Welding Instructor Service for Pine Knot JCC

The USDA Forest Service is conducting market research for welding instructor services at the Pine Knot Job Corps Center in Pine Knot, Kentucky, through this sources sought synopsis. The agency seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive vocational welding training for at-risk youth ages 16-24, focusing on developing employable skills and career readiness in accordance with Department of Labor guidelines. The contractor must supply a certified welding instructor proficient in multiple welding techniques, develop training curricula and materials, maintain safety standards, and support job placement services. Performance standards require 95% compliance with center operations, 90% accuracy in monthly invoicing, 65% student retention for over 90 days, and 75% placement of retained students in advanced training or employment meeting minimum wage expectations. Responses to this market research are due by 4:30 PM EST on October 17, 2025, and must include a capabilities statement and UEI or CAGE code submitted electronically to Contract Specialist Gary Durham.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and is open to all business types, though the synopsis specifically mentions interest in capabilities from Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business concerns. No current contractors or incumbents are identified in the documentation, and no budget ranges or award values are specified at this preliminary market research stage. The welding program will accommodate a maximum of 24 trainees at one time, with 12 trainees rotating every other week in the training schedule. The contemplated contract period spans from November 28, 2025, through November 27, 2026, with four potential 12-month option periods that could extend the total contract duration to five years. The Forest Service anticipates issuing a Request for Quote solicitation for a firm fixed-price Indefinite-delivery Indefinite-quantity contract based on the responses received to this market research.