Bid guide
How to bid on Synthetic Training Environment Virtual Software for the DEPT of Defense
What the Army is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense, specifically the Army Contracting Command, is looking for virtual software for a Synthetic Training Environment (STE). This software needs to create realistic combined arms training scenarios and allow for easy integration of new capabilities.
The Army wants solutions that provide a doctrinal gate to live fire, a true combined arms environment, full mission command concurrency, and an open system architecture with published SDKs and APIs. This allows for user manipulation and rapid integration of future capabilities. This is an opportunity for vendors to provide critical training technology to the Army.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The draft Call for Solutions (CFS) was posted on August 27, 2026. Questions about the draft CFS can be submitted between August 27 and September 9, 2026. The final CFS will be posted on September 10, 2026.
Industry Day and One on One sessions are scheduled for September 15-17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Solutions for the CFS are due by 10:00 AM ET on September 21, 2026. Down select notifications will be made on September 25, 2026, with anticipated awards for Lots 1-5 by November 6, 2026.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses specializing in professional services, particularly those with expertise in virtual software development, simulation, training environments, and open system architectures. Firms capable of developing software that supports combined arms training and integrates new capabilities will find this relevant.
The Army is seeking rapid, cost-effective, and technically sound solutions, making this a good fit for innovative companies in the simulation and training technology sector.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click the “View original source” button. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the button again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.
It is strongly recommended to use the “Follow” feature within SAM.gov for this notice. Log into your SAM.gov account, navigate to the notice page, click the three dots button in the upper-right corner, and select “Follow”. This ensures you receive email notifications of all amendments and updates, which will include direct links to the latest version of the posting.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Thoroughly review all attachments to both this solicitation and the parent Army Open Solicitation (AOS) posting for complete information. Pay close attention to the detailed objectives and submission requirements outlined in the full CFS document.
Prepare your questions for the draft CFS Q&A period to ensure clarity on any ambiguous requirements. If attending the Industry Day and One on One sessions, use this opportunity to gain further insight into the Army's needs. Focus your solution on clearly addressing the four operational outcomes specified: Doctrinal Gate to Live Fire, True Combined Arms Environment, Full Mission Command Concurrency, and Open System Architecture with published SDKs and APIs.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.