Trusted Partner Program - Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding a solicitation for the Trusted Partner Program (TPP). It clarifies various aspects of the program, including technical requirements, security protocols, eligibility, and contracting details.

• Technical Areas & Evaluation: The final RFP will provide definitive guidance on proposing and evaluating both technical and interdisciplinary areas, including an updated TPP self-assessment matrix.
• Proposal Classification: All proposals submitted under the full RFP should be Unclassified.
• CUI Safeguarding: The Army is concerned with protecting CUI and will require written documentation of physical security measures for CUI, not video submissions of classified space controls.
• Eligibility: The requirement is primarily for Institutes of Higher Education and non-profit research institutions. For-profit organizations are not eligible to propose as prime offerors.
• Security Clearances & Facilities: Offerors must demonstrate the capability to conduct at least CUI research, including holding CMMC Level 2 and obtaining secured physical research spaces. The government is evaluating pathways to sponsor personnel security clearances for individuals who do not currently hold them.
• CMMC Requirement: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program Level 2 is required for eligibility.
• Contracting: Contract types (CPFF, CR, FFP) will be determined at the Task Order level. Past performance references can include Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), grants, or cooperative agreements if relevant.
• AI Tool Usage: AI tools used for evaluation will be output-only, with no prompts, inputs, outputs, or metadata retained after session completion. AI findings will undergo evaluator verification.
• Subcontracting: Subcontracting plans will be required at the base award level, with specific goals identified at the task order level. Non-traditional defense contractors are eligible as subcontractors.
• Task Order Awards: Task Orders will be competitively awarded among the selected IDIQ awardees.

This Q&A document significantly clarifies requirements and expectations for potential bidders, impacting proposal content related to technical capabilities, security, eligibility, and past performance. Specific details regarding video submissions, facility clearances, and CMMC timelines are being refined for the final RFP.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an industry day presentation deck for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Office (ARO) Trusted Partner Program (TPP). The TPP is described as an innovative, enterprise-level program designed to be flexible, adaptive, and responsive to Army Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) needs within a dynamic operational environment. It aims to enable rapid CUI/SEC/TS contracting with external academic partners, facilitate a competitive rapid start on RDT&E projects across various technical fields, and support a range of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The plan is for a pilot award of approximately five contracts.

The scope of work is inclusive of, but not limited to:

• Basic and applied research
• Data science and analytics
• Technology development
• Digital Architecture
• Modeling and simulation
• Experimentation and testbed development
• Integration and demonstration
• Technology Transition to military capabilities

Key technical areas include:

• Biology (non-medical focus)
• Material Science
• Electronics
• Chemistry
• Information Sciences (including AI and cyber defense)
• Physics (including quantum computing and directed energy)

Interdisciplinary areas include:

• Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)

• Biomanufacturing (BIO)

• Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)

• Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)

• Scared Directed Energy (SCADE)

• Scaled Hypersonics (SHY)

• The solicitation number is W911NF-26-R-A009.

• The anticipated contract type is Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ).

• The government anticipates awarding up to five or more ID/IQ contracts.

• Awards will be made to the most responsible Offerors providing their overall best-valued proposals.

• The proposal submission process is a two-phase process: Phase I (Pre-Evaluation Screening Compliance) and Phase II (Evaluation of Volumes 1-5).

• Five evaluation factors will be considered: Technical, Management, Past Performance, Small Business Participation, and Cost.

• The response date for proposals is May 29, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT.

• For Other Than Small Business (OTSB) Offerors, evaluation of Small Business Participation will be based on an acceptable Small Business Contracting Plan (FAR 52.219-9).

• Trusted Partner Security requirements include facility and personnel clearances (CUI, SECRET, TOP SECRET, SCI, SAP) and IT infrastructure requirements.

• The document is a draft RFP Industry Day Presentation Deck dated May 7, 2026.

• Points of Contact (POCs) are Gihan Oraby (gihan.b.oraby.civ@army.mil) and Meaghan Pimsler (meaghan.l.pimsler.civ@army.mil).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a "Trusted Partner Program (TPP)" Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Office (ARO) seeks to establish a cadre of trusted partners, primarily academic entities, to conduct rapid research, development, technology, and evaluation (RDT&E) on sensitive projects. The program aims to enable quick-reaction contracting for basic and applied scientific research, advanced technology development, and prototyping across various disciplines, including CUI through TS/SCI levels.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Basic and applied research
• Data science and analytics
• Technology development
• Digital Architecture
• Modeling and simulation
• Experimentation and testbed development
• Integration and demonstration
• Technology Transition to military capabilities

Specific technical areas of interest include:

• Biology (non-medical focus)
• Material Science
• Electronics
• Chemistry
• Information Sciences
• Physics

Interdisciplinary projects are also anticipated, requiring expertise across multiple technical fields.

• Contract Type: Multiple Award IDIQ

• Total Maximum Ceiling: $400M over the life of the contract(s).

• Ordering Period: Up to ten (10) years (one 60-month base period and one 60-month optional period).

• Pricing Arrangements: Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Firm Fixed Price.

• Proposal Submission: Electronic via email.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Questions/Comments on Draft RFP: 01 May 2026, 4:00 PM ET
  • Final Proposals Due: 15 July 2026, 4:00 PM ET

• Evaluation Factors: Technical (Most Important), Management, Past Performance, Small Business, and Cost & Business Structure.

• A trade-off process will be used, with non-cost factors combined being significantly more important than cost/price.

• Proposals must be rated at least "Acceptable" for Factors 1, 2, and 4 to be eligible for award.

• A video pitch demonstrating capabilities for handling and storing CUI is required.

• Eligible for Institutes of Higher Education and non-profit research institutions.

• NAICS Code: 541714 (Research and Development in Biotechnology, except Nanobiotechnology).

• Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• No assumptions, alternate terms, or exceptions will be accepted in proposals.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support administrative tasks during the evaluation process.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Trusted Partner Program (TPP) Multiple Award IDIQ Contract. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Office (ARO) seeks to establish a cadre of trusted academic partners capable of rapid research, development, technology, and evaluation (RDT&E) on sensitive projects. The program aims to expand the Army's access to innovative thinking and accelerate technology transition.

The effort will focus on basic and applied research, as well as advanced technology development, across six technical areas of interest:

• Biology (non-medical focus)
• Material Science
• Electronics
• Chemistry
• Information Sciences
• Physics

Interdisciplinary projects are also anticipated, requiring expertise across multiple fields.

Offerors must demonstrate capabilities in handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) projects. A video pitch demonstrating capabilities in physical security, handling protocols, secure IT environments, and destruction capabilities is required.

• Contract Type: Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Maximum Ceiling: $400M over the life of the contract(s).

• Ordering Period: Up to ten (10) years (one 60-month base, one 60-month option).

• Award Anticipated: September 2026.

• Number of Awards: Up to five (5) Offerors for the base IDIQ award.

• Pricing Arrangements: Vary by CLIN, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Firm Fixed Price.

• Proposal Submission: Electronically via email.

• Draft RFP Questions Due: 01 May 2026, 16:00 ET.

• Final RFP Due Date: 15 July 2026, 16:00 ET.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical (Most Important), Management, Past Performance, Small Business, and Cost & Business Structure.

• Proposals must be rated at least "Acceptable" for Technical, Management, and Small Business factors to be eligible for award.

• Eligible for Institutes of Higher Education and non-profit research institutions.

• Primary NAICS Code: 541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology).

• Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• No assumptions, alternate terms, or exceptions will be accepted.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used for administrative tasks during evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by an evaluator to assess a contractor's performance on a specific contract. Bidders will likely need to provide this to their past performance references to complete.

• Section I: Contract Identification: Details about the contract being evaluated (Contractor Name, Number, Type, Value, Period of Performance, Project Title).
• Section II: Evaluator Information: Information about the person completing the questionnaire (Name, Title, Agency, Contact).
• Section III: Adjectival Rating Scale: Defines the performance ratings (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, N/A) consistent with CPARS standards.
• Section IV: Performance Evaluation: Areas to be rated include Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, Small Business Subcontracting, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Section V: Narrative Comments: Open-ended questions for evaluators to provide specific examples of strengths, weaknesses, cure notices, and recommendations for future awards.
• Section VI: Signature: Certification and signature of the evaluator.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the criteria and format used to evaluate past performance. Understanding these areas will help bidders identify appropriate references and guide their references in providing feedback that best reflects their capabilities. The ratings and comments provided by evaluators will directly impact the past performance evaluation of a bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a blank DD Form 254, which is a Contract Security Classification Specification. It is provided as a template for bidders to understand the security requirements associated with the opportunity. Bidders may need to complete and submit this form as part of their proposal, or it may be used to inform their understanding of security-related aspects of the contract.

• Sections for identifying the prime contractor, subcontractor, and government contracting activity.
• Fields for specifying the classification levels (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) and the basis for these classifications.
• Information regarding the need for access to classified information and the requirements for safeguarding it.
• Details on security training, personnel security, and physical security measures.

This form is crucial for bidders to assess their capability to meet the security requirements of the contract. It outlines the specific security clearances and protocols that will be necessary for personnel working on the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurate proposal development and for determining eligibility for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "TPP Matrix," appears to be a template or rubric for evaluating capabilities within specific scientific and technical fields. It outlines criteria for assessing an organization's strength in areas such as Biology, Material Science, Electronic, Chemistry, Information Sciences, and Physics.

• Categories: Biology, Material Science, Electronic, Chemistry, Information Sciences, Physics.
• Clearance Levels: Mentions Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Tier 1 Clearance, Collateral Secret (SEC), and Tier 3 Clearance (SEC/SCI, SEC/SAP, TS), Tier 5 Clearance.
• Rubric: Provides definitions for assessing capability levels: Significant, Strong, Established, Spiky, Moderate, Minor, and Interest. These levels are defined based on the number of faculty/staff with Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and clearance, as well as the presence of "significant infrastructure 'behind the fence'."

Bidders may need to use this matrix to self-assess their capabilities against the requirements of the opportunity, particularly if the solicitation requires specific levels of expertise or infrastructure in the listed scientific fields. It could also be used by the government to evaluate bidder qualifications. Understanding these criteria is crucial for tailoring proposals to demonstrate alignment with the government's needs.