UNCLASSIFIED

1.0 Consolidated Performance

Work Statement (CPWS): South East Africa Security Engagements (FY26)

1.1 Acquisition Overview & Regulatory

Framework (RFARO)

1.1.1 Regulatory Authority and Consolidation

Context

1.1.1.1 This Consolidated Performance Work Statement (CPWS) is issued by Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) pursuant to the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFARO) Part 37 (Service Contracting), RFARO Subpart 37.6 (Performance-Based Acquisition), RFARO Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services), and RFARO Subpart 237.1 (Service Contracting).

1.1.1.2 In accordance with RFARO Subpart 204.71 (Uniform Contract Line Item Numbering System) and RFARO 37.602 (Performance Work Statements), this solicitation and resultant contract combine two distinct security cooperation requirements into a single administrative instrument while enforcing strict separation of statutory authorities, operational scopes, funding streams, participant vetting parameters, and contract line item structures.

1.1.1.3 The two distinct requirements consolidated within this instrument are designated as detailed below.

1.1.1.3.1 Requirement 1 (CLIN 0001 Series): Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Capacity-Building Security Cooperation Engagements (NDAA Sec 1208 & WPS Act 2017).

1.1.1.3.2 Requirement 2 (CLIN 0002 Series): Global Fragility Act (GFA) & Atmospheric Environmental Data Engagements (GFA / Prevention of Conflict & Promote Stability).

1.1.2 Detailed Explanation of Requirements

1.1.2.1 Requirement 1 Explanation (WPS Capacity-Building

Engagements)

1.1.2.1.1 Primary Legal Authority: Section 1208 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (as extended) and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68).

1.1.2.1.2 Core Objective: Advise, train, and educate Host Nation (HN) security forces to build institutional capacity to integrate WPS principles into operational planning and execution, advance women's participation in national security, and execute community-security dialogues and physical micro-stabilization investments in fragile border zones.

1.1.2.1.3 Operational Scope and Limitations: Permitted activities, prohibited activities, and vetting requirements are detailed in paragraphs 1.1.2.1.4, 1.1.2.1.5, and 1.1.2.1.6 below.

1.1.2.1.4 Permitted Activities: Non-tactical advisory services, civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) training, tabletop exercises (TTX), WPS integration workshops, and direct delivery of physical micro-stabilization investments (e.g., female security force barracks/latrines, training facilities, specialized gear, GBV interview rooms).

1.1.2.1.5 Prohibited Activities: Tactical instruction, lethal capability transfer, equipment maintenance support, or accompanying HN patrols without explicit authorization.

1.1.2.1.6 Vetting Requirements: Mandatory Leahy Law (10 U.S.C. § 362) human rights vetting conducted by the USG prior to any activity. No capacity building or funds may be expended on uncleared personnel.

1.1.2.1.7 Geographic Scope: Target Nations across South East Africa, with prioritized engagements conducted at critical locations within Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Somalia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, in addition to other regional target nations (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia).

1.1.2.2 Requirement 2 Explanation (GFA Atmospheric & Data

Collection Engagements)

1.1.2.2.1 Primary Legal Authority: U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability / Global Fragility Act (GFA) frameworks, Executive Order 14168, and Department of War (DoW) WPS Implementation Guidance (Sept 11, 2025).

1.1.2.2.2 Core Objective: Gather atmospheric and operational data to establish informational baselines on Partner Nation (PN) operational environments and build local communication channels.

1.1.2.2.3 Operational Scope and Limitations: Strict operational limitations apply to ensure no training or capacity building takes place under this requirement.

1.1.2.2.4 Prohibition on Training and Capacity Building: Requirement 2 explicitly prohibits conducting or supporting security force training, advising, capability development, or institutional capacity building.

1.1.2.2.5 Permitted Activities: Atmospheric data collection, civil-military dialogue facilitation as neutral documenters, Civil Affairs / Defense Economics analysis, and feasibility assessments for potential future USG-funded Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) projects (e.g., under 10 U.S.C. § 401 / § 2561).

1.1.2.2.6 Vetting Requirements: Participant rosters are collected for data and communication mapping; no Leahy capacity-building vetting applies as no training/advising is conducted under Requirement 2.

1.1.2.2.7 Operational Accountability: The Contractor shall formally advise the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) prior to the execution of any activities, movements, or operations conducted under this contract. In this notification, the Contractor must explicitly state that the scheduled actions are being executed in direct support of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF).

1.1.2.2.8 Joint Operations Center (JOC) Tracking Requirements: To facilitate operational oversight, force protection, and situational awareness for the JSOTF- SOM Joint Operations Center (JOC), the Contractor shall provide comprehensive movement and operational data. The Government Representative (COR/ACOR) will formally introduce the Contractor to the appropriate JSOTF-SOM JOC representative to establish the necessary lines of communication. Following this introduction, the Contractor shall submit all required reporting to the designated JSOTF-SOM JOC point of contact and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) no later than 72 hours prior to the commencement of activities.

1.1.2.2.9 Required Data Elements: The Contractor’s notification shall, at a minimum, include: dates of operation, specific geographic locations/grid coordinates, and a complete roster of contractor personnel executing the activities (handled securely in accordance with applicable PII protection regulations).

1.1.2.2.10 Compliance and Ongoing Coordination: The Contractor shall maintain continuous coordination with the JSOTF-SOM JOC throughout the period of performance, reporting any deviations immediately.

1.1.2.2.11 Geographic Scope: Priority GFA Nations (strictly limited to Mozambique and Libya) with data collection and civil-military engagement efforts focused on specific prioritized administrative areas, border corridors, and exercises.

1.1.3 Comparative Regulatory Matrix

1.1.3.1 The matrix below provides a side-by-side comparative analysis of the operational parameters of Requirement 1 and Requirement 2.

Operational Parameter REQUIREMENT 1 (WPS Capacity-Building)

REQUIREMENT 2 (GFA

Data Collection)

Primary Legal Authority NDAA FY23 Sec 1208 (as extended) & Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 (P.L.

115-68)

Global Fragility Act (GFA) / U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict & Promote Stability, E.O.

14168, DoW WPS Guidance (Sept 2025)

Core Operational Objective

Advise, train, and educate Host Nation (HN) security forces to build institutional capacity to integrate WPS principles and execute micro-stabilization investments.

Gather atmospheric and environmental data to establish informational baselines on Partner Nation (PN) operational environments and build local communication channels.

Training / Advising Allowed?

YES (Classroom-based, non-tactical capacity building, CIMIC training, tabletop exercises, and

STRICTLY

PROHIBITED (No security force training, advising, capability

WPS integration workshops) development, or institutional capacity building allowed)

WPS Implementation Framing

Institutional capacity building, female recruitment/retention, force integrity, safety, GBV response, and specialized equipment/facilities for HN forces.

Assessing sex-based safety and security needs of local populations. Explicitly prohibits reference to

UNSCR 1325, UN

frameworks, or gender identity concepts.

Micro-Projects Scope Direct physical procurement, construction, and delivery of micro-investments (e.g., female barracks, latrines, GBV rooms, training gear).

Feasibility assessments ONLY for potential future USG-funded HCA projects (under separate 10 U.S.C. § 401 / § 2561 authority).

Leahy Vetting Required? MANDATORY (Written USG Leahy clearance required for all HN trainees/participants prior to any capacity-building activity)

NOT APPLICABLE

(Participant rosters collected for communication mapping only; no capacity building conducted)

Geographic Scope Regional Target Countries, prioritizing identified mineral corridors, rail corridors, and border districts.

Priority GFA contexts, specifically targeted Mozambique provinces and Libyan border zones / exercises.

Funding Stream & Accounting

FY26 Cost-Plus Security Cooperation Funds (CLIN 0001 Series)

FY26 GFA Dedicated Priority Funding (CLIN 0002 Series; strictly segregated cost-plus accounting)

Contract CLIN Alignment CLIN 0001 Series CLIN 0002 Series

1.1.4 Structure & Numbering Scheme

1.1.4.1 To ensure absolute clarity during contract execution, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) monitoring, and invoice processing under Wide Area Workflow (WAWF / PIEE), every paragraph within this CPWS is sequentially numbered under its respective section.

1.1.4.2 Paragraph numbers are sequentially numbered under their respective headers using a strict hierarchical decimal system.

1.1.4.3 Section 1.2 contains all elements related to Requirement 1 (WPS Capacity Building), and Section 1.3 contains all elements related to Requirement 2 (GFA Atmospheric Data Gathering).

1.2 Requirement 1 — Women, Peace, and

Security (WPS) Capacity-Building Security Cooperation Engagements

1.2.1 Part 1: General Information & Business

Standards

1.2.1.1 Introduction, Goal & Scope

1.2.1.1.1 This Performance Work Statement outlines a security cooperation program conducted under the authority of Section 1208 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (as extended). This program will advise, train, and educate Host Nation (HN) security forces to build their institutional capacity regarding the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017.

1.2.1.1.2 The Contractor shall execute these security cooperation activities to advance the meaningful participation of women in national security forces and decision-making processes. Key activities will include community-security dialogues and micro-stabilization projects designed to improve early-warning indicators and strengthen civil-military communication pathways in fragile border regions, mineral sectors, and trade transit corridors.

1.2.1.1.3 All activities must strictly comply with applicable U.S. law, RFARO cost-reimbursement principles, and Department of War (DoW) Implementation Guidance. The required result of this contract is a measurable, cost-efficient improvement in HN security force capacity to integrate WPS principles into their operations and planning.

1.2.1.2 Performance Objectives (Required Results)

1.2.1.2.1 Objective 1: Increase the frequency of community-initiated reporting of security concerns, measured through standardized contractor reporting templates and validated by community stakeholders.

1.2.1.2.2 Objective 2: Demonstrate measurable reduction in communication gaps between community actors and HN units, reflected in community-validated dialogue outputs.

1.2.1.2.3 Objective 3: For all authorized capacity-building engagements, demonstrate measurable improvement in HN force proficiency to independently plan, execute, and evaluate civil-military engagements and integrate WPS principles, validated through documented pre- and post-engagement capability assessments and practical exercises.

1.2.1.2.4 Objective 4: Complete micro-stabilization projects validated by community stakeholders and documented through signed certificates of transfer, executed within strict cost boundaries.

1.2.1.2.5 Objective 5: Submit all deliverables within required timelines as defined in Technical Exhibit 2 (Paragraph 1.2.7.3.1).

1.2.1.3 Contractor Responsibility

1.2.1.3.1 The Contractor shall deliver the region-specific community security initiatives and physical micro-stabilization investments described herein. The Contractor shall ensure the physical safety and operational security of all participants and contracted personnel, limited to standard commercial duty-of-care practices and without reliance on U.S. Government operational support.

This requires coordinating access with national and sub-national civilian and military authorities and providing seamless Arabic/Portuguese/Somali/English/local language translation.

1.2.1.3.2 The Contractor shall ensure all actions are conducted in strict compliance with U.S. federal regulations, RFARO cost rules, DoW instructions, and local host-nation laws and shall execute all WPS-focused security cooperation activities in accordance with the authorities granted in Section 1208 of the FY23 NDAA and the broader WPS Act of 2017.

1.2.1.3.3 The Contractor shall perform a written local risk assessment and security plan for each in-country activity and submit it to the COR and Embassy Security Team for approval at least 14 days prior to personnel deployment.

1.2.1.3.4 All training/advisory activities are conditioned on (1) Embassy/COR written approval, (2) documented Leahy vetting of all HN participants, and (3) secure handling of all sensitive personnel data. Any deviation must be pre‑approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

1.2.1.4 Strategic & Unclassified Definitions

1.2.1.4.1 The Contractor must integrate the unclassified baseline definitions detailed in this section into all analysis, planning, execution, and reporting under this contract.

1.2.1.4.2 Women, Peace, and Security (WPS): Grounded in the WPS Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68). The Contractor shall ensure the empowerment and meaningful participation of women at all stages of the project lifecycle, from analysis to execution and monitoring. This includes moving beyond simple inclusion to ensuring women’s perspectives directly influence planning, their security concerns are prioritized, and they are active leaders in community-level stabilization efforts. Consistent with DoW WPS Implementation Guidance, the Contractor shall facilitate community-level reporting mechanisms to assess the distinct security interests and vulnerabilities of men, women, boys, and girls based on their sex and local roles.

1.2.1.4.3 Host Nation Institutional Capacity: The primary objective of all activities under this PWS. It refers to the measurable improvement of a Host Nation’s security forces to independently plan, resource, execute, and assess operations and policies that incorporate Women, Peace, and Security principles.

1.2.1.4.4 Defense Economics (Analytical Lens): An analytical framework for observing the economic environment to inform security cooperation. Under this framework, the Contractor shall analyze how VEOs exploit local economic conditions (e.g., unemployment, resource competition, illicit taxation, and mineral exploitation at strategic mines). The purpose of this analysis is to advise and train HN security forces on how their operational planning, presence, and posture can impact economic stability and the safety of women in local markets, trade routes, and livelihoods. This is an advisory function, not an instruction for the Contractor to conduct economic development.

1.2.1.5 Micro-Stabilization Project Definition

1.2.1.5.1 A micro‑stabilization project is a small‑scale, community‑validated physical investment designed to produce immediate, visible stability effects in fragile, under‑governed, or conflict‑affected areas. Crucially, these projects must be directly tied to the security cooperation objectives of this PWS.

1.2.1.5.2 Their primary purpose must be to support the training, advising, or equipping of HN security forces to advance WPS principles, not to serve as general humanitarian assistance. These projects must be derived directly from PMESII/ASCOPE environmental analysis, validated by the U.S. Embassy Country Team, and selected through structured community‑security dialogue sessions. All micro‑stabilization projects shall comply with the statutory limits of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 and the DoW Implementation Guidance.

1.2.1.6 Operating Constraints

1.2.1.6.1 All activities shall remain tactical and non-lethal in nature; permitted activities may include community facilitation, non-tactical advising, and authorized capacity-building consistent with DoW guidance. The Contractor shall not provide tactical instruction, transfer lethal capability, or perform activities beyond the scope of Embassy/USG authorization.

1.2.1.6.2 Prohibited without explicit USG authorization: Accompanying HN patrols; providing weapons, tactical communications, maintenance or technical support for security equipment; directing HN operational planning.

1.2.1.6.3 Permitted with USG authorization and Leahy vetting: Classroom-based civil-military cooperation courses, tabletop exercises (TTX) on civil-military roles, mentoring on community engagement procedures, and non-tactical WPS integration workshops.

1.2.1.7 Funding and Fiscal Authority

1.2.1.7.1 All efforts under this PWS shall be funded using Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funds, subject to the availability of appropriations and the established Cost-Not-to-Exceed (NTE) ceiling.

1.2.1.8 Regional Geography and Target Countries

1.2.1.8.1 The geographical scope of this PWS comprises 12 nations, within which the Contractor must strictly prioritize engagements, activities, and localized cost estimates within the following high-priority countries and specific strategic assets.

1.2.1.8.2 Zimbabwe: Strictly prioritizing the Arcadia Lithium Mine and the Bikita Lithium Mine.

1.2.1.8.3 Zambia: Strictly prioritizing the Copperbelt Province.

1.2.1.8.4 South Africa: Open to engagements and activities anywhere within the country, with a priority focus on sensitization of presence to prepare for U.S.

Government (USG) transit from Johannesburg to Lesotho.

1.2.1.8.5 Somalia: Strictly prioritizing the Baledogle operational zone.

1.2.1.8.6 Botswana: Strictly prioritizing the Eastern/Southern border zones including Francistown, Ramokgwebana, Lobatse, and Ramatlabama.

1.2.1.8.7 Malawi: Strictly prioritizing the Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Kasungu, or Mchinji Districts.

1.2.1.8.8 Angola: Strictly prioritizing the Lobito Corridor.

1.2.1.8.9 Other regional nations within the geographical scope (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia) may be considered for engagements only if the Contractor demonstrates aligned opportunities that make execution exceptionally cost-efficient, and only upon explicit written authorization of the Contracting Officer.

1.2.1.9 Place of Performance

1.2.1.9.1 Performance will take place in-country across the prioritized target sites. The Contractor shall perform both administrative planning and active, localized community-level engagements. The strategic site priorities are detailed in the table below:

Target Country Prioritized Strategic Site / Regional Corridor

Specific Operational Focus / Strategic Priority

Est. # of Engagements

Zimbabwe Arcadia Lithium Mine & Bikita Lithium Mine

Secure mineral extraction zones;

mitigate exploitation of female miners;

2-5 border community stabilization

Zambia Copperbelt Province

Border security;

stabilizing under-governed copper-extraction zones and cross-border commercial pathways

2-5

South Africa Anywhere within South Africa / Johannesburg to Lesotho Transit Corridor

Sensitization of presence to prepare for USG transit from Johannesburg to Lesotho; open to engagements nationwide

2-3

Somalia Baledogle Core security and CVE coordination adjacent to JSOTF-SOM and local airfields

2-4

Botswana Eastern/Southern Border (Francistown, Ramokgwebana, Lobatse, Ramatlabama)

Cross-border trade protection;

build community-level security networks to mitigate smuggling

1-2

Malawi Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Kasungu, or Mchinji Districts

Stabilizing key border agriculture corridors and trade checkpoints;

female market-access security

1-2

Angola Lobito Corridor Infrastructure security;

1-2 stabilizing vulnerable communities situated along the strategic transit rail link

Other Nations Considered on a case-by-case basis (e.g., Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia)

Allowed only if opportunity demonstrates exceptional cost-efficiency and is explicitly approved by the

CO

Variable

1.2.1.10 Hours of Operation

1.2.1.10.1 The Contractor shall conduct normal business operations Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1700 local time, excluding federal holidays. However, due to the nature of field-based security engagements, the Contractor may be required to support operational tasks during weekends, evenings, or extended hours. All such flexible scheduling shall be coordinated and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and shall not result in any increase in the fee or exceed the contract's cost ceiling.

1.2.1.11 Type of Contract

1.2.1.11.1 The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price, non-personal services contract to execute these requirements. The USG will establish a firm, maximum Cost-Not-to-Exceed (NTE) Ceiling upon contract award. The Contractor will be reimbursed for allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs in accordance with RFARO cost-reimbursement guidelines up to the established NTE ceiling.

1.2.1.12 Security Requirements

1.2.1.12.1 All work performed under this contract is UNCLASSIFIED. However, because of the operational environments and sensitive partner nation interfaces, the Contractor shall enforce strict Operational Security (OPSEC) measures.

1.2.1.12.2 The Contractor shall not publish, release, or disclose any information, participant rosters, locations of engagements, or photographic/video documentation to public forums or social media without written clearance from the COR and the SOCAF Public Affairs Office (PAO).

1.2.1.12.3 All draft Civil Affairs planning products, actor-relationship maps, and target area assessments shall be marked and handled as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) where designated by the COR in accordance with DoW WPS Implementation Guidance OPSEC limitations.

1.2.1.13 Human Rights (Leahy) Vetting Compliance

1.2.1.13.1 Because this contract includes security cooperation and capacity-building activities, all participating Host Nation (HN) military and security forces must undergo mandatory human rights vetting in accordance with the Leahy Law (10 U.S.C. § 362).

1.2.1.13.2 All proposed trainees, instructors, and HN unit participants must appear on an Embassy‑issued Leahy‑cleared roster prior to the engagement; the Contractor shall not bill for or conduct any capacity‑building activity involving uncleared individuals. The Contractor shall securely transmit required roster data using SFTP with MFA per Section 1.2.1.17.2 data protocols.

1.2.1.13.3 The U.S. Government (via the respective U.S. Embassy) conducts this vetting. The Contractor shall not provide any training, advisory support, or capacity-building to any HN unit or individual who has not been explicitly cleared in writing by the USG. The Contractor shall immediately exclude any individual not appearing on the USG-approved roster.

1.2.1.14 Key Personnel

1.2.1.14.1 The Contractor shall identify and maintain the Key Personnel described below for the duration of this contract.

1.2.1.14.2 Language Requirements: All key personnel roles require professional English fluency. While direct dual language fluency (e.g., in Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, or regional dialects) is highly preferred to facilitate smoother execution and reduce coordination overhead, it is not mandatory. The core requirement is that personnel possess the demonstrated ability to operate effectively in appropriate local languages, either directly or through coordinated interpreter support, documented in resumes or past performance narratives.

1.2.1.14.3 Resumes demonstrating professional English fluency and appropriate regional operational experience must be submitted for the project manager/team lead, the lead Civil Affairs and Defense Economics analyst, and the senior national stabilization consultants.

1.2.1.14.4 Project Manager / Team Lead: Minimum of 8 years of experience in stabilization, conflict mitigation, or civil-military operations in South/Eastern Africa. Demonstrated expertise in gender analysis and experience managing WPS-focused programs. Experience should include designing and implementing activities that specifically address partner nation women’s security concerns and promote their leadership. Responsible for overall contract compliance, interagency liaison, and quality control. Required: English fluency. Ability to operate in Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, or regional dialects via personal language proficiency or coordinated interpreter support for non-operational advisory and dialogue-facilitation purposes only.

1.2.1.14.5 Lead Civil Affairs & Defense Economics Analyst: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Civil Affairs planning methodologies, economic stabilization, or CIMIC frameworks. Responsible for composing all ASCOPE/PMESII cross-matrices, project plans, and cost estimates. Required: English fluency. Ability to analyze regional/local source materials via personal language proficiency or coordinated interpreter support.

1.2.1.14.6 Senior National Stabilization Consultants (minimum 1 per high-priority cluster): Local nationals or regional experts with deep-rooted networks, responsible for community mobilization, host-nation military liaison, and local language translation (e.g., Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, or regional dialects). Required: English fluency. Ability to translate and communicate in local languages via personal language proficiency or coordinated interpreter support.

1.2.1.15 Contractor Travel

1.2.1.15.1 All travel required for the performance of this contract shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is completely responsible for all travel planning, logistics, ticket booking, itineraries, visa acquisition, passports, immunization compliance, local transport, dining, and life support.

1.2.1.15.2 The U.S. Government (USG) will not coordinate, book, facilitate, or support any travel arrangements, and shall not provide any operational movement, security escort, or emergency transport (to include but not limited to military aircraft, official embassy vehicle pools, defense communication systems, or diplomatic transportation services).

1.2.1.15.3 All travel plans shall be pre-authorized in writing by the COR solely for cost and milestone tracking. Eligible travel expenses shall be invoiced and reimbursed in accordance with RFARO cost guidelines and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). No luxury travel or unauthorized class upgrades will be reimbursed.

1.2.1.16 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI)

1.2.1.16.1 The Contractor shall provide unbiased, objective, and technically sound advice and analysis. The Contractor warrants that it does not possess any commercial, political, or operational interests that conflict with the objective execution of this contract. If any potential OCI arises during the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer (KO) in writing with a comprehensive mitigation plan.

1.2.1.17 Data Rights

1.2.1.17.1 The United States Government (USG) shall retain unlimited, exclusive rights to all data, materials, assessments, ASCOPE/PMESII cross-matrices, country portfolios, final reports, and photographic/video assets produced under this contract, in accordance with RFARO 52.227-14 (Rights in Data—General).

The Contractor shall not use any data generated under this contract for private commercial purposes or academic publication without the express written permission of the contracting officer.

1.2.1.17.2 All deliverables, rosters, and training curricula must be transmitted via encrypted SFTP with multi‑factor authentication. CUI/Leahy vetting data must be stored on encrypted devices, access‑logged, and retained/destroyed per USG guidance; suspected breaches must be reported to the COR within 24 hours.

1.2.1.18 Contractor Cost Estimation Guidelines, Financial Plan & Billing Framework

1.2.1.18.1 USG Acquisition Intent: The intent of the USG is to select specific engagement areas based on factors such as cost-efficiency, strategic transit/resource corridor alignment, and active national security interests. The USG will determine which specific prioritized sites the Contractor shall address as part of this contract upon and during award.

1.2.1.18.2 Cost-Plus Financial Plan Submission: The Contractor shall submit a highly detailed Contractor Financial Plan for approval by the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) within fifteen (15) business days after contract award. This plan must replace all fixed pricing models with a fully transparent cost-plus budget structure.

1.2.1.18.3 Excel Cost Estimate with Formulas: The final cost estimate must be provided to the USG in an interactive Microsoft Excel format with all working formulas, cells, and linkages fully intact and unlocked. No hardcoded figures are permitted for calculated totals, ensuring that the government can dynamically account for, analyze, and audit the underlying formulas, markups, and indirect rate structures that make up the total estimated cost.

1.2.1.18.4 Detailed Cost-Element Breakdown by Prioritized Site: General, unstructured, or lump-sum "banquet cost estimates" are strictly prohibited. The Contractor shall identify and isolate estimated costs specifically by individual operational site (e.g., Arcadia Lithium Mine, Johannesburg to Lesotho Transit Corridor, etc.). For each site, the Contractor must specify cost elements.

1.2.1.18.5 Labor Costs: Explicit direct labor categories, specified hourly/daily rates, direct labor hours, and fringe benefits.

1.2.1.18.6 Travel and Subsistence: Exact quantities, flight routing, per diem rates (consistent with JTR limits), and localized vehicle leasing.

1.2.1.18.7 Materials & Micro-Project Direct Expenses: Quantified listings of construction materials, training supplies, venue rentals, and localized translation services.

1.2.1.18.8 Indirect Rates & Fee: Explicit application of G&A, overhead, material handling rates, and the proposed Fixed Fee, supported by a detailed written narrative explaining exactly why the rates are determined as they are and how they are justified.

1.2.1.18.9 Regional Cost Reduction Curve Expectation: The USG expects that the initial entry and contact phase within a specific country or region will represent the highest operational cost. However, subsequent or follow-up engagements in that same region/site must show a clear, downward cost curve.

The Contractor shall demonstrate cost-efficiencies in follow-up actions.

1.2.1.18.10 Relationship Leveraging: Directly leveraging established regional civil-military relationships and interagency agreements.

1.2.1.18.11 Local Labor Utilization: Transitioning execution tasks to contracted, qualified local labor and national consultants to reduce long-term TDY travel and expat labor overhead.

1.2.1.18.12 Analytical Data Reuse: Reusing baseline environmental data, ASCOPE/PMESII mappings, and approved curricula to minimize redundant analytical costs.

1.2.1.18.13 Scrutiny of Costs: High government scrutiny will be placed on individual labor rates, indirect rate allocations, travel cost realism, and the rigor of the Contractor’s cost analysis. Cost realism audits will be conducted continuously by the COR.

