Outreach Support Services

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies Solicitation W911NF26RA002, originally dated 21 Jan 2026.

Key changes include:

• Answers to Questions: Responses to vendor questions are attached as Attachment 1 to this modification.

• Proposal Deadline Extension: The proposal due date has been extended to 11 March 2026 at 4:00 PM EST.

• AI Usage Information: New clauses (L.4.1 through L.4.5) have been added to provide information and guidelines regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in proposals.

• Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form: The Response Due Date has been changed from 06 Mar 2026 to 11 Mar 2026.

• New Clauses (L.4.1 - L.4.5): These clauses detail requirements for proposal readability, prohibit concealed text, specify font and size (Times New Roman, 12pt, minimum 10pt for tables/graphics), mandate uniform formatting, and outline compliance verification for AI usage.

• The proposal submission deadline is extended to 11 March 2026.

• Offerors must review and comply with the new clauses regarding AI usage and proposal formatting. Failure to comply may result in non-compliance or rejection.

Amendment / Modification

This document contains responses to questions posed by potential offerors regarding the solicitation and Task Order Request (TOR) 0001. Key clarifications include:

• Number of Awards: The solicitation will result in a multiple-award Task Order Contract, not a single award. The number of awards will be based on proposal quality and best-value considerations.
• TOR 0001 Conversion: TOR 0001 has been converted to a sample task for proposal evaluation purposes to assess an offeror's technical and management approach, not their ability to price a hypothetical scenario.
• Cost Proposal Exclusions: Offerors are instructed not to propose costs for Other Direct Costs (ODCs), including participant travel, stipends, housing, event facility fees, workshop materials, and other logistical expenses. These costs will be defined within individual Task Order Requests.
• Resume Requirements: Only the resume for the Key Personnel (Program Manager) is required, as identified in L.2.1 of the solicitation.
• Facility Clearance (FCL): An FCL is not required at the time of IDIQ contract award; obtaining it is a conditional requirement. Prime contractors may leverage subcontractors with an FCL.
• Past Performance: Offerors with no recent/relevant corporate past performance will receive a neutral/unknown confidence rating and will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.
• Cybersecurity: CMMC Level 2 is required due to the handling of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Proposal Submission: Specific guidance is provided on page limits, volume structure, and file naming conventions for both the IDIQ and TOR proposals.
• Minimum Guarantee: The minimum guarantee has been updated to $500.00.
• Proposal Deadline: The proposal deadline has been extended to March 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

This amendment clarifies various sections of the solicitation and TOR 0001, including but not limited to:

• Solicitation Sections L and M
• TOR 0001 Sections 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and PWS Tasks 1-15
• Various clauses related to cost proposals, security, past performance, and submission requirements.

Offerors must carefully review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately address all requirements, particularly regarding cost exclusions, resume submissions, security clearances, and proposal structure. The proposal deadline has been extended.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies data items to be delivered by the contractor under a contract. It outlines the specific reports and analyses required, their frequency, submission details, and distribution.

• Data Item Numbers: A001 (Financial Status Report), A002 (Stipend Status Report), A003 (Applicant Analysis Report), A004 (Selectee Analysis Report).
• Titles: Each data item has a specific title indicating the type of report.
• Frequency: Most reports are due "Once Per Iteration" or "SEE PWS" (Performance Work Statement).
• Submission: Reports are to be delivered electronically via FTP or e-mail, with contractor format being acceptable.
• Distribution: Specifies the requiring office (FCDD-RLD-PT) and provides contact information for a report copy.

This CDRL details the reporting and analysis deliverables expected from the contractor. Bidders should review these requirements to understand the ongoing reporting obligations, including the types of data to be provided, submission methods, and frequency, which will impact their proposal preparation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire Form" intended to gather information about a contractor's past performance within the last three years. This information will be used in the awarding of a federal contract.

• The questionnaire defines five adjectival ratings for performance: Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Unacceptable, with detailed descriptions for each.
• It includes sections for the Offeror to complete (Part I: Contract Identification and Offeror's Representative Identification) and for the Point of Contact (Respondent) to complete (Part II: Evaluation).
• Part II evaluates performance across several categories: Compliance of Products/Services/Deliverables, Effectiveness of Project Management, Timeliness of Performance, Effectiveness in Forecasting and Controlling Costs, and Commitment to Customer Satisfaction.
• It also includes fields for general comments and other information sources.
• Part III outlines the return information, specifying that the completed questionnaire should be returned via e-mail as instructed in the solicitation.

This form is crucial for bidders as it outlines the criteria and rating system used to evaluate past performance. Understanding these evaluation factors will help bidders prepare their proposals and potentially gather relevant past performance data to support their bids. It also indicates how the government will solicit feedback from previous contracting officers or points of contact.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation W911NF26RA002 modifies the original solicitation dated 21 JAN 2026.

