Learning Platform
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Defense Human Resources Activity, for DANTES

Online College and Career Planning Tool Support

RFQ H9821026QA002

FederalResponded

Overview

A request for quotation for a web-based tool that gives Service members self-paced college and career counseling, from interest assessment to job search.

Defense educationCareer pathwaysWeb platform
  • 3evaluation factors, with no point scores
  • 1 + 4year term: one base year and four options
  • 98%minimum monthly availability
  • 24/7online access for Service members, every day of the year

The need

The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), part of the Defense Human Resources Activity, runs voluntary education programs that help Service members reach their personal and professional education goals. Defense policy (DoDI 1322.25) has DANTES manage one enterprise-wide college and career counseling service, so the Services do not each run their own.

The Request for Quotation said the most cost-effective way to reach a large, widely scattered audience is a commercially available web-based resource, available around the clock to people serving anywhere in the world. It asked for a tool that gives each Service member self-paced counseling and produces a career and education pathway customized to that person.

Contract basics

  • Firm fixed price contract, 100% small business set-aside (NAICS 611710)
  • One-year base period and four one-year options, August 29, 2026 to August 28, 2031
  • Quotations sent by email to the contracting officer, in four volumes
  • Open to active