ABET Accreditation Maintenance

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) requires annual accreditation maintenance for seven graduate engineering and applied science degree programs from ABET, Inc. This single-source justification, under RFO 6.302-1, stems from ABET being the sole recognized accrediting body for these specific academic fields. Market research, including a 'Sources Sought' notice posted on April 30, 2026, yielded no alternative capable sources by the May 15, 2026, closing date, confirming ABET as the only responsible provider. Efforts to preclude future single-source awards will focus on defining new service requirements by functional characteristics rather than proprietary providers. The Contracting Officer determined that only a single source is reasonably available for this contract action as of May 18, 2026.

This document outlines general and administrative requirements for contractors working with the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Key provisions include the appointment of an Ombudsman, Col(s) Paul W. Tinker, to address contractor concerns after initial contact with the Contracting Officer. Contractors must immediately report any government security activities affecting their work and promptly notify the Contracting Officer of any security incidents or information compromises. The document emphasizes avoiding Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI), requiring immediate written notification and a mitigation plan if a conflict arises. Contractors must comply with all health and safety regulations on DAF installations and report any accidents or hazards. Access to DAF installations requires adherence to specific control procedures, including vetting and obtaining passes, with all credentials to be returned upon termination or contract completion. Finally, Common Access Cards (CACs) are to be issued only to personnel requiring logical access to DoD networks or unescorted physical access, processed through TASS, and must be reported if lost or stolen and returned within five days of an employee's departure or when no longer needed.

The document outlines instructions for responding to a government Request for Information (RFI) regarding accreditation services for academic programs, likely for the Air Force. Respondents must provide company information including administrative details, socio-economic status, and ownership. Small businesses interested in prime contractor roles need to detail their compliance with FAR 52.219-14 regarding limitations on subcontracting and any teaming arrangements. A capability survey requires information on corporate experience in accreditation services, the company's capabilities and staff qualifications, commerciality of services, and any issues precluding compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The RFI aims to assess market interest and capabilities to potentially set aside the acquisition for small businesses.

This Performance Work Statement outlines a non-personal services contract for maintaining ABET accreditation for seven engineering and applied science programs at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The contractor will perform annual accreditation maintenance, including assessments and evaluations, to support the reaccreditation process for these programs. The contract requires the contractor to maintain a CMMC Level 1 certification, protect proprietary government data, and ensure personnel do not perform inherently governmental functions. The contractor is responsible for furnishing all necessary supplies and equipment. Invoices will be processed through the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE).