responsible. Non-traditional Defense Contractors are encouraged.
- Important: The solicitation is frequently updated. Only a warranted Government Contracting/Agreements Officer can bind the Government. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
- Contact: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil