Next-Gen Innovators
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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is soliciting proposals for the Next-Gen Innovators Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This unrestricted opportunity seeks to establish a rapid acquisition vehicle for STEM Educational Services across the Department of the Air Force (DAF), with an estimated maximum value of $60 million. The contract will support AFRL's Next-Gen Innovator outreach, activities, and projects. Proposals are due May 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
This IDIQ will cover a broad range of STEM educational services, including:
- Management Support: Volunteer coordination, data entry, event organization, financial oversight.
- Educational & Teaching Services: STEM initiative development, curriculum, expert collaboration, school district interaction.
- Logistics & Supply Support: Material preparation for outreach events.
- IM/IT Support: Webmaster duties, database development, audiovisual, graphic design, digital photography/videography.
- Programmatic Support: Manpower/resource planning, business development, course instruction analysis.
- Research & Analysis: Studies, evaluations, technical writing.
- Internships & Fellowships: Support for student internships/apprenticeships and faculty fellowships.
Performance may occur CONUS and OCONUS, including Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; Eglin AFB, FL; Rome, NY; Kirtland AFB, NM; Maui, HI; Edwards AFB, CA; and the National Capital Region. Task Order 1, "AFRL STEM Outreach," specifically details support for programs like "Wizards of Wright!", FIRST LEGO League, and SEMEDS.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Single Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (Full and Open Competition)
- NAICS Code: 611710 (Educational Support Activities)
- Size Standard: $24 million
- Period of Performance: 5-year ordering period, 6-year period of performance for the basic contract. Task Order 1 includes a 1-year base and four 1-year option periods.
- Contract Vehicles: Orders may be Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Material (T&M), or Labor Hour (LH).
- Foreign Participation: Not authorized.
Evaluation Factors
Proposals will undergo a Best Value Full Trade-off source selection in two phases:
- Acceptability: Evaluates performance in five subfactors: "Wizards of Wright!", FIRST LEGO LEAGUE, Audio Visual/Web Development, STEM Apprentices, and STEM Camps/Events.
- Performance Risk: Assesses recency, relevancy, and depth of experience. Performance Risk is significantly more important than Price, and all non-price factors combined are significantly more important than Price. A Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD) is required and will be evaluated.
Submission Requirements
- Deadline: May 26, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT.
- Method: Electronic submission via email to AFRL.PZLE.Next-GenInnovators@us.af.mil, Jessica.Briggs@us.af.mil, and Natasha.Randall@us.af.mil.
- Proposal Structure: Four volumes: Executive Summary, Experience Volume, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and Price. Specific page limits apply.
- Data Requirements: Contractors will be required to submit monthly Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Reports, quarterly Contract Funds Status Reports, and annual Scientific and Technical Reports (CDRLs A001, A002, A003).