Advanced Cyber Industry Training (ACIT)
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, US Army Cyber School, Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) at Fort Gordon, Georgia, has issued a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition for Advanced Cyber Industry Training (ACIT). This non-personal services contract aims to procure specialized cyber training and certifications from SANS Innovation Center to support the Army’s Advanced Cyber Operations-Academics (ACO-A), 170A Cyber Warfare Technician WOIC, and 170A Cyber Warfare Technician WOAC courses. This is a recurring requirement, with previous sole-source awards to SANS.
Scope of Work
The contract requires the establishment, administration, and execution of the ACIT Service Contract. Key deliverables include:
- Three iterations annually of the ACO-A functional course, comprising eight SANS courses and six Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) certifications (GPEN, GWAPT, GDAT, GCFA, GXPN, GRTP), each with two practice tests.
- Two iterations annually of the 170A Cyber Operations Technician WOAC and 170A Cyber Warfare Technician WOIC courses, including specific SANS courses and GIAC certifications (GCFA, GNFA, GCFR).
- An optional 6-month extension (FAR Clause 52.217-8) would add ten SANS courses, eight GIACs, and two practice tests per GIAC.
- Specific SANS courses mentioned include SEC560, SEC542, SEC580, SEC565, SEC599, SEC660, FOR508, FOR572, and SEC699.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 3 years, consisting of an eleven-month base year (February 24, 2026, to January 20, 2027) and two option years (January 21, 2027, to January 20, 2029). A potential 6-month extension is available (January 21, 2029, to July 20, 2029).
- Estimated Value: $15.9 million.
- Funding: Fiscal Year 2026 Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA) funds.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This procurement is conducted on an "Other than Full and Open Competition" basis. Market research, including a Sources Sought notice posted on SAM.gov on January 12, 2026, identified SANS Innovation Center as the only technically capable provider for the required curriculum and certifications. SANS Innovation Center is the sole provider of SANS training and GIAC certifications, with no authorized resellers.
Additional Notes
This is a recurring requirement for the US Army Cyber School. Alternatives such as other enhanced training, in-house personnel, or suspending operations were deemed not viable. This justification indicates no formal proposal submission process is being conducted.