Notice of Intent-Sole Source Award to Arbinger Institute, LLC
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 Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), located in Portsmouth, VA, intends to award a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Order on a sole-source basis to The Arbinger Institute, LLC. This award is for "Outward Mindset Training" services, which include on-site instructor-led training and proprietary course materials. This is a Notice of Intent and a Limited Source Justification (LSJ), not an open solicitation for proposals.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for professional and management development training, specifically "Outward Mindset Training." This includes:
- On-site instructor-led training sessions.
- Provision of related course materials.
- Delivery of proprietary training programs: Outward Leadership (OL), Outward Performance (OP), and Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset (DIOM).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Order under a Multiple Award Schedule Program.
- NAICS Code: 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training) with a size standard of $15.0 million.
- Period of Performance: A base year (March 2, 2026 - March 1, 2027) plus four one-year option periods, with an additional period under FAR 52.217-8 (March 2, 2031 - September 1, 2031).
- Total Estimated Value: $5,746,395.78.
- Funding Source: Operations and Maintenance, Navy (O&M, N) funds.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
This is a sole-source award to The Arbinger Institute, LLC. It is not an open competition. The justification is based on The Arbinger Institute being the only source capable of providing the required training due to proprietary and copyrighted materials. Market research confirmed no other vendor is authorized or approved to deliver the specific "Outward Mindset" curriculum.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a justification for an intended sole-source award, not a solicitation requiring proposal submissions. Potential contractors are notified that the solicitation and amendments will be available electronically at www.sam.gov. Questions regarding this requirement should be directed via email to the identified Points of Contact.
Deadlines
- Response Date (for questions/objections): January 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
- Published Date: January 26, 2026.
Additional Notes
Prospective awardees must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award. The training supports a corporate initiative requiring uniform delivery and content across shipyard commands.