1.2.2 Part 2: Definitions & Acronyms

1.2.2.1 Standard Acronyms utilized throughout Requirement 1 are listed sequentially below.

1.2.2.2 AAR: After-Action Report

1.2.2.3 ASCOPE: Areas, Structures, Capabilities, Organizations, People, and Events (Civil Affairs Analytical Tool)

1.2.2.4 ASWJ: Ansar al-Sunna (Mozambique-based VEO)

1.2.2.5 CAT: Civil Affairs Team

1.2.2.6 CIMIC: Civil-Military Cooperation

1.2.2.7 CMSE: Civil Military Support Element

1.2.2.8 CPFF: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee

1.2.2.9 COR: Contracting Officer's Representative

1.2.2.10 CSO: Civil Society Organization

1.2.2.11 CUI: Controlled Unclassified Information

1.2.2.12 DoD: Department of Defense

1.2.2.13 HN: Host Nation

1.2.2.14 IHL / IHRL: International Humanitarian Law / International Human Rights Law

1.2.2.15 JTR: Joint Travel Regulations

1.2.2.16 JSOTF-SOM: Joint Special Operations Task Force – Somalia

1.2.2.17 KO: Contracting Officer

1.2.2.18 MEL: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

1.2.2.19 MISO: Military Information Support Operations

1.2.2.20 NTE: Not-To-Exceed

1.2.2.21 OCI: Organizational Conflict of Interest

1.2.2.22 OPSEC: Operational Security

1.2.2.23 PMESII: Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, and Infrastructure (Civil Affairs Environmental Analysis Tool)

1.2.2.24 PN: Partner Nation

1.2.2.25 PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.2.2.26 RFARO: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul

1.2.2.27 SFIP: Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan (WPS)

1.2.2.28 SOF: Special Operations Forces

1.2.2.29 TCCC: Tactical Combat Casualty Care

1.2.2.30 USG: United States Government

1.2.2.31 VEO: Violent Extremist Organization

1.2.2.32 WPS: Women, Peace, and Security

1.2.3 Part 3: Government Furnished Property, Equipment, and Services

1.2.3.1 The Government will provide access to unclassified SOCAF operational planning templates and previous FY25 research baselines (e.g., Somalia engagement summaries).

1.2.3.2 The Government will provide liaison support and formal introductions to the U.S. Embassy Country Teams (Defense Attaché Offices, Office of Security Cooperation, CMSE, and CATs) and HN military leadership.

1.2.3.3 The Government will provide access to the COR and the SOCAF WPS Advisor for technical guidance.

1.2.4 Part 4: Contractor Furnished Items and

Services

1.2.4.1 The Contractor shall furnish all assets, labor, equipment, and materials necessary to perform the services described in this PWS. This includes local transport, lodging, meals, meeting venue rentals, translation of materials and meeting content, materials printing, and specialized technical expertise.

1.2.5 Part 5: Specific Tasks (Integrated Project

Lifecycle)

1.2.5.1 Phase I - Research and Regional Environmental Mapping

(PMESII / ASCOPE)

1.2.5.1.1 The Contractor shall deliver a PMESII/ASCOPE Regional Environmental Baseline Report to the COR no later than 45 days prior to executing in-country activities. As a required result, the Contractor’s mapping and analysis shall include the components detailed below.

1.2.5.1.2 Focus Area Determination: Justifying specific prioritized target areas/sites (e.g., Arcadia/Bikita Lithium Mines in Zimbabwe, Copperbelt in Zambia, Johannesburg to Lesotho Transit Corridor in South Africa) for programmatic intervention, incorporating U.S. Embassy recommendations.

1.2.5.1.3 PMESII Situational Assessment: Defining the operational environment for community-security communication-ecosystem mapping. The assessment must specifically address all six PMESII systems.

1.2.5.1.4 Political: Local administrative structures, clan elder councils, customary border-trading arrangements, and local VEO (Al-Shabaab/ASWJ) or other security/smuggling influences.

1.2.5.1.5 Military: Footprint of HN forces, regional commands, existing civil-military engagement structures, and international task force posture (e.g., SAMIM or ATMIS remnants).

1.2.5.1.6 Economic: Livelihoods, cross-border commerce, and resource gaps.

Using the Defense Economics analytical lens (as defined in Paragraph 1.2.1.4.4), the assessment must analyze how VEOs exploit these economic factors (such as illegal mining or border racketeering) and how HN security force activities impact the economic security of the local population, particularly women.

1.2.5.1.7 Social: Clan structures, traditional dispute mechanisms, ethnic divisions, sex-based roles and access barriers (e.g., women miners' safety barriers in mineral corridors), and traditional dispute mechanisms.

1.2.5.1.8 Information: Traditional verbal networks, VEO narrative campaigns, local radio coverage, cellular access, and active VEO/smuggler narrative campaigns.

1.2.5.1.9 Infrastructure: Critical regional assets, water sources/boreholes, coastal ports, major transit routes (e.g., Lobito Corridor rail tracks), and border control gates.

1.2.5.1.10 ASCOPE Operational Mapping Matrix: Cataloging critical Areas, Structures, Capabilities, Organizations, People, and Events. For each identified system, the Contractor shall map out operational variables using the ASCOPE civil planning framework.

1.2.5.1.11 Analytical Synthesis Cross-Matrix: Identifying specific local vulnerabilities, conflict drivers, and areas where host-nation forces lack access or community trust.

1.2.5.1.12 Incremental Reporting Constraint: The Contractor shall submit bi-weekly technical email updates on research coordination, mapping progress, and host-nation clearances to the COR. The Contractor shall share research findings, community survey parameters, and draft PMESII/ASCOPE cross-matrices with the COR, CMSE, and J35 (Civil Affairs) as they are developed.

1.2.5.2 Phase II - Region-Specific Initiative Plan Development & Stakeholder Alignment

1.2.5.2.1 Following USG validation of the baseline mapping, the Contractor shall deliver a customized, comprehensive Region-Specific Initiative Plan and associated cost estimates for each designated sector. This plan must act as a blueprint for the research and data collection methodology, developing cohesive CIMIC and Defense Economics assessment strategies that incorporate all relevant statutory requirements.

1.2.5.2.2 Integrated Requirements: The Contractor's plan must demonstrate three integrated components.

1.2.5.2.3 Civil Affairs / CIMIC Assessments: Are tailored to evaluate the operational environment and baseline structural dynamics of the specific host nation unit assigned to that region.

1.2.5.2.4 Legal and Human Rights Requirements: Are woven in naturally (e.g., using data from localized women's and elder groups to inform security assessments).

1.2.5.2.5 Defense Economics: Guides the development of localized micro-projects to address economic grievances exploited by VEOs or exacerbated by limited governance.

1.2.5.2.6 Detailed Plan & Budget Requirements: Each Community-Security Force Dialogue Plan shall include five primary elements.

1.2.5.2.7 Contractor Cost Financial Plan & Payment Timeline: In accordance with CPWS Section 1.2.1.18, detailing milestones, costs mapped by prioritized site, and fully formula-driven budgets in Excel.

1.2.5.2.8 Qualitative & Quantitative Goals: Clear operational benchmarks that measure changes in communication frequency, sentiment, and levels of trust between key stakeholder groups.

1.2.5.2.9 Unified Lifecycle Timeline: Chronological scheduling from baseline research, local interagency coordination, material translation, tactical execution, and local handover, to project closeout.

1.2.5.2.10 Stakeholder Registry: Identifying USG and Host Nation stakeholders by name, title, organization, and overall interest in the effort.

1.2.5.2.11 Quantified Projected Program Effects: Explicitly projecting the number and type of stakeholders engaged, expected qualitative trust impact, and established communication channels.

1.2.5.2.12 Phase II Rapid Feedback & Stakeholder Status: Throughout the Phase II planning phase, the Contractor shall provide weekly updates detailing stakeholder coordination, host-nation military buy-in, local clearances, and scheduling adjustments.

1.2.5.3 Phase III - Tactical Execution of Unified Region-Specific Initiatives

1.2.5.3.1 Upon receiving formal written authorization from the COR and the Embassy (including written Leahy clearance for participating HN personnel), the Contractor shall execute the approved Region-Specific Initiative Plan. The Contractor shall execute approved initiatives as an authorized security cooperation activity, which may include advising and assisting HN forces, consistent with DoW WPS Implementation Guidance. The Contractor shall deliver the required results detailed below.

1.2.5.3.2 Deliverable 1: Community-Security Dialogue Facilitation & WPS Inclusion: The Contractor shall facilitate structured, neutral community-security dialogues focused solely on communication pathways and community-validated security concerns. Where the USG formally authorizes capacity-building engagements, the Contractor shall conduct direct advisory workshops, tabletop exercises (TTX), and practical application training for Leahy-cleared HN personnel to build institutional capacity in civil-military planning and WPS integration. All capacity building must be classroom/non-tactical, documented, and accompanied by pre/post-assessments.

1.2.5.3.3 Deliverable 2: Micro-Stabilization Projects in Support of WPS Objectives: The Contractor shall coordinate community-selected labor and local civil society participation to build trust. Approved physical investments must be derived from the ASCOPE/PMESII assessments and include items that reinforce HN capacity-building objectives. The primary purpose of any such investment must be to directly support the WPS-focused training and advisor mission for the HN security force. Pursuant to FY23 NDAA Sec. 1208, these investments must address the requirements of women serving in national security forces or directly facilitate the security force’s ability to engage with female populations.

Permissible examples are outlined below.

1.2.5.3.4 Security Force Infrastructure (Female-Specific): Construction, renovation, or refurbishment of separate, secure barracks, latrines, and hygiene facilities for female personnel at HN military or police installations.

1.2.5.3.5 WPS Training & Education Facilities: Furnishing or equipping dedicated classrooms or resource centers at HN military academies specifically for executing WPS, gender integration, and civil-military curriculum.

1.2.5.3.6 Specialized Equipment Provision: Purchasing and outfitting female HN security personnel with appropriately sized protective equipment, uniforms, and specialized gear required for their operational roles.

1.2.5.3.7 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Capabilities: Refurbishing private, secure interview rooms at local police stations to allow HN security forces to safely and confidentially intake reports of sexual harassment or violence from female community members.

1.2.5.3.8 Female Medical Capacity Building: Supplying HN military medical clinics with specialized medical supplies and equipment necessary to meet the specific healthcare requirements of female service members.

1.2.5.3.9 Deliverable 3: Project Handover Reports: Signed Certificates of Transfer and Completion Reports submitted within 30 days of physical project completion. Physical handover of completed Micro-Stabilization Projects and associated Completion Reports.

1.2.5.3.10 Deliverable 4: Sustainability & Maintenance Plan for each micro-project, identifying civilian maintenance responsibility, local procurement sources for spare parts, and a one-year contingency budget.

1.2.5.3.11 Phase III Rapid Feedback & Post-Engagement Summaries:

Mandatory preliminary metrics and formal AAR submission processes apply.

1.2.5.3.12 48-Hour Preliminary Metrics: Within 48 hours of completing any physical project handover or dialogue session, the Contractor shall submit an informal written update highlighting critical quantitative metrics (number of attendees, sex breakdown, immediate outcomes, and only non-sensitive photographs compliant with Section 1.2.7.1 OPSEC and consent protocols). The update must include a brief qualitative analysis of how women’s participation influenced the dialogue’s outcomes and what specific security concerns were raised by female participants.

1.2.5.3.13 10-Day After-Action Report (AAR): Within 10 business days of event completion, the report shall detail communication-ecosystem observations and – for any USG-authorized training/advisory events – include detailed analysis of pre/post capability assessment results, participant rosters (Leahy-cleared), curriculum delivered, and recommendations for follow-on training and sustainment.

1.2.5.3.14 Incremental Project Handover: All physical certificates of transfer and micro-stabilization completion records shall be gathered and submitted immediately upon execution.

