Pathway to Excellence Program Designation (Brand name or equal)
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 Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity-Healthcare Division-Southeast (DHACA-HCD-SE), on behalf of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), is conducting a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify firms capable of providing organizational credentials equivalent to the "American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pathway to Excellence Program". This market research aims to determine potential sources, including small businesses, for this designation. Responses are due by June 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
NMCP seeks to maintain its Pathway to Excellence designation, initially received in 2021, with renewal required by August 2026. This program recognizes healthcare facilities for creating positive work environments that empower and engage nursing staff, leading to improved recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction. The contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, and services necessary for the Pathway to Excellence Program, including:
- Pathway Standards Document Review
- Pathway Survey dissemination and review of results
- Designation decision support
- Registration and annual payments for four years to sustain accreditation.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought Notice (SSN) – This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP).
- Anticipated Contract: Single purchase order with one (1) twelve-month base period and three (3) twelve-month option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified at this market research stage; determination will be made based on SSN responses.
- NAICS Code: 611430 – Professional and Management Development Training (Size Standard: $15M)
- PSC Code: U005 – Education/Training-Tuition / Registration / Membership Fees
- Place of Performance: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23708
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
- Published: June 19, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a capabilities statement package, no more than 10 pages in length (Microsoft Word or PDF, Times New Roman, size 10), demonstrating their ability to perform the requested services. If subcontracting or teaming is anticipated, address the administrative and management structure. Additionally, complete the SSN Question and Answer form (Attachment 1), addressing all questions.
Attachment 1 (A02-SSN HT940626SSN3826-Attachment 1.docx) specifically requests:
- Company Information: Name, Address, POC, Phone, Email, TIN, SAM UEID, Cage Code, Web Page, Location(s), Size and Type of Ownership (Small Business status, 8(a), HubZone, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned).
- Past Performance & Capabilities: Description of comparable products/services, customer lists with contacts, details on similar past work, management experience, technical skills, and relevant certifications.
- Conditions & Solutions: Any unmet conditions from the SSN and other pertinent solution information.
- GSA/GWAC Availability: Information on whether services are available via GSA or other GWAC contracts.
Submission Instructions
Submit responses electronically to Matthew Teel at matthew.d.teel.civ@health.mil. The subject line of the email must include the SSN number: HT940626SSN3826. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
Disclaimer
This SSN is for market research only and is not a request for proposals. The government is under no obligation to award a contract, and no funds are available for response preparation. Not responding does not preclude participation in future solicitations.