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) is a continuous opportunity from the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) to acquire innovative commercial technology and research & development solutions. It aims to support all Army Mission Areas, maximize lethality, and revive the industrial base. This solicitation enables rapid acquisition and delivery of solutions to the Warfighter, including procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS seeks to obtain 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 solicitation 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
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Army Test and Evaluation
- Data Engineering and Software (including MOSA, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, SCRM, Kill Chain Resilience)
Contract & Authorities
The Army intends to make awards by maximizing existing authorities, including:
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for competitive procedures and Broad Agency Announcements (BAA).
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) for BAAs and competition.
- 10 U.S.C. §4021, §4022, §4023, §3458 for research projects, prototype projects, experimental purposes, and innovative commercial products/services (Commercial Solutions Opening - CSO). The default approach is to utilize CSO with Other Transactions (OTs), but awards may be made as contracts or OTs. Iterative prototyping is a supported development methodology, and successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties can respond via two primary methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Industry partners submit solution briefs addressing specific Army Example Areas. The ACG process, detailed in Attachment 1, involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory, 5 written pages or 15 slides), Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal (optional). Solution Briefs are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for solutions as amendments on SAM.gov. These Calls will detail their own submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them. RFIs may also be posted for market research.
Eligibility & Notes
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). They must represent their small business size and status, be deemed responsible, and not be suspended or debarred. Non-traditional Defense Contractors are encouraged to participate. The AOS will remain open in perpetuity until canceled, but individual Calls for Solutions will have limited response periods. The Government will not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, subject to NDAs. Contact: Kristin Height or Robin Delossantos at usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.