1.2.5.4 Phase IV - Year-End Portfolio Aggregation & Final

Reporting

1.2.5.4.1 The Contractor shall submit a comprehensive Final Consolidated Country PDF Portfolio within 30 days of completing all engagements.

1.2.5.4.2 Constraint: The portfolio must be organized via structured, labeled folders containing: Regional Situation Plans (PMESII/ASCOPE), Per-Event Analysis, Post-Event Effects (AARs), and Cost-Reimbursement Payment Reconciliation Reports, subjected to final COR and J35 (Civil Affairs) portfolio review.

1.2.5.5 Phase V - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) & 6-Month Post-Project Follow-up

1.2.5.5.1 The Contractor shall execute a long-term monitoring framework and submit a 6-Month Post-Project Follow-up Assessment exactly six (6) months after the physical completion of each micro-stabilization project.

1.2.5.5.2 This assessment must include specific analysis, based on direct interviews with female participants, on how the project has impacted their personal safety, economic autonomy, and ability to participate in public life. It should assess whether trust between women in the community and HN security forces has demonstrably improved.

1.2.6 Part 6: Applicable References

1.2.6.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable U.S. laws, RFARO cost guidelines, and strategic frameworks, including:

1.2.6.2 The Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68).

1.2.6.3 Section 1208 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (as extended), which serves as the primary authority for activities under this contract.

1.2.7 Part 7: Technical Exhibits & Special Clauses

1.2.7.1 Special Clause: Ethical Considerations for Photography & Videography

1.2.7.1.1 Prior Informed Consent: The Contractor must obtain written, signed, or video-documented informed consent from every individual prior to taking photographs or video footage. Consent forms must be available in Arabic, Portuguese, Somali, Swahili, and local languages. For minors, parental/guardian written consent is mandatory. No coercion, financial incentive, or food package compensation shall be used to obtain consent.

1.2.7.1.2 Protection of Dignity & Safety: Photos and videos must depict all subjects with dignity, respect, and agency. Imagery must not portray individuals in humiliating, helpless, or degrading postures.

1.2.7.1.3 Security & Identity Protection: The Contractor shall ensure that facial features, identifiers, and exact geographical indicators of individuals who may be targeted by VEOs are blurred, obscured, or excluded from media assets.

1.2.7.1.4 OPSEC Compliance: No photographs or videos shall contain visible military communication equipment, base layout schematics, or base security operations.

1.2.7.1.5 Consent Indexing: Every photograph and video clip delivered to the USG must be indexed and linked to its corresponding consent form.

1.2.7.2 Technical Exhibit 1: Performance Requirements

Summary (PRS)

1.2.7.2.1 The matrix below outlines the performance objectives, standards, acceptable quality levels, and methods of surveillance for Requirement 1.

Performance Objective

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Method of Surveillance

Task 5.1: PMESII

/ ASCOPE

Environmental Baseline

High-quality, operationally actionable analysis covering prioritized mine/rail/border sites.

100% compliance with

ASCOPE/PMESII

formats;

submitted ≥ 45 days prior to engagement.

COR, CMSE, and J35 (Civil Affairs) review and written approval.

Task 5.2: Region- Specific Initiative Plan

Cohesive plan weaving CIMIC, WPS, and Defense Economics.

Includes interactive Excel cost sheet.

Fully complete plan with named stakeholders, budgets, and timelines;

submitted ≥ 30 days prior.

COR and Embassy Country Team review.

Task 5.3:

Capacity-building & Micro- Stabilization

Execution of tangible micro-projects. Delivery of full training curriculum and practical exercises.

Projects completed on time; delivered only to Leahy-cleared participants within established cost parameters.

Field verification, review of training rosters, pre/post reports, and technical inspection.

Task 5.4: Country PDF Portfolio

All country-specific deliverables aggregated into an organized, indexed PDF portfolio.

100% compliant with structural requirements;

submitted within 30 days post- PoP.

COR and J35 (Civil Affairs) portfolio review.

Task 5.5: 6-Month Post-Project MEL

Comprehensive follow-up assessment of completed micro-stabilization initiatives.

Submitted exactly 6 months post-event; clear tracking of operational durability, trust, and cost-benefit.

COR and J35 (Civil Affairs) review of follow-up reports.

1.2.7.3 Technical Exhibit 2: Deliverables Schedule

1.2.7.3.1 The table below outlines all key deliverables, frequencies, formats, and submission contacts for Requirement 1.

PWS

Ref

Deliverab le Title

Frequency / Due Date

Medium / Format

Submit To (Email)

1.2.1.

Contractor Cost-Plus Financial Plan and Excel Cost Estimate

Once;

within 15 business days after contract award.

MS Word / PDF / Excel (with working formulas)

COR:

cesar.n.feliciano.mil@socom.

mil; CC:

carlo.k.salter.mil@socom.mil, kathryn.m.maitrejean.ctr@soc om.mil, and KO

1.2.5.

PMESII /

ASCOPE

Baseline Analysis & Prioritized Targets

Per Country; ≥ calendar days prior to engageme

nt. Includes Phase I feedback.

MS Word /

PDF

COR:

cesar.n.feliciano.mil@socom.

mil; CC:

carlo.k.salter.mil@socom.mil, kathryn.m.maitrejean.ctr@soc om.mil, and KO

1.2.5.

Region- Specific Initiative Plan & Stakehold er Registry

Per Country; ≥ calendar days prior to engageme

nt. Includes

MS Word / Excel

COR:

cesar.n.feliciano.mil@socom.

mil; CC:

carlo.k.salte…