R--Peace Corps Campus Recruitment

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 3) to Solicitation 140D0426Q0260 provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders, incorporates FAR clause 52.222-90 (Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors), extends the quote due date to May 18, 2026, and includes an updated Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Quote Due Date: Extended to May 18, 2026, at 11:00 EDT.

• Eligibility Criteria: The minimum undergraduate student requirement for eligible U.S. higher education institutions has been revised to 10,000 students (previously 20,000).

• Recruitment Activities: Clarification on the number of class talks/presentations (minimum of 40) and application workshops (minimum of 1). Ancillary recruitment services to surrounding communities require prior Peace Corps approval and will be limited in scope.

• Pricing and Costs:

  • The "Other Direct Costs" line item has been removed from the pricing template. Contractors should provide a fully burdened rate based on an hourly basis.
  • Indirect cost rates are not limited and should be built into the fully burdened rate. However, the Government does not need to see separate indirect rates listed.
  • Contract funds cannot be used for food; the Peace Corps will pay directly for event registrations and food.
  • Allowable expenses for the recruiter staff position are limited to labor and applicable indirect cost rates. Previous contracts did not include other direct costs like travel or materials.

• References: Bidders may use past Peace Corps contracts or other relevant sources as references.

• Submission Requirements: The emailed submission must include completed Attachments A and D. The Pricing Quote should be in Excel format, detailing labor rates, extended totals, and the Total Order amount (Firm Fixed Price).

• Technical Volume: The page limit is 20 pages, and it can be submitted in MS Word or PDF format.

• Webinar: A link to the webinar recording and a summary are provided.

• FAR Clause 52.222-90: This clause regarding DEI discrimination by Federal Contractors is incorporated.

• The quote due date has been extended.

• The PWS has been updated.

• The pricing template and submission requirements have been clarified.

• Eligibility criteria have been revised.

Bidders must adjust their proposal submission timelines to meet the new due date of May 18, 2026. They should also ensure their pricing reflects the updated guidance on fully burdened rates and the exclusion of

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 0003) to the solicitation (140D0426Q0260) is issued to:

• Provide responses to questions submitted by contractors.

• Incorporate the mandatory clause FAR 52.222-90.

• Extend the quote due date to May 18, 2026.

• Provide a copy of the updated performance work statement.

• The quote due date has been extended.

• An updated performance work statement is provided.

• FAR 52.222-90 has been incorporated.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to May 18, 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a revised price quote template for Peace Corps Campus Recruitment Services, covering the period from August 2026 to January 2032. It is intended for vendors to provide their pricing details.

• The template includes sections for Labor Category, Labor Rate (Burdened), Labor Hours, and Extended Total for a Base Year (August 2026-July 2027) and four Option Years (OY1-OY4).
• It also includes a 6-Month Option for FAR 52.217-8 (August 2031-January 2032) and a Grand Total.
• Vendors are instructed to complete only the fields highlighted in yellow.

This template is crucial for bidders to accurately submit their pricing proposals. It outlines the structure for detailing labor costs across the contract period, including any option years. Bidders must use this specific format and complete the designated fields to ensure their quote is compliant and properly evaluated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document summarizes a webinar-style Q&A session hosted by the Peace Corps and the Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding the Strategic Campus Recruiter Program (STRAT). The session aimed to brief universities and institutions on program expectations, the contracting process, and application procedures for the current solicitation.

• Recruiter Eligibility: Recruiters do not need to be currently enrolled students.

• Grad Assistant/Blended Roles: Eligibility for graduate assistants or blended roles will be clarified in written answers.

• Selection Process: The number of institutions to be selected is not specified.

• Compensation: Guidance on compensation and Department of Labor (DOL) wage guidelines will be provided in written responses.

• Proposal Formatting: Specific formatting requirements for proposals were discussed.

• University Employee Recruiters: Full-time university employees can serve as recruiters if the institution deems it appropriate.

• The proposal/quote due date was extended to May 18, as indicated by Amendment 3.

• Institutions must be registered and active in SAM.gov.

• All institutions, including incumbents, must submit a full offer.

• Historically, technically acceptable offers from eligible institutions have been awarded.

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

To establish multiple contracts for eight geographic sub-regions within the United States to strengthen national recruitment coverage and improve the Peace Corps' ability to meet recruitment priorities, goals, and objectives.

• The contractor shall establish at least one "Strat institution" in each of the eight sub-regions.

• Institutions must meet eligibility criteria: at least 10,000 undergraduate students or have previously been awarded a Strat contract.

• The contractor shall hire and supervise a part-time (20 hours/week) Peace Corps Campus Recruiter.

