Call for Solution - Acquisition Data Nexus (ADN) Initiative

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Call for Solution" from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), specifically from the Chief Automation and Data Integration Office (CADIO). It seeks innovative solutions to address a fragmented data environment within the Army's acquisition enterprise. The goal is to establish a modern, layered architecture that separates enterprise-wide data integration services from PAE-specific business applications, enabling standardization and innovation. The initiative is named the Acquisition Data Nexus (ADN).

The call focuses on two main solution layers:

• Data Brokerage Layer (Enterprise-Wide Integration Services): This layer should provide seamless, bidirectional integration with authoritative Army acquisition systems (PMRT, VCE, ACWS) via APIs. It must be deployable in cARMY environments, meet DoD Impact Level 5 security, integrate with Army Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM), enforce flexible business rules, support dynamic data orchestration, be scalable, and function as a secure API-driven data backbone. It should not include visualization or user-facing applications.
• Application and Automation Layer (PAE-specific Business Process Tools): This layer requires an intuitive interface for PAEs to define and implement business processes and workflows without extensive technical expertise. It must also be deployable in cARMY environments, meet DoD Impact Level 5 security, be flexible, connect to the data brokerage layer, support workflow automation, provide relevant data visibility with access controls, and allow PAEs to govern their own tools independently. Innovative AI capabilities integration is desired for both layers.

Combined solutions integrating both layers are also sought.

The Government intends to award Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract(s) under FAR Part 12. However, the Government reserves the right to award Other Transaction(s) (OT) for Prototype Projects under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. This Call for Solution will utilize Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) procedures.

• Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
• Submission Method: Solution Briefs are to be submitted via email to the Contracting/Agreements Officer and Specialist.
• Evaluation Process: The process involves up to three phases:
  • Phase 1 - Solution Brief: A written technical submission detailing the solution's technical merit, relevance to the problem statement, and required attributes. Submissions will be evaluated based on Technical Merit, Schedule, ROM, and Intellectual Property (Data Rights).
  • Phase 2 - Pitch Session: Offerors whose Solution Briefs demonstrate technical merit may be invited to a pitch session (this phase can be bypassed).
  • Phase 3 - Solution Proposal: Selected offerors may be invited to submit a full Request for Solution Proposal (RSP).
• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Merit (primary), Schedule, ROM, and Intellectual Property (Data Rights).

Resellers and academic research proposals are not desired. SAM.gov registration is required for any award.

• Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for amendments.
• Solution Briefs are valid for 180 calendar days after submission.
• The Government may down-select awardees and reserves the right to issue multiple awards or no awards.
• Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations; offerors may enter NDAs directly with them.
• An Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) analysis is required with the submission.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding the Acquisition Data Nexus (ADN) Call for Solution. It clarifies various aspects of the solicitation, including technical requirements, integration strategies, security protocols, and submission guidelines.

• Solution Layers: Offerors can propose solutions for the Data Brokerage Layer, the Application and Automation Layer, or both. Solutions addressing only one layer will be considered.
• Integration: Solutions should integrate through the Data Brokerage Layer. Direct connections to authoritative systems are not consistent with the target architecture. API-based data access is anticipated.
• Platforms & Tools: Vendors are not strictly required to use only CIO-approved platforms or development tools, but any proposed solution must achieve an Authority to Operate (ATO) before production deployment. Leveraging CIO-approved platforms may streamline the ATO process.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Offerors are encouraged to articulate their AI integration methods, including suitable models and rationale. The Army provides access to foundational models (e.g., AWS Bedrock), but specific models may require separate authorization.
• Data Handling: The government is interested in solutions that can ingest and structure acquisition artifacts, but the primary intent of the Application and Automation Layer is to provide a flexible platform for defining business processes. The government desires a data mesh environment, keeping data distributed.
• Security: Solutions must be deployable in a Department of Defense Impact Level 5 (IL5) environment, subject to government hosting and authorization decisions. A fully adjudicated IL5 ATO is not required at Phase 1 submission, but a clear roadmap to achieve it is necessary.
• Timelines & Submission: The government will not extend the due date for Phase 1 submissions. Offerors should propose realistic timelines and clearly annotate any assumptions.

