Accelerating Supervisor Capabilities, Effectiveness, and Development (A.S.C.E.N.D) Cohort Development Program
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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Shared Services Center, is soliciting proposals for the Accelerating Supervisor Capabilities, Effectiveness, and Development (A.S.C.E.N.D) Cohort Development Program. This pilot program aims to strengthen core supervisory capabilities and advance leadership readiness for mid-career NASA supervisors. This is a Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by April 20, 2026, 12 p.m. CT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will develop and deliver three (3) six-month, cohort-based leadership development programs. The curriculum must be fully customized, aligning with OPM Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), NASA Administrator's Leadership Expectations, and NASA Supervisor Core Competencies. The program will utilize a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person sessions. Key activities include program orientation, kickoff sessions, two in-person modules, and two virtual intersessions. The contractor is responsible for supporting post-program measurement, sustainment, and reporting, and must provide 508 compliant instructional materials. Qualified personnel with expertise in leadership development and adult learning are required. The program targets mid-career supervisors (5-10 years of experience), with each cohort accommodating up to 50 participants. The contractor will administer and debrief assessments such as CliftonStrengths, DiSC, TKI, and WellQ 360.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (TBD)
- Period of Performance: Begins one week after award and remains active through December 2028, including one pilot program with an option for up to two additional offerings.
- Set-Aside: Small Business
- NAICS Code: 611430 (Education Services)
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: April 20, 2026, 12 p.m. CT
- Questions Due: April 16, 2026, 12 p.m. CT (via email only)
- Evaluation: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process. Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer is technically acceptable and represents the best value.
- Eligibility: Offerors must be registered at www.sam.gov. Facilitators must be US citizens with a valid passport or REAL ID for in-person access to Government facilities.
Key Clarifications
The curriculum is expected to be fully customized, with an initial expectation of 30% tailored and 70% standardized content after development. An experiential learning module will be delivered by a separately awarded third-party contractor; the selected vendor must attend in an observational capacity and integrate case studies. In-person sessions will be held at a NASA Center (e.g., ARC, GRC, GSFC) and the experiential learning in the Pennsylvania/DC area. NASA will provide DiSC and TKI assessment tools, but the vendor must provide qualified debriefers. The vendor is responsible for providing the WellIQ 360 assessment tool and its debriefers. Travel costs for in-person modules must be included in the total proposed price. The proposal deadline will not be extended.