Collective Joint Training

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Collective Joint Training services, issued under the Seaport program of multiple award IDIQ contracts. This requirement is a follow-on to task order N00189-24-F-3026. The incumbent is Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation.

The solicitation requires support for Joint Staff - Collective Joint Training. Specific tasks include:

• Elite Constellation (EC) Campaign Design and Control

• Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) Architecture and Synchronization

• Global Scalability and Technical Integration

• Management of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS)

• Support for PWS task areas including Joint Event Life-Cycle (JELC), Design, Planning, Preparation, Execution, and Analysis/Evaluation/Reporting Stages.

• Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)

• Period of Performance: Base period from 31 Aug 2026 to 28 Feb 2027, with multiple option periods extending through 31 Aug 2031.

• Estimated Level of Effort: 315,399 manhours for the base period, with a total of 3,153,986 estimated manhours if all options are exercised.

• Questions Deadline: 29 April 2026, 01:00 PM ET.

• Step One Submission Deadline: 22 April 2026, 10:00 AM EST. This involves a two-page description of similar contract experience, including Seaport contract number and DCAA accounting system status.

• Evaluation: A two-step process. Step One evaluates viability. Step Two evaluates viable competitors based on Performance Approach (more important) and Past Performance. Cost will be evaluated for realism.

• Quote Submission Deadline: 27 May 2026.

• This RFQ is NOT a small business set-aside.

• Offerors must be IDIQ awardees under the Seaport program.

• Quoters must submit quotes in two volumes: Volume I (Non-Cost) and Volume II (Cost).

• Security requirements include Top Secret clearance for personnel.

• Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) are estimated for each period and will be reimbursed in accordance with the PWS.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to Solicitation N0018926QD026 provides answers to vendor questions, modifies several sections of the solicitation, and extends the response due date.

Key changes include:

• Quote Validity: Updated to 150 days.
• Labor Categories: Clarified distinction between O&M and RDT&E labor categories.
• FAR/DFARS Clauses:
  • Removed: FAR 52.215-12 Subcontractor Certified Cost or Pricing Data (DEVIATION 2022-00001) and DFARS 252.215-7010 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data (DEVIATION 2024-00007).
  • Added: FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors and FAR 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services.
• Section L (Instructions):
  • Updated FAR clause references.
  • Modified the cover sheet requirement.
  • Revised "Quote Content Volume I - Non-cost quote" regarding Past Performance.
  • Updated "Volume II - cost" to remove specific language for other direct cost supporting data and added a table for "Other Direct Costs" plug-in amounts.
• Section M (Evaluation):
  • Updated language for Evaluation Criteria and Basis for Award (CPFF Best-Value Trade Off).
  • Added language and rating tables for Performance Approach.
  • Added definitions.
  • Updated Past Performance language and rating tables.
• Response Due Date: Extended from May 15, 2026, to May 27, 2026.

Sections A, B, I, L, M, and specific FAR/DFARS clauses have been modified.

The proposal submission deadline has been extended to May 27, 2026. Quoters should review all updated sections, particularly L and M, for changes in submission requirements and evaluation criteria.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses several vendor questions and clarifies aspects of the solicitation:

• Font Requirements: The solicitation's font requirements are considered clear as is.
• Proposal Validity: Step-Two quotes must be valid for a minimum of 150 days from submission.
• Timeline Notification: Viable and non-viable vendors have been notified regarding Step 2 timelines.
• ODC and Travel Costs: Quoters should use the plug-in numbers provided in Section B for Travel and ODC quoting purposes. Section B has been updated to distinguish O&M labor categories from RDT&E.
• CUI Handling: A DoD safe link can be requested for submissions containing CUI.
• FAR Clause Removal: FAR clause 52.215-12 and DFARS clause 252.215-7010 have been removed from the RFQ.
• Subcontractor Pricing: For subcontracts on other than a CPFF basis, information on whether subcontractor rates are fixed or proposed, and justification, is required.
• ODC Itemization: The requirement to itemize ODCs will be removed, as Section B provides predetermined amounts.
• ODC Inclusion in Section L: ODC information will be added to Section L, similar to travel amounts.
• Subcontractor Pricing Submission: Subcontractor pricing data can be submitted via email to matthew.f.pizzarelli.civ@us.navy.mil.
• Evaluation Criteria: Sections L and M of the solicitation have been revised to provide complete definitions for adjectival and confidence ratings, and clarify their application to evaluation factors.
• Performance Approach: The Performance Approach will result in a single adjectival rating. The government has not assigned specific weights to sample tasks or PWS areas but will evaluate comprehensiveness and quality across all required elements.
• Quote Submission: Quotes are to be emailed, and the requirement to identify the original copy will be removed. Section B requires the completion of contract line items.

Sections B, L, and M have been revised or clarified. Specific FAR and DFARS clauses have been removed.

Clarifications have been made regarding proposal validity, ODC and travel cost quoting, subcontractor pricing, and evaluation criteria. Some requirements regarding ODC itemization and original quote identification have been modified or removed.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment serves to provide answers to questions received in response to the RFQ.

• Past Performance Information Form: The Past Performance Information Form is now attached to the SAM.gov RFQ posting under attachments. It was not previously part of the solicitation, nor has there been an adjustment to how offerors present their past performance.

• Basis for Increased Hours: The increase in the estimated level of effort, compared to the incumbent requirement, is due to newly added PWS tasks and an increase in scope.

• The Past Performance Information Form is now an attachment.

• The PWS tasks and scope have been updated, leading to an increase in estimated hours.

• Offerors should ensure they are using the attached Past Performance Information Form for their submission.

• The increase in estimated hours is explained by the expanded scope and new tasks.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Past Performance Information Form" intended for offerors to provide detailed information about their performance on previous contracts. This information is crucial for the government to assess the offeror's capability and likelihood of successful performance on the current opportunity.

• Name of Offeror
• Contract Number, order number, or identifier
• Customer Name & Location
• Customer Point of Contact (Name & Title)
• Telephone Number and Email Address
• Total dollar amount (receipts) for this effort during the past five (5) years (including annual estimated contract amount and amount of orders performed for ordering vehicles)
• Number of personnel (FTE) performing per year (avg.)
• Period of Performance (From/To)
• Detailed description of the work performed (sufficient to demonstrate relevance to the solicitation)
• Quality, delivery, or cost problem(s); corrective action(s) taken; and effectiveness of the corrective action(s)
• Subcontractor(s) Utilized (description of work performed and annual dollar value)

Offerors must complete this form accurately and thoroughly to provide a referenceable past performance record. The details provided will be used by the government to evaluate the offeror's experience and ability to meet the requirements of the solicitation. Failure to provide complete information may negatively impact the evaluation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for Collective Joint Training services, issued under the Seaport program of multiple award IDIQ contracts. It is a follow-on to a previous task order and is intended to procure services for the Joint Staff, specifically for the Deputy Directorate for Joint Training (DDJT) and Collective Joint Training (CJT) support. The government is seeking a "best-value trade-off" approach.

The core requirement involves providing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) for Collective Joint Training (CJT) support. This includes tasks related to:

• Elite Constellation (EC) Campaign Design and Control

• Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) Architecture and Synchronization

• Global Scalability and Technical Integration

• Management of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS)

• Support for various PWS task areas including Design, Planning, Preparation, Execution, and Analysis.

• The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).

• The period of performance includes a Base Period and five Option Periods, extending potentially through August 2031.

• The estimated total direct labor manhours for the base period is 315,399, with a potential increase to 3,153,986 manhours if all options are exercised.

• Questions Deadline: April 29, 2026, 01:00 PM ET.

• Step One Submission Deadline: April 22, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. This involves a two-page description of experience, statement of DCAA-approved accounting systems, and Seaport contract number.

• Step Two Submission: Requested from viable competitors from Step One, involving technical and cost quotations.

• Evaluation Factors: Non-cost factors (Performance Approach and Past Performance) are more important than cost. Performance Approach must be rated "Acceptable" or better. Past Performance requires a "Satisfactory Confidence" rating. Quotes will be evaluated for cost realism.

• The solicitation is not a small business set-aside.

• It is issued under the Seaport program, implying potential eligibility for IDIQ contract holders.

• Offerors are cautioned not to alter the solicitation. Affirmative exceptions may render the offer ineligible.

• The document details extensive requirements for labor categories, travel costs, packaging, inspection, contract administration, and security clearances (Top Secret/SCI).

