STARCOM Capt Leadership Course RFI.docx

Request for Information (RFI) THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or request for competitive quotes. The sole purpose of this RFI is for conducting market research and information collection/dissemination only. This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment, implied or otherwise, by the Government that any procurement action will result from this RFI. Furthermore, under no circumstance shall the Government be liable for any costs associated with providing information in response to this RFI. Any information submitted in response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will become the property of the U.S. Government. Should questions arise, the Government reserves the right to answer all, some, or none of the questions submitted in response to this RFI.

1. Overview The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is considering partnerships with academic institutions with expertise in curriculum development for a new USSF Captain’s Leadership Course (CLC). This course will provide Company Grade Officer (CGO)-level Professional Military Education (PME) independent of United States Air Force (USAF) PME. Because of factors requiring an expedited pivot from existing USAF PME, STARCOM is considering leveraging existing education capabilities of civilian universities to supplement existing courseware in Leadership, Communication, Joint Doctrine, and USSF Doctrine.

2. Objective and Scope The focus of this RFI is to identify and understand how academic institutions can partner with USSF to develop and execute the curriculum for the Captain’s Leadership Course. The course will prepare USSF CGOs for leadership roles in complex tactical and operational environments as part of the joint force. The program will be developed in close collaboration with USSF to ensure that the curriculum meets the evolving needs of a dynamic space power environment, and the USSF will retain control over government portion of the jointly developed curriculum to ensure rapid updates can be implemented. Key points include:

· Partnership Model: The institution must propose a framework for partnering with USSF that includes full oversight of curriculum development and execution by USSF. The partnership should propose capability of the institution to provide qualified instructors with knowledge of the USSF mission. The institution should also describe existing processes to develop or qualify military instructors. Additionally, the institution should exhibit demonstrated commitment and ability to work with the USSF and the Department of Defense.

· Curriculum Development: The proposed curriculum should feature three content areas: leadership through mission command, USSF organizational processes, and the integration of spacepower into joint operations. Communication skills underpin each content area and should be evaluated throughout the course. Special emphasis should be placed on advocating for the Space Force in a joint environment, resourcing Guardians, and ensuring alignment with USSF competencies across space operations, cyber operations, acquisition, engineering, and intelligence. The institution should describe how they could support a breakout of military vs. university curriculum development and execution. Due to the timeline, the institution should describe existing certificate programs that would satisfy some or all of the content and timing requirements.

· Oversight and Collaboration: The selected academic partner must be willing and able to work closely with USSF to ensure that curriculum development remains flexible and responsive to emerging operational needs while ensuring full adherence to applicable oversight from USSF. The institution should also be amenable to the USSF retaining the full control over government portion of the jointly developed curriculum, to include authority to update the curriculum as needed to meet training needs without consent from the institution.

3. Mandatory Requirements and Constraints In addition to the general curriculum development partnership, the following requirements and constraints must be addressed in your response:

· Policy Compliance: All development efforts must adhere to applicable Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) OPME policies.

· Throughput and Timing:

· Throughput targets: FY25-27 at approximately 250 graduates per year, increasing to 420 graduates per year by FY28.

· There will be approximately 50-60 students per cohort, with cohorts running year-round.

· Each class size will be between 12-15 students

· Length of the course will be between 5-8 weeks.

· The course will require wargaming, modeling, and/or simulations to demonstrate understanding of learning outcomes and aptitude for material

· Course material will largely be at the unclassified level but portions will need to be supported at up to the Top Secret level, and therefore require access to classified facilities to include classrooms, SCIF, auditorium, and office space

· The institution must be able to accommodate hosting distinguished visitors

4. Information Sought Academic institutions are requested to provide information on the following topics:

· Proposed Partnership Approach:

· Outline your institution’s capability for partnering with USSF for curriculum development, including mechanisms for collaboration, oversight, and iterative feedback.

· Detail previous experience or case studies that demonstrate your ability to develop educational programs in a complex, joint operational environment.

· Provide capability to assist with student administration, registrar activities, record updates, and use of a learning management or student management systems.

· Describe existing student services that could be made available, including housing, dining, transportation, medical, IT support, physical fitness, etc.

· Curriculum Development Strategy:

· Summarize your ability to develop curriculum that meets the outlined course content areas.

· Describe capability to incorporate critical thinking, decision-making, and integrated space power operations into the course.

· Describe the ability to collaborate with other universities and/or industry partners, including any formal partnership agreements currently held.

· Operational and Throughput Considerations:

· Explain how your capabilities and associated program infrastructure will be scalable to meet the throughput requirements outlined for FY25 through FY28.

· Discuss capability for ensuring continuity of the current course offerings.

· Compliance and Execution:

· Describe your capabilities for ensuring full compliance with DoD and DAF OPME policies throughout the curriculum development process.

· Outline your capabilities to address and mitigate any legal or competitive challenges during the partnership.

· What is the earliest timing for development of curriculum and execution of the course?

5. Next Steps USSF will conduct further research based on the information received in response to this RFI. This RFI is solely for information gathering and does not constitute a commitment to proceed with any subsequent actions. Detailed follow-up processes and timelines will be provided at a later stage for institutions that are identified as potential partners.

We appreciate your careful consideration of this opportunity and look forward to your response, received no later than 1600 MST 9 April 2025. Please direct any responses, questions or clarifications regarding this RFI to Maj Rebecca Manning, rebecca.manning.1@spaceforce.mil.