DANTES CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to establish a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs. The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) on behalf of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) is procuring these services for U.S. Armed Forces serving in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. The contractor will provide accredited college instruction for undergraduate and graduate degree programs at National Test Centers and forward-deployed locations.

• Provide complete program management support for CENTCOM/AFRICOM Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs.

• Deliver accredited college instruction, undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

• Administer National Test Center services, including downrange locations.

• Provide academic courses and staff, and high-quality student services at various on-base sites.

• Ensure student degree progression and quality program delivery.

• Manage faculty qualifications and student evaluations.

• Provide course delivery and academic program counseling/advisement.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: One base year (including a two-month transition) and four one-year option periods, totaling approximately 5 years (May 31, 2026 – May 30, 2031).

• Estimated Award Date: May 30, 2026

• Quotations must be submitted via email by the deadline.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Quotations must be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail. Partial or incomplete quotations will be deemed noncompliant.

• Quotations are to be submitted in four volumes: Business Information, Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• Evaluation Factors (in descending order of importance): Technical Capability (Technical Approach and Methodology, Program Management, Staffing Plan, Transition-In Plan Schedule), Past Performance, and Price.

• Technical Capability and Past Performance combined are significantly more important than price.

• The Government intends to evaluate and make award without holding meaningful exchanges.

• Unrestricted requirement, subject to full and open competition.

• NAICS Code: 611310 - Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools, with a size standard of $34,500,000.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; no written solicitation will be issued.

• Questions are due by March 27, 2026.

• Solicitation Response Date: April 17, 2026.

• Funds are not presently available for this effort; refer to the PWS and Pricing Section for payment information.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ.

• Offerors are responsible for all costs of preparing and submitting a quotation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix D, provides information regarding contractor housing and meals provisioning for various CENTCOM locations. It details the availability of government-provided quarters and meals, transportation, and any sponsorship or personal transportation requirements for contractors operating in these regions.

• Bahrain: No government-provided quarters or meals; TDY personnel may use the Navy Lodge on a reimbursable basis.
• Jordan: Quarters and meals provided at government expense at 332 AEW and JTC Zarqa. Military provides airport transportation; only LOA/CAC/Passport required for entry. No sponsor needed.
• Kuwait: Quarters and meals provided at government expense at Camp Arifjan & Camp Buehring, and Ali Al Salem Air Base. Sponsorship is required for permanent personnel. Contractors may use a transportation company for airport transfers.
• Qatar: Quarters and meals provided at government expense at Al Udeid Air Base. Sponsorship is required for permanent personnel. Contractors must provide their own airport transportation.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Quarters and meals provided at government expense at Al Dharfa Air Base. Sponsorship is required for permanent personnel. Contractors must provide their own airport transportation.
• Saudi Arabia: Quarters and meals provided at government expense at Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB). Military provides airport transportation; only LOA/CAC/Passport required for entry. No sponsor needed.
• Emergency Transportation: In case of emergencies, the Government/US Military will provide transportation if the contractor cannot.
• Note: This appendix is for informational purposes. Consult the Foreign Clearance Guide for the most up-to-date country access information.

This information is crucial for bidders to understand the logistical support (or lack thereof) for personnel in different operational areas. It impacts cost estimations for housing, meals, and local transportation, and highlights requirements for sponsorship and necessary documentation (LOA/CAC/Passport) for base entry in certain locations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 - Pricing Table," provides the pricing structure for the solicitation H9821026QA001. It outlines the "Price Per Credit" for various program types across different periods of performance.

• Periods of Performance: Includes Base Period, Option Period One, Option Period Two, Option Period Three, and Option Period Four.
• Program Types: For each period, it lists "Program of Study" and specific program areas such as "Liberal Arts Programs," "Information / Cyber Security," "Homeland / Criminal Justice," and "Management and Business Administration."
• Pricing: A "Price Per Credit" column is provided for each program type within each performance period, intended for bidders to fill in their proposed rates.

This pricing table is essential for bidders to understand the cost structure associated with the services being procured. Bidders must use this document to input their proposed prices per credit for each program type and performance period, which will be a critical component of their proposal submission and evaluation.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for providing a variety of education programs and services to U.S. Armed Forces serving in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility (AOR). The goal is to offer educational opportunities comparable to those available to Service members in the Continental United States (CONUS), enabling them to achieve their educational and professional goals.

• Provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and non-credit courses.

• Deliver instruction through face-to-face, hybrid, and alternative learning formats.

• Offer academic, financial assistance advisement, and testing support services.

• Services are to be provided at military locations within the CENTCOM/AFRICOM AOR, with locations subject to change.

• Accreditation by recognized bodies is mandatory for all institutions and programs.

• Credits earned must be widely transferable and count towards degree programs.

• Programs and courses must maintain the same quality, sequence, and content as those offered at the home campus.

• At least 25% of courses must be offered in a traditional face-to-face format.

• Minimum class size of nine students (or six for graduate programs), with exceptions requiring COR approval.

• Reporting requirements include monthly status reports, comprehensive student enrollment reports, NTC quarterly reports, and academic degree completion reports.

• Services are to be provided in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs.

• Specific locations are subject to change and will be identified in Appendix A.

• Contractors must sign the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding.

• Contractors must be approved for VA funding and certified for federal student aid programs.

• Personnel must meet specific medical, dental, and psychological fitness requirements for the assigned AOR.

• Compliance with security requirements, including background investigations and Common Access Card (CAC) issuance, is mandatory.

• Contractors must provide all instructional equipment, materials, and supplies.

• Government will furnish facilities, utilities, and some logistical support.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix A to Solicitation H9821026QA001, details the "Place of Performance" for services under the CENTCOM area of responsibility. It outlines specific locations and the types of services (Undergraduate, Graduate, NTC) required at each.

• Key: Provides a legend for understanding the symbols used in the table:
  • *: Advisement only, supported by regional office, no on-site representative.
  • **: Future services will be requested when facility is available.
  • X: Onsite services required with physical presence.
• Locations: Lists various countries and specific sites within the CENTCOM area, including Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
• Programs/Services: Indicates the type of service required at each location (Undergraduate, Graduate, NTC) using the defined symbols.

This appendix is crucial for bidders to understand the geographic scope and the nature of services required at each performance location. It directly impacts resource allocation, logistical planning, and the ability to meet contract requirements at specific sites.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1b - Appendix B Academic Programs," outlines the academic programs and instructional delivery methods that the contractor is expected to provide. It serves as an appendix to the main solicitation.

• Instructional Delivery Methods: Specifies that services can be provided through traditional face-to-face, live-streaming, hybrid, and alternative delivery methods, potentially from within or outside the theater.
• Undergraduate Liberal Arts Programs: Details requirements for associate's or bachelor's degrees and undergraduate certificates in areas such as general education, communications, English, social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, business and management, information systems management, and foreign languages. All courses and credit hours must be accepted as resident credit.
• Graduate Programs: Lists specific graduate-level instruction areas, including Information/Cyber Security, Homeland/Criminal Justice, and Management & Business Administration. For Management & Business Administration, it specifies instruction leading to a Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Management in related fields.

This appendix is crucial for bidders to understand the specific academic disciplines and degree levels the government is seeking to procure. It directly informs the scope of services a bidder must be capable of providing and the qualifications of instructors or programs that would be acceptable.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix C National Test Center (NTC) Support, outlines the requirements for a contractor to provide National Test Center (NTC) services. This includes administering various electronic exams such as CLEP, DSST iBT, and Pearson Vue exams for military and civilian personnel.

• Exam Types: Contractor must support CLEP, DSST iBT, Pearson Vue, and other DANTES-funded electronic exams.
• Services: Provide test administrators, computer equipment, commercial internet, and technical support.
• Eligibility: Support eligible military and civilian personnel; other examinees on a space-available basis with approval.
• Fees: Contractor may charge a test administrative fee (not to exceed $75 for exams over three hours) to students. DANTES funds will pay standard fees for eligible examinees. Government is not liable for student fees.
• Agreements: Contractor must complete agreements with testing agencies (e.g., ETS, Prometric) within 60 days.
• Reporting: Provide quarterly and annual reports on test results, pass/fail rates, and test breakdowns by provider and service branch.
• Security: Notify COR and agencies of any test compromise or security breach within 24 hours.

This appendix details the specific services, operational requirements, reporting obligations, and fee structures related to providing NTC support. Bidders should review these requirements to understand the scope of work, necessary resources, and administrative responsibilities involved in operating a National Test Center.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix E - Contractor Personnel Support Table, outlines the requirements and privileges for contractor personnel supporting CENTCOM Education Services, specifically detailing visa requirements, employee and dependent privileges, and actions required upon termination or completion of assignment. It serves as a guide for understanding the logistical and administrative support provided to personnel operating under a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

• Employee Categories: Differentiates support based on CONUS hire, overseas hire, international travel, and TDY status.
• Visa Requirements: Specifies SOFA or In-Country Resident/Other Non-SOFA MBA Status.
• Employee Privileges: Details access to Common Access Card (CAC), Commissary, Exchange, Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR), and Emergency Medical Care.
• Dependent Privileges: Outlines dependent access to ID cards, Commissary, Exchange, MWR, and other services.
• Action Required Upon Termination/Assignment: Specifies procedures for returning ID cards and other government-issued items.
• Privilege Codes: Provides a key for understanding abbreviations used for privileges (CAC, C, E, MWR, MS).
• CAC Process: Includes a URL for the Common Access Card process.

This appendix is crucial for bidders to understand the operational environment and the support (or lack thereof) that will be provided to their personnel. It directly impacts staffing plans, cost estimations for employee benefits and access, and logistical considerations for personnel deployment and management. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately developing proposals and managing personnel effectively in the CENTCOM area of operations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Appendix F, the CENTCOM Contractor Operational Security Non-Disclosure Agreement. It outlines the minimum requirements for contractors to adhere to regarding operational security (OPSEC) in support of the CENTCOM OPSEC Program.

• Electronic Devices: Strict control and prohibition of personal electronic devices in government spaces. Company-issued equipment requires approval. Photography and recording are restricted.
• Information Disclosure: Prohibition of discussing government operations in public or over unencrypted communications. Sensitive or unclassified information transmission must follow PWS directives.
• Media Posting: Contractors shall not post sensitive government operations, personnel, or equipment information to company websites, publications, or other media.
• National Security Information: Restrictions on disclosing information that could reveal sensitive government operations, personnel, or equipment to unauthorized parties. This includes tactics, techniques, procedures, schedules, equipment details, and movement information. Unauthorized disclosures are punishable under 18 USC § 793.
• Identification: Government-issued badges must be concealed when off-station and not left in vehicles. Duplication, copying, or loaning of badges is prohibited. Lost or stolen badges must be reported immediately.
• OPSEC Practices: Contractors must practice OPSEC and implement countermeasures to protect sensitive unclassified information and military operations.
• Marking and Protection: Contractors are recommended to mark and protect internal schedules and deliverables. Specific government-provided information will be protected per the PWS.
• Information Destruction: All government information must be destroyed at contract termination or returned to the government.

This agreement details critical security and non-disclosure obligations that contractors must understand and comply with. Bidders should review these requirements carefully as they will impact personnel conduct, information handling, and operational procedures throughout the contract performance period and indefinitely thereafter.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix G, outlines the Cybersecurity Requirements for contractors working under this solicitation. It details the mandatory compliance standards, security protocols, and data handling procedures that must be adhered to when accessing or processing nonpublic Government data.

• Compliance Standards: Mandates adherence to DoD Instruction 8500.01, DoD Instruction 8510.01 Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST SP 800-53, DoD Directive 5400.11, DoD 6025.18-R, DoD 5200.2-R, and HSPD-12.
• Data Safeguarding: Requires administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for nonpublic Government data, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• System Accreditation: Contractor systems processing nonpublic data must be accredited under RMF, including obtaining an Authorization to Operate (ATO) and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment, and complying with FISMA requirements.
• Media Disposal: Mandates destruction of sensitive information media (hard drives, CDs, etc.) after sanitization.
• Information Handling: Contractors must treat DoD sensitive information as confidential, prevent unauthorized use/disclosure, and restrict access to authorized personnel.
• Prohibited Practices: Use of USB Flash drives is prohibited. Contractors must use government-provided email and resources; personal computers are not to be used for storing or transmitting government work.
• RMF for External Systems: Outlines requirements for Information Systems (IS), Platform Information Technology (PIT), and IT Services, including accreditation, security controls, and continuous monitoring.
• Cost Responsibility: Contractors are responsible for the cost of RMF processes and FISMA testing for their own networks/applications processing DoD information outside of a DoD enclave.

This appendix is critical for bidders to understand the cybersecurity obligations and costs associated with performing the contract. It details the stringent security requirements, compliance mandates, and potential penalties for non-compliance, which will impact resource allocation, system design, and overall contract execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix H, provides guidance on undergraduate and graduate areas of study that have been historically offered to military service members within the CENTCOM/AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. It serves as a reference for offerors, indicating that their proposed offerings will be compared against this list. It is explicitly stated that this list is not all-inclusive nor intended as mandatory offerings.

