Apprenticeship Program

Quick Summary

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is conducting market research (Sources Sought) to identify qualified sources capable of providing services for its Apprenticeship Program. This effort seeks educational institutions to deliver online academic programs and instructional support for NNSY apprentices. The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools), and the Government anticipates issuing a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. Responses are due by May 29, 2026, at 11 AM.

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will provide accredited, high-quality online academic programs and instructional support to NNSY apprentices. Key services include:

• Developing and delivering curriculum for an Associate's degree and a Trade Technician Career Studies Certificate in Marine Industrial Occupations.
• Providing fully online (synchronous or asynchronous) and potentially in-person instruction.
• Creating and adapting courses specific to NNSY needs.
• Administering the Virginia Placement Test (VPT).
• Supplying qualified faculty and support staff.
• Providing access to a digital course catalog and a secure Learning Management System (LMS).
• Offering student support, including enrollment assistance, academic coaching, and advising.
• Furnishing laptops for apprentices for online courses, warranted for a minimum of 2 years.
• Reporting on student participation, performance, and outcomes.
• Assisting with security requirements for NNSY base access.

Performance Standards

• The Educational Institution must be accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency.
• Instructors must meet minimum qualification guidelines.
• Classes are typically held between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, or outside 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM for online instruction.
• Class sizes are approximately 24 students, not exceeding 30 per instructor.
• Monthly steering committee meetings with Government personnel are required.
• Specific reporting on student status, grades, and academic performance issues is mandatory.
• Development of at least two trade-specific courses per trade (3 credit hours each), taught in person at NNSY, covering trades like SHIPFITTER, SHEETMETAL MECHANIC, and WELDER.

Contract & Timeline

• Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
• Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
• Duration: One (1) year base period with three (3) one-year option periods, totaling four (4) years.
• Initial Academic Session: January 2027 - December 2027.
• Set-Aside: None specified (open to all qualified sources).
• Response Due: May 29, 2026, at 11 AM (Eastern Time).
• Published Date: May 19, 2026.
• Place of Performance: Contractor's online LMS, potentially NNSY facilities in Portsmouth, VA.

Submission Requirements

Interested parties must submit the following information in a single Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) email attachment to melissa.e.white13.civ@us.navy.mil:

1. Company name, address, telephone number, CAGE code, DUNS number, and point of contact (name, phone#, e-mail). Identify socioeconomic status if a small business.
2. A Capabilities Statement explaining the company's ability to perform 100% of the efforts required by the attached DRAFT SOW. This statement should demonstrate the company's ability to perform these critical tasks in their entirety without reiterating SOW language.

Additional Notes

This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a request for quote or proposal. The Government will not pay for information solicited, nor will it compensate companies for responses. Proprietary information will be protected if designated.