U006--CH36 - Personalized Career Planning & Guidance (PCPG)
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 Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration, is soliciting proposals for Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) Services under Chapter 36. This opportunity seeks to award up to four Firm-Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, one for each of the Pacific, Continental, Southeast, and Northeast districts. The anticipated period of performance is from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2030. This acquisition is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside. Proposals are due by February 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
Contractors will provide educational and vocational counseling, guidance, assessments, and related assistance to eligible Servicemembers, Veterans, and Dependents. Key services include developing Personalized Development Plans (PDPs), conducting educational and career assessments, providing employment and educational service reports, and delivering counseling sessions. Services will be primarily in-person within a 50-mile radius of specified cities across the four districts, with virtual counseling authorized on a case-by-case basis. Contractors must provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and resources, adhering to strict IT and information security requirements.
Contract Details & Value
This is a Firm-Fixed-Price IDIQ contract. Each awardee will receive a minimum guarantee of $25,000.00 and the maximum aggregate value per district IDIQ is $9,000,000.00. The contract includes a base period and four option years. Task Orders (TOs) will be used to order specific services, with deliverables formally accepted by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside. Offerors must be certified as an SDVOSB and listed in the SBA certification database (DSBS) at the time of proposal submission and award. Specific limitations on subcontracting apply, requiring at least 50% of services to be performed by the prime contractor.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically to Edward.Bradford@va.gov by February 6, 2026, 3:00 PM ET. Evaluation factors include Technical, Past Performance, and Price. Technical and Past Performance combined are significantly more important than Price. Offerors should submit a total of three past performances, which can include subcontractor past performances. Key personnel, including Program Managers and Counselors, require resumes, transcripts, and licenses/certifications.
Key Documents & Updates
An amendment has been issued, providing Vendor Questions and VA Responses, an updated Labor Mix and Level of Effort spreadsheet, and historical participant data (Number of Participants Per District 2022-2025). Bidders should review these documents, especially the Q&A, for clarifications on award structure, SDVOSB eligibility, financial details, in-person service requirements, and past performance submission. Pricing schedules for each district and an invoicing manual are also available.