• Associate Degrees: Lists specific fields such as Accounting Management Studies, Business and Management, Computer Studies Psychology, Foreign Language Area Studies, Mathematics, and Women's Studies.
• Bachelor Degrees: Includes a broader range of fields like Accounting, Art History, Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Computer Networks and Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Management and Policy, Digital Media and Web Technology, Diversity Awareness, Economics, General Studies, History, Homeland Security, Human Resource Management, Humanities, Information Systems Management, Management Studies, Marketing, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, and Sociology.
• Graduate Degrees: Details Master's level programs including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Cloud Computing Architecture (MS), Master of Science in Cyber Operations (MS), Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy (MS), Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology (MS), Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (MS), Master of Science in Information Technology (MS), and Master of Science in Management (MS).

Offerors should review this list to understand the types of academic backgrounds that have been relevant to past requirements in the CENTCOM/AFRICOM AOR. This appendix will likely be used as a benchmark to evaluate the educational qualifications or proposed training programs within a bidder's proposal, particularly if the opportunity involves personnel with specific academic specializations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1i - Appendix I," is an appendix to a solicitation (Solicitation H9821026QA001) and provides a comprehensive list of abbreviations used within the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• The appendix lists numerous acronyms and their full meanings, covering a wide range of terms relevant to government contracting, military operations, and administrative processes.
• Examples include AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service), C.F.R. (Code of Federal Regulations), DoD (Department of Defense), FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), GSA (General Services Administration), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), PWS (Performance Work Statement), and SAM (System for Award Management).

This appendix is crucial for bidders to understand the terminology used throughout the solicitation documents, particularly the PWS. Familiarity with these abbreviations will aid in accurately interpreting requirements, deliverables, and other critical information necessary for preparing a compliant proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Section 508 Determination," outlines the agency's determination regarding compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for the "Overseas Degree Programs (FY26 to FY31) – DSSC.FY25-1203" acquisition. It details the applicable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards and any exceptions or exemptions that may apply.

• Requirement Title: Overseas Degree Programs (FY26 to FY31) – DSSC.FY25-1203
• Customer Agency/Organization: DANTES
• Applicable Standards: The document requires compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, including technical standards for Functional Performance Criteria, Electronic Content, Hardware, Software, and Support Documentation and Services.
• Exceptions/Exemptions: It lists potential exceptions (Legacy ICT, National Security Systems, Incidental contract items, Maintenance or monitoring spaces) and exemptions (Undue Burden, Fundamental alteration, Non-availability of conforming commercial products/services, Alternative means of access).
• Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms like Electronic Content, Hardware, Software, and Document.
• FAR Subpart 39.2: References the Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart concerning Information and Communication Technology.

Bidders should review this determination to understand the Section 508 accessibility requirements that will be incorporated into the contract. This document is crucial for ensuring that any proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions, including software, hardware, and electronic content, meet the specified accessibility standards. It also clarifies the conditions under which exceptions or exemptions might be granted, which could impact the scope of compliance required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) requested by a vendor interested in responding to Solicitation H9821026QA001 for Overseas Degree Program Education Support. The questionnaire is used to gather information on a contractor's past performance, which is a factor in the government's source selection process.

• Background: Briefly describes the requirement for educational services to military personnel in CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs.
• Point of Contact: Provides government POCs (Jada Weaver and Mike Carnley) and email addresses for submitting completed questionnaires by the RFQ due date.
• Previous Contract General Information: Fields for the evaluator to provide details about the contract being referenced (Contractor Name, Customer Agency, Contract Number, Period of Performance, Contract Value, Description of Service).
• Questionnaire Instructions: Explains the rating scale (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory) and provides definitions and notes for each rating, similar to CPARS.
• Performance Assessment: Sections for evaluators to rate the contractor on Quality of Product/Service, Schedule, Cost Control, Management/Business Relations, and Regulatory Compliance, with space for justification.
• Evaluator Information: Fields for the evaluator's contact details and signature.

Bidders should understand that their past performance will be evaluated using this questionnaire. They need to ensure that the companies or agencies they list as references are aware of this requirement and are prepared to complete the questionnaire accurately and promptly. The ratings provided in this questionnaire will directly impact the government's assessment of the bidder's past performance.