DANTES CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Appendix G, outlines stringent cybersecurity requirements for contractors handling nonpublic government data for the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA). Contractors must comply with various DoD Instructions and NIST Special Publications, including DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 8510.01, and NIST SP 800-53, to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Key requirements include establishing robust safeguards, achieving system accreditation via the Risk Management Framework (RMF) with an Authorization to Operate (ATO), and complying with annual FISMA testing. Contractors are responsible for the costs of cybersecurity assessment and accreditation (A&A) and FISMA testing for their owned and operated systems. Strict protocols for sensitive information include proper destruction of media, prohibition of USB flash drives, and limited access to authorized personnel only. All work must use government-provided resources and email, with final approval for cybersecurity tasks resting with the Enterprise Service Directorate, Cybersecurity Division. Non-compliance can lead to contract termination and other legal penalties. The document also details RMF language for DoD-controlled or external commercial systems, emphasizing the need for accreditation, continuous monitoring, and evidence of RMF experience through documentation like Security Plans and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M).

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 1h – Appendix H, provides guidance on undergraduate and graduate areas of study historically offered to military service members within the CENTCOM/AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. This list, though not exhaustive or mandatory, serves as a benchmark for evaluating proposed offerings. Associate degree areas include Accounting Management Studies, Business and Management, Computer Studies, Psychology, Foreign Language Area Studies, Mathematics, and Women’s Studies. Bachelor's degrees encompass fields like Accounting, Art History, Biology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Economics, History, Homeland Security, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, Marketing, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Graduate degrees feature various Master of Science programs in areas such as Cloud Computing Architecture, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity Management and Policy, Cybersecurity Technology, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, Information Technology, and Management, alongside a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 1i – Appendix I, is a comprehensive list of abbreviations used within the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for a government contract. This document defines numerous acronyms related to military organizations (e.g., AAFES, AFRICOM, CENTCOM), government agencies (e.g., DCSA, DoD, FBI, OPM), federal regulations (e.g., C.F.R., DFARS, FAR), and various operational and administrative terms relevant to federal government solicitations and contracts. The abbreviations cover a wide range of topics including personnel security (e.g., BI, CAC, PII), information technology (e.g., IS, IT, LAN), logistics (e.g., GFE, GFP, ILS), and educational services (e.g., AFAEMS, COOL, FAFSA, TA). The appendix serves as a critical reference to ensure clarity and common understanding of terms used throughout the PWS, which is essential for all parties involved in the contracting process.

Amendment 0001 to Solicitation H9821026QA001 by the Department of Defense's Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) outlines a Request for Quotation for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs for the DANTES CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program. This unrestricted solicitation, with NAICS Code 611310, seeks contractors to provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs to US Armed Forces in CENTCOM and AFRICOM. The contract includes a one-year base period and four one-year options, spanning July 2026 to July 2031. Proposals require detailed technical, past performance, and pricing volumes. Evaluation prioritizes technical capability and past performance over price, with no individual rating for price. This is a no-cost contract, with contractor compensation coming from student tuition assistance. The amendment includes various FAR and DFARS clauses, emphasizing compliance and specific requirements for contractors operating outside the United States.

Amendment 0001 to solicitation H9821026QA001 addresses numerous questions and concerns from offerors regarding the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for an educational services contract. Key updates include a revised contract performance period to align with the academic year (July 31 - July 30), clarification that offerors must provide all aspects of the requirement, and that contractors are responsible for their teaming and subcontracting approaches. The government will not reimburse contractor costs for lodging or travel, as it is a no-cost contract. Several sections of the PWS, including those related to accreditation, class sizes, academic programs, reports, and personnel management, have been updated or clarified in response to offeror recommendations to align with the Sources Sought document or to improve clarity. Some recommendations, such as those regarding specific course materials and certain reports, were not adopted as the government deemed them necessary deliverables or requirements.

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Solicitation H9821026QA001 outlines the requirements for educational institutions to provide undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs to U.S. military personnel and other eligible individuals in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility (AOR). The program aims to offer quality postsecondary education comparable to opportunities in the Continental U.S., supporting career development and civilian transition. Contractors must be accredited, comply with DoD voluntary education directives, and adhere to specific academic, administrative, and student support standards. This includes delivering face-to-face, hybrid, and alternative learning formats, managing student enrollments and withdrawals, providing academic and financial aid advisement, and offering National Test Center services. The contract emphasizes student-funded tuition through military tuition assistance or other means, with no direct government funding for tuition. Marketing, website maintenance, course materials, graduation ceremonies, and field representatives are also detailed, ensuring comprehensive educational support for service members overseas.

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 1a – Appendix A, outlines the

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Appendix B, outlines the academic programs and instructional delivery methods required from a contractor. The contractor must provide instructional services through traditional face-to-face, live-streaming, hybrid, and alternative delivery modalities. Required undergraduate liberal arts programs include general education, communications, English, writing/composition, speech, social sciences/humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, business and management, information systems management, and foreign languages, all leading to associate’s, bachelor’s degrees, or undergraduate certificates with resident credit. Graduate programs are required in Information/Cyber Security, Homeland/Criminal Justice, and Management & Business Administration, leading to Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Management degrees. The contractor is obligated to provide these specified programs but may also offer additional programs and courses.

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Solicitation H9821026QA001 outlines the requirements for contractors to provide voluntary education programs and services to U.S. military personnel and other eligible individuals within the CENTCOM and AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. These programs include undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree offerings, delivered in various formats, including face-to-face and alternative learning methods. Key requirements emphasize accreditation, comparable educational quality to CONUS programs, comprehensive student support services, and compliance with military service education portals. The contractor's compensation will be derived from student tuition assistance and other funding sources, not directly from the government. Additionally, the PWS details testing support through National Test Centers, personnel qualifications, marketing guidelines, and financial aid information. The overall purpose is to ensure service members have access to quality higher education opportunities comparable to those available stateside, supporting their career goals and transition to civilian life.

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 1a – Appendix A, outlines the

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Appendix B, outlines academic program requirements for a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP). The contractor must provide instructional services using traditional face-to-face, live-streaming, hybrid, and alternative delivery methods. The RFP requires undergraduate Liberal Arts programs leading to associate's, bachelor's, or undergraduate certificates in general education, communications, English, writing/composition, speech, social sciences/humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, business and management, information systems management, and foreign languages. All undergraduate courses must be accepted as resident credit. Additionally, the solicitation requires graduate programs leading to a Master of Science or Master of Arts in Information/Cyber Security, Homeland/Criminal Justice, and Management & Business Administration, which includes Business Administration, Business (Management Information Systems), or Management.

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Appendix C, outlines requirements for contractors to provide National Test Center (NTC) support, including various electronic exams, to eligible military and civilian personnel. The contractor must supply a test administrator, computer equipment, commercial internet, and technical support, while the government provides facilities. The NTC will offer College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST internet-based testing (iBT) exams, Pearson Vue, and other DANTES-funded exams, with potential for additional exams and support for non-contracted students on a space-available basis. Contractors can charge administrative fees, not exceeding $75 for tests over three hours. They must establish agreements with testing agencies within 60 days to become certified. Service locations and operating schedules will be mutually agreed upon, with staffing based on average test volumes. The contractor must comply with test center agreements and operating guidelines, provide quarterly and annual reports on test results, and immediately report any security breaches to relevant agencies.

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Appendix D, outlines contractor housing and meal provisions, as well as transportation and entry requirements for various CENTCOM locations. In Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia (Prince Sultan Air Base), quarters and meals are provided at government expense. In Bahrain (NSA Manama), no government-provided housing or meals are available, though TDY personnel can be reimbursed for Navy Lodge stays. Transportation to/from the airport is provided by the military in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, but contractors must arrange their own in Qatar and UAE. Entry requirements generally include LOA/CAC/Passport, with no sponsor needed in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. However, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE require sponsorship for permanent party individuals. The document also states that the Government/US Military will provide emergency transportation if contractors are unable to do so during unforeseen contingencies. This appendix serves as informational guidance, directing users to the Foreign Clearance Guide for the most current country access details.

Amendment 0002 to Solicitation H9821026QA001 by the Department of Defense's Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) seeks a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs, specifically the DANTES CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program. This unrestricted solicitation, under NAICS code 611310, requires contractors to provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs and related services to US Armed Forces in CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas. The contract includes a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, running from July 2026 to July 2031. Proposals must be submitted via email by May 15, 2026, and will be evaluated on technical capability, past performance, and price, with technical factors being most important. This is a no-cost contract, with contractor compensation coming from student tuition assistance.

The

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 1a – Appendix A, outlines the

Appendix E of Solicitation H9821026QA001 outlines the Contractor Personnel Support Table for CENTCOM Education Services, detailing visa, privileges, and termination procedures for various employee categories. It specifies requirements for CONUS hires, overseas hires, international travelers, and U.S. in-country residents, distinguishing between SOFA stamp holders and non-SOFA MBA status personnel. The document defines privileges such as Common Access Card (CAC) access to the Commissary, Exchange, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, noting that emergency medical care incurs a fee. Upon termination or assignment completion, personnel are required to return their ID cards or base passes. The appendix emphasizes that government logistical support may vary by location and provides definitions for key terms like SOFA and privilege codes.

Appendix F of Solicitation H9821026QA001 outlines the CENTCOM Contractor Operational Security Non-Disclosure Agreement. This agreement details mandatory security requirements for contractors to protect sensitive government information during the contract period and indefinitely thereafter. Key stipulations include strict control over electronic devices in government spaces, prohibition of discussing operations in public or over unencrypted channels, and restrictions on posting sensitive information to websites or social media. Contractors are forbidden from disclosing national security information to unauthorized third parties, with violations punishable under 18 USC § 793. The agreement also mandates safeguarding government-issued identification and reporting lost or stolen badges immediately. Contractors must practice OPSEC, protect internal schedules, and return or destroy all government information upon contract termination. This appendix ensures contractors adhere to stringent security protocols to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive government operations and information.

This government file outlines Section 508 Determination requirements for federal agencies acquiring Information and Communication Technology (ICT), emphasizing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Pursuant to FAR 39.2, agencies must ensure comparable access to information and data for federal employees and the public with disabilities. The requirements, updated on January 19, 2018, align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and cover electronic content, software, hardware, and support services. The document details applicable technical standards (E204-E208) and specifies exceptions (e.g., legacy ICT, national security systems, incidental contract items, maintenance spaces) and exemptions (e.g., undue burden, fundamental alteration, non-availability of conforming commercial products), which require written documentation. The file defines key terms like electronic content, hardware, and software, and provides detailed guidance on applying WCAG 2.0 to non-web documents and software, ensuring comprehensive accessibility across all ICT procurements.

The document, titled "Solicitation H9821026QA001 Attachment 3 - Pricing Table," outlines the pricing structure for various educational programs across multiple performance periods. It details

Amendment 0003 to Solicitation H9821026QA001 details a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs, issued by the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) on behalf of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). This unrestricted solicitation, under NAICS code 611310, seeks contractors to provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs and related services to US Armed Forces in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM regions. The contract includes a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, spanning from July 31, 2026, to July 30, 2031. Proposals are due by May 15, 2026, and will be evaluated on Technical Capability (most important), Past Performance, and Price (least important). Submissions must include Business Information, Technical Capability (25-page limit), Past Performance (6-page limit), and Pricing Information. This is a no-cost contract, with contractor compensation derived from student tuition assistance. The document also outlines various FAR and DFARS clauses applicable to the acquisition.

Amendment 0003 to RFP H9821026QA001 addresses several questions regarding an education services solicitation, primarily focusing on course offerings and delivery. The government will amend the solicitation to replace "liberal arts courses" with "undergraduate courses" to include a broader range of degree pathways, including aviation aerospace programs. It will also allow for the dynamic addition of unit-specific or cohort-driven face-to-face courses with prior approval from the Education Services Officer and COR. All proposed modality options (in-person, hybrid, online, virtual) are permissible in the annual schedule, with syllabi required for all courses regardless of delivery method. Appendix F, which has updated business information requirements, must be signed and included with quotations, and Appendix H will be amended to include additional Associate, Bachelor, and Graduate degree programs in fields such as aviation, technical management, logistics, uncrewed systems, and engineering.

Amendment 0004 to Solicitation H9821026QA001 by the Department of Defense's Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) outlines a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs under the DANTES CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program. This unrestricted solicitation, with NAICS code 611310, seeks contractors to provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs and services to US Armed Forces in CENTCOM and AFRICOM regions. The contract includes a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, spanning from July 31, 2026, to July 30, 2031. Quotations, due by May 15, 2026, must be submitted via email and adhere to strict formatting across four volumes: Business Information, Technical Capability (25-page limit), Past Performance (6-page limit), and Pricing Information. Evaluation factors, in descending order of importance, are Technical Capability (more important than Past Performance), Past Performance, and Price (significantly less important than Technical Capability and Past Performance combined). The Government intends to award one or more contracts without holding extensive exchanges. Notably, this is a no-cost contract where contractor compensation is derived from third-party student tuition assistance and reimbursements.

The CENTCOM-AFRICOM Degree Program (Solicitation H9821026QA001) is a federal government RFP for educational services for U.S. military personnel and eligible civilians in the Central Command (CENTCOM) and Africa Command (AFRICOM) Areas of Responsibility. This program, managed by DANTES on behalf of DASD FE&T, aims to provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as academic and testing support, comparable to those available in the Continental United States. Contractors must be regionally or nationally accredited, adhere to DoD voluntary education directives, and provide services in both face-to-face and alternative learning formats. Key requirements include offering a variety of degree programs, providing comprehensive student support (advisement, financial aid information, library services), and managing National Test Centers for DANTES-funded exams. The contractor is responsible for personnel management, ensuring qualified staff, and complying with host nation laws and medical fitness requirements. Compensation comes from student tuition assistance (TA) and GI Bill benefits, with no direct government funding for tuition. Extensive reporting on enrollments, degree completions, and NTC activities is required.

Solicitation H9821026QA001 Amendment 0003, Attachment 1h – Appendix H, provides guidance on undergraduate and graduate areas of study historically offered to military service members in CENTCOM/AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility. This list, though not mandatory or all-inclusive, will be used to compare offerors' proposed educational programs. Associate degrees include Accounting Management Studies, Business and Management, Computer Studies, Psychology, Foreign Language Area Studies, Mathematics, and Women’s Studies. Bachelor's degrees cover a broad range from Accounting and Aviation to Cybersecurity, Engineering, Political Science, and Uncrewed Systems. Graduate degrees focus on Master of Business Administration and various Master of Science programs in fields like Aviation, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity Management and Policy, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, Engineering, Information Technology, Management, Project Management, and Space Operations. The document serves as a reference for educational offerings within the context of military service.

The Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) on behalf of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), is soliciting quotations for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for Overseas Degree Programs. This Request for Quotation (RFQ) H9821026QA001 aims to establish a contract for accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs and services for U.S. Armed Forces in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM regions. The contract will have a one-year base period, including a two-month transition, and four one-year option periods, spanning from May 2026 to May 2031. Proposals will be evaluated on technical capability (most important), past performance, and price. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and submit quotations via email by April 17, 2026. The government intends to make an award without discussions and reserves the right to cancel the RFQ.

Solicitation H9821026QA001, Attachment 4, is a Past Performance Questionnaire for a federal government Request for Quotations (RFQ) seeking Overseas Degree Program Education Support. The U.S. Armed Forces and Coast Guard require undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs, delivered in various formats, for military personnel in the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Areas of Responsibility (AORs). The questionnaire, to be completed by a Rater/Evaluator/Assessing Official, gathers information on previous contract performance, including contractor details, contract length, price, and service description. It aligns with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and provides definitions for