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 for all Army Mission Areas. This solicitation aims to enhance Army lethality, transform capabilities, and revive the industrial base. It remains open in perpetuity, allowing industry partners to respond via Active Capability Gap (ACG) submissions or specific Calls for Solutions.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to identify and acquire 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 solicitation 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
- Advance Manufacturing
- Army Test and Evaluation
- Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience)
Contract Details
The AOS leverages various authorities, including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, 10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022, §4023, and §3458 (Defense Commercial Solutions Opening), and the Employee Stock Ownership Pilot Program. The default approach is to utilize Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with Other Transactions (OTs), but awards may also be made as contracts. Iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs. The solicitation will remain open until canceled by the U.S. Army.
Submission & Evaluation
There are two primary methods for industry to respond:
- 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 (optional). Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability.
- Call for Solutions: The Government issues specific "Calls" for needs via SAM.gov amendments. These Calls will outline their own submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and timelines, independent of ACG procedures. Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in SAM. They must also represent their small business size and status. The Government does not fund proposal preparation. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, subject to NDAs.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is an open solicitation with no specific set-aside for the overall program. However, companies must represent their small business size and status. Eligibility requires a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and SAM registration. Companies must be deemed responsible and not suspended or debarred.
Key Dates & Contacts
The Army Open Solicitation will remain open in perpetuity until canceled. Individual Calls for Solutions will have limited response periods. Primary Contacts: Kristin Height and Robin Delossantos (usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil).