Private Sector Leadership Engagement Support Services
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 Department of War (DoW) intends to award a sole-source, Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (HSI) for Private Sector Leadership Engagement Support Services. This contract, valued at $75,000,000 over 36 months, aims to recruit top-tier private sector leaders to address critical DoW challenges.
Purpose & Scope
The contractor will provide executive search expertise to recruit highly qualified private sector leaders. These leaders will help the DoW address critical challenges including operational inefficiencies, supply chain fragility, modernization needs, and structural issues within the defense industrial base. Services include:
- Identifying and recruiting leaders with expertise in areas such as Shipbuilding, Submarine Industrial Base, Autonomous Systems, Munitions Production, Health Care, Real Estate, Infrastructure Optimization, Construction, Business Systems, IT, Personnel Management, Contracting/Finance, Schools, and Commissaries.
- Vetting candidates, coordinating interviews, facilitating compensation negotiations, and supporting onboarding.
- Assisting in recruiting for Chief Operating Officer and Director roles, and supporting the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) in building an investment professional deal team.
Contract Details & Justification
- Contract Type: Sole-source, Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Awardee: Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (HSI)
- Value: $75,000,000
- Duration: 36 months
- Set-Aside: None (Sole-Source Justification)
- Justification: The award is justified under FAR § 6.103-1, citing "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." This is due to HSI's highly specialized requirements as a "Tier 1" executive search firm with established global relationships, unique understanding of the defense landscape, and exclusive agreements for specialized talent. Past performance indicates that general commercial expertise is insufficient, and awarding to any other source would introduce unacceptable risk and duplicative costs.
Market Research & Competition Efforts
Market research identified the "Big Five" global executive search firms, but only HSI was deemed capable of fulfilling the requirement. A Notice of Intent (NOI) was posted on SAM.gov on February 6, 2026, inviting other sources to respond, but no responses were received, validating HSI as the only perceived capable source.
Cost Determination
Prices will be determined fair and reasonable using FAR 15.404-1(b) "Price Analysis." Certified Cost and Pricing Data will not be obtained.
Future Considerations
The DoW will evaluate IDIQ outcomes to inform future acquisition strategies and explore opportunities to foster competition.
Contact Information
Primary Contact: RONICA SHELTON (ronica.l.shelton.civ@mail.mil)