7BDE Memphis Shelby STEM
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army, MICC-FT KNOX, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses for food, lodging, training, and facility usage for the Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC)/STEM Leadership Academy. This requirement is anticipated to be a Total Small Business Set-Aside, contingent on sufficient small business responses. Responses are due by April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
This opportunity seeks non-personal services for a JCLC/STEM Leadership Academy for 220 cadets and 70 cadre. The program aims to increase youth awareness and interest in STEM careers and post-secondary education. The contractor will provide:
- Food, lodging, training program, and facility usage.
- All personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, and supervision.
- STEM training activities daily from 0900-1630.
- Classroom, lodging, office, nursing space, gymnasium, and dining facilities.
- Non-smoking housing with individual beds and bathroom facilities.
- Medical support (six nurses, one on call 24/7) and 10 chaperones.
- STEM equipment and related materials.
- Hot, nutritionally balanced meals (including 20 vegetarian options per meal, no peanuts).
- WIFI access in training and dining areas.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (for planning purposes only, not a solicitation)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), contingent on sufficient small business responses.
- NAICS: 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools) with a $34.5M size standard.
- Resource Working Group: May 15, 2026.
- JCLC STEM Camp: May 31, 2026 - June 5, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Vendor's facility within 100 miles of Jackson, TN.
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.
- Published: April 9, 2026.
Response Requirements
Interested small businesses should provide:
- Firm details (name, POC, phone, email, DUNS, CAGE, small business status/certifications, NAICS).
- Interest in competing as a prime, including any subcontracting/JV/teaming plans.
- Detailed past experience on similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Information on commercial availability, including pricing and terms.
- Recommendations for structuring contract requirements to facilitate small business competition.
- Identification of any conditions restricting competition.
- Recommendations to improve the draft PWS/PRS.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY for information and planning. It does not constitute a Request for Quote/Proposal and the Government is not seeking quotes at this time. Not responding does not preclude participation in future solicitations. The anticipated contract type is Firm-Fixed Price. Responses should be emailed to Amber Goetz (amber.m.goetz.civ@army.mil), Candice Hodges (candice.m.hodges.civ@army.mil), and Samuel M. Henderson (Samuel.m.henderson1.civ@army.mil).