Peace_Corps_Strategic_Recruiter_Prgram_RFI_1.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought RFI Title: Strategic Recruiter Program – Exploring expansion of STRAT program through current and alternative models.

RFI Number: 140D0426Q0075 Date Issued: 12/11/2025 Response Due Date: January 14, 2026, at 2:00PM Eastern Time (ET)

Issued by:

This Request for Information/Sources is being issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), on behalf of the Peace Corps Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection (VRS).

1. Purpose The Peace Corps Volunteer Recruitment and Selection (VRS) office is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from industry stakeholders and academic institutions on two potential paths for hiring Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) as Strategic Recruiters under the Peace Corps Strategic Recruitment Program (Strat) at university campuses nationwide. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

We are seeking responses to the following two options:

• Option A: A new centralized contracting approach for Strat program

• Option B: Continued University participation under the current Strat program structure

Responses to this RFI will inform future acquisition planning and potential solicitation development.

2. Background

The Strategic Recruiter Program (Strat) expands Peace Corps recruitment resources by establishing formal contract relationships between the agency and 26 participating universities. Under the current model, each university hires a part-time employee to serve as a Peace Corps Recruiter (a “Strat”), who works 20 hours per week during the academic year (47 weeks total, or 940 hours annually). The Strat is employed and managed by the university but receives direction and guidance from an assigned Peace Corps Recruiter.

This decentralized model has enabled broad engagement with universities across the country. However, the Peace Corps is exploring alternative approaches to expand and streamline operations, reduce administrative burden, and enhance consistency in program delivery. The goal is to extend reach to at least 14 additional universities – either through the current model or an alternative approach, if deemed feasible.

3. Technical Specifications The following specifications reflect the current operational model of the Strategic Recruiter Program:

• Recruiter Role: Each university hires a part-time employee to serve as a Peace Corps Recruiter (“Strat”).

• Recruiter Eligibility: The individual hired as a Strat must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV).

• Work Schedule: The Strat works 20 hours per week during the academic year, totaling 940 hours annually.

• Management Structure: The Strat is employed and supervised by a university staff member. However, the Strat receives programmatic direction and guidance from an assigned Peace Corps Recruiter.

• Strat program Recruitment Focus: The Strat is responsible for promoting Peace Corps opportunities on campus, conducting outreach, and supporting the agency’s recruitment goals through lead generation and conversion of leads to Peace Corps Volunteer position applicants.

• Contractual Relationship: The current model involves direct contracts between the Peace Corps and each participating university.

4. Requested Information

Option A – New Approach: Centralized University Subcontracting Model The agency is considering a new model in which a single prime contractor would be awarded a contract to manage and administer subcontracts with participating universities. This entity would act on behalf of the agency to coordinate the agency-specific Strat program requirements, ensure compliance with agency-specific guidance, and manage performance and reporting for the program.

Respondents are invited to provide input on:

• Feasibility of implementing this centralized subcontracting model.

• Recommended organizational structures.

• Experience managing similar subcontracting arrangements with academic institutions.

• Compliance mechanisms to ensure adherence to agency-specific guidance and performance standards.

• Cost implications, potential efficiencies, and desired incentive structures.

• Preliminary Pricing information.

• Projections and timelines expected to onboard universities.

• Risks and mitigation strategies.

• Recommendations for structuring the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS).

The agency anticipates that the SOW/PWS for this model would include, but not be limited to, the following criteria:

• University Eligibility Requirements: All subcontracted institutions must be US based, accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting body, have a physical University campus, and a student populace of at least 20000 students, or has previously been awarded a STRAT contract with the Peace Corps.

• Programmatic Alignment: Institutions must demonstrate the ability to support the goals of the Strategic Recruiter Program (Strat).

• Recruiter Eligibility: individual(s) hired as a Strat by the sub-contracted university must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV). Individual(s) hired must also be able to attend mandatory Peace Corps Strat program trainings, when applicable.

• Work Schedule: The Strats work 20 hours per week during the academic year, totaling 940 hours annually.

