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), issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), is a continuous opportunity to rapidly acquire and deliver innovative solutions to the Warfighter. This solicitation supports all Army Mission Areas, aiming to revive the industrial base and maximize Army lethality through commercial technology advancements and research and development. It also highlights procurements subject to the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). The AOS will remain open in perpetuity until canceled by the U.S. Army.
Scope of Work
ACC-APG seeks 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. Example Army Areas include 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, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Contract & Timeline
This solicitation is open-ended and will remain active indefinitely. Awards may utilize various authorities, including:
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) – Other Competitive Procedures
- FAR 35.016 Broad Agency Announcement / DFARS 235.016
- 10 U.S.C. §4021 (Other Transactions for Research), §4022 (Prototype Projects), §4023 (Experimental Purposes), §3458 (Innovative Commercial Products/Services via CSO)
- Employee Stock Ownership Pilot (ESOP) Program
Individual Calls for Solutions issued under the AOS will have specific, limited response periods.
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 involves up to three phases: Solution Brief, Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal. Detailed procedures are outlined in Attachment 1 - AOS Active Capability Gap (ACG) Procedures.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" as amendments on SAM.gov for particular needs. These Calls will detail submission requirements, evaluation procedures, and may involve phases like solution briefs, white papers, demonstrations, or live pitches.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Companies must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI), be registered in SAM, and the government invoicing system (Wide Area Work Flow). They must represent their small business size and status. No specific set-aside is designated for the overall AOS, but broad participation is encouraged. Offerors must identify any potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs).
Additional Notes
RFIs posted under AOS are for market research only and do not guarantee a subsequent Call for Solution. Amendments to the AOS document will be highlighted in yellow. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations. The Government does not fund preparation of solution briefs/proposals.