JA EHLS_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI) document for a firm-fixed-price contract award to the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) on a sole source basis for the English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program Requirement, Contract DSSC.FY26-1614.

The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) Acquisition Management Directorate is procuring specialized support for the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) to administer the National Security Education Program (NSEP) English for Heritage Language Speakers Scholarships. The contractor will oversee program development and implementation, select scholarship recipients, administer awards, monitor progress, develop curriculum, deliver instruction, and disseminate results. The estimated total contract value over five years is redacted, with performance beginning August 30, 2026, consisting of a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods. Approximately a redacted percentage of the estimated value will fund direct scholarship awards and one grant subaward. The statutory authority for sole source procurement derives from 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(5) and the National Security Education Act of 1991, which authorizes non-competitive contracting for foreign language education scholarships and grants. CAL is identified as the only vendor with the requisite expertise to administer complex interdependent NSEP activities. A Sources Sought notice issued September 8, 2025 resulted in eight capability statements submitted by vendors including Berlitz Corporation, Dynamics Aspired Solutions LLC, Ocelot AG, Oreadt LLC, Pelocity LLC, Semorile Holdings LLC, Teneo Linguistics Company, and TSC Enterprise LLC. Market research concluded that only CAL possesses the capability to execute the EHLS requirement at the required scope and magnitude. CAL has held prior contracts on this program since 2015, demonstrating institutional knowledge and established track record in managing federal scholarship and grant initiatives.