• Institutional Oversight: The prime contractor must ensure that each university hosting a Strat establishes a ‘recruitment office' in any university department for hiring and managing the Strat program on campus. This includes assigning a university staff member to supervise the Strat.

• Reporting & Oversight: The prime contractor will be responsible for collecting and submitting monthly/quarterly/semiannual/annual performance reports, financial summaries, and compliance documentation to the agency.

• Data Management & Security: All data collected or shared must comply with ‘specific federal data, security, privacy standards, and modeled for seamless integration into existing agency CRM systems.

• Performance Metrics: tracking of metrics such as number of universities, number of leads generated by recruiters, number of reports submitted and approved by strategic recruiters, etc. we can include

Option B – Participation Under Existing Criteria The agency is also seeking to identify academic institutions interested in participating under the current program structure, which involves direct contracts between the agency and each university.

Respondents should address:

• Interest in participating under the current model

• Capability to meet existing program requirements

• Organizational capacity and relevant experience

• Suggestions for minor improvements or efficiencies

• Barriers to participation or scalability

Under the current model, participating institutions must meet the following criteria:

• Accreditation and eligibility: Institutions must be U.S. based and accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting body, have a physical University campus, and a student populace of at least 20000 students, or has previously been awarded a STRAT contract with the Peace Corps.

• Programmatic Alignment: Institutions must support the purpose, structure, and goals of the Strategic Recruiter (Strat) Program as defined by the Peace Corps.

• Institutional Oversight: Participating universities must commit to establishing a ‘recruitment office’ in any university office/department, for hiring and managing the Strat. This includes assigning a staff member to officially supervise the Strat.

• Administrative Capacity: Institutions must have the infrastructure and experience to manage federal contracts, including financial tracking, reporting, and compliance with applicable federal regulations.

• Recruiter Eligibility: individual(s) hired as a Strat by the sub-contracted university must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV). Individual(s) hired must be able to attend mandatory Peace Corps Strat program trainings, when applicable.

• Work Schedule: The Strats work 20 hours per week during the academic year, totaling 940 hours annually.

• Past Performance (if applicable): Preference may be given to institutions with a track record of successful performance on similar federally funded programs or projects.

• Reporting Requirements: Institutions must be able to submit timely and quantitative and qualitative reports in accordance with agency-defined schedules and template formats.

• Compliance: Institutions must comply with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and agency-specific policies.

5. Response Instructions Please include the following in your response:

• Company or institution name, address, and point of contact

• Indicate which option(s) you are responding to (A, B, or both)

• Complete the RFI Attachment

• Responses are open ended and do not have a page limit

• Submit responses in PDF format to: Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov and cc:

chiketta_dennis@ibc.doi.gov.

• Responses are due by January 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)

6. Questions and Clarifications All questions regarding this RFI must be submitted in writing to Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov and chiketta_dennis@ibc.doi.gov. Answers to questions may be shared publicly at the agency’s discretion.

mailto:Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov mailto:chiketta_dennis@ibc.doi.gov mailto:Heather_Smith@ibc.doi.gov mailto:chiketta_dennis@ibc.doi.gov

7. Disclaimer This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Responses will not be returned and will not be considered as proposals. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with responding to this RFI or providing follow-up information.

RFI Attachment

Peace Corps’ Strategic Recruiter Program

Name of Firm:

UEI:

Point of Contact Name:

POC Phone Number:

Business Address:

City/Town:

State:

Zip Code:

Website URL:

What is your company's primary NAICS code of operation?

Is your firm a Small Business? YES NO

If a Small Business, please indicate all applicable business designations:

(select all that apply)

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) 8(a) Business Development Small Business Certification HUBZone Business Concern Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB in accordance with 19.1503) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB in accordance with 19.1503) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)

Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) or Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) If applicable, please identify your firm’s General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule(s).

What types of similar programs have you supported?

What cost drivers should the government be aware of when refining the requirement?

What NAICS code do you recommend for this type of requirement?

Additional Comments

Request for Information (RFI) attachment