These clarifications provide detailed guidance on technical approaches, integration requirements, security postures, and submission expectations, enabling offerors to refine their proposals to better align with the government's objectives for the Acquisition Data Nexus.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix A, is the "Affirmation of Business Status Certification (ABSC)". It requires every significant participating entity in a potential contract to complete and provide a signature representing their certification. This form is essential for the Prime Offeror and any other legal entities involved.

• Entity Information: Requires Legal Entity Name, Industry Size Standard for NAICS, SAM UEI No., CAGE Code, Tax Identification No., Active SAM Registration status, Address, and POC Name/Title/Phone/e-mail.
• Business Status Certification: Entities must affirm if they are a Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC), a Nonprofit Research Institution (NRI), or a Traditional Defense Contractor. Definitions for NDC and NRI are provided.
• Prime Offeror Explanation: The Prime Offeror must provide an explanation on how they are satisfying requirements under 10 USC 4022(b)(d) (Appropriate Use of Authority), specifically addressing participation by Nontraditional Defense Contractors (NDC) or Nonprofit Research Institutions (NRI) to a significant extent, or if all significant participants are small businesses or NDCs, or if at least one-third of the total cost is from non-Federal sources.
• Specific Factors for NDC/NRI Participation: If applicable, bidders must explain the NDC/NRI contribution based on factors such as supplying new technology, novel applications, material increases in performance/efficiency/quality, accomplishing a significant project amount, reducing cost/schedule, or providing additional capabilities. Total estimated cost and percentage of NDC/NRI contribution must be provided.

This form is critical for bidders to complete accurately as it dictates their business status and how they qualify under specific authorities (e.g., 10 USC 4022(b)(d)). The information provided here will likely influence proposal evaluation and contract eligibility, particularly concerning the use of Nontraditional Defense Contractors or small business participation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Call for Solution" from the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), specifically from the Chief Automation and Data Integration Office (CADIO). It seeks innovative solutions to address a critical capability gap in efficiently managing, integrating, and utilizing program data across the Army's acquisition enterprise. The goal is to establish a modern, layered architecture that separates enterprise-wide data integration services from PAE-specific business applications, enabling standardization and innovation.

The solution should focus on two main layers:

• Data Brokerage Layer: A secure, API-driven data backbone that abstracts complexity from users, enabling seamless integration with authoritative Army systems (e.g., PMRT, VCE, ACWS) and supporting flexible business rules, dynamic data orchestration, and potential AI integration. This layer should not include visualization or user-facing applications.
• Application and Automation Layer: PAE-specific business process tools with an intuitive interface, allowing PAEs to define and rapidly implement their own workflows. This layer must connect with the data brokerage layer and support workflow automation.

Combined solutions incorporating both layers are also sought.

• Awarding Instrument: The Government intends to award Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) type contract(s) under FAR Part 12. However, the Government reserves the right to award Other Transaction(s) (OT) for Prototype Project(s) or to award to all, some, or none of the companies submitting proposals.

• Procedures: This Call for Solution will utilize Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) procedures.

• Submission Deadline: Solution Briefs are due by February 27, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).

• Submission Method: Submissions are to be sent via email to the Contracting/Agreements Officer and Specialist.

• Evaluation Process: The evaluation will occur in up to three phases:

  1. Solution Brief: A written technical submission addressing technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with objectives.
  2. Pitch Session: A technical demonstration or challenge for selected offerors.
  3. Solution Proposal: A full Request for Solution Proposal (RSP) for highly qualified offerors.

• Evaluation Criteria (Descending Order of Importance): Technical Merit, Schedule, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), and Intellectual Property (Data Rights).

• Resellers and academic research proposals are not desired.

• SAM registration is required for any award.

• Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for amendments.

• Solution Briefs will be valid for 180 calendar days after submission.

• The Government may down-select potential awardees and reserves the right to issue multiple awards or no awards.