• Specific attachments include QASP, Surveillance Plan, PWS, Statement of Objectives, Deliverables Table, Minimum Labor Category Requirements, Past Performance Information Form, DD 254, and Acronyms list.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for supporting the Joint Staff J7 Deputy Directorate for Joint Training (DDJTE) in executing its mission to develop, deliver, and enable joint training and a Joint Lessons Learned Program (JLLP). The goal is to enhance the operational effectiveness of the current and future joint force through a concept-driven, threat-informed capabilities development approach, supporting globally integrated joint operations and increasing warfighter readiness.

• Core Capabilities: Providing event planning, design, preparation, and execution for various joint training events, including Elite Constellation (EC) campaigns, Globally Integrated Exercises (GIE), Multi-Combatant Command (MCC) Command Post Exercises (CPX), Combatant Command (CCMD) events, and Service events.

• Joint Training System (JTS) Support: Assisting across all phases of the JTS (Requirements, Plans, Execution, Assessment) to ensure the joint force is trained and prepared.

• Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC) Support: Providing comprehensive support throughout the JELC, from design to analysis, including scenario development, control, and execution.

• Emerging Technologies Integration: Exploring and incorporating AI-driven tools, CJADC2 tools, and advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) to enhance efficiency, realism, and effectiveness.

• Functional Areas: Providing expertise in Sustainment, Intelligence, Interagency, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)/Integrated Air Missile Defense (IAMD), Space Operations, Electromagnetic Warfare/Spectrum (EW/EMS), Information Environment (IE), and Orders Writing.

• Security: Adhering to strict security requirements, including TS/SCI clearances for certain roles, and safeguarding classified information and facilities.

• Deliverables: Preparing and submitting various reports, plans, and documentation as detailed in the PWS attachments.

• Deliverables must meet defined standards.

• Compliance with all applicable policies, guidance, and instructions is required.

• Performance is measured against tasks and deliverables outlined in the PWS.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implies ongoing support.

• Place of Performance: Primarily at Joint Staff J7 facilities in Suffolk, VA, with potential for remote work and on-site support at other Government or Contractor sites CONUS or OCONUS.

• Personnel Qualifications: Specific labor categories with defined experience, education, and security clearance requirements (Secret, TS/SCI).

• Cybersecurity: Compliance with DoD 8140.03 for cybersecurity functions and completion of required training.

• Travel: Contractor personnel may be required to travel CONUS and OCONUS to support exercises and events.

• Government Furnished Equipment (GFE): Workspace, computers, and basic equipment will be provided by the Government.

• Reporting: Monthly Financial Reports, Monthly Status Reports, Weekly Activity Reports, and other specific reports are required.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain substantive information related to the SAM.gov opportunity. It serves as a technical notification for PDF viewing issues.

Other / Unclassified

This document is Attachment III – Acronyms for the Collective Joint Training Performance Work Statement (PWS) from the Joint Staff J7 Deputy Directorate for Joint Training (DDJT). It provides a comprehensive alphabetical list of acronyms used within the PWS and related joint training documentation.

This document serves as a critical reference for bidders to understand the terminology used in the full Performance Work Statement (PWS) and other related opportunity documents. Familiarity with these acronyms is essential for accurately interpreting requirements, scope of work, and technical specifications, thereby enabling bidders to prepare a more precise and compliant proposal.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to ensure the Government has an effective and systematic method for surveillance of services required by the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Its primary purpose is to verify that the contractor performs all required services in a timely, accurate, and complete fashion.

• Critical Performance: Timely, accurate, and thorough completion of all contract/task order requirements.

• Schedule: Assessment of deliverables and schedule accomplishment against original due dates and milestones.

• Deliverables: Assessment of submitted deliverables against specifications in the PWS, attachments, and CDRLs for content, quality, timeliness, and accuracy.

• Cost: Monitoring contractor expenditures and analyzing the impact of inaccurate assertions, accelerated due dates, or lack of personnel.

• Past Performance: Assessment of contractor's record conforming to contract requirements, good workmanship, cost control, schedule adherence, cooperative behavior, and customer satisfaction.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): Surveillance of QC activities, inspections, and corrective actions completed as required by the plan (Quarterly for overall QC activities, As Required for corrective actions). Acceptable Quality Level: 100% Compliance with the contractor plan.

• Contract Deliverables: 100% inspection of all contract deliverables. Acceptable Quality Level: >95% of deliverables submitted timely and without rework required.

