DevX Autonomy: Open Call Solicitation for Innovative AUS Solutions
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) is accepting submissions for the Open Call Solicitation for Innovative AUS Solutions (W911NF-26-S-0040). This is a continuously open opportunity to get your autonomy or unmanned system solution into a government-facing platform that enables award without further competition if deemed “award-ready.”
This is not a traditional grant cycle. Instead, submissions are evaluated monthly, and strong solutions can move directly into contracting pathways. The open call runs from 30 December 2025 – 31 August 2026, with monthly submission cutoffs at 12:00 (Noon) Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the final day of each monthly collection period. Founders should treat each month-end deadline as a real submission opportunity.
How much funding would I receive?
Not specified in the solicitation, but typically between $500k - $2m.
No fixed award size, range, or ceiling is provided.
Pricing is determined later through negotiation prior to award.
What could I use the funding for?
The solicitation is seeking autonomy and unmanned systems (AUS) solutions across hardware, software, and services. Specific focus areas include:
Autonomous platforms (air, ground, maritime)
Payloads (sensors, communications, effectors)
Mission-enabling software/hardware
Lethal capabilities
Sustainment solutions (maintenance, fueling, deployment)
Subcomponents (motors, sensors, controllers)
Other disruptive autonomy solutions
Solutions may support:
Research and development
Prototyping
Testing and evaluation
Production and fielding
Sustainment
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Key benefits include:
Eligibility for future awards without further competition if deemed award-ready
Direct visibility to U.S. Government stakeholders
Feedback from Government Subject Matter Experts
Opportunity for multiple awards per submission
Access to rapid acquisition pathways
Simplified submission process (short video + form)
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Open call period: 30 December 2025 – 31 August 2026
Submissions are accepted continuously
Monthly deadlines:
12:00 (Noon) Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the final day of each monthly collection period
Review timeline:
Submissions are assessed in the following month
Results provided within 30 days after the end of the collection period
Funding timeline:
Not specified in the solicitation
Awards occur after selection and negotiation of terms
Where does this funding come from?
U.S. Army Applications Laboratory (AAL)
Under the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Research Triangle Park Division
Authorities cited include:
10 USC 4021, 4022, 3458
FAR Part 35
DFARS Part 235 and Subpart 212.70
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
U.S.-based companies (large and small)
Traditional and nontraditional defense contractors
Universities
Nonprofits and research institutions
Individual developers
Foreign entities (if compliant with applicable laws and export controls)
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Solutions are evaluated based on:
Technical merit
Technical approach and alignment with Army needs
Company and team qualifications
Clear definition of the problem
Higher likelihood of success if your solution:
Clearly solves a meaningful government problem
Demonstrates strong technical credibility
Aligns with Army priorities (open, scalable, supportable, repairable systems)
Shows real-world applicability or a clear path to maturity
Includes a compelling demonstration (especially for higher TRLs)
Final “award-ready” decisions are made by a Government Selecting Official (GSO) after peer review.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key constraints include:
Submissions must be:
Unclassified
Free of proprietary, export-controlled, or CUI content
Videos must:
Be ≤ 6 minutes
Meet strict formatting requirements
All submission costs are not reimbursed
Being deemed “award-ready” does not guarantee funding
Government receives broad license rights to use submitted materials
Only one solution per video submission
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The submission consists of:
A ≤ 6-minute video pitch
A structured submission form with company, technical, and solution details
This is significantly lighter than traditional proposals, but requires:
Clear messaging
Strong technical explanation
Demonstrated alignment with Army needs
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can:
Translate your technology into a compelling 6-minute video script
Position your solution against DevX evaluation criteria
Align your messaging with Army priorities and focus areas
Help structure your submission to maximize “award-ready” likelihood
Prepare you for resubmissions using assessor feedback
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.