Iowa National Guard technical instruction services for a Detecting Danger/Armed Suspect Course course for the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center
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 Iowa Army National Guard Midwest Counterdrug Training Center (MCTC) is soliciting proposals for Technical Instruction Services to deliver a "Detecting Danger/Armed Suspect Course". This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks to equip law enforcement officers with critical skills to manage risks associated with armed individuals and narcotics. Proposals are due by April 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM Central Time.
Purpose & Scope
The MCTC requires a contractor to design, develop, and instruct an Interview and Interrogation course focused on detecting danger and armed suspects. The course aims to enhance law enforcement officers' ability to curb narcotics flow and manage risks, emphasizing de-escalation techniques. Key topics include subconscious communication, mental and physical preparation for danger, verbal/non-verbal communication, armed suspect identification, and identifying individuals under the influence of narcotics. The course content must be unique, scalable for in-person or Distance Learning, and include pre/post-tests and practical exercises.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 611699 (Vocational/Technical), Size Standard: $16.5 Million
- Period of Performance: A 12-month base period with four (4) 12-month option periods.
- Course Iterations: Up to 4 iterations during the base period, and up to 12 iterations during each option period.
- Place of Performance: Primarily within the MCTC service area (54 states and territories), including the MCTC main campus in Johnston, Iowa. Contractor is responsible for all expenses related to course delivery, including travel, lodging, meals, printing, and materials.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
The contractor must provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and quality control. Instructors must have significant law enforcement and teaching experience, specifically in narcotics and detecting danger/armed suspects. Offerors must demonstrate prior experience in designing, developing, and delivering similar courses to law enforcement. A Quality Control (QC) Plan is required, and contractor personnel must comply with all installation access, security, and IT security regulations. Telework is generally not permitted.
Evaluation Factors
This procurement uses a "Best Value Trade-Off" approach. Technical Capability and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price.
- Technical Capability: Evaluated on the proposed approach, understanding of requirements, risk assessment, and minimum qualifications for both the offeror and instructors. Proposals must detail a COTS course tailored to the PWS, covering content, agenda, slide presentation, tests, and practical exercises.
- Past Performance: Assesses the risk of unsuccessful performance based on recent and relevant contracts (3-5 references required). A "Neutral" rating will be assigned if no relevant past performance is available.
- Price: Evaluated for reasonableness, completeness, and unbalanced pricing using the provided Attachment 4 form.
Submission Requirements & Important Dates
- Questions Due: No later than March 24, 2026.
- Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) Due: April 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM Central Time. PPQs must be returned directly to the Iowa Army National Guard.
- Proposals Due: April 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM Central Time.
- Submission Method: Proposals must be submitted via trackable shipping (CD/DVD or hard copy) to USPFO Purchasing & Contracting, ATTN: Seth Van Steenwyk, 7105 NW 70th Ave, BLDG 3475, USPFO-P&C, Johnston, IA 50131-1824. Electronic submission via "Thumb Drives" or other external devices is not permitted.
- NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment: A current assessment (within 3 years) is required prior to award and must be acknowledged in the proposal cover letter.
- Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Contractors must disclose potential OCI issues or provide an affirmative statement of no OCI.
- Wage Determination: Bidders must adhere to Wage Determination No. 2015-4979, Revision No. 27, including a fringe benefit rate of $5.55 per hour.
Contact Information
- Primary: Seth Van Steenwyk, seth.a.vansteenwyk.civ@army.mil, 515-252-4615
- Secondary: Kelsey Letcher, kelsey.l.letcher.civ@army.mil, 515-252-4508