• The due date for written industry questions has been changed to 13 February 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern time.

• A typographical error has been corrected, revising the minimum guarantee to $500.00.

• Item 11 (Solicitation Amendments) is updated to reflect the new question due date.

• The minimum guarantee amount has been revised.

• The deadline for submitting written industry questions has been extended.

• Offerors should note the corrected minimum guarantee amount when preparing their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire Form, intended to collect feedback on a contractor's past performance within the last three years. The information gathered will be used in the awarding of a federal contract.

• Adjectival Ratings: The questionnaire uses a five-tier rating system: Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Unacceptable. Each rating is defined with specific criteria regarding contractual requirements, problem resolution, and corrective actions.
• Evaluation Areas: The form requires evaluation of:
  • Compliance of Products, Services, Documents and Related Deliverables to Specification Requirements and Standards of Good Workmanship
  • Effectiveness of Project Management (including subcontractor control)
  • Timeliness of Performance for Services and Product Deliverables
  • Effectiveness in Forecasting and Controlling Estimated Costs
  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
• Contract Identification: Fields for Contractor Name, Contract Number, Program Title, Contract Type, and Contract Award Date.
• Offeror's Representative Identification: Fields for the name, title, and contact information of the individual completing the form on behalf of the offeror.
• Respondent Identification: Fields for the name, title, and contact information of the individual providing the evaluation.
• General Comments: A section for any other relevant performance information.
• Other Information Sources: A section to identify other relevant past efforts and points of contact.

Bidders responding to the associated solicitation will likely need to provide this questionnaire to their past clients or points of contact. The responses will directly impact the evaluation of their past performance, a critical factor in contract award decisions. Bidders should ensure they understand the rating criteria and provide clear, factual examples to support their ratings.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposals (RFP) W911NF26RA002 is set aside for Woman-Owned Small Business Concerns. The purpose is to establish and strengthen networks that connect the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) with academia, industry, and other government agencies. These networks aim to promote the exchange of scientific ideas, generation of knowledge, and development of a skilled research and engineering workforce through K-12 and university-focused science and technology education and outreach initiatives.

• Provide administration and programmatic support services to broaden and deepen the pool of scientific and technical talent.

• Develop and implement cohesive, coordinated, and sustainable outreach strategies and supporting infrastructure.

• Manage, develop, distribute, receive, log, process, sort, and track application materials.

• Verify eligibility criteria and assess applications based on merit.

• Formally communicate review results to applicants and extend formal appointment offers.

• Manage and develop a logical recording system for stipends, travel, and academic expenses.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database management system for the DoD Portfolio.

• Provide regular and ad hoc reports regarding demographics, program effectiveness, and trends.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute program-related events.

• Plan, coordinate, and administer DoD Workshops.

• Plan, coordinate, and administer participant travel, housing, and facility access.

• Provide financial and calendar quarterly program reports, monthly stipend financial reports, and annual program management reviews.

• Deliver annual reports including applicant analysis, selectee analysis, academic progress, current participant status, and former participant status.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Multiple Award (IDIQ MA)

• Maximum Ceiling: $49,000,000

• Ordering Period: Five (5) years

• One Task Order Contract Award will be made concurrently at base award.

• Proposals are due by 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on 06 March 2026.

• Questions are due by 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on 06 February 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer.

• Evaluation will be based on Management, Technical, Past Performance, and Cost/Price.

• Management is the most important factor, followed by Technical, then Past Performance, then Cost/Price.

• Offerors must achieve a "Good" rating in Management and Technical, and "Relevant" and "Satisfactory Confidence" for Past Performance.

• Set aside for Woman-Owned Small Business Concerns.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Offerors shall not submit any assumptions, terms, conditions, caveats, or exceptions with proposals.

• Only one proposal will be accepted from each Corporation.

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

To develop and administer a Summer Research Internship Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to leverage Army and Department of Defense (DoD) research investments, support STEM education, and strengthen the Nation's scientific workforce.

• Develop and manage the internship program, including recruitment, application processing, and participant selection.

• Create and maintain a program website with application portals and information on DoD research and activities.

• Compile and maintain a database of applicants and participants.

• Facilitate the submission and processing of applications, ensuring eligibility.

• Coordinate applicant matching with participating laboratories and assist with appointment execution.

• Convene panels to recommend candidates and notify selected and non-selected applicants.

• Coordinate background investigations for selected applicants.

• Coordinate the program with other relevant DoD initiatives.

• Host information webinars and administer technical support.

• Process stipends, relocation costs, and travel expenses for participants.

• Plan, coordinate, and administer a Summer Research Internship Program Seminar for participants to present research and network.

• Prepare an After-Action Report following the seminar.

• Plan, coordinate, and administer two HBCU/MI opportunity events (one webinar, one in-person workshop) to increase awareness of DoD opportunities and facilitate networking.

• Quarterly Financial Status Report detailing applications, placements, progress, interactions, and payments.

• Monthly Stipend Status Report with financial information on stipends, allowances, tuition, fees, and travel.

• Applicant Analysis Report to assess outreach effectiveness.

• Selectee Analysis Report to analyze trends and evaluate outreach efforts.

• Participation in meetings with the COR and other government personnel.

• Period of Performance: Twelve months with four 12-month options.

• Place of Performance: Students will work in government facilities. Contractor personnel will be located at the Contractor's facility.

• Contractor must furnish all personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies unless otherwise provided by the Government.

• Security requirements include potential National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or higher investigation for CAC issuance, compliance with DFARS Clause 252.225-7043 for foreign performance, and compliance with FAR 52.204-2 for classified information access.

• Contractor shall not provide inherently governmental functions.

• Government will sponsor security clearances, Badging, Common Access Cards (CAC), Theater Business Clearance (TBC), and Letter of Authorization (LOA).

• Data Rights: Contractor shall provide a Data Rights Assertion table. Government reserves rights regarding technical data/software.

• Points of Contact: Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (KO), and Contract Specialist (CSPEC) are identified.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, DD Form 1423, is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL). It specifies the data items that a contractor is required to deliver as part of a contract. It outlines the title, frequency, submission requirements, and distribution for each data item.

• Data Item Numbers: Lists specific data items such as Financial Status Report, Stipend Status Report, Applicant Analysis Report, and Selectee Analysis Report.
• Contract Reference: Links data items to specific paragraphs within the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
• Frequency: Indicates how often each report is due (e.g., 'Once Per Iteration').
• Submission Requirements: Specifies the first and subsequent submission dates, often referencing the PWS.
• Distribution: Details the addressees and the number of draft and final copies required.
• Remarks: Provides important notes, such as the acceptability of contractor formats and acceptable electronic media for delivery (FTP, CD-ROM, DVD ROM). It also specifies the mailing address and email for report submission.

This CDRL is crucial for bidders as it defines the reporting and deliverable requirements associated with the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating the effort and cost involved in proposal preparation and for fulfilling contractual obligations if awarded. Bidders should pay close attention to the types of reports required, their frequency, and the specified delivery methods and recipients.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a standardized format for bidders to submit questions regarding the solicitation W911NF-26-R-A0002. It outlines the process and expectations for submitting inquiries to ensure clarity and timely responses.

• Question Submission: Bidders must cite the specific section or subsection of the solicitation when asking a question.
• Response Schedule: Questions will be compiled and answered on a weekly basis. If the number of questions does not warrant weekly responses, answers will be provided bi-weekly until the Q&A period expires.
• Communication: All email communications must include the solicitation number or task order request number in the subject block.
• Format: The document includes numbered placeholders for questions (Question 1, Question 2, etc.).

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the official channel and format for seeking clarification on the solicitation. Adhering to this format ensures that questions are properly logged and addressed, facilitating a more accurate and informed proposal submission.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document (TOR 0001) is a Request for Task Order Proposal (TOP) for the DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program. The requirements are to be provided under existing DEVCOM-ARL Woman Owned Small Business Outreach Support Initiative Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contracts (MACs).

• Management of the program, including staffing, quality control, problem resolution, and subcontracting strategy.

• Technical approach to manage travel, database/financial management, student administration, panel evaluations, and website design/maintenance.

• Administration of student stipends and academic expenses.

• Attraction of highly-qualified applicants.

• Development and maintenance of a database for applicant and student records.

• Task Order Type: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF).

• Period of Performance: 12 months with three (3) 12-month options.

• Proposals are due by the Closing Date & Time (not specified in the provided text).

• Evaluation will be based on a best value trade-off approach, considering Management, Technical, and Cost factors.

• Management is significantly more important than Technical, and both are significantly more important than Cost.

• Offerors must receive an "Acceptable" rating in Technical and Management factors to be considered for award.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically, segmented into volumes if exceeding 10 MB per email.

• Specific page limitations apply to Management (15 pages) and Technical (15 pages) volumes. Cost volume is unlimited.

• This TOR is issued under existing Woman Owned Small Business Outreach Support Initiative MACs.

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement (PWS) is included.

• Offerors must ensure proposals are in full compliance with TOR instructions.

• Costs for proposal preparation are not reimbursed.

• No bid responses are required if not interested, but notification is requested before the no-bid cutoff date.