African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance Program (ACOTA)

The African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance Program (ACOTA) is a comprehensive Department of State initiative designed to enhance the peacekeeping capabilities of African nations through targeted training, equipment, and curriculum development. Based on the originating solicitation, the program aims to build the capacity of qualified African countries to participate in internationally mandated peace support operations (PSO) and contingency operations across the African continent. The IDIQ contract supports three primary objectives: directly training and equipping African peacekeepers at tactical, operational, and strategic levels; training African peacekeeping trainers to enable indigenous training capabilities; and providing long-term mentorship, assistance, and infrastructure support for peacekeeping training programs.

The task orders under this IDIQ consistently focus on education, training, and curriculum development across multiple African countries, with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and PAE Government Services, Inc. emerging as frequent prime contractors. Delivery orders range in value from approximately $30,000 to over $10 million, typically with performance periods of one to three years. The contracts consistently use firm fixed-price mechanisms and do not employ set-aside designations, indicating full and open competition. Key task orders have supported peacekeeping training in countries such as Uganda, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Chad, Somalia, and Rwanda, with a focus on preparing battalions for United Nations and African Union missions. The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs appears to be the primary funding agency, emphasizing training in areas like maritime security, counter-explosive techniques, and strategic/operational peacekeeping command skills.