Academic Skills Testing (AST)
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 Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), on behalf of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), intends to solicit a single-award contract for Academic Skills Training (AST). This program aims to prepare Service members for professional growth and transition to the civilian workforce by providing access to quality postsecondary educational opportunities. Proposals are anticipated to be due March 25, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide a commercially available, computer-adaptive, asynchronous web-based course designed to improve cognitive, metacognitive, and non-cognitive academic skills from basic through pre-college levels. Key requirements include:
- Assessments: Formative, interim, and summative assessments with individualized learning paths driven by diagnostics.
- Instructional Content: Interactive modules, videos, and immersive elements tailored to multiple learning styles. At least 50% of examples must be relevant to Service members (e.g., military occupations, fitness, or history).
- Readiness Milestones: Definitive measures for ASVAB scores and introductory college course placement.
- Support Features: Course collaboration tools, student/administrator dashboards, and access to live course mentors/tutors for academic support.
- Performance Outcomes: The course must demonstrate a minimum 20% improvement in normalized pre- and post-test scores.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Single Award (FAR Parts 12 and 15)
- Set-Aside: 100% Small Business Set-Aside
- Duration: 12-month base period (May 30, 2026 – May 29, 2027) plus four 12-month option periods, potentially extending through March 2031.
- Anticipated Solicitation: Mid-to-late February 2026.
- Response Due: March 25, 2026.
Evaluation
This acquisition is a full and open competition restricted to small businesses. Evaluation will follow FAR Part 12 (Commercial Products and Services) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation) procedures.