Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program
ID: AMDTCNOI2501233Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYDEPT OF COMMERCE NISTGAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, USA

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

PSC

EDUCATION/TRAINING- GENERAL (U009)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/abab8624a5634d578e21ea4c335342f8/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking contractor support services for the Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP). The primary objective of this procurement is to validate cryptographic modules and algorithms through the administration of competency exams for testers from laboratories accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). This initiative is crucial for ensuring that these laboratories meet necessary performance criteria, thereby supporting federal requirements for the protection of sensitive information. The contract will have a base period of 12 months, with an option for an additional 12-month extension, beginning May 1, 2025. Interested parties may submit capability statements to Jennifer Lohmeier at jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov by April 4, 2025, although this notice is not a solicitation for proposals.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NOI_AMDTCNOI2501233.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Pearson VUE for contractor support services related to the Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP). NIST requires these services to validate cryptographic modules and algorithms, ensuring that laboratories accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) meet necessary performance criteria. The contract will cover a base period of 12 months, with one optional 12-month extension, beginning May 1, 2025. This procurement falls under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106(b)(1) and is classified under NAICS code 611710 for educational support services. Pearson VUE is determined to be the sole provider capable of delivering the required computer-based competency exams to testers within NVLAP accredited laboratories globally. Interested parties may submit capability statements via email by April 4, 2025, detailing their qualifications; however, this notice is not a solicitation for proposals.
    PWS - AMDTCNOI2501233.pdf
    The document outlines a Performance Work Statement (PWS) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for administering computer-based testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP) during 2025-2027. The primary goal is to publish and manage competency exams for testers from National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accredited laboratories. Key objectives include ensuring secure testing locations, conducting ID verifications, and developing an online registration platform. The contractor is responsible for all aspects of exam publishing, administration, maintaining test security, and candidate identification throughout the exam process. The contract spans a base period of 12 months with an additional option for another 12 months, emphasizing task accountability, project management, and reporting to NIST. Deliverables include up-to-date candidate instructions, scheduling of test candidates, and secure test result handling. Also, the contractor will annually review and potentially update up to 10% of exam questions to ensure validity. Overall, this initiative supports federal requirements for validated cryptographic modules crucial for the protection of sensitive information by U.S. government agencies.
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    Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program
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