Academic Executive Search for Deans

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, issued a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (70Z03926QCGA00007) as a Request for Quote (RFQ) for executive search services. The solicitation, a 100% Small Business Set-aside with NAICS code 561312 ($34 million size standard), seeks a firm with robust higher education expertise to place academic leaders, specifically a Dean of the School of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. Quotes are due by June 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST, and questions by June 08, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Evaluation will be based on a best-value trade-off, with Prior Experience and Search Approach being significantly more important than Price. Offerors must submit two volumes: Volume I for Search Approach and Prior Experience (five-page limit for each factor combined) and Volume II for Price. The Government intends to award without discussions, emphasizing the importance of initial proposals. Various FAR and HSAR clauses are incorporated by reference, and electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is required.

The provided document, Attachment A, is a pricing table for an Executive Search for the 01 School of Engineering and Cyber Systems. It outlines a single Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0001, which covers the executive search service. The table includes fields for the number of searches, price per search, and the total price per search, all of which are listed as $0.00. The total evaluated price is also $0.00. This attachment serves as a component of a government solicitation, likely an RFP, where vendors would submit their proposed pricing for the specified executive search services.

This Request for Quotations (RFQ) outlines the submission and evaluation criteria for securing a contractor to recruit academic deans for the U.S. Coast Guard. Quoters must submit two volumes: Volume I covering Search Approach and Prior Experience (each with a five-page limit), and Volume II for Price, using Attachment A. Key submission requirements include a cover sheet with administrative details and adherence to font and page size specifications. Questions are due by June 8, 2026, to specified contracting officers. The evaluation prioritizes Factor 2 (Prior Experience) over Factor 1 (Search Approach), with both being significantly more important than Factor 3 (Price). The government will award a single order based on a best-value trade-off, assessing confidence levels for each factor to ensure a sound approach and successful contract performance.

This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (No. 70Z03926QCGA00007) is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for an executive search firm to recruit a Dean of the School of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. It is a 100% Small Business Set-aside with NAICS code 561312 and a $34 million size standard. Quotes are due by June 12, 2026, at 08:00 AM EST, and questions must be submitted by June 08, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Proposals will be evaluated on Factor 1: Prior Experience (more important), Factor 2: Search Approach, and Factor 3: Price, with non-price factors being significantly more important than price. Offerors must submit two volumes: Volume I for prior experience and search approach (5-page limit each) and Volume II for price, using Attachment A. The government intends to award without discussions. Key evaluation criteria include national network access, proven track record in academic leadership recruitment, and a comprehensive search process. Payment requests must be submitted electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) seeks an executive search firm to assist in hiring academic deans for its accredited higher education institution. The chosen firm will lead a national search, developing position profiles, recruiting diverse talent, and facilitating the selection process while aligning with Coast Guard values. Key tasks include planning virtual meetings with stakeholders, conducting institutional needs analysis, and proposing a tailored recruitment strategy. The firm will also be responsible for market outreach, candidate communication, comprehensive screening (including due diligence and background checks), and assisting with interview coordination. Post-appointment, the firm will provide transition support to the new dean. The contractor's principal leader must have recent experience placing academic deans, maintain strong academic networks, and for the Dean of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities position, possess search experience within those disciplines. The project manager will be the single point of contact, ensuring continuity of support. The performance period for the Dean of the School of Science, Mathematics and Humanities Search runs from August 2026 to July 1, 2027, with virtual and in-person interviews. The primary place of performance is virtual, with a secondary at the USCGA in New London, CT. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The USCGA will provide advertising costs, final background checks, travel logistics for finalists, and on-site resources, while the contractor furnishes all other necessary materials and services.