Somalia Cultural Advisors
Closed Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- H9227626QE008
- Agency
-
US Special Operations Command
Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541930 Translation and Interpretation Services
- PSC
- R499 Support- Professional: Other
- Place of performance
- Somalia
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
United States Special Operations Command is soliciting quotes for three Cultural/Political Advisors to support Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia, with quotes due June 30, 2026 (amended from June 26). This is a recompete of incumbent contract H9227624P0023 held by Legal Interpreting Services Inc.
Place of performance is Mogadishu, Somalia, with occasional travel within Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya (approximately 10 trips per contract period). The contract structure comprises a six-month base period with four optional six-month extensions, for a total potential 30-month duration with performance beginning September 26, 2026. The NAICS code is 541930, Translation and Interpretation Services; PSC is R499, Support-Professional: Other.
Personnel must possess a minimum three years' work experience as a cultural advisor in Somalia, maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance and TOP SECRET Facility Security Clearance, and demonstrate Interagency Language Roundtable level 3 proficiency in English and Somali. TS/SCI clearance requirements extend to headquarters operational support staff, including Program Managers. All personnel, including subcontractors, must be U.S. citizens with U.S. security clearances; non-U.S. citizens are ineligible. Prior experience with Title 10 USC Section 127e activities is required at quote submission. Work hours are 56 per week across seven days, with at least two advisors required available at all times.
This is a Firm Fixed Price contract. The government will provide housing, meals, workspace, computers, and mission-related travel; contractors must furnish personal protective equipment (Armor Level IIIA vest, ballistic helmet, APEL-approved eye protection, leather gloves), Defense Based Act Insurance, and contractor-furnished equipment as listed in PWS Section 8.1. All pricing must be consolidated within CLIN pricing with no separate cost-reimbursable CLINs. The 15-day leave allocation per six-month option period is inclusive of R&R eligibility. Offerors must price all 56 hours per week per advisor with no separate overtime CLIN.
Award will be made to the lowest-priced technically acceptable quote with satisfactory past performance. Technical evaluation covers personnel resumes and past performance from the previous three years on relevant federal contracts involving cultural advisor or interpreter services. One past performance example is required; subcontractor references are acceptable with explanation of the company's specific functions. Evaluation prioritizes price reasonableness and technical acceptability. Resumes and past performance documentation are evaluated separately from the 20-page technical submission limit.
Vendors must maintain active SAM registration, provide CAGE numbers, complete the Draft DD254 security form, and submit quality control plans before services commence. Funding is not currently available; no award will be made until funds are confirmed. The government reserves cancellation rights with no reimbursement obligation for vendor costs.
Notice text
5 versions
Update #5 · Latest ·
25 June 2026 Amendment 2 - Extension of quotes due date from 26 June to 30 June. No other changes have been made.
Due to uploading errors, the solicitation package has not changed since the posting of 17 Jun 2026. The DD254 has been updated to reduce block 1b from Top Secret to None. Facility Clearance is the only Top Secret Requirement. This notification as 23 June 2026 is official. Please contact the contracting officer if you require any documentation.
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) and subordinate commands require three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors who maintain contact with members of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as civic and tribal leaders at regional, and local levels of government. This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted. This requirement includes the ability to provide Somali to English / English to Somali linguist capabilities, and to advise and assist JSOTF-SOM Leadership in communication concerning culture, politics, and operations between to and from members of the Government of Somalia.
1. Notice to Vendor(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this RFQ until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this RFQ, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a vendor for any cost.
2. Quotes in response to this solicitation must be submitted no later than 1000 UTC on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Quotes must be submitted via email to the Points of Contact listed above.
3. All price quotations must be submitted on with the CLIN structure requested from this solicitation. This is a Firm- Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. A FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. Each line item described in the CLINs of this solicitation shall be priced in this fashion. Failure to provide pricing on any one line item may result in the vendor being deemed nonresponsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award. To be eligible for contract award, the vendor shall have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account and have the appropriate facility security clearance. Failure to have an active SAM registration may result in the vendor being deemed ineligible for contract award. Vendor shall provide Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number at time of submission. Lastly, completing Attachment 3 - Draft DD254 is required to determine if vendor possess facility clearance.
4. Technical documentation submitted by the vendor shall be provided via email in a separate document and shall not exceed 20 pages. This page limit encompasses cover pages, contents, mission statements, and all other superfluous data not specifically requested by the Government. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in the vendor being deemed non-responsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award.
5. Late quotes shall be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(c) - Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdraws of offers.
Update #4 ·
Due to uploading errors, the solicitation package has not changed since the posting of 17 Jun 2026. The DD254 has been updated to reduce block 1b from Top Secret to None. Facility Clearance is the only Top Secret Requirement. This notification as 23 June 2026 is official. Please contact the contracting officer if you require any documentation.
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) and subordinate commands require three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors who maintain contact with members of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as civic and tribal leaders at regional, and local levels of government. This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted. This requirement includes the ability to provide Somali to English / English to Somali linguist capabilities, and to advise and assist JSOTF-SOM Leadership in communication concerning culture, politics, and operations between to and from members of the Government of Somalia.
1. Notice to Vendor(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this RFQ until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this RFQ, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a vendor for any cost.
2. Quotes in response to this solicitation must be submitted no later than 1000 UTC on Friday 26 June 2026. Quotes must be submitted via email to the Points of Contact listed above.
3. All price quotations must be submitted on with the CLIN structure requested from this solicitation. This is a Firm- Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. A FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. Each line item described in the CLINs of this solicitation shall be priced in this fashion. Failure to provide pricing on any one line item may result in the vendor being deemed nonresponsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award. To be eligible for contract award, the vendor shall have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account and have the appropriate facility security clearance. Failure to have an active SAM registration may result in the vendor being deemed ineligible for contract award. Vendor shall provide Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number at time of submission. Lastly, completing Attachment 3 - Draft DD254 is required to determine if vendor possess facility clearance.
4. Technical documentation submitted by the vendor shall be provided via email in a separate document and shall not exceed 20 pages. This page limit encompasses cover pages, contents, mission statements, and all other superfluous data not specifically requested by the Government. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in the vendor being deemed non-responsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award.
5. Late quotes shall be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(c) - Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdraws of offers.
Update #3 ·
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) and subordinate commands require three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors who maintain contact with members of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as civic and tribal leaders at regional, and local levels of government. This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted. This requirement includes the ability to provide Somali to English / English to Somali linguist capabilities, and to advise and assist JSOTF-SOM Leadership in communication concerning culture, politics, and operations between to and from members of the Government of Somalia.
1. Notice to Vendor(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this RFQ until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this RFQ, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a vendor for any cost.
2. Quotes in response to this solicitation must be submitted no later than 1000 UTC on Friday 26 June 2026. Quotes must be submitted via email to the Points of Contact listed above.
3. All price quotations must be submitted on with the CLIN structure requested from this solicitation. This is a Firm- Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. A FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. Each line item described in the CLINs of this solicitation shall be priced in this fashion. Failure to provide pricing on any one line item may result in the vendor being deemed nonresponsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award. To be eligible for contract award, the vendor shall have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account and have the appropriate facility security clearance. Failure to have an active SAM registration may result in the vendor being deemed ineligible for contract award. Vendor shall provide Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number at time of submission. Lastly, completing Attachment 3 - Draft DD254 is required to determine if vendor possess facility clearance.
4. Technical documentation submitted by the vendor shall be provided via email in a separate document and shall not exceed 20 pages. This page limit encompasses cover pages, contents, mission statements, and all other superfluous data not specifically requested by the Government. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in the vendor being deemed non-responsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award.
5. Late quotes shall be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(c) - Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdraws of offers.
Update #2 ·
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) and subordinate commands require three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors who maintain contact with members of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as civic and tribal leaders at regional, and local levels of government. This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted. This requirement includes the ability to provide Somali to English / English to Somali linguist capabilities, and to advise and assist JSOTF-SOM Leadership in communication concerning culture, politics, and operations between to and from members of the Government of Somalia.
1. Notice to Vendor(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this
RFQ until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after the
closing date. In the event the Government cancels this RFQ, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a
vendor for any cost.
2. Quotes in response to this solicitation must be submitted no later than 1000 UTC on Friday 26 June 2026.
Quotes must be submitted via email to the Points of Contact listed above.
3. All price quotations must be submitted on with the CLIN structure requested from this solicitation. This is a Firm-
Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. A FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis
of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. Each line item described in the CLINs of this
solicitation shall be priced in this fashion. Failure to provide pricing on any one line item may result in the vendor
being deemed nonresponsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award. To be eligible for
contract award, the vendor shall have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account and have the
appropriate facility security clearance. Failure to have an active SAM registration may result in the vendor being
deemed ineligible for contract award. Vendor shall provide Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number at
time of submission. Lastly, completing Attachment 3 - Draft DD254 is required to determine if vendor possess facility
clearance.
4. Technical documentation submitted by the vendor shall be provided via email in a separate document and shall
not exceed 20 pages. This page limit encompasses cover pages, contents, mission statements, and all other
superfluous data not specifically requested by the Government. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in
the vendor being deemed non-responsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award.
5. Late quotes shall be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(c) - Late submissions, modifications, revisions,
and withdraws of offers.
Update #1 ·
Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) and subordinate commands require three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors who maintain contact with members of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as civic and tribal leaders at regional, and local levels of government. This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted. This requirement includes the ability to provide Somali to English / English to Somali linguist capabilities, and to advise and assist JSOTF-SOM Leadership in communication concerning culture, politics, and operations between to and from members of the Government of Somalia.
1. Notice to Vendor(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this
RFQ until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after the
closing date. In the event the Government cancels this RFQ, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a
vendor for any cost.
2. Quotes in response to this solicitation must be submitted no later than 1000 GMT on Monday 19 June 2026.
Quotes must be submitted via email to the Points of Contact listed above.
3. All price quotations must be submitted on with the CLIN structure requested from this solicitation. This is a Firm-
Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. A FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis
of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. Each line item described in the CLINs of this
solicitation shall be priced in this fashion. Failure to provide pricing on any one line item may result in the vendor
being deemed nonresponsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award. To be eligible for
contract award, the vendor shall have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account and have the
appropriate facility security clearance. Failure to have an active SAM registration may result in the vendor being
deemed ineligible for contract award. Vendor shall provide Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number at
time of submission. Lastly, completing Attachment 3 - Draft DD254 is required to determine if vendor possess facility
clearance.
4. Technical documentation submitted by the vendor shall be provided via email in a separate document and shall
not exceed 20 pages. This page limit encompasses cover pages, contents, mission statements, and all other
superfluous data not specifically requested by the Government. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in
the vendor being deemed non-responsive and subsequently being removed from consideration for award.
5. Late quotes shall be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(c) - Late submissions, modifications, revisions,
and withdraws of offers.
Files
Show all 11
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Solicitation | |
| Somalia Cultural Advisors | Pre-Solicitation |
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARSOC Special Operations Medical Training Services IDIQ | US Special Operations Command | Total Small Business |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity