5th Brigade JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC)Mesquite Independent School District Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Lions camp

Quick Summary

The Department of the Army, MICC-FT KNOX, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing comprehensive support services for the Mesquite Independent School District JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Lions camp. This non-personal services contract aims to support 70 Cadets and 20 Cadre from June 1-4, 2026. The required services include co-located lodging, training facilities, meal services, furniture, equipment, supplies, medical services, tools, management, and labor. The contractor facility must be located within 100 miles of East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX. Responses are due by May 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.

Scope of Interest

The Government seeks a contractor to provide all necessary resources for the JCLC STEM Lions Camp Challenge. This encompasses leadership skill development, STEM activities, citizenship exercises, peer interaction, and adventure training. Specific requirements detailed in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) include:

• Lodging: Climate-controlled, non-smoking facilities with running hot water, toilets, showers, and sinks. Separate male and female quarters, with one individual per bed/cot and a maximum of two per room.
• Meals: Provision of 810 total meals (270 breakfast, 270 lunch, 270 dinner) in an indoor, full-service dining facility. The contractor is responsible for all food, condiments, serving equipment, and cleanup.
• Training Facilities: Must include lodging, dining, swimming pools with lifeguards, high/low ropes course with certified trainers, a pavilion, survival training area, archery range, sports fields, indoor classroom, secure storage, and administrative support.
• Medical Support: Availability of 24-hour medical coverage facilities.
• Personnel: Contractor personnel must maintain a professional demeanor, adhere to food safety and OSHA regulations, and identify themselves as contractor staff.

Anticipated Contract Details

This requirement is anticipated to be a Firm Fixed Price service contract. The primary NAICS code is 721214 (Recreational and Vacation Camps) with a size standard of $9 million. The U.S. Government intends to pursue this as a Small Business Set-Aside if two or more qualified small businesses respond with sufficient information to support such a designation.

Response Requirements

Interested small businesses are requested to provide:

1. Firm details: Name, POC, phone, email, DUNS, CAGE, small business status (SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.), and NAICS code.
2. Interest as a prime contractor, including any subcontracting, joint ventures, or teaming arrangements.
3. Detailed previous experience on similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government or commercial, pertinent certifications).
4. Information on commercial availability, including pricing, basis for pricing, delivery schedules, and customary terms.
5. Recommendations on structuring contract requirements to facilitate small business competition.
6. Identification of any conditions restricting competition, with rationale (contact Scott Kukes, MICC Advocate for Competition, at scott.d.kukes.civ@army.mil or 520-944-7373).
7. Recommendations to improve the approach, specifications, or draft PWS/PRS.

Key Dates & Contacts

• Responses Due: May 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET (Fort Knox local time).
• Primary Contact: Renete Barnett-Morgan (renete.l.barnett-morgan.civ@army.mil)
• Secondary Contact: Ranetta DeRamos (ranetta.m.deramos.civ@army.mil)