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Army questions best route to launch a new app that can alert troops about their posts

The service is soliciting feedback on its recently prototyped My Army Post app.
(Source: Getty Images)

The Army is conducting market research to determine the best path forward to release a smartphone app that troops can use for timely and true information about the facilities, conditions and supplies on any military installations where they’re visiting or stationed. 

In October, the service’s Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George first told DefenseScoop about how he’d charged a team of Army Software Factory technologists to prototype such a tool — dubbed then “My Army Post” — in a bid to improve soldiers’ and their families’ lives with support from technology. 

Following that, the Army now “requires development of an enterprise mobile application that portrays a responsive, user-centric solution to address the specific challenges and demands faced by soldiers, dependents, retirees, Department of the Army Civilians, and installation visitors entering and exiting military installations,” and is tailored for each specific post, according to a new contracting document.

“An initial version of the mobile app, ‘My Army Post,’ was developed by the Army Software Factory (ASWF). It is undetermined if this requirement will incorporate use of ASWF efforts or if a new app will be requested to be developed by industry. Feedback from industry could assist in shaping any related technical requirements,” officials wrote in the sources sought synopsis. 

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That 7-page document outlines a variety of features that Army leadership envisions for the final product, including information about local housing, spouse employment and child care options; senior commander messaging capabilities; map navigation and real-time gate traffic alerts; and more.

Officials confirmed that “this requirement may be set aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition, and multiple awards may be made” based on responses they receive to this request. 

Notably, they also state explicitly that the “requirement will necessitate servers capable of handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) materials, Federal Employees and Contractors Only (FEDCON) shared with Department of Defense (DoD) contractors.” 

Those interested in providing feedback to the Army are asked to address 7 questions in their responses. Among other topics, officials want input on pricing and the contract types that could make the most sense for this pursuit — and on appropriate data and software rights. 

Responses are due by Dec. 6. 

Brandi Vincent

Written by Brandi Vincent

Brandi Vincent is DefenseScoop’s Pentagon correspondent. She reports on emerging and disruptive technologies, and associated policies, impacting the Defense Department and its personnel. Prior to joining Scoop News Group, Brandi produced a long-form documentary and worked as a journalist at Nextgov, Snapchat and NBC Network. She grew up in Louisiana and received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland.

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