Science & Technical Engagement Partnership Program (STEP)

While DTRA was planning on making the contract award announcement in December, we are no longer able to uphold that expectation.  The contract award announcement is now planned for January 2017.

In response to a query from an offeror, DTRA's decision to amend was to correct an error in Section L and M of the solicitation that was not identified until after proposals were received. The Contracting Officer deemed it necessary to make the correction and reopen for three days to allow offerors the opportunity to adjust the proposals, if needed. This decision was not based on a review of proposals.

The solicitation has been amended. See attached Amendment 3.

The solicitation has been amended. See attached Amendment 2.

The solicitation has been amended.  See attached Amendment 1.

Updated 1 Mar 2016
NOTE: This is an updated annoucement that DTRA intends to release the Final RFP for the STEP Program in March of 2016.  This is not a guarantee of an award.  This notification should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the U.S. Government.  Any information provided to the Government in response to this notification will become DTRA property and will not be returned.

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, U.S. Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons and the Standing Joint Forces Headquarters for Elimination (DTRA/SCC-WMD/HQ-E) Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP), requires a team of Subject Matter Experts, Visiting Scientists and Mentors, Qualified Trainers and access to a cadre of expert research collaborators to support CBEP engagements as they advance scientific knowledge in the CBEP partner nations.

The contract will build a long-term partnership between strong research and technical centers and CBEP partner country institutions that will nourish and grow hypothesis-driven and translational research programs that result in sustainable funding and academic publications. As a result of STEP engagements, CBEP partner countries will have reduced the potential impact of biological threats through enhanced biological safety and security, awareness of biological risks, and knowledge related to biological pathogens.

This DRAFT Combined Synopsis/Solicitation is being issued to provide an opportunity for all Offerors to review and understand the requirement, and to provide feedback regarding various aspects of the solicitation, to include the Statement of Work, provisions, and clauses. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR AN AWARD. This document shall NOT be construed as a commitment of any kind by the U.S. Government. Any information provided to the Government in response to this document will become DTRA/SCC-WMD/HQ-E property and will not be returned. The Government will not reimburse contractors for any costs associated with responding to this DRAFT Combined Synopsis/Solicitation.