Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Program Support Services (STEPSS)

The Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Program Support Services (STEPSS) is a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle established by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC). The contract provides comprehensive research, development, test and evaluation services across the entire acquisition life cycle, with a primary focus on chemical and biological defense technologies. Specifically, the vehicle supports technical service requirements in engineering, research and technology development, program integration, and acquisition support for chemical and biological defense agencies and complementary mission-focused organizations.

Recent task orders under the STEPSS contract demonstrate a diverse range of technical support services, predominantly awarded to small businesses. Task orders typically range from small $2,500 administrative support assignments to substantial multi-million dollar research and development efforts, with contract values extending up to $20 million. Frequent prime contractors include Scitech Services Inc., Excet LLC, and Patricio Enterprises, Inc., with most task orders originating from the U.S. Army Materiel Command Research Development and Engineering Command. The majority of task orders are either designated as total small business set-asides or have no specific set-aside, with performance locations primarily centered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Notable task order scopes include developing chemical agent detection technologies, providing technical support for prototype integration facilities, and conducting toxicological and chemical sciences research.