Selective Service System (SSS) Readiness Simulation

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Conscription Simulation Model RFI, Set #3.

• Model Hosting and Operation: The simulation model will be hosted and operated within SSS IT environments by SSS personnel, not by the vendor. Development will occur in an SSS-designated cloud environment.
• Development Tools: Vendors may recommend commercially supported, stand-alone development tools and platforms.
• Data Provision: SSS will provide required data elements for model design and development. Vendors are expected to identify and recommend supplemental data as needed.
• Scenario Flexibility: The model must be capable of executing multiple configurable scenarios to assess a wide range of policy and operational conditions, including alternative policy scenarios and scenarios involving females.
• Automatic Registration: Automatic registration is effective December 18, 2026.
• Workspaces: Development, testing, and deployment will occur within SSS-designated environments.
• Skills Selection: The model must assess both General and Special Skills selection conditions.

These clarifications provide specific details on technical requirements, data handling, and operational parameters for the Conscription Simulation Model, which may influence vendor proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by industry and the Agency's responses regarding the Conscription Simulation Model RFI. It aims to clarify requirements and expectations for potential vendors.

• Contracting Approach: The Agency anticipates issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on SAM.gov for a new requirement, with a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract structure. The specific contract vehicle and set-aside determination are pending RFI responses.
• Hosting Environment: The model will be hosted within SSS information technology environments and operated by SSS personnel. Development and testing will occur in an SSS-designated cloud environment. The Agency is open to an Interim Authority to Test (IATT).
• Data and Parameters: The Agency will furnish authoritative parameters for key performance metrics. Vendors are expected to recommend supplemental parameters. The system will process only anonymized aggregates and derived statistics, not Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Technical Data Rights: The Government requires full and unrestricted delivery of all technical artifacts, including source code, build pipelines, and database schemas.
• Integration: The model will operate as a stand-alone application and will not integrate directly with other SSS or partner systems. It will use Microsoft Entra ID for identity and access management.
• Validation, Verification, and Accreditation (VV&A): Formal VV&A under MIL-STD-3022 or DoDI 5000.61 is not required; verification and validation will be performed internally by SSS subject-matter experts.

This Q&A document provides crucial details that will inform vendor proposals for the upcoming RFQ, particularly regarding contract type, hosting, data handling, and technical requirements. Key dates (Period of Performance, Initial Operating Capability) will be provided in the forthcoming RFQ.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions posed during a Request for Information (RFI) regarding a Conscription Simulation Model. It clarifies the Agency's requirements, scope, and technical expectations for the model.

• Users: The model will be operated exclusively by SSS personnel. Outputs may be shared with other authorized Government agencies.
• Cadence: The model will run monthly under normal conditions and as needed for situational or contingency analyses.
• Scope: The model will not incorporate classified scenarios or data; all operational use will remain unclassified. It is limited to six Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) and will not include adjacent functions.
• Functionality: The model must support post-event after-action reconstruction in addition to predictive forecasting.
• Hosting: The model will be hosted within SSS IT environments and operated by SSS personnel. Development and testing will occur in an SSS-designated cloud development environment.
• Integration: The model will operate as a stand-alone application and will not integrate directly with other SSS or partner systems.
• Security: The system will operate at a FISMA Moderate impact level. It will process only anonymized aggregates and derived statistical outputs; no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be ingested or stored.
• Deliverables: Full and unrestricted delivery of all technical artifacts, including source code, build pipelines, and documentation, is required. An SBOM is required at the time of delivery.
• Personnel: Vendor personnel are required to hold a Public Trust clearance at the time of award.
• Acquisition: The Agency anticipates issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on SAM.gov, with a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract structure. Commercial item solutions are sought.

This RFI response provides detailed technical and non-technical requirements that will inform the forthcoming RFQ. Key areas clarified include operational scope, data handling, security, hosting, and acquisition strategy. Vendors should use this information to prepare for the upcoming solicitation.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Selective Service System (SSS) for market research to inform the future procurement of a government-owned predictive Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model. The model will support the Agency by analyzing and visualizing staffing, resource needs, manpower delivery, and operations under various mobilization conditions. This capability aims to support planning, decision-support, and organizational readiness.

The SSS mission is to register and maintain a system for providing manpower when authorized. This is carried out through six Mission Essential Functions (MEFs): Registration, Selection, Notification, Delivery, Classification, and Alternative Service Program.

SSS is seeking industry input on the following capabilities for the DES model:

• Design and build a DES model representing SSS MEFs.
• Simulate staffing, resource needs, and operational flows under varying conditions.
• Support multiple scenarios reflecting differing operational demands.
• Support user-modifiable parameters, assumptions, and configurations.
• Provide analytical outputs, dashboards, sensitivity analysis, and reporting features.
• Provide training, documentation, and knowledge transfer for SSS personnel.

The anticipated delivery of the simulation capability is between December 2026 and May 2027, subject to market research and acquisition planning.

• This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not pay for any costs associated with responses.

• Interested firms should submit:

  1. Capability statement with relevant past performance.
  2. Projected timeline for completing the work.
  3. Estimated costs.
  4. Any other supporting information.

• Vendor questions are due by Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST via email.

• Responses to this RFI are due by Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST via email to Mr. Cane Toussaint (ctoussaint@sss.gov) with the subject line 'SSS Readiness Simulation'.

• Telephone calls will not be accepted.

• The requesting organization address is: Selective Service System (National Headquarters), 1501 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209-2461.