INSTRUCTIONS_TO_OFFERORS_Antietam Battlefield Leadership Experience (001).pdf

Instruction to Offerors

The United States Secret Service intends to award a single task order, firm fixed price for one (1) base year and four (4) option years to the contractor that offers the best value to the government. Technical capability and past performance when combined are more important than price.

Interested Offerors shall submit their response in accordance with the evaluation factors as outline in the solicitation and will within their response address how it meets the requirement per the terms and conditions of the solicitation. A statement of work (SOW) is provided as an attachment. Please include a separate price proposal document. The price proposal should be a cost breakdown explaining the overall cost. There is not a specified format for the price proposal. If part of the proposal, please add resumes as an appendix. The appendix will not count toward the total page count. This will not count towards the page limit.

Cover page shall include the following information:

• Solicitation number

• Date of submission

• Name, address, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and CAGE code of Offeror

• Name, title, and signature of the prime contractor’s authorized representative (signature authority)

• Name and point of contact (POC) telephone number, and email address (primary POC for this proposal)

The table of contents shall be no longer than one page. This page will not be included in the final page count.

Cover letters are permitted. Please be advised that cover letters will be included in the final page count.

The use of charts, tables and graphs are permitted. Please be advised that these items will be included in the total allowable page count. The use of color is permitted. Please be advised that your full quote must be readable when printed in black and white.

The technical proposal shall not exceed 12 pages single sided (excluding cover page, table of contents, past performance references, and resumes). The past performance information shall not exceed 10 pages single sided (excluded cover page and table of content).

Questions shall be submitted to Mr. Willie Bethune, Contract Specialist at Willie.Bethune@usss.dhs.gov no later than 1:00pm EST, September 12, 2025.

Submission of proposals are due at 2:00pm EST, September 18, 2025.

Evaluation Criteria will be evaluated using the Ratings table below:

a. Factor Identification – This evaluation will evaluate the offerors by the proposals received in response to the Antietam Battlefield Leadership Experience training using the following factors:

• Factor 1: Technical Capability mailto:Willie.Bethune@usss.dhs.gov

• Factor 2: Management Approach

• Factor 3: Experience and Qualifications

b. Order of Importance – Technical approach, management approach, experience and qualifications (past contractor performance), and price.

Evaluation Factor Exceed Meet Not Meet

Factor 1: Technical Capability

Assess the vendor’s overall experience and reputation in delivering Staff Rides and leadership development experiences.

The experience demonstrates exceptional planning and execution of technically realistic battlefield scenarios. Use of equipment, terrain, and simulated conditions is highly sophisticated and effectively supports leadership development. Tools, simulations, and safety protocols are well-integrated and exceed industry standards.

The experience includes adequately designed battlefield scenarios with appropriate use of simulation and terrain.

Safety and technical tools are sufficient and contribute to the objectives but lack advanced or innovative features.

Scenarios lack realism, coherence, or technical soundness. Safety measures or simulation tools are insufficient or poorly implemented, limiting the effectiveness of the training.

Factor 2:

Management Approach

Project coordination, staffing, communication, and quality control;

adapt to host site requirements;

responsiveness to agency timelines and constraints.

The event is managed with clear leadership structure, excellent coordination, and adaptive real-time decision-making. Communication, risk management, and participant engagement are proactive and exemplary throughout the experience.

Feedback mechanisms are robust and integrated into the event.

The management structure is clear and functional. Basic logistics, communication, and risk controls are in place.

Participants are generally supported, though there may be areas where responsiveness or coordination could be improved.

Poor or unclear management structure.

Logistics, communication, or participant support are inconsistent or missing.

Issues are handled reactively or not at all, undermining the overall experience.

Factor 3:

Experience and Facilitator Qualifications

Background and expertise of the individuals delivering the program.

The leadership team includes highly experienced facilitators with 10+ years of documented experience as historians specifically delivering the Antietam Battlefield Staff Ride.

Resumes demonstrate deep subject-matter expertise, instructional capability, and consistent engagement in battlefield education. Team members also possess relevant leadership development or military education backgrounds.

Resumes reflect some experience in delivering the Antietam staff ride (e.g., less than 10 years) or equivalent battlefield experiences. Team has relevant historical and instructional background, but depth or duration of Antietam-specific expertise is moderate.

Resumes do not demonstrate relevant experience with the Antietam staff ride or battlefield leadership education. Team lacks sufficient historical, instructional, or field qualifications to support the program effectively.