• The Campus Recruiter will establish a Peace Corps Campus Recruiting space on campus, including physical office space, a bulletin board, a designated telephone, a computer with internet access, and copier access.

• The Campus Recruiter will conduct recruitment events, hold public office hours, and build partnership connections.

• The contractor will be responsible for the full hiring process of the Campus Recruiter, including posting the position, interviewing, and selecting candidates.

• The Campus Recruiter must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) or obtain an exemption.

• Conduct 40 unique recruitment events aligned with Peace Corps' service sectors.

• Conduct a minimum of 2 hours of public office hours per week (totaling 72 hours per year).

• Conduct 20 unique partnership connections.

• Generate a minimum of 200 new leads.

• Generate a minimum of 16 applications per new school and achieve a 15% year-over-year increase in applications for returning schools.

• Submit monthly progress reports, a mid-year report, and a final report.

• The Campus Recruiter must take mandatory Strat Training.

• Performance will be measured by the quality of the Recruitment Plan, number of recruitment events, office hours, leads, and applications.

• Period of Performance (POP): One (1) base year and up to four one-year options, from August 1 – July 31 annually.

• Place of Performance: The United States, U.S. Territories, and Outlying Areas. Remote work is permitted.

• Contractors must comply with federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements.

• Personnel security requirements include background investigations for Campus Recruiters.

• Contractors shall not use the Peace Corps name or logo without advance written concurrence.

• Government-Furnished Property will not be provided.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 140D0426Q0260 modifies the due dates for questions and quotes.

• Questions Due Date: Changed from April 17, 2026, to April 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST.

• Quotes Due Date: Changed to May 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST.

• The deadline for submitting questions has been extended.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation "140D0426Q0260" with an effective date of April 9, 2026.

• Eligibility Criteria: Section 2.1 and Section 6.1 are amended to revise the requirement for undergraduate students. Institutions must now have at least 10,000 undergraduate students (previously 20,000), or have been previously awarded a "Strat" contract with the Peace Corps.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be submitted no later than 11:00 AM EST on April 17, 2026.

• Quotes Deadline: Quotes must be submitted no later than 11:00 AM EST on May 11, 2026.

Both questions and quotes should be submitted via email to Heather.Smith@ibc.doi.gov.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is issued by the Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center (IBC) on behalf of the Peace Corps. The purpose is to procure commercial Campus Recruitment Services from U.S. higher education institutions. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 611310 (Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools), and the Product or Service Code (PSC) is R799 (Support-Management: Other). The Service Contract Labor Act is applicable.

• Establish a Peace Corps Campus Recruiting space on campus with specific resources (office space, signage, phone, computer, internet, copier, etc.).

• Hire and supervise a part-time (20 hours/week) Campus Recruiter who must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV).

• Develop and implement a Campus Recruitment Strategy Plan, including conducting recruitment events, public office hours, and partnership connections.

• Generate leads, applications, and conduct email marketing for the Peace Corps.

• Submit monthly, mid-year, and final reports.

• Ensure compliance with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements.

• Provide sustainable products and services as applicable.

• The government anticipates awarding approximately forty (40) individual Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Orders.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year (08/01/2026 - 07/31/2027) and up to four (4) one-year options.

• Government-Furnished Property will not be provided.

• Questions due: April 21, 2026, by 11:00 AM EST.

• Quotations due: May 11, 2026, by 11:00 AM EST, submitted via EMAIL.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov in "active" status.

• Award will be based on a best-value tradeoff process, considering Technical Capability, Management Approach, Past Performance (combined more important than Price).

• Offerors may submit only one quote per region in which their institution is physically located.

• This procurement is open to U.S. higher education institutions that meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Institutions with at least 20,000 undergraduate students.
  • Institutions previously awarded a Strat contract with the Peace Corps.

• A set-aside is not used.

• Attachments include: Technical Volume Template, Monthly Reporting Template, Mid-Year and Final Report Template, Price Quote Template, and QASP draft.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price quote template for Peace Corps Campus Recruitment Services, intended for use between August 2026 and January 2032. It provides a structured format for vendors to submit their pricing.

• The template includes sections for 'Labor' and 'Other Direct Costs' (e.g., marketing, campus recruitment office expenses).
• Pricing is to be detailed across a Base Year (August 2026-July 2027) and four Option Years (OY1-OY4), with a 6-Month Option for FAR 52.217-8 (August 2031-January 2032).
• Vendors are instructed to complete only the fields highlighted in yellow.
• Columns include Labor Category, Labor Rate (Burdened), Labor Hours, and Extended Total for each contract period.

This template is crucial for bidders to understand the expected format for submitting their pricing proposals. It outlines the cost categories and contract periods for which pricing is required, including potential option periods. Bidders must use this template and complete the specified fields to provide their cost information accurately.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) on behalf of the Peace Corps. The purpose is to solicit quotations from Universities and institutions of higher education for campus recruitment services.

• Campus recruitment services for the Peace Corps.

• Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but it is a solicitation for services.

• Questions Deadline: April 17, 2026, no later than 11:00 AM EST.

• Quotes Deadline: May 11, 2026, no later than 11:00 AM EST.

• Submission method for both questions and quotes is via email to Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov.

• The acquisition is marked as "UNRESTRICTED".

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 611310, with a size standard of $34.5.

• The solicitation number is 140D0426Q0260.

• The issue date is April 9, 2026.

• The offer due date is May 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 are attached.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for the Technical Volume of a proposal to establish a Peace Corps Campus Recruiting Office at an educational institution. It outlines the required sections and information bidders must provide.

• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the approach and total proposed price (150 words max).
• Rationale: Reasons for seeking to establish the office and hire a recruiter (500 words max).
• Description of School and Student Body: Profile of the institution.
• Proposed Peace Corps Campus Recruitment Office: Details on office location, signage, design, amenities (phone, computer, internet, copier, supplies, business cards), scheduling system access, online presence, access to personnel/student contact information, postage costs, and parking permits.
• Hiring and Supervision of Peace Corps Campus Recruiter: Confirmation of essential components (RPCV status, Peace Corps approval of hiring, 20 hrs/week), recruiter compensation compliance (Service Contract Act), position structure (student/employee, benefits), recruitment strategy and hiring timeline, and supervisor details.
• Campus Recruitment Strategy Plan: Summary of the plan to promote volunteerism, including office hours, recruitment activities (brochures, class talks, application workshops, career fairs, retention events), partnership building, and lead/application generation goals.
• Succession Planning and Sustainability: Strategy for program continuity.
• References: At least 3 past performance references with specific contract details.

This template dictates the structure and content required for the technical proposal. Bidders must carefully address each section to demonstrate their understanding of the requirements and their capability to establish and operate a successful Peace Corps campus recruiting office, including hiring and managing a recruiter and executing recruitment strategies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for monthly reporting, likely related to recruitment and partnership activities. It outlines specific activities, goals, and tracking mechanisms for reporting on progress.

• Monthly Activities Sheet: Details specific activities such as Lead Engagement (Office Hours, One-on-One Meetings), Recruitment Events (Application Workshops, Tabling, Info Sessions, Panel Events, Retention Events), and Partnership Meetings. It includes columns for Goals, Actual Total, and monthly breakdowns (Aug-Jul).
• Recruitment Plan Sheet: Provides a detailed log of past recruitment and partnership events, including Date, Time, Activity Name, Event Type, Department/Partner, Location, Contact Person, Cost, Attendance (Total and RPCV), and notes on effectiveness. It also includes fields for Contract Deliverable and Scarce Skill identification.
• Key Contacts Sheet: Lists individuals who can serve as points of contact for recruitment and partnership efforts, including their affiliation, role, contact information, and notes on their value. It also indicates if they are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and their service details.
• DO NOT EDIT Sheet: Specifies which Contract Deliverables are applicable and lists various Event Types.

This template provides insight into the types of recruitment and partnership activities expected or that have been undertaken. Bidders can use this to understand the scope of potential outreach efforts, the level of detail required in reporting, and the types of partners and contacts that are valuable for the opportunity. The "Recruitment Plan" sheet offers concrete examples of past events and their outcomes, which can inform a bidder's proposed approach.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C Sample Mid-Year and Final Report," is a template designed for reporting on recruitment activities related to Peace Corps strategic campus recruitment. It is intended to be completed by Strategic Recruiters/Strat personnel, Peace Corps Counterparts, and University Supervisors.

Part 1: For Strat/Strategic Recruiter to Complete

• Fall Recruitment Plan: Details recruitment strategies, challenges, outreach activities (events, info sessions, tabling), achievement of targets, and plans for spring.
• Spring Recruitment Plan & Next Academic Year: Similar reporting for spring recruitment, including recommendations for the next academic year.

Part 2: For the Assigned Peace Corps Counterpart to Complete

• Feedback on the school's strategic recruiter after Fall and Spring recruitment, including areas for improvement.

Part 3: For the University Supervisor to Complete

• Feedback on the Strategic Recruiter and insights into strengthening the Peace Corps relationship with the institution.

While this document is a reporting template and not a solicitation, it provides insight into the operational aspects and performance metrics of Peace Corps campus recruitment. Bidders involved in related services might use this to understand the reporting expectations and performance indicators relevant to such programs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) designed to outline the systematic methods the government will use to evaluate the contractor's performance for the Peace Corps STRAT Program contract. It details what will be monitored, how monitoring will occur, who will conduct it, and how results will be documented.

• Government Roles: Defines responsibilities for the Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and Strat Program Liaison (SPL).
• Performance Measurements: Lists specific metrics for the Strat Recruiter role, including hours worked, provision of office space and resources, involvement in interviewing/selection, completion of mandatory training, submission of recruitment plans and reports (Annual, Monthly, Mid-Year, Final Year-End), and the quality of the Annual Recruitment Plan.
• Quality Assurance Surveillance Methods: Outlines techniques such as direct observation, analysis of reports (Annual Recruitment Plan, Monthly Reports, Mid-Year Report, Annual Report), observation of deliverables, and quarterly data sampling (10-20%) for data quality verification.
• Deliverables: Peace Corps Annual Recruitment Plan, Monthly Reports, Mid-Year Report, and Annual Report.
• Ratings: Defines performance levels as Outstanding (>90%), Satisfactory (<90% and >=75%), and Unsatisfactory (<75%).
• Performance Report: Explains how contract performance will be documented and used to determine eligibility for option year awards.
• QASP Governance: States the QASP is a living document, subject to updates by the COR with KO concurrence, and that all revisions will be documented.

This QASP provides potential bidders with a clear understanding of how their performance will be monitored and evaluated if awarded the contract. It highlights the specific deliverables, reporting requirements, and performance standards that will be assessed, allowing them to gauge their capacity and tailor their proposals accordingly. Understanding these surveillance methods and performance metrics is crucial for successful contract execution.

Presolicitation Notice

This notice announces the Department of the Interior's (DOI) intent to procure Strategic Recruitment Services for the Peace Corps. The program aims to expand Peace Corps recruitment resources by establishing formal contract relationships with universities to serve as recruitment hubs.

• Provide campus recruiting space.

• Hire and supervise a Peace Corps Campus Recruiter.

• Develop a recruitment strategy plan.

• Achieve recruitment targets.

• Submit monthly, mid-year, and final reports as per the Performance Work Statement.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027, with four (4) option periods, totaling up to five (5) years.

• Contract Type: Multiple Firm-Fixed-Price contracts per region.

• Acquisition Procedures: FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

• Estimated Value: Individual awards are under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

• The solicitation is anticipated to be issued around April 9, 2026, and will remain open for at least 30 days, with an estimated closing date of May 11, 2026.

• Solicitations will be posted on SAM.gov.

• Quoters must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of quote submission.

• Anticipated Award Date: July 2026.

• Set-Aside: None.

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. higher education institutions that meet at least one of the following:

  • At least 10,000 undergraduate students.
  • Previously awarded a Strat contract with the Peace Corps.

• The requirement is divided into eight (8) Strat Sub-Regions nationwide.

• A program presentation (Zoom webinar) is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Registration details are provided.

• This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

• No costs incurred in response to this notice will be reimbursed.

Presolicitation Notice

This notice announces the Department of the Interior's (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) intent to procure Strategic Recruitment Services on behalf of the Peace Corps. The program aims to expand Peace Corps recruitment resources by establishing formal contract relationships with U.S. higher education institutions. The goal is to establish at least one "Strat institution" in each of the eight defined subregions nationwide.

• Provide campus recruiting space.

• Hire and supervise a Peace Corps Campus Recruiter.

• Develop a recruitment strategy plan.

• Achieve recruitment targets.

• Submit monthly, mid-year, and final reports in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Anticipated Period of Performance: August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, with four (4) option periods, not to exceed five (5) years total.

• Contract Type: Multiple Firm-Fixed-Price contracts per region.

• Acquisition Procedures: FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

• Estimated Value: Individual awards are expected to be under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

• The solicitation is anticipated to be issued on or about April 9, 2026.

• The solicitation will be posted for at least 30 days, with an estimated closing date of May 11, 2026.

• Interested parties are invited to attend a Zoom webinar program presentation on April 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Registration for the webinar is required.

• Quoters must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission.

• Set-Aside: None.

• Eligibility Criteria: Open to U.S. higher education institutions that meet at least one of the following:

  • Have at least 10,000 undergraduate students.
  • Have been previously awarded a Strat contract with the Peace Corps.

• This presolicitation notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment to award a contract.

• The government will not reimburse any costs incurred in response to this notice.

• Award is anticipated on or about July 2026.

• Point of Contact: Heather Smith, Contracting Officer, Interior Business Center, AQD (Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov).