A3. FY-26 Justification and Approval STEM Camp 2026 REDACTED.pdf

MARINE CORPS JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

STEM CAMP

Subj: JUSTIFICATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FOR AN ACQUISITION UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

I. BACKGROUND:

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).

2. As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(i), this memorandum explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source will be solicited for this requirement (or for a portion of the requirement) and the requirement (or portion of the requirement to be sole-sourced) is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

3. DFARS 215.404-72(a)(4) describes a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM OR SERVICE:

Training and Education Command (TECOM) requests approval to obtain a comprehensive, turnkey STEM Camp program in support of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC).

This requirement includes the planning, coordination, and execution of two (2) one-week residential STEM camps designed for approximately 145 MCJROTC cadets.

The contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies, instructional materials, and administrative support required to deliver immersive, hands-on training in engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence concepts.

The camps will be conducted at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, and Ignite Pathways in Woodbine, Iowa, during the periods of 12–18 July 2026 and 26 July–1 August 2026, respectively.

Services shall include the development and delivery of a structured academic curriculum aligned with entry-level college coursework, incorporating both foundational and intermediate instruction in STEM and AI-related topics. The contractor shall provide qualified instructors, including adjunct professors approved by Shenandoah University, and ensure appropriate instructor-to-student ratios. Instruction shall emphasize practical application through hands-on labs, exercises, and real-world problem-solving scenarios.

The contractor shall also provide full academic administration, including coordination with Shenandoah University to enable cadets who successfully complete the program to earn up to three (3) college credits in 100-level engineering coursework. All accreditation standards and academic requirements must be met.

Additionally, the contractor shall provide cadre support for 24/7 supervision, safety, accountability, and mentorship of cadets throughout the duration of each camp. The contractor is responsible for maintaining a secure, structured training environment, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring continuous accountability of all participants.

This effort is a non-personal services contract, and the contractor shall be fully responsible for the management, supervision, and performance of all personnel and services under this requirement.

The overall objective is to deliver a high-quality STEM education experience that enhances cadet interest, knowledge, and proficiency in STEM disciplines while supporting national defense-related career pathways.

III. THE DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IS

BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

A. X ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE:

1. Steambridge is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government’s requirements within the specified schedule. Awarding a contract to any other source would create substantial risk to mission success and limit the ability to provide participants with recognized academic advancement opportunities.

Our market research indicates that other potential vendors are unable to meet the comprehensive requirements of the PWS. Responses to a Request for Information indicated that X Corps, SMART Community STEM Camp, and Cyber Bytes could not provide the required services. Specifically, X Corps is no longer operating in the business of providing STEM educational camps. Additionally, both SMART Community STEM Camp and Cyber Bytes lacked the bandwidth and resources to support a weeklong educational camp at two different geographical locations over the summer.

These organizations, while previously or currently reputable in the STEM field, cannot fulfill the logistical scope or are no longer in the market. Furthermore, no other known organizations possess the specific combination of an accredited university partnership for college credit, the capability to deliver the highly specialized AI and engineering curriculum, and the logistical infrastructure to support two simultaneous camps in different states.

Steambridge possesses a unique and proven ability to deliver on all aspects of this requirement. They maintain an established, formal partnership with Shenandoah University, ensuring that cadets can earn transferable college credits upon successful completion of the program. Furthermore, their pre-designed curriculum specifically covers the advanced niche topics detailed in the PWS, ranging from Linux fundamentals to Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and AI ethics. Finally, Steambridge has demonstrated the necessary experience and logistical capability to manage all facets of the program, which includes providing qualified instructors, cadre for 24-hour supervision, and all required facilities and materials at both specified locations simultaneously.