ONR Internships, Outreach, and Website Support contract

Q AND A FROM VENDORS WITH GOVERNMENT RESPONSES - 

• Subcontractor Past Performance Threshold (Section L/M): The solicitation states that subcontractor past performance will only be considered if the subcontractor is performing at least $5M of the total proposed price, excluding ODCs. Can the Government clarify whether subcontractor past performance can still be referenced within the technical volume narrative (Volume II) to demonstrate team capability, even if the subcontractor falls below the $5M threshold? NO. THE THRESHOLD IS $5M SO ANY SUBCONTRACTOR LESS THAN THAT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
• Questions Submission Deadline (Section L): Section L states that questions must be submitted no later than "Friday DD MMM YYYY at 2:00 pm." Can the Government confirm the actual deadline for submission of questions? THIS WILL BE FILLED OUT IN THE FORMAL RFP; HOWEVER, THE TIME WILL BE SHORTER THAN USUALY BASED ON THE DRAFT PUBLISHED FOR VIEWING. ESTIMATE 5 DAYS FOR Q&A.  
• Past Performance Information Form Format (Section J): For the Past Performance Information Form (Section J), are offerors required to use a specific Government-provided template, or may offerors use their own format provided it contains all required data fields? WE WILL PROVIDE A TEMPLATE IN THE FORMAL RFP.
• Annual Stipend Volume (PWS): The PWS references stipend distribution for SEAP, NREIP, Naval Horizons, and Short-Term Internship Programs. Can the Government provide the approximate total annual stipend dollar volume disbursed under the current contract to help offerors develop accurate pricing? THIS WILL BE IN SECTION L UNDER ESTIMATING ASSUMPTIONS.
• Naval STEM Website Platform (PWS): For the Naval STEM Website, can the Government identify the current platform or content management system (CMS) in use, and whether the incoming contractor is expected to maintain the existing platform or propose an alternative? OFFERORS WILL PROPOSE THEIR OWN PLATFORM.
• CMMC Certification Requirements: Can the Government confirm whether a CMMC Level 1 certification is required at time of proposal submission, or whether a current NIST SP 800-171 Basic Assessment is sufficient for proposal compliance? CMMC 2 WILL BE REQUIRED.
• Decentralized Task Order Financial Reporting (IDIQ PWS): The IDIQ PWS references "decentralized" task orders with Navy labs issuing stipend task orders directly. Can the Government clarify whether the prime contractor is responsible for financial reporting and reconciliation across all lab-issued task orders, or only those issued by ONR? ALL TASK ORDERS ISSUED FROM THE IDIQ – ONR AND ALL NAVY LABS.
• Incumbent Contractor: Is there an incumbent contractor for this effort? If so, can the Government identify the incumbent and the current contract number? THIS WAS INCLUDED IN THE RFI POSTED IN JAN 2026. SAXMAN ONE, N0001421D4002.
• Staffing Plan FTE Expectations (Subfactor 1.2): For the staffing plan (Subfactor 1.2), does the Government have a minimum or expected number of FTEs for the first task order? YES, THOSE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RFP AND ARE INCLUDED BELOW IN ADVANCE.
• Outreach Material Procurement Costs (PWS): The PWS describes outreach material procurement (flyers, banners, promotional material). Are these costs expected to fall under the $450,000 annual ODC NTE, or are they separately funded? THESE ARE FOR STUDENTS AND EVENTS AND MATERIALS.
• Sec. L, Para. 7 & Checklist – Volume II Page Limit: The proposal format table states Volume II has a 50-page total limit, but the packing list narrative specifies a 25-page limit for the Technical volume. Which page limit governs? Please issue an amendment to reconcile this discrepancy. AS NOTED IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS IS NOT A FORMAL RFP SO NO AMENDMENT IS NEEDED. THIS WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THE FORMAL RFO,
• Sec. L, Para. 7k – Excel Pricing Workbook: Offerors are instructed to submit an Excel Pricing Summary Sheet with all formulas intact and unlocked. Will the Government provide a template pricing workbook, or must offerors develop their own structure? If a template exists, please provide it. THIS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORMAL RFP.
• Sec. L, Vol. I – CMMC Level Requirement: Volume I requires a 'Current CMMC Level Screenshot.' Please specify the minimum CMMC level required for award eligibility on this contract. Is CMMC Level 1 sufficient, or is Level 2 required given the financial systems and data involved? CMMC LEVEL 2.
• Sec. L, Vol. III – Past Performance Recency Period: Section L references three past performance examples, but does not define 'recent.' Please confirm the number of years within which a past performance reference must have been active to be considered recent (e.g., within 3 years of solicitation issuance). THIS IS INCLUDED IN SECTION L. PLEASE RE REVIEW THE DOCUMENT FOR FACTOR 3 WHERE IT EXPRESSLY STATES AS SUCH.
• Section L & M – Past Performance: Will the government consider Cooperative Agreements as eligible for Past Performance. YES.
• Section L & M: While pricing information is only to be included in Volume IV, does the Government expect to see information about labor hours in Volume II Factor 1 – Technical Proposal Subfactor 1.2 Staffing? NO.
• Section L & M – Page Count: Can the Government please clarify to the NTE page count for Volume II, Factor 1- Technical Proposal? The Table on Page 5 indicates 50 Page Total while the description at the bottom of Page 6 indicates 25 pages. DUPLICATE COMMENT. PLESAE SEE ABOVE.
• Section L & M – Pricing Data: May subcontractors submit separate tripwire data to be compliant while also protecting business sensitive data? PLEASE RE REVIEW SECTION L.
• Section L & M: Can the Government please provide web links for the DoD Source Selection Guide and DOD Source Selection Procedures? OPEN GOOGLE OR ANOTHER COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE WEBSITE, TYPE IN DOD SOURCE SELECTION GUIDE, HIT ENTER, AND THE DOD WEBSITE WILL APPEAR WITH THE LINK TO THE PROCEDURES.
• Section L & M: Can the Government please affirm that any questions related Sections M.2-M.7 are irrelevant at this time, because the comment comment associated with “Phases” on Section M.2 – Evaluation Phases states that the remainder of Section M is an EXAMPLE only? THIS IS FROM A TEMPLATE. THIS WILL BE A PHASED APPROACH. OFFERORS WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN RATINGS TO MOVE TO EACH PHASE.
• Section L & M: Please clarify as the CMMC requirement levels expected by the Government.  LEVEL 2.
• Section L & M: Which positions are considered key personnel for required resumes? AT THIS TIME ONLY THE PM BUT THE FORMAL RFP WILL INCLUDE THE FINAL DECISION.

LABOR CATEGORIES WITH DRAFT MIN QUALIFICATIONS ARE BELOW:

Labor Categories

Program Manager – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a technical or managerial discipline; and,
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of professional experience in program/project management.
• Recent experience with Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Budget Oversight, Stakeholder Communication, Leadership, Conflict Resolution
• Additional Desired Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Project Coordinator (Junior) – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1-2 years of experience with high volume administrative duties OR
• Associated degree and at least 5 years of experience with high volume administrative duties.
• Strong Organizational Skills, Time Management, Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Attention to Detail, Written and Verbal Communication
• Additional Desired Certifications: Certified associate in project management (CAPM)
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Project Coordinator (Senior) – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field; and,
• At least 5 years of experience in project coordination or management.
• Recent experience with Full Lifecycle Project Management, Resource Allocation, Advanced Reporting, Mentoring Junior Staff, Proactive Problem-Solving, etc.
• Additional Desired Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Project/Outreach Coordinator – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field; and,
• At least three (3) years of experience in outreach, customer service, or a related field.
• Recent experience with Event Planning and Management, Social Media Strategy, Community Engagement, Interpersonal Skills, Content Creation, etc.
• Additional Desired Certifications: None.
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

STEM Communication – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, communications, or journalism with at least five (5) years of experience in science writing, editing, or a related field; OR Masters degree in a STEM field, communications, or journalism with at least two (2) years of experience in science writing, editing, or a related field.
• Additional Desired Certifications: None.
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Financial Analyst – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field; and,
• At least five years of experience in high volume finance, economics, accounting, or a related field.
• Recommended Certifications: None.
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Communication Writer/Editor – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field; and,
• At least three (3) years of experience in technical writing and/or editing.
• Recent experience proofreading, content strategy, ability to write for various platforms (web, print, etc.), grammar, etc.
• Additional Desired Certifications: Certificate in technical writing.
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Website Developer – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: At least an Associates in web development, computer science, or a related field with at least five (5) years of experience in designing, creating, and maintaining websites and web applications; OR Bachelor's degree in web development, computer science, or a related field with at least two (2) years of experience in designing, creating, and maintaining websites and web applications.
• Recent experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript; Experience with modern frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue); Understanding of UI/UX principles; Version control with Git
• Additional Desired Certifications: Certifications in specific platforms or languages (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate).
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

Facility Security Officer – 1 FTE

• Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and, At least 5 years experience interacting with Government security offices.
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Department of War or Department of Navy security specific experience; and/or,
• Knowledge of NISPOM and other government security regulations, Personnel Security (PERSEC), Physical Security, Risk Assessment, Incident Response.
• Additional Desired Certifications: Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP).
• Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience with Government, Department of War, or Department of Navy internship programs.

N0001426R0001 DRAFT SECTIONS L, M, PWS’ FOR IDIQ AND FIRST TO

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is posting a DRAFT Section L, M, and Performance Work Statements for the IDIQ and First Task Order, and the DD 1423 for the first Task Order for the ONR Internships, Outreach, and Website Support contract to SAM.gov.

 This is NOT a formal RFP request and the Government will not reimburse contractors for their time spent on a response.

The following information is provided in advance of the formal RFP post:

1. The formal RFP will be posted for 8(a) concerns only. Prior market research indicated Tribal owned only but the strategy has changed to allow for an 8(a) competition.
2. Formal RFP responses will need to use the PIEE Solicitation Module. Offerors shall follow the PIEE registration instructions below to register for an account.

Registration Instructions: https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/ce/cap/docs/piee/PIEE_Solicitation_Module_Vendor_Access_Instructions.pdf.

For assistance with the Solicitation module, contact the PIEE helpdesk at disa.global.servicedesk.mbx.eb-ticket-requests@mail.mil or (866)-618-5988.

The following information is provided regarding the draft RFP:

1. This draft is posted for industry comments on Section L and M. Attachments to the RFP are not posted and will be posted with the formal RFP.
2. This single award IDIQ will be awarded on/around 12 Jan 2027. In order to meet the IDIQ minimum, offerors will submit a proposal for the First Task Order as part of their submission.
3. Interested contractors should review the sections and associated PWS’ and submit any questions on the requirement which seek to clarify requirements.
4. Comments or questions on this requirement should be sent to Ms. Vivian Truman at vivian.m.truman2.civ@us.navy.mil  no later than 24 Mar 2026 (Tues) by 1500 Eastern.