• Overall Contract Performance: Assessed annually by the COR, with an acceptable quality level of all performance elements rated Satisfactory or higher.

• Invoicing: Monthly review and acceptance of invoices for timeliness and accuracy. Acceptable Quality Level: 100% accuracy.

Not explicitly detailed in this document, but performance is monitored throughout the contract/task order performance period(s).

• Incentives/Disincentives: Failure to achieve satisfactory performance may result in termination, loss of future contracts, or non-exercise of options. The Government may issue a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) for items not meeting acceptable levels, requiring the contractor to reply with preventative measures. Contractors are incentivized to provide quality products in a timely manner to maximize profit and avoid additional fees for rework.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the Contract Administration Plan (CAP) for Cost Type Contracts. It details the delineation of duties and responsibilities among various government offices and personnel involved in contract administration.

• Procuring Contract Office (PCO): Handles pre-award duties, solicitations, negotiations, awards, and changes to contract terms.
• Contract Administration Office (CAO): Manages administrative matters as specified in FAR 42.302, unless otherwise designated.
• Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA): Responsible for audit verification, provisional approval of invoices, and final audit.
• Paying Office: Processes payments for accepted invoices.
• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Serves as the primary interface with the contractor for technical matters, contract surveillance, invoice review, and acceptance. The COR provides technical instructions, monitors performance, reviews invoices, and ensures quality assurance. Crucially, the COR cannot issue contractual changes or instruct the contractor on how to perform the work.
• Technical Assistant (TA): Provides administrative and monitoring support to the COR, assisting with tasks such as reviewing reports, identifying deficiencies, and preparing documentation, but cannot provide technical direction.

This document clarifies the points of contact and the specific roles of government personnel for contract administration. Bidders should understand who to contact for different types of inquiries (e.g., technical questions, invoice issues) and the limitations of each role, particularly the COR's authority regarding contractual changes. It emphasizes that only the PCO or CAO can modify contract terms.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the minimum labor category requirements for personnel providing Joint Staff J-7 Deputy Directorate for Joint Training and Exercises (DDJTE) Collective Joint Training support.

• Defines labor categories, knowledge/skill descriptions, and experience/education levels required for contractor personnel.

• Specifies requirements for various roles including Program Management, Task Order Project Lead, Expert Advisors, Operational Environment (OE) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Training Support & Operations Specialists, JTT Quality Assurance Specialists, and various Technical Specialists (e.g., AI Integration Coordinator, EW/Cyber SME, Information Operation Specialist, Space SME).

• Details experience and education requirements for each labor category, including specific degrees, years of experience, and specialized training.

• Includes a substitution chart for education and experience equivalencies.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, as it focuses on labor category requirements rather than performance metrics for services.

• Not specified in this document.

• Personnel must possess required security clearances, licenses, certifications, and training.

• Specific labor categories have detailed experience and education requirements, including degrees, years of operational experience, and specialized knowledge in areas like joint operations, intelligence, cyber warfare, and simulation.

• Some roles require specific certifications (e.g., IAT, IAM, CISSP, CEH) and graduates of specific military colleges (e.g., War College, JAWS).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the deliverables and associated requirements for Collective Joint Training, managed by the Joint Staff J7 Deputy Directorate for Joint Training (DDJT).

The document details various deliverables required for the Collective Joint Training, including:

• Collection Management Plan (CMP)
• Analytical Research and Planning Documentation
• JTT Documentation
• Exercise Plan
• Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
• Event In-Progress Review (IPR) Presentations
• Exercise Portals
• Exercise Control Group IM/KM Plan
• Exercise Support Manning Document (ESMD)
• Room Build and Floor Plan
• Event Systems Identification
• Exercise Watch Bill
• Exercise Control Plan (ECP)
• Training Annex
• Mini-Exercise (MINIEX) Annex and Checklist
• Communication Exercise (COMMEX) Annex and Checklist
• Information Management (IM)/Knowledge Management (KM) Annex
• Concept Briefing
• OE Synchronization Matrix
• OE Event Matrix
• Orientation Brief
• Scenario
• Road to Crisis (RTC)
• In-Exercise Scenario
• RTC and Scenario Briefing
• Force and Base Lay-Down
• Access, Basing, and Overflight (ABO) Chart
• Adjudication Procedures
• Adversary Campaign Plan, OPFOR CONOPS, Adversary Brief, Adversary Cyberspace and Influence Capability Analysis Playbooks
• Adversary IE Events Matrix
• OPFOR Reference Books and Catalogues
• Friendly Forces Reference Books and Catalogues
• Master Scenario Event List (MSEL)
• Strategic Messaging
• CJCS Level Orders
• Modify Rules of Engagement (ROE)
• Scenario Events Matrix
• Sustainment Database/STARTEX Data Requirements List, Sustainment Annex for Exercise Order, Sustainment Cell Movement and Logistics Plan, Sustainment Exercise Planners Seminar, Interagency inputs to scenario (activities or events), Missile Defense Master IAMD Training Plan, Air Defense Annex, IAMD Operation Orders, BMD Analysis, Missile Defense Materiel Solutions, IAMD Safety Risk Assessments, Progress Results, Space Operations Input
• EW/EMSO activities and effects, ELINT parametric data, Information Environment (IE) Material, Replicated Media, Road to Crisis (RTC) Video, News Report, Special Report, Documentary Report, Media and Video Support Plan, Video Library
• Intel POA&M, Intel Manning Roster, Consolidated Intelligence Support Request (CISR), Intel Scripting Working Group (ISWG) Documentation, Target packages, Intel Collection Plan, PAI / OIE plan
• NOSC Watch Bill, Security Incident Report, JTEN Network Outage Report, Usage and Availability Statistics, JTEN Master Operations Schedule
• Level I and II Help Desk Support, Trouble Ticket System, Event Weekly Status Report, JTEN NOSC Pass-down Report
• M&S, C4I, Intel Operators, Integrators, and Analysts Manning and Support Plan, COP Management and C2 Architecture, Joint Interface Control Officer Duties and Responsibilities
• Operational Task Order Common Operational Picture (OPTASKCOP) and Operational Task Order Tactical Link (OPTASKLINK) Reports, M&S, C4I, and Intel Operator Manning and Support Plan, I/C Manning and Support Plan, Training Audience Order of Battle (OOB), M&S, C4I, Intel and I/C Scheduling Documents, M&S User's Course Program of Instruction (POI), M&S User's Course Memorandum of Instruction (MOI), Order of Battle (OOB)
• OOB Change Log, Operational Environment Synchronization Matrix, Facilitated After Action Review (FAAR), After Action Reviews (AAR), Post Exercise Report
• DTD, DTT & SLE Training, Academic Seminar Summaries and Recordings, Post Event Products, Tailored Reports and Documentation
• Lessons Learned and Assessment Resolution and Documentation Dissemination, JLLIS Documentation
• SCIF Access Roster, SCIF Audit Log, SCIF Opening and Closing Letter, SCIF Inspection Book, SCIF Inspection Deficiency Report, Training Roster, Security Incident Report, SCIF Combination Control Document, COMSEC Annual Inspection Checklist, COMSEC Training Documentation, COMSEC Emergency Action Plan, COMSEC Access Roster
• Defense Reutilization Management Office (DRMO) Inspection Report, Staffing Plan and Operating Strategy, Portal and Shared Drives, Portal, Collaboration Platforms, and Shared Drives, Post Award Kick-off Meeting Brief, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Joint Staff Taskings/Tasker Log; Repository Training, Joint Training Assessment, DDJTE Long Range Calendar
• Event Space Scheduling, Joint Training Handbook and Academic Instruction, Out-of-Cycle (OoCR) Summary, Phased Transition Plan, Quality Control Plan, Monthly Financial Report, Monthly Status Report (MSR), Weekly Activity Report (WAR) Submission, Conference checklists, Visitor Information Booklet, Conference website or web portal, Working Group minutes and due-outs, NKE Status Report (NSES), Weekly Status Report, After Action Reports, Power BI Reports, JLVC MOD Exercise Reports, AI Integration Report

The period of performance is not explicitly stated, but deliverables are tied to various stages of exercises and events, implying an ongoing or cyclical performance period.

• Specific due dates are provided for each deliverable, often tied to exercise phases (e.g., prior to IPC, MPC, FPC, or execution).
• Various Points of Contact (POCs) are identified for each deliverable, including Desk Officers, Branch Chiefs, Event Planners, and other specified personnel.
• Compliance with various directives, SOPs, and guidance is implied for many deliverables.