DRAFT - Solicitation STEM Pipeline

SOL #: RFP-AFRL-PZLEQ-2026-0002Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA2396 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL PZLE
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, United States

Place of Performance

Wright Patterson AFB, OH

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

PSC

Other Education And Training Services (U099)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Jan 23, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 26, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Feb 6, 2026, 6:00 PM

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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has released a DRAFT Solicitation for the AFRL STEM Pipeline Single Source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. This opportunity seeks to establish a contract for STEM Outreach Support Services to inspire, attract, cultivate, and develop a sustainable STEM talent pool for the Department of Defense. The government is requesting feedback from industry on the draft documents by February 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Opportunity Details

  • Notice Type: Draft Solicitation
  • Contract Type: Single Source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
  • Product/Service Code: U099 - Other Education And Training Services
  • Department/Agency: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
  • Place of Performance: Primarily Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and the Greater Dayton Area, with potential for other locations within Ohio and the United States. Specific task orders may define additional locations.

Scope of Work

The overarching IDIQ scope (Attachment 1) involves providing expert personnel, resources, materials, and solutions for AFRL STEM Pipeline Outreach activities. This includes developing and implementing STEM Outreach Pipeline activities, coordinating volunteers, managing data, preparing reports, organizing events, and providing social media expertise. It also covers financial oversight, certified educational/teaching services (including curriculum development), logistics assistance, IM/IT support (web design, videography/photography), facility coordination, equipment maintenance, studies, analyses, evaluations, and internships/apprenticeships for students (16+ years) and faculty fellowships.

Task Order 1 (Attachment 3) specifically outlines requirements for STEM Outreach Support Services at WPAFB, OH, supporting activities within the Greater Dayton area, Ohio, and the United States. This includes managing projects like "Wizards of Wright!", FIRST LEGO League, SEMEDS, Job Shadow Day, and science fairs.

Contract & Timeline

  • Duration: One (1) Base Year of 12 months, plus four (4) 12-month option years.
  • Response Date for Feedback: February 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST.
  • Published Date: March 25, 2026.

Set-Aside

This will be a full and open competition. The government will assess the extent to which offerors propose acceptable use of various Small Business concerns in their subcontracting plans. An acceptable Small Business Subcontracting Plan is mandatory for award.

Evaluation Factors

Award will be based on a Best Value Full Trade-off source selection, with all evaluation factors other than price, combined, being significantly more important than price. The government intends to award one contract. Key technical subfactors, all of equal importance, include experience in:

  1. Wizards of Wright! (WOW!): Developing and executing STEM curriculum.
  2. FIRST LEGO LEAGUE CHALLENGE: Statewide robotics programs.
  3. Audio Visual and Web Development Specialist: Developing and producing STEM videos and web content.
  4. STEM Apprentices and Junior Apprentices: Hiring and managing STEM students.
  5. STEM Camps, Events, and Activities: Planning, developing, and executing STEM camps, events, and activities. Price will be evaluated for completeness, reasonableness, and unbalanced pricing.

Performance Standards & Deliverables

  • Performance Metrics: Include 95% qualified personnel presence, less than 20% workforce turnover, 100% customer complaint resolution, and 100% security compliance.
  • Deliverables (CDRL): Include monthly Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Reports (A001), quarterly Contract Funds Status Reports (A002), and annual Scientific and Technical Reports (A003).
  • Pricing Structure (Task Order 1): Estimated Total Evaluated Price for Task Order 1 is $1,056,000.00 across all periods. Labor is Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), while Travel and Material are Time & Materials (T&M) with not-to-exceed values.

Special Requirements & Clarifications

  • Security: Contractor personnel require appropriate trustworthiness determinations (e.g., NACI/SF85) and must be U.S. citizens for base/network access (exceptions may apply). Compliance with various security directives is mandatory.
  • Personnel Qualifications: Specific labor categories are defined, requiring certain degrees, experience, and potentially Ohio teaching certifications for some roles.
  • CMMC: Level 1 will be required for Task Order 1; future task orders may require other levels.
  • Facility Operations: WPAFB personnel will handle facility operation and upkeep (security, custodial, IT, utilities, maintenance); these are not included in this contract.
  • Relationship between Attachments: Attachment 1 is the overarching IDIQ SOW, and Attachment 3 is the Task Order 1 PWS.
  • Continuity: Continuity of existing outreach programs is an objective, and offerors should assume retention of existing program structures during the base year to mitigate transition risk.

Contact Information

People

Points of Contact

Natasha RandallPRIMARY
Jessica BriggsSECONDARY

Files

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Versions

Version 5
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 26, 2026
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Version 4Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 25, 2026
Version 3
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 25, 2026
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Version 2
Solicitation
Posted: Feb 4, 2026
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Version 1
Solicitation
Posted: Jan 23, 2026
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