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 its Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). This initiative seeks to enhance the capabilities of small businesses (Protégés) by incentivizing large prime contractors (Mentors) to provide developmental assistance, thereby strengthening the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The program focuses on DCSA's critical mission spaces, including IT modernization, data analytics, and cybersecurity. This is a two-phase submission process, starting with a white paper.
Opportunity Details
The DCSA MPP aims to mature Protégé firms for critical mission areas by integrating high-capability small businesses into the DIB. Agreements will be Reimbursable Mentor-Protégé Agreements (MPAs), with a period of performance capped at three years (36 months), typically a 12-month base with two 12-month options. The DCSA Office of Small Business Programs & Industry Engagement (OSBP&IE) manages the BAA, while Move America, Inc. administers agreements and subawards.
Technical Priorities & Scope
DCSA's core technical priorities include:
- Modernizing IT Infrastructure and Cloud Optimization: Accelerating National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) delivery, migrating systems like Defense Information System for Security (DISS) to secure cloud environments, and modernizing legacy systems using Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA).
- Data Integration and Advanced Analytics: Enhancing data-driven decision-making, implementing AI/Machine Learning for anomaly detection and risk calculation, and automating data ingestion.
- Cyber and Industrial Security: Protecting cleared facilities and IT systems from cyber-attacks and insider threats, enhancing Behavioral Threat Analysis Capability (BTAC), and strengthening cyber posture with Zero Trust Architecture.
- Digital Workforce and Governance: Empowering a skilled digital workforce with AI and cybersecurity awareness, and establishing enterprise-wide IT, data, and cybersecurity governance.
Allowable developmental assistance covers technical/engineering support (e.g., technology transfer, certifications), business development (HR, marketing), federal contract language training, Facility Clearance (FCL) sponsorship, personnel security training, cybersecurity compliance (DFARS/NIST/CMMC), insider threat program setup, DCAA-compliant accounting, proposal development support, Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) mitigation, and IT systems enhancement. Cybersecurity compliance (NIST SP 800 / CMMC Level I) is not reimbursable, but Project Spectrum is encouraged.
Eligibility
- Protégé Firms: Must be small business concerns eligible for federal contracts, meet SBA size standards, and qualify as HUBZone, Women-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Native American/Hawaiian controlled, socially/economically disadvantaged, employing severely disabled individuals, nontraditional defense contractors, or contributing to national security priorities.
- Mentor Firms: Must be prime contractors with $25M+ in Department of War (DOW) contracts in the last fiscal year, possess an active DOW subcontracting plan, be financially sound, of good character, not debarred/suspended, and approved by DOW OSBP.
- Mandatory: Active SAM.gov registration for all participants.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a two-phase submission process:
- Phase I (White Paper): Submissions are due by 5 p.m. ET, 30 days after the announcement date. White papers will be accepted for one year from the announcement date, with quarterly evaluations occurring before June 30, 2026, September 30, 2026, December 31, 2026, and March 31, 2027. White papers (max 15 pages) must include technical and cost information, a needs assessment, and letters of endorsement.
- Phase II (Final Proposal): Only selected Phase I submitters will receive a Request for Proposal (RFP) and must submit a final proposal within 30 calendar days of notification. This includes an updated white paper, Statement of Work, comprehensive technical approach, and fully disclosed cost proposal. An optional Protégé Pilot Initiative (PPI) Application (up to 25% of annual budget for War Fighter projects) can be submitted in Phase II.
Evaluation Criteria for both phases include alignment with national security/DOW/DCSA priorities, technical approach, cost reasonableness, CEO Letters of Endorsement (Pass/Fail), FOCI Questionnaire (Pass/Fail), eligibility, engineering/technical assistance comprising 50% or more of costs (Pass/Fail), and involvement of HBCU/MSI/APEX/SBDC/WBC/MEP (Pass/Fail).
Important Notes
All costs for preparing and submitting proposals are the sole responsibility of the Mentor and Protégé. The Government reserves the right to amend, modify, suspend, or cancel this BAA.
Contact Information
Submit white papers via email to the DCSA Program Manager at dcsa.quantico.hq.mbx.dcsa-mpp@mail.mil and the MPP Intermediary at mpp-src-i_contracts@moveamerica.org.