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 solutions and commercial technology advancements for the Warfighter. This solicitation is open in perpetuity and covers all Army Mission Areas.
Purpose & Scope
The AOS aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technology, transform Army capabilities, and grow the industrial base to enhance the Army's competitive edge. It seeks innovative solutions, research and development, and prototypes to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements across a wide range of "Army Example Areas." These include, but are 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)
Submission Methods
Vendors can respond through two primary methods:
- Active Capability Gap (ACG): Submit solution briefs addressing specific Army Example Areas. This process involves up to three phases: Solution Brief (mandatory), Live Pitch (optional), and Solution Proposal (optional). Detailed procedures, including content requirements, page limits (5 written pages or 15 slides), and evaluation criteria (Technical Merit, Schedule, Viability), are outlined in Attachment 1 - AOS Active Capability Gap (ACG) Procedures.
- Call for Solutions: The Government will issue specific "Calls" for solutions as amendments on SAM.gov. These Calls will detail their own submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and timelines, and ACG procedures do not apply to them.
Contract Details
The AOS utilizes various authorities, including FAR, DFARS, and 10 U.S.C. authorities (e.g., for research projects, prototype projects, and acquiring innovative commercial products/services). The default approach is to use a Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) with Other Transactions (OTs). Awards may be made as contracts or OTs, with iterative prototyping supported. Successful prototypes may lead to follow-on production contracts or OTs.
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. Solution Briefs for ACG are evaluated on Technical Merit, Schedule, and Viability. The Government will not reimburse companies for costs incurred during the submission phases. Non-Government advisors may be used in evaluations, requiring appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Important Notes & Contacts
This solicitation is a Special Notice and will be updated frequently. All official updates and "Calls for Solutions" will be posted on SAM.gov. The Government does not fund the preparation of solution briefs or proposals. Contact: Kristin Height or Robin Delossantos at usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.army-open-solicitation@army.mil.