HAF A3 Checkmate Support Follow-On

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for contractor support to the United States Air Force Operations (AF/A3), specifically the Air Force Checkmate division. The contractor will provide expert advice, opinions, and innovative solutions to support the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) and other Department of the Air Force (DAF) leaders in addressing near-term, current global challenges and developing operational plans.

• Provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with expertise in airpower principles, strategic and operational challenges, and national security strategies.

• Support operational planning teams (OPTs) and assist in developing strategic and operational concepts, focusing on integrating air, space, and cyberspace power.

• Provide expertise on the effective use of air, space, and cyberspace capabilities by Combatant Commanders, military services, allies, and the interagency community.

• Utilize wargaming and modeling & simulation (M&S) techniques to assess and analyze operational plans and capabilities.

• Conduct fact-finding and analysis to support decision-making and develop mitigation strategies.

• Specific roles include Warfighter Support SMEs, Senior SMEs, Security Specialists, Operations and Workflow Managers, and Operations Research Analysts.

• Performance will be assessed based on "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable" levels for mission-essential items.

• Key performance objectives include: Qualified Personnel, Development and Submission of all Required Deliverables, Personnel Management, and Security.

• Specific thresholds include 100% of personnel qualified at TO start, 90% of deliverables met within suspense periods, 100% of critical information verified, all FTE vacancies filled within 28 working days, and employees in compliance with security plans.

• Not explicitly stated in the provided sections, but the PWS covers "near-term time horizon" and "current operational challenges."

• Personnel must possess Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearances, with specific requirements for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP).

• Contractors must adhere to strict security protocols, including handling classified information and maintaining security clearances.

• The contractor is responsible for personnel management, including minimizing turnover and filling vacancies promptly.

• Travel is required and will be coordinated and pre-approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• The contractor must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and security policies, including those related to information security and controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Sources Sought Notice / RFI

This notice is for market research purposes to identify potential sources for the Headquarters Air Force (HAF) A3 Checkmate Support Follow-On requirement. It is not a solicitation, RFP, IFB, or RFQ. The government is seeking information to refine its acquisition strategy and is not reimbursing costs for capability package submissions.

• Provide contractor support to the HAF A3 Checkmate division to offer informed advice, opinions, recommendations, and innovative ideas to support Air Force leadership.

• Develop operational plans and concepts addressing global challenges.

• Demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of airpower principles.

• Provide expertise on Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and National Security Council (NSC) decision-making processes.

• Serve as a "think tank" capability for AF/A3 staff, providing cross-functional expertise.

• Compile briefing materials and participate in presentations.

• Provide advanced information gathering and strategic analysis.

• Support operational planning and advise on current and future contingency operations.

• Primary technical aspects include: Strategic and Operational Concept Development, Effective Employment Expertise, and Fact-Finding and Analysis.

• The anticipated Period of Performance (PoP) is approximately 5 years, starting March 18, 2027, with a base period and four option years.

• The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) with a $25M size standard.

• The Product Service Code (PSC) is R499 (Support - Professional: Other).

• Interested parties must submit Capability Packages electronically via email.

• Capability Packages are limited to 4 total pages, in PDF format, not exceeding 5MB.

• Packages must contain only UNCLASSIFIED data.

• The deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Specific questions are provided for industry response regarding company capabilities, personnel resources, and past performance.

• The government is seeking to identify both Large Business and Small Business Capable Sources.

• A small business firm competing as a Prime Contractor must perform at least 50% of the total requirement from within its own company.

• All contractor employees must be a current U.S. Citizen.

• Personnel must possess a current, active Top Secret security clearance and be able to obtain SCI and/or SAP caveats.

• The work will be performed onsite at a Government-owned/controlled facility at the Pentagon.

• Core work hours are Monday-Friday, 0700-1700 Eastern Time.

• Approximately 10 annual full-time equivalent (FTE) contractor employees are anticipated.

• Respondents must provide specific company and contact information, business size, and details on existing contract vehicles.

• Companies must avoid and/or mitigate any potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI).