DCSA MPP Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
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 Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the FY26 Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). This initiative incentivizes large prime contractors (Mentors) to provide developmental assistance to small businesses (Protégés) to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This is a two-phase submission process for Reimbursable Agreements only. Initial White Papers are due 30 days after the announcement date.
Scope of Work
Mentors provide technical and business assistance to Protégés in alignment with DCSA technical priorities:
- IT Modernization: Accelerating National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) and cloud migration.
- Data & AI: Implementing advanced analytics, machine learning, and automated data ingestion for risk determination.
- Cyber & Industrial Security: Strengthening Zero Trust Architecture, Behavioral Threat Analysis (BTAC), and securing cleared facilities.
- Digital Workforce: Enhancing cybersecurity awareness and AI expertise.
- Protégé Pilot Initiative (PPI): An optional component for projects supporting engineering, software development, or manufacturing for the Warfighter.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Reimbursable Mentor-Protégé Agreements (MPAs).
- Duration: Up to 36 months (typically a 12-month base plus two 12-month options).
- Set-Aside: None specified; eligibility is based on Mentor/Protégé criteria.
- Deadlines: White Papers are evaluated quarterly (June 30, Sept 30, Dec 31, and March 31). The final response date is April 1, 2026.
Evaluation
Phase 1 White Papers (max 15 pages) are evaluated on alignment with DCSA/DoD priorities, technical approach, and cost reasonableness. Engineering and Technical Assistance must comprise at least 50% of proposed costs. Involvement of HBCUs, MSIs, or APEX Accelerators is a pass/fail requirement.
Additional Notes
Mentors must have at least $25M in DoD contracts from the previous fiscal year and an active subcontracting plan. Protégés must be eligible small businesses (e.g., HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB).