N4571A-25-R-0014 Amendment 0004.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 24

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

0004 12 NOV 2025

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND

NAF ACQUISITIONS BRANCH N945

5720 INTEGRITY DRIVE LASSEN BLDG 457

MILLINGTON, TN 38055

JASMYN PAYNE (901) 874-6931

JASMYN.M.PAYNE.NAF@US.NAVY.MIL

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) X 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

PROSPECTIVE OFFEROR

N4571A-25-R-0014

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

2 OCT 2025

9A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not ext-.

Ended

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. Accounting and Appropriation Data (if required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACT/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF CNICINST 7043.1 CH-1.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

A. The above listed RFP is amended as follows:

1. Update Questions and Answers to section J

B. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Jasmyn Payne, Contracting Offficer 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

BY

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE

30-105 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

N4571A-24-R-0014 | Amendment 0004

B.5

CLIN STRUCTURE

CLIN CLIN Description Unit Quantity Unit Cost Proposed Total Cost

0001 Program Manager LH 300 -$ -$

0002 Program Mnmt Analyst LH 960 -$ -$

0003 Fellowship Disbursement Reimbursable LOT NTE 4,000,000.00$

0004 ODCs

0004A Materials, Equipt, etc. Reimbursable LOT NTE 25,000.00$

0004B Travel & Per Diem Reimbursable LOT NTE 15,000.00$

0005 OPTIONAL Labor (Subcontracting) Reimbursable LOT NTE -$

Base Year

TOTAL Estimated Costs

CLIN CLIN Description Unit Quantity Proposed Unit Cost Proposed Total Cost

1001 Program Manager LH 300 -$ -$

1002 Program Mnmt Analyst LH 960 -$ -$

1003 Fellowship Disbursement Reimbursable LOT NTE 4,000,000.00$

1004 ODCs

1004A Materials, Equipt, etc. Reimbursable LOT NTE 25,000.00$

1004B Travel & Per Diem Reimbursable LOT NTE 15,000.00$

1005 OPTIONAL Labor (Subcontracting) Reimbursable LOT NTE -$

Option Year I

TOTAL Estimated Costs

CLIN CLIN Description Unit Quantity Proposed Unit Cost Proposed Total Cost

2001 Program Manager LH 300 -$ -$

2002 Program Mnmt Analyst LH 960 -$ -$

2003 Fellowship Disbursement Reimbursable LOT NTE 4,000,000.00$

2004 ODCs

2004A Materials, Equipt, etc. Reimbursable LOT NTE 25,000.00$

2004B Travel & Per Diem Reimbursable LOT NTE 15,000.00$

2005 OPTIONAL Labor (Subcontracting) Reimbursable LOT NTE -$

Option Year II

TOTAL Estimated Costs

CLIN CLIN Description Unit Quantity Proposed Unit Cost Proposed Total Cost

3001 Program Manager LH 300 -$ -$

3002 Program Mnmt Analyst LH 960 -$ -$

3003 Fellowship Disbursement Reimbursable LOT NTE 4,000,000.00$

3004 ODCs

3004A Materials, Equipt, etc. Reimbursable LOT NTE 25,000.00$

3004B Travel & Per Diem Reimbursable LOT NTE 15,000.00$

3005 OPTIONAL Labor (Subcontracting) Reimbursable LOT NTE -$

Option Year III

TOTAL Estimated Costs

PART I, SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

MILITARY SPOUSE CAREER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM (MSCAP) TO ESTABLISH

EMPLOYMENT FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MILITARY SPOUSES

C-1. INTRODUCTION

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family

Policy (MC&FP) is directly responsible for programs and policies that establish and support community quality of life programs for service members and their families worldwide. MC&FP also serves as the focal point for coordination of the broad range of quality-of-life issues within the

DoD.

MC&FP provides family support policies and programs in areas including family center operations, morale, welfare, and recreation, childcare, youth programs, relocation, transition support services, and support during mobilization and deployment (including casualty affairs). and provides policy and program oversight to ensure that military community quality of life programs are designed and executed to support the needs of DoD missions around the world.

Through the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy (OMFRP), MC&FP also provides oversight of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program and ensures military spouses have the information, tools, and resources necessary to achieve their career goals.

C-2. SCOPE

The government requires contracted support to establish a five-year program of record to provide fellowships to the spouses of members of the Armed Forces. This program will administer paid fellowships with various employers across diverse industry sectors.

C-3. BACKGROUND

Currently there are approximately 898,000 military spouses across the active duty, Reserve, and

National Guard, 88% of whom are women and an average age of 34. Military spouses have been faced with an unemployment rate 20% or higher for the last decade.

Despite the demands of military life, military spouses play a critical role in the economic security of the military family, contributing to mission readiness. Eighty-five percent of spouses report they want or need to work to meet work-life goals and to provide their families with a good quality of life. The mobile military lifestyle can create obstacles for military spouses who are searching for meaningful employment and trying to maintain their career status.

Employers who have hired military spouses know they are a powerful asset to the American workforce. Eighty-eight percent of military spouses have some college, 31 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and 18 percent have professional or graduate degrees, making them more highly educated than their civilian counterparts.

To help military spouses reach their educational and employment goals, the Department of Defense

(DoD) developed the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program. The SECO

Program is a dynamic environment encompassing quality of life support systems for military members and their dependents. The SECO Program serves eligible military spouses both in and outside the continental United States. It is a primary source of education, career, and employment coaching for all military spouses including those seeking post- secondary education, training, licenses, and credentials needed for career employment.

C-4. OBJECTIVES

C-4.1. Conduct a paid fellowship program for currently serving military spouses (not veteran spouses) from the Active, Reserve, and National Guard components. Fellowships will be

12-weeks in duration and typically consist of five, eight-hour workdays (40 hours per week). Fellowships may be conducted via onsite, remote, or hybrid arrangements.

C-4.1.1. The contractor shall propose their best solution to the government for facilitation and management of the program.

C-4.1.2. The contractor shall emphasize employment opportunities that may result in remote work as well as emphasize all geographical areas to include overseas.

C-4-1.3. The contractor shall provide a means by which participating spouses will be compensated while in their fellowship status.

C-4-1.4. The contractor shall provide overall project management of the paid fellowship program, collaborating with other MC&FP program offices as well as other contracted support as needed, and as directed by the government.

C-4-1.5. In collaboration with the government, the contractor shall onboard fellows, manage on-time pay disbursements and program capacity.

C-4-1.6. The contractor shall assist the government with development of required reports to Congress on progress, outcomes and recommendations, as required.

C-5. REQUIREMENTS

C-5.1. The contractor shall identify the parameters of the program to include program management, numbers of spouse participants, compensation to spouses, and a cost benefit analysis. Total fellowship award amount for the program is between

$3,000,000.00 to $4,000,000.00 per year, contingent upon future appropriations over the course of five years.

C-5.2. The contractor shall recommend and develop evaluation parameters and measures for tracking fellowship participants, post-fellowship employment rate and outcomes to be reported to the government on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Recommendation shall be included with the submission of the Program Management/Quality Control Plan

(see Section C-6.2.3).

C-5.3. The contractor shall participate in regular meetings with the government (ie., either weekly, biweekly and/or monthly) to update on progress of requirements and discuss any current or anticipated issues. The scheduling and frequency of these meetings to be determined after award.

C-5.4. The contractor shall assist the government with development of required reports to

Congress on progess, outcomes and recommendations, as required.

C-5.5. Under direction of the government, the contractor shall work with other contracted support as needed in areas such as program integration, information technology, reporting, outreach, communications, etc.

C-5.6. A minimum of 20 percent of the personnel working on the requirement shall be current or former military spouses with mobile military life and career experience.

C-5.7. The contractor shall ensure pay disbursements do not exceed five calendar days in delay to recipients and develop and implement strategic evaluation tools to assess growth capacity and provide monthly impact reports.

C-6. DELIVERABLES AND ACCEPTANCE

The contractor shall include a deliverable progress section within the monthly status report. Unless otherwise specified, the government will have a maximum of ten (10) business days from the day the draft deliverable is received to review the document, provide comments back to the contractor, approve or disapprove the deliverable(s). The contractor will also have a maximum of ten (10) business days, unless otherwise specified from the day comments are received to incorporate all changes and submit the final deliverable to the government. The contractor may assume a deliverable is acceptable if it receives no feedback within this time. At a minimum, these deliverables will include:

C-6.1. Deliverables Schedule and Reports.

Deliverable Key Parameters Frequency Medium/Format Submit to

Kick Off

Meeting

Agenda

Outline meeting agenda and other ancillary needs for the meeting.

Meeting will be virtual

Within 2 business days of award

Electronically in

MS Office software or other approved media

Government

PM and COR

Kick Off

Meeting

Summary with updated milestone schedule

Summary of meeting with updated milestone schedule

No later than (NLT)

3 business days after Kick Off

Meeting

Electronically in

MS Office software or other approved media

Government

PM and COR

Program

Management /

This will serve to document the

Final NLT 30 calendar days after

Electronically in

MS Office

Government

PM and COR

Quality Control

Plan contractor’s administrative, operational and program management support, per

Section C-6.2.3 of this PWS date of award. The plan may be updated as necessary throughout the life of the contract, as agreed upon between the contractor and the government.

software or other approved media

Monthly Status

Report

Per Section C-

6.2.1 of this PWS

Monthly – NLT 10th calendar day of each month

Electronically in

MS Office software or other approved media

Government

PM and COR

Quarterly Status

Report

Summarization of accomplishments and deliverables summary, per

Section C-6.2.2

Quarterly – NLT

10th calendar day following the end of each of the 4 fiscal year quarters

Electronically in

MS Office software or other approved media

Government

PM and COR

Participate in

Regular & Ad-hoc Meetings with the

Government

Prepare meeting agenda and associated documents, and per

Sections C-5.3 and

C-6.3.1 of this

PWS

TBD after award for Regular

Meetings, and as requested and coordinated with the government PM and COR for Ad-hoc Meetings

Conducted either face to face, Video

Teleconference, or by Telephone

Conference

Government

PM and COR, and all applicable

Stakeholders, as needed

Conduct

Quarterly In-

Progress-

Reviews (IPRs).

Prepare meeting agenda and associated documents, and per

Section C-6.2.2.1 of this PWS

As coordinated with the government PM and COR

Conducted either face to face, Video

Teleconference, or by Telephone

Conference

PM and COR, and all applicable

Stakeholders, as needed

Ancillary (Ad-hoc) Reports, &

Data Calls

As negotiated, designated and approved by the government PM and COR

As needed and coordinated with the government PM and COR

Electronically in

MS Office software or other approved media

PM and COR

C-6.2. Reports.

C-6.2.1. Monthly Status Report.

The contractor shall provide a Monthly Status Report (MSR) that covers all subtasks that are or were active during the previous month. Monthly Reports must be generated from the first calendar day of each month to the last calendar day of each month. (i.e., January 1st through 31st, February 1st through 28th or 29th, etc.).

The government may direct minor adjustments to the reporting information and media as required to maintain the accuracy and usefulness of the information provided. The Monthly Status Report shall contain the following:

• Brief description of requirements;

• Brief summary of accomplishments for all tasks during the reporting period and significant events regarding the requirement, to include tracking the number of fellowship participants, post-fellowship employment rate and outcomes, and fellowship funding spent for the reporting period and cumulative to date, and proposed recommendations based on lessons learned;

• Deliverables submitted or progress on deliverable products.

• Any current or anticipated problems as well as proposed resolutions for the government’s determination;

• Brief summary of activity planned for the next reporting period;

• A breakout of all contractor employees’ travel for the month to include name, dates of travel, destination(s), reason for travel, and total dollar amount to be invoiced.

C-6.2.2. Quarterly Status Reports.

The contractor shall provide a Quarterly Status Report (QSR) summarizing the activities, projections and financial expenditures. QSRs must be generated covering the period from the first calendar day of each period of performance to four (4) three (3) month cycles from initial date.

The government may direct minor adjustments to the reporting information and media as required to maintain the accuracy and usefulness of the information provided. The QSR shall contain the following:

• Brief description of requirements;

• Brief summary of accomplishments for all tasks during the reporting period and significant events regarding the requirement, to include tracking the number of fellowship participants, post-fellowship employment rate and outcomes, and fellowship funding spent for the reporting period and cumulative to date, and proposed recommendations based on lessons learned;

• Deliverables submitted or progress on deliverable products.

• Any current or anticipated problems as well as proposed resolutions for the government’s determination;

• Brief summary of activity planned for the next reporting period;

• A breakout of all contractor employees’ travel for the month to include name, dates of travel, destination(s), reason for travel, and total dollar amount to be invoiced.

C-6.2.2.1. The contractor shall conduct quarterly In-Process-Reviews (IPRs).

IPRs will be either face to face, Video Tele Conference or telephonic and the contractor will be advised of the schedule accordingly.

C-6.2.3. Program Management / Quality Control Plan.

The contractor shall provide a Program Management and Quality Control

Plan to coordinate all objectives of this PWS as to performance, quality, schedule, cost and compliance with the requirements of this requirement and all referenced DoD instructions and policies, to include recommended evaluation parameters and measures for tracking fellowship participants, post-fellowship employment rate and outcomes to be reported to the government on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

C-6.3.1. Contractor shall be required to participate in ad-hoc status meetings for technical or functional issues based on report content.

C-7. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY/INFORMATION

The contractor shall comply with all government property requirements and regulations.

C-7.1. Any government property/information made available under this contract shall be for use only in the performance of the contract.

C-8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The contractor shall provide services primarily at the contractor site. There may be meetings at the government site (The Mark Center, Alexandria VA), within the D.C. Metropolitan area and possibly at other locations (to include virtual) approved by the government.

C-9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance will consist of one base year from the date of the award with four (4) one-year option periods.

C-10. REIMBURSABLE COSTS

The inclusion of reimbursable costs is a direct allocation of costs associated with support of this solicitation. All reimbursable costs must be authorized by the COR and be in conformance with contract requirements.

C-10.1. Other Direct Costs (ODCs).

The contractor may be required to obtain supplies, and/or materials in support of this solicitation requirement. The supplies and/or materials must be incidental to and associated with the overall functions being performed through this solicitation. The contractor shall abide by the requirements in acquiring supplies, or materials, and must maintain files in such a manner that the Contracting Officer can review them upon request to ensure compliance with Federal procurement regulations. And

OPTIONAL labor CLIN is also included under ODCs to be utilized for infrequent labor outside the program manager to include business analysis, graphic designers, technical writers, etc., that may be used in support of the development of the program as well as the awareness campaign. Contractor teaming or partnering are acceptable to provide a total solution. However, price reasonableness should always be determined prior to selecting a teammate or partner. A Not-to-Exceed (NTE) amount will be established for only those ODCs anticipated and priced in the solicitation.

C-10-2. Travel.

Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Commander, Navy Installations

Command (CNIC) travel guidelines (MWRDIVINST 4651.1J or current version) and

Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). The contractor shall provide travel receipts for all travel costs within the same “invoiced” month the travel occurs and is billed. Travel costs must be itemized. No fee or profit will be allowed on travel and per diem costs.

Commercial transportation is authorized at the restricted fare rate not to exceed regular coach class. The contractor will be reimbursed for authorized travel made in connection with the performance of this contract including per diem, lodging, airfare, rental car and incidental expenses. The contractor shall submit travel requests to the government to be approved by the COR at least two weeks in advance of scheduled trip. A travel request template will be provided by the government upon award.

C-11. INFORMATION ASSURANCE

The contractor may have access to sensitive (e.g., CUI, FOUO, and/or privileged) data, information, and materials of the U.S. Government. The contractor is responsible for safeguarding information and materials of a confidential or sensitive nature. These materials are for official purposes only and remain the sole property of the U.S Government. Some of these materials are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (AMENDED). Unauthorized disclosure of Privacy Act-covered materials is a criminal offense. Failure to safeguard any privileged information which may involve the contractor or the contractor's personnel or to which they may have access may subject the contractor and/or the contractor's employees to criminal liability under Title 18, section 793 and

7908 of the United States Code. Provisions of the Privacy Act apply to all records and reports maintained by the contractor. All programs and materials developed at government expense during the course of this contract are the property of the government.

C-12. SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Unless the Government invokes an exemption, all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) products and services proposed and developed shall fully comply with Section 508 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, per the 1998 Amendments, 29 U.S.C. 794d, and the Architectural and

Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility

Standards at 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1194. The contractor shall identify all EIT products and services provided, identify the technical standards applicable to all products and services provided, and state the degree of compliance with the applicable standards. Additionally, the contractor must clearly indicate where the information pertaining to Section 508 compliance can be found (e.g., Vendor’s or other exact web page location). The contractor must ensure that the list is easily accessible by typical users beginning at time of award.

C-13. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

C-13.1. Operational Hours.

The normal duty schedule is between the hours of 0800 – 1700. The duty schedule is subject to change based on government requirements.

C-13.2. Federal Holidays.

The U.S. Government recognizes the following Legal Holidays established by

Federal Statute:

• New Year’s Day – January 1

• Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday – Third Monday in January

• President’s Day – Third Monday in February

• Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

• Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19

• Independence Day – July 4

• Labor Day – First Monday in September

• Columbus Day – Second Monday in October

• Veteran’s Day – November 11

• Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November

• Christmas Day – December 25

C-13.3. When one of the above designated legal holidays falls on a Sunday, the following

Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a legal holiday falls on a

Saturday, the proceeding Friday is observed as a legal holiday. The list of holidays relates to government duty days and is not intended to supplement or otherwise alter the provisions of any Wage Determination or Collective

Bargaining Agreement regarding applicable paid holidays.

C-13.4. In addition to the days designated as holidays, the government observes the following days:

• Any other day designated by Federal Statute

• Any other day designated by Executive Order

• Any other day designated by a Presidential Proclamation

C-13.5. It is understood and agreed between the government and the contractor that observance of such days by government personnel shall not be a reason for an additional period of performance or entitlement of compensation except as set forth within the requirement. In the event the contractor’s personnel work during a holiday or other day observed by government employees (see above listings), the contractor may reimburse them; however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed by the government, either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for time worked.

C-13.6. When the Department of Defense grants excused absence to its employees, the contractor agrees to continue sufficient personnel to perform tasks already in operation or scheduled, and contractor shall be guided by the instructions issued by the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative or Government

Program Manager.

C-13.7. If government personnel are to become furloughed, the contractor shall contact the

Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative to receive direction. It is the government’s decision as to whether contract support will be affected as a result of a government shutdown and/or furloughed government employees.

C-13.8. Nothing in this section abrogates the rights and responsibilities of the parties relating to any “stop work” clause or provision included in other sections of the contract.

C-13.9. Overtime is not authorized under this contract.

C-14. SECURITY

The contractor shall comply with all applicable Department of Defense (DoD) security regulations and procedures during the performance of this contract. The contractor shall not disclose and must safeguard sensitive information, computer systems and data, privacy act data, and government and contracted personnel work products that are obtained or generated in the performance of this contract.

C-14.1. The contractor is responsible for safeguarding information of a sensitive nature.

Failure to safeguard any privileged information which may involve the contractor or the contractor’s personnel or to which they may have access may subject the contractor and/or the contractor’s employees to criminal liability under Title 18, section 793 and 7908 of the United States Code.

C-15. CONFIDENTIALITY

This project and all materials provided to the contractor by the government and results, conclusions and recommendations obtained thereof shall be considered confidential in nature and treated with the same level of care that the contractor treats its own confidential business information. The information shall not be disclosed, copied, modified, used (except in the completion of this project) or otherwise disseminated to any other person or entity at any time to include, but not limited to inclusion in any database external to the government without the government’s express consent.

C-16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

No data provided to, or developed by the contractor shall be used for any purpose other than this contract. All information (data files and hard copy) become the property of the government and contractor shall return them to the designated program manager and/or COR at the completion of the contract.

C-17. PRIVACY ACT

Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations. Any information reported, summarized, or otherwise considered procurement sensitive that comes about through the work performed will not be distributed or discussed outside the framework of the Data layer Optimization Project. All programs and materials developed at government expense during the course of this contract are the property of the government. Contractor personnel shall be required to obtain and maintain security badges and adhere to the security requirements of the installation. The government will retain rights to all intellectual property produced in the course of performing the tasks in this PWS.

(END OF SECTION C)

PART III, SECTION J: LIST OF ATTACHMENT

Attachment 1- Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Attachment 2- Past Performance Questionnaire

Attachment 3- Questions and Answers (updated)

(END OF SECTION J)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ( updated) N4571A-25-R-0014

1. Please confirm if there are incumbent contractors currently performing the MSCAP effort. If so, please provide the incumbent contractor name(s), contract number(s), approximate total contract value (including options), any known extensions or recompete history, and available historical data on program performance (e.g., fellowships awarded, placement success rates, participating employers, total disbursements in prior years) to assist in pricing competitiveness and proposal planning.

ANSWER: CNIC is only allowed to release specifics surrounding this requirement in order to protect sensitive business data. The incumbent for the pilot project of this requirement is Deloitte

Consultant. There was an extension through 28 March 2026. The particulars surrounding historical data on program performance, participating employers, total disbursement in prior years, etc is information that can’t be released.

2. Is there an estimated award or project start date following the proposal submission due on 3

November 2025 (per Page 1, Item 9) to support resource planning and transition?

ANSWER: The estimated award date is 1 January 2026.

3. Are there any considerations for making this opportunity a small business set-aside, or adding small business subcontracting goals or preferences (e.g., per DoD NAFI policies) to inform teaming and bidding strategies for small businesses?

ANSWER: There are no plans for this being a set-aside.

4. For Fellowship Disbursement CLINs (e.g., 0003, NTE $4,000,000 per Pages 2–3), confirm if this cap is the maximum reimbursable amount, managed based on actual fellowship placements, and if prior approval is needed for adjustments, to optimize financial planning and program delivery.

ANSWER: This is the maximum estimated annual appropriation anticipated for the fellowship placements.

5. Given the Firm-Fixed-Price intent in Section B-2 (Page 2) and 0 LH quantities in CLINs 0001–0002

(Pages 2–3), please confirm if labor is priced as a fixed unit rate with actual hours billed post-award, while disbursements (e.g., $4M NTE for CLIN 0003) and ODCs remain reimbursable.

ANSWER: The CLIN LH QTY will be updated on Amendment 0002

6. Please estimate the target number of fellowships anticipated and/or expected to be placed annually across the five-year program to inform staffing and resource allocation under Section C-5.

ANSWER: The Government estimates between 300 to 400 annual placements of spouses in full-time fellowship opportunities where a stipend is provided. The Government estimates an additional

80 to 110 military spouses who will be hired directly by employers and will therefore not receive a stipend. These estimates could shift based on appropriations, evolving priorities, market conditions, and the needs of the Government.

7. Are there specific industry sectors or geographic regions prioritized for employer partnerships, as implied by “diverse industry sectors” in Section C-2, to guide outreach and ensure high placement success rates?

ANSWER: There are no specific industry sectors or geographic regions that should be prioritized for participating employers. There will be a focus on growing and recruiting employers who have not yet participated in hosting a military spouse fellow.

8. Please confirm whether the Government intends for the new contractor to assume end-to-end management of all program components of existing pilot program (recruitment, matching, placement, pay administration) or to operate alongside existing vendors from the pilot (e.g., Hiring

Our Heroes, Deloitte). (Ref: Section C-4.1.4, p.5; Section C-5.5, p.6)

ANSWER: The Government intends for the new contractor to collaborate with existing MC&FP vendors and does not intend for the contractor to assume end-to-end management of recruitment, matching, placement, or pay administration.

9. Having reviewed Section C-2, which focuses on administering paid fellowships but does not mention any required IT / enabling system implementation and hosting tasks, please confirm if the contractor is expected to provide any system hosting, maintenance, or modification of any existing

MSCAP online systems or databases, or if the work is purely program management, operational support and fellowship payment management.

ANSWER: The contractor is not expected to provide system hosting, maintenance, or modification of any existing MSCAP online systems or databases. The work is limited to program management, operational support, and fellowship payment management.

10. Alternatively, is the vendor expected to propose enabling technology for activities such as: (a) managing fellowship providers and opportunities; (b) enabling candidates to find and apply for fellowship opportunities; (c) tracking placements and evaluations; (d) tracking fellow hours, stipends, and payments; and (e) providing analytics and reporting dashboards.

ANSWER: The contractor is expected to utilize available enabling technology to fulfill the requirements of the contract, with emphasis on tracking program success and providing analytics and reporting. The Government does not require the contractor to develop or host new systems beyond what is required to support these functions

11. Please clarify the definition of “payment not delayed more than five (5) calendar days” under

Section C-6. Does this mean within five days of Government funds receipt or five days after each pay period close? (Ref: Section C-5.7, p.6; QASP, p.76)

ANSWER: “Payment not delayed more than five (5) calendar days” means the contractor must issue compensation within five days of the normal pay date. For example, if compensation payment is expected on the 1st and the 15th of the month, payments will never be delayed beyond the 6th or 20th of the month.

12. Are fellows to be considered contractor employees (W-2) or stipend recipients under a grant-style payment model?

ANSWER: Military spouse fellows are not to be considered contractor employees (W-2). There is no employer relationship between the contractor and military spouse fellows; they are stipend recipients under a grant-style payment model."

13. If the Government envisions this work to occur alongside current vendors from the pilot (e.g., Hiring Our Heroes and Deloitte), please clarify the boundaries of roles and responsibilities between the new contractor and existing vendors, including any Government-led integration model, governance forums, and decision rights. (Ref: Section C-4.1.4, p.5; Section C-5.5, p.6).

ANSWER: The contractor will operate alongside vendors currently supporting MC&FP, including those supporting strategic communications, IT support, career services support to spouses, as coordinated by the Government.

14. If this solicitation is intended as a re-competition of the pilot, please clarify what components of the pilot solution the Government owns (e.g., IT platforms, processes, employer contact lists, historical placement/outcome data) and what will be provided to a new vendor during transition (formats, data dictionaries, API specs, access credentials, transfer timelines). (Ref: Section C-16, p.13; Section C-

15, p.13)

ANSWER: The Government owns all aspects of the pilot solution, including the IT platforms, processes, employer contact lists, historical placement/outcome data, military spouse fellow information. During transition, the new contractor will be provided with all necessary information to successfully administer the paid fellowships.

15. Can the Government share pilot program analytics data to inform sizing and pricing—e.g., number of participating employers, avg. application volumes per month, avg. placements completed per moth, average stipend/wage payments, conversion-to-employment rates, and key lessons learned/pain points from the pilot? (Ref: Sections C-6.2.1 & C-6.2.2, pp.8–9)

ANSWER: The Government is providing the following Pilot program analytics (through August 31, 2025):

• 1,200 military spouse fellows were placed into fellowships with 500 employers

• 86% of military spouse fellows who completed their fellowship received an offer of employment

• An average of 190 completed applications were received per month

• An average of 120 candidates were approved for fellowship consideration each month

• Historical stipend/wage payment data is not included, as stipend amounts are being raised and will not be relevant for the next five‑year program execution.

16. Does the Government envision the contractor will pay fellowship stipends/wages directly to participants or reimburse employers for payments they make to fellows? Does the Government envision the vendor will invoice the Government for reimbursement of these up-front payments via the Fellowship Disbursement CLINs? If so, ANSWER: The Government envisions the contractor will facilitate payment of fellowship stipends/wages directly to military spouse fellow participants. The contractor will invoice the

Government for reimbursement via the Fellowship Disbursement CLINs prior to disbursement.

These CLINs are funded by the Government on a annual basis, and the contractor expends funds in accordance with the contract.

4a. To support operating capital planning, what are the expected monthly payout ranges and the

Government reimbursement frequency (e.g., monthly, bi-weekly), given the $4M NTE per year?

(Ref: Section B-3, CLIN 0003, pp.2–3; Section C-4.1.3, p.5; Section C-5.7, p.6; QASP p.76)

ANSWER: The contractor should be able to facilitate payments to spouses regardless of the fluctuation in volume of spouse participants. In the pilot phase, monthly actual disbursements ranged from approximately $130,000 to $230,000 per month.

17. Please confirm whether the contractor is required to develop and host a technology platform for application, matching, and reporting, or whether the Government will furnish an existing system

(e.g., via MySECO).

ANSWER: The contractor is not expected to develop and host a technology platform for application, matching, and reporting. The Government will furnish an existing system (e.g., via MySECO).

18. Regarding Section C-11 (Data Rights and Privacy Act), please confirm the scope of Government ownership and data transfer requirements (e.g., monthly raw data exports, secure access to reporting systems, data escrow at closeout).

ANSWER: All data and materials developed or collected remain the sole property of the

Government. The contractor will comply with Government‑directed data transfer requirements, including providing raw data exports, secure access to reporting systems, and data escrow at closeout, as specified by the Government.

19. Under Section C-12 (Section 508 Compliance), does the requirement apply to all digital deliverables (online tools, reports, and PDFs)? Should offerors include a Voluntary Product

Accessibility Template (VPAT) with the proposal or after award?

ANSWER: Yes. Section 508 compliance applies to all digital deliverables, and the contractor will submit a VPAT with the proposal.

20. Will any systems required by vendor need to be FEDRAMP approved/operating under an ATO or can a commercially-hosted solution be offered?

ANSWER: Commercially hosted solutions may be used; FEDRAMP is not required for the third-party payer, but all PWS security and privacy requirements apply.

21. Please confirm the key performance indicators (KPIs) to be monitored under the QASP (e.g., placement rate, post-fellowship employment, employer satisfaction, timeliness of payments) and whether thresholds or performance targets will be defined post-award.

ANSWER: The contractor is expected to accurately track fellowship participants, post‑fellowship employment rates and outcomes, and timeliness of stipend payments, consistent with the QASP.

Specific thresholds and performance targets will be proposed by the contractor post-award to be reviewed/approved by the Government.

22. Should the Quality Control Plan (QCP) follow a Government-furnished template or be contractor-developed and submitted within 30 days of award?

ANSWER: The Quality Control Plan (QCP) should be contractor developed but will be expected to implement and comply with the Government QASP.

23. The solicitation requires that at least 20% of personnel be current or former military spouses. Is this percentage calculated based on total headcount or total labor hours worked on the contract?

ANSWER: This percentage can be calculated based on total labor hours worked on the contract.

24. Is the Program Manager designated as Key Personnel requiring Government approval for any substitutions?

ANSWER: The Government is not designating any Key Personnel under this contract; therefore, substitutions such as for the Program Manager do not require Government approval.

25. Are personnel required to obtain CAC cards or access Government networks (e.g., NIPRNet) for meetings at The Mark Center, and what level of background investigation will be required?

ANSWER: Personnel are not required to obtain CAC cards or access Government networks (e.g., NIPRNet) for meetings at the Mark Center.

26. Please confirm that proposals (Technical, Past Performance, Price Volumes) may be submitted electronically via email, with no physical copies required.

ANSWER: Proposals are to be submitted via email. Refer to Section L-2.

27. Clarify the weighting between Factor 1 (Technical), Factor 2 (Past Performance), and Price under

Section M-1.1 to guide proposal emphasis.

ANSWER: Order of importance can be found in Section M-1.1.

28. Please confirm if the Project Management Plan (PMP) and Quality Control Plan (QCP) must be submitted with the proposal or post-award.

ANSWER: PMP and QCP shall be submitted with proposals. A QASP will be

Government‑furnished.

29. Please confirm if completed Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment 2) must be submitted as part of Volume II by the offeror or sent directly by references to the Government.

ANSWER: PPQs are to be sent directly to the Government from reference.

30. Please confirm the preferred tab and PDF bookmark format for electronic submission.

ANSWER: General proposal instructions and formats can be found in section L-2.

31. Clarify whether page numbering should be continuous across each volume or restart at each tab.

ANSWER: Page numbers can start over on each volume.

32. For the required redacted copy, please clarify which elements should be redacted: company identifiers, key personnel names, subcontractor details, or only proprietary information.

ANSWER: All examples listed in the question should be redacted.

33. If this solicitation is intended as a re-competition of the pilot, please clarify what components of the pilot solution the Government owns (e.g., IT platforms, processes, employer contact lists, historical placement/outcome data) and what will be provided to a new vendor during transition (formats, data dictionaries, API specs, access credentials, transfer timelines). (Ref: Section C-16, p.13; Section C-

15, p.13)

ANSWER: The Government owns all aspects of the pilot solution, including the IT platforms, processes, employer contact lists, historical placement/outcome data, military spouse fellow information. During transition, the new contractor will be provided with all necessary information to successfully administer the paid fellowships.

34. Can the Government share pilot program analytics data to inform sizing and pricing—e.g., number of participating employers, avg. application volumes per month, avg. placements completed per month, average stipend/wage payments, conversion-to-employment rates, and key lessons learned/pain points from the pilot? (Ref: Sections C-6.2.1 & C-6.2.2, pp.8–9)

ANSWER: The Government is providing the following Pilot program analytics (through August

31, 2025):

• 1,200 military spouse fellows were placed into fellowships with 500 employers

• 86% of military spouse fellows who completed their fellowship received an offer of employment

• An average of 190 completed applications were received per month

• An average of 120 candidates were approved for fellowship consideration each month

35. Does the Government envision the contractor will pay fellowship stipends/wages directly to participants or reimburse employers for payments they make to fellows? Does the Government envision the vendor will invoice the Government for reimbursement of these up-front payments via the Fellowship Disbursement CLINs? If so, ANSWER: The contractor will pay fellowship stipends/wages directly to military spouse fellow participants. The contractor will invoice the Government prior to disbursement.

36. 4a. To support operating capital planning, what are the expected monthly payout ranges and the

Government reimbursement frequency (e.g., monthly, bi-weekly), given the $4M NTE per year?

(Ref: Section B-3, CLIN 0003, pp.2–3; Section C-4.1.3, p.5; Section C-5.7, p.6; QASP p.76

ANSWER: The contractor should be able to facilitate payments to spouses regardless of the fluctuation in volume of spouse participants. In the pilot phase, monthly actual disbursements ranged from approximately $130,000 to $230,000 per month.

37. How would you like your proposal submitted?

ANSWER: Instructions pertaining to proposal submissions can be found in section L.

38. Is this fellowship program for active duty military spouses or military spouses of active duty members?

ANSWER: Spouses of members of the Armed Forces are eligible for the fellowship program.

39. Can you clarify the intent around the objective to “facilitate employer resume reviews”? Does this refer to engaging with employers to participate, review, and select a fellow or refine participants’ resumes for employer disbursement?

ANSWER: The contractor will not be required to facilitate employer resumes or recruit fellowship candidates. The PWS has been amended. See PWS section C-4.

40. C-5.6 requires at least 20% of contractor personnel to be current or former military spouses – can this be interpreted as 20% of labor hours?

ANSWER: Yes, this percentage can be calculated based on total labor hours worked on the contract.

41. B-2 of the solicitation indicates that the contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price, and B-5 indicates price should be estimated based on labor hours. Should offerors assume the contract type is Firm-Fixed-

Price or Time & Materials?

ANSWER: It’s Firm Fixed Price. See amendment 0001 for an update to LHs.

42. Can the contractor add G&A costs to the reimbursement CLIN, and if not, is it acceptable for offerors to add a CLIN for the labor hours associated with disbursement management?

ANSWER: You can include G&A costs to the reimbursement CLIN. Also, the costs for fellowship disbursement management can be included within the fellowship disbursement CLIN.

43. For CLINs 0001 and 0002, should the pricing include a justification or alignment to existing schedules (e.g. DC MAS)?

ANSWER: The original CLIN structure mistakenly omitted the LHs for those CLINs. Estimated

LHs have been provided on the updated CLIN chart. If you propose anything more than the hours listed, then yes a justification will be required.

44. The Government’s pricing template includes two labor categories in the CLIN Description (Program Manager and Program Management Analyst). The contractor’s proposed solution may provide a more cost effective model if additional labor categories are allowed.

Question: Will the Government allow the contractor to propose additional labor categories to support their proposed solution? If allowed, what CLIN would the additional LCATs be aligned

ANSWER: The original CLIN structure mistakenly omitted the LHs for those CLINs. Estimated LHs have been provided on the updated CLIN chart. If there are additional personnel that you want to consider outside of the CLIN structure, please include that in your proposal and the personnel would be evaluated in accordance to the solicitation requirement.

45. The Government’s pricing template includes an Optional Labor (Subcontracting) CLIN 0005, 1005, 2005, 3005, 4005 and “A Not-to-Exceed (NTE) amount will be established for only those ODCs anticipated and priced in the solicitation.”

Will the Government provide a plug for this CLIN for evaluation purposes? What PWS tasks are associated with this Optional CLIN? If the Contractor chooses to self-perform these activities will the Government confirm that these CLINs 0005, 1005, 2005, 3005, 4005 can be used for labor in addition to the Program Manager and Program Management Analyst CLINs?

ANSWER: CNIC will not provide a plug for this CLIN. If the contractor determines that additional labor categories or labor outside of those listed on the CLIN are necessary to fulfill the requirement, they shall provide a detailed rationale to support any request for additional funding. The optional labor must be clearly identified and accompanied by pricing justification. There are no PWS tasks associated with this optional labor CLIN.

46. The Government’s pricing template includes an annual total funding amount for the fellowships and notes that “The exact amount of Fellowship funding on CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, & 4003 will be confirmed closer to award.”

Will the Government confirm that these CLINs will cover administrative costs such as worker’s compensation, payroll taxes, and processing fees?

ANSWER: These CLINs will cover all administrative costs, including worker’s compensation, payroll taxes, and processing fees.

47. The Government did not provide historical data for fellowship participation throughout…