Trusted Partner Program - Draft Solicitation
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 the Army has issued an Advance Notice to Industry for the Trusted Partner Program (TPP), releasing a Draft Solicitation for feedback. This initiative seeks to establish a cadre of multiple trusted academic partners, including Institutes of Higher Education and their associated entities, to conduct sensitive basic and applied scientific research for the U.S. Army. The program aims to expand access to innovative thinking and accelerate technology transition.
Scope of Work
The program focuses on basic and applied research, as well as advanced technology development, across six primary technical areas: Biology (non-medical), Material Science, Electronics, Chemistry, Information Sciences, and Physics. Interdisciplinary projects are anticipated. Offerors must demonstrate capabilities in handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) projects, requiring a video pitch showcasing physical security, handling protocols, secure IT environments, and destruction capabilities.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Maximum Ceiling: $400M over the life of the contract(s)
- Ordering Period: Up to ten (10) years (one 60-month base, one 60-month option)
- Number of Awards: Up to five (5) Offerors for the base IDIQ award
- Pricing Arrangements: Vary by CLIN, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Firm Fixed Price
- Anticipated Award: September 2026
Eligibility & Requirements
- Eligible Entities: Institutes of Higher Education and non-profit research institutions.
- Primary NAICS Code: 541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- No assumptions, alternate terms, or exceptions will be accepted.
Submission & Evaluation
- Draft RFP Questions Due: May 1, 2026, 16:00 ET
- Final RFP Due Date: July 15, 2026, 16:00 ET
- Proposal Submission: Electronically via email.
- Evaluation Factors: Technical (Most Important), Management, Past Performance, Small Business, and Cost & Business Structure.
- Proposals must be rated at least "Acceptable" for Technical, Management, and Small Business factors to be eligible for award.
Attachments
Key attachments include a Past Performance Questionnaire (for reference evaluation), a blank DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specification), and a TPP Matrix (for evaluating capabilities in scientific fields and clearance levels). These documents are crucial for understanding evaluation criteria and security requirements.