Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Other Special Services (MELOS) Sources Sought
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 State (DOS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a forthcoming Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Other Special Services (MELOS). The purpose is to gather industry feedback on the optimal structure for grouping service areas ("layers" or "pools") to ensure effective competition and high-quality task order performance. Responses are due by June 12, 2026, at 1 PM ET.
Opportunity Details
The MELOS IDIQ will encompass a broad range of services, including:
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- Technical advisory and subject matter expertise (e.g., mining, infrastructure, environment)
- Capacity building and training
- Data management, analysis, and visualization
- Grant administration and deployment
- Commercial diplomacy and market development
- Operational and logistical support
DOS is considering grouping these services into distinct pools, such as MEL, Technical Advisory & Sectoral Support, Capacity Building & Training, Data Management & Analytics, Grant Administration & Commercial Diplomacy, and Operational & Logistical Support. Vendors would propose participation in one or more pools based on their core competencies.
Objectives
The Department aims to:
- Receive industry comments on overarching Capability Areas.
- Identify the most effective way to group service areas to match industry expertise.
- Ensure robust, fair competition for each task order.
- Minimize administrative burden for both government and industry.
Industry Feedback Requested
Interested companies are invited to provide feedback on specific questions and submit a brief capabilities package (no more than 10 pages). Key areas for feedback include:
- Recommendations on how to group service areas for fair competition.
- Comments on the appropriateness of the proposed pools or suggestions for alternatives.
- Required qualifications, past performance, or certifications for each pool.
- Strategies to structure the IDIQ and task order competition process.
- Best practices from other multi-service IDIQs to avoid "all-vendor" competition.
- Foreseen challenges or risks with a layered/pool approach and mitigation strategies.
- Process improvements for pool assignment, task order competition, or vendor qualification.
- Relevant experience within the last five years (max 5 entries, table format).
Submission Details
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 1 PM Eastern Time
- Submission Method: Electronically to MELOS@state.gov
- Contact: MELOS IDIQ, MELOS@state.gov
- Contract Type: Sources Sought (for market research)
- Set-Aside: None specified