Army Open Solicitation (AOS): Continuously Open Contracting Vehicle — 16-Day RFP-to-Award, No Submission Deadlines

Technologies
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Army Open Solicitation (AOS): Continuously Open Contracting Vehicle for Commercial Technology

Source: U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) on LinkedIn (Jun 10, 2026)

SAM.gov Listing: Army Open Solicitation (AOS)

Overview

The Army Open Solicitation (AOS) is a continuously open contracting vehicle — no due date, no submission windows — designed to solicit and receive innovative technology submissions from across the industrial base. It launched in May 2025 and represents a fundamental shift from time-constrained, reactive contracting models to an “always open” framework.

The AOS aims to support all Army Mission Areas and to revive the industrial base in order to maximize the lethality of the Army.

Structure: Two Pathways

Pathway Description Timeline
Active Capability Gaps (ACGs) Continuously open submission where companies offer solution briefs aligned with Army mission areas. No deadline. Designed to attract vendors with unique solutions, including non-traditional defense contractors. ACC-RSA issued first ACG award within 16 days from RFP to contract award
Calls for Solutions (CFSs) Specific, government-issued requests for innovative solutions to defined challenges. Resembles traditional RFPs with tailored requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. Varies by CFS

Acquisition Authorities

The AOS leverages:

  • Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs)
  • Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs)

Both pathways are designed to maximize flexibility and encourage collaborative partnerships among traditional, non-traditional, and small businesses.

Results to Date (as of Dec 2025)

Metric Count
ACG submissions 53
ACG awards 3
CFS submissions 12
CFS awards 2
Mission partners using AOS CPE C3N, PEO Enterprise, PEO Soldier

PEO Soldier’s use of the AOS for the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program brought in 27 vendors. Using streamlined methods, they reduced the competitive range and executed the first award within one month.

Key Personnel

Name Role
Mr. Joseph Welch Executive Director, U.S. Army T2COM; PAE for C2 and Counter-C2
Ms. Danielle Moyer Executive Director, ACC-APG
Mr. Joseph Giunta Executive Director and SCO, ACC-RSA
BG Shane Taylor Capability Program Executive for C3N
BG RJ Mikesh Jr. PEO Enterprise (“likely to be the default solicitation vehicle for most of our work”)
COL Toby Birdsell PM Soldier Warrior (SWAR), PEO Soldier

Alignment with Army Transformation

The AOS aligns with the Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) structure, which aims to streamline procurement and requirements processes. BG Mikesh stated it will “likely be the default solicitation vehicle for most of our work” in FY26.

Per Joseph Welch: “AOS removes barriers on ingenuity that may hinder our industry partners. Our goal is to better match commercial-driven solution availability and avoid restricting technology innovation only to pre-determined windows of time.”

Implications for Industry

  • Always open: No submission deadlines for ACG pathway
  • Speed: 16-day RFP-to-award demonstrated
  • Broad access: Designed for traditional, non-traditional, and small businesses
  • Multiple authorities: CSO and OTA flexibility
  • Consistent channel: Vendors can present innovative concepts and participate in shaping future requirements at any time

References

*AI generated

PAE Fires Low-Cost Interceptor Industry Day — June 23, 2026 (Crystal City)
NAWCAD CRO Acquisition Strategy RFI — 5-Year Service Requirements Overhaul