DRAFT - Solicitation STEM Pipeline
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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is announcing a draft solicitation for a Single Source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for STEM Pipeline Outreach activities. This IDIQ aims to develop and implement programs that inspire, attract, cultivate, and develop a sustainable STEM talent pool for the Department of Defense. The government is currently requesting feedback from industry on the draft documents, with comments due by February 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
This IDIQ will require the contractor to provide expert personnel, resources, materials, and solutions for a broad range of STEM Pipeline Outreach activities. Key areas include:
- Coordination, recruitment, and scheduling of government volunteers.
- Data management, reporting, and file maintenance.
- Event organization, conferences, and meetings.
- Social media expertise, videography, and photographic services.
- Financial oversight and coordination.
- Certified educational and teaching services, including curriculum development and instruction.
- Consultation on and execution of STEM initiatives.
- Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) support, including web design.
- Support for infrastructure maintenance and operation.
- Studies, analyses, evaluations, and project roadmap development.
- Internships/apprenticeships for students (16+ years of age), summer camps, and faculty/teacher fellowships. Performance will primarily be at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and the Greater Dayton Area, with potential travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations.
Contract Details
- Type: Single Source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Set-Aside: Not a specific set-aside, but a mandatory Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required. The government encourages proposals that utilize various small business types (Small Business, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB).
- Period of Performance: To be specified in individual Task Orders.
- Feedback Due: February 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Evaluation Factors
Award for the eventual solicitation will be based on a Best Value Full Trade-off source selection. Non-price factors, combined, are significantly more important than price. All five technical subfactors are of equal importance:
- Wizards of Wright! (WOW!): Experience in developing and executing STEM curriculum.
- FIRST LEGO LEAGUE CHALLENGE: Experience in statewide robotics programs.
- Audio Visual and Web Development Specialist: Experience in developing and producing STEM videos and web content.
- STEM Apprentices and Junior Apprentices: Experience in hiring and managing STEM students.
- STEM Camps, Events, and Activities: Experience in planning, developing, and executing STEM camps, events, and activities. Price will be evaluated for completeness, reasonableness, and unbalanced pricing. The government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to hold them.
Deliverables & Requirements
Key deliverables include monthly Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Reports, quarterly Contract Funds Status Reports, and annual Scientific and Technical Reports. Contractor personnel will require security clearances (NACI/SF85) and must generally be U.S. citizens. Compliance with Information Assurance requirements (DoD 8570.01-M) and security protocols is mandatory.
Contacts
Primary: Natasha Randall (natasha.randall@us.af.mil) Secondary: Jessica Briggs (jessica.briggs@us.af.mil)