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 enhance Army lethality. This open-ended solicitation supports all Army Mission Areas and aims to revive the industrial base. It serves as a continuous mechanism for industry to propose solutions through Active Capability Gaps (ACG) or respond to specific Calls for Solutions.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technology, transform Army capabilities, and grow the industrial base. It targets innovative solutions, potential capabilities, and technological advancements that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide meaningful solutions across a wide range of Army Example Areas. These include, but are not limited to: Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, 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, and Data Engineering and Software.
Contracting Mechanisms
The Army utilizes various authorities, including FAR, DFARS, and 10 U.S.C. provisions (e.g., §4021, §4022, §4023, §3458), with a default approach of using 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.
Response Methods
Industry can respond via two primary methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Proactive submission of solution briefs addressing Army Example Areas. The ACG process involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory, 5 pages/15 slides), Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal (optional). Detailed procedures, including content requirements and evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, Viability), are outlined in Attachment 1.
- Call for Solutions: Responses to specific needs announced by the Government as amendments on SAM.gov. These Calls will specify unique submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines; ACG procedures do not apply to individual Calls.
Eligibility & Evaluation
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in SAM, and represent their small business size and status. Non-traditional Defense Contractors are encouraged to participate. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring NDAs. Offerors must perform an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) analysis.
Key Dates & Contacts
This Army Open Solicitation will remain open in perpetuity until canceled. Individual Calls for Solutions will have specific, limited response periods. Contact: Kristin Height or Robin Delossantos at usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.
Important Notes
All revisions to the AOS document are highlighted in yellow. Request for Information (RFIs) posted under AOS are for market research only and do not guarantee a subsequent Call for Solution. Only a warranted Contracting/Agreements Officer can contractually bind the Government.