technical and instructional services for the US Naval Academy ARES Squadron

The U.S. Naval Academy is soliciting proposals for technical and instructional services for its Adaptive Rapid Engagement Squadron (ARES). This full and open competition seeks a contractor to provide specialized instruction, mentorship, and technical services focused on integrating emerging technologies, drone operations, and small unit tactics into midshipman development. The services include weekly instruction, counter-UAS training, Capstone project advising, field scenarios, and emerging technology integration. The contract is a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order under NAICS 611710, with a small business size standard of $24M. The period of performance is from March 15, 2026, to June 30, 2026, with options for special event and summer training support. The performance location is the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with various FAR and DFARS clauses, including Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. Questions are due by February 27, 2026, and responses by March 5, 2026.

The US Naval Academy's N0018926QL029 solicitation seeks technical and instructional services for its ARES Squadron. This full and open competition, conducted via simplified acquisition procedures, will result in a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order under NAICS 611710 ($24M small business size standard). Services include weekly ARES instruction, mentorship, counter-UAS training, Capstone advising, field scenarios, and emerging technology integration from March 15, 2026, to June 30, 2026, with options for special event and summer training support. Contractor responsibilities involve providing operational expertise, leading hands-on instruction in drone operations and small unit tactics, supporting Capstone projects, and organizing tactical competitions. Performance standards require 100% scheduled training delivery, active guidance on at least three Capstone projects, and a minimum of three validated field scenarios per semester. Vendors must be SAM registered, and quotes are due by March 10, 2026, 10:00 AM EST, to Megan Evans at megan.m.evans18.civ@us.navy.mil. The solicitation also includes various FAR and DFARS clauses, notably those related to Item Unique Identification and Valuation, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC Level 1 Self), and Wide Area WorkFlow payment instructions.

This document addresses key questions and clarifications regarding an RFP for a drone initiative, likely for the US Naval Academy (USNA) ARES program. It details expectations for technical proposals, defining

The US Naval Academy ARES Squadron seeks technical and instructional services through a full and open competition, simplified acquisition. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) N0018926QL029 will be available on beta.sam.gov around February 25, 2026, closing on March 10, 2026. The contract is a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order under NAICS 611710 ($24M Small Business Size Standard). Services include weekly ARES instruction, mentorship, counter-UAS training, Capstone advising, field scenarios, and emerging technology integration from March 15, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Optional line items cover special event support and summer training. Performance is at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Contractors must be SAM registered and comply with various FAR and DFARS clauses, including CMMC Level 1 (Self) for cybersecurity. Payment requests will be submitted via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) as an Invoice 2in1. Questions should be emailed to Megan Evans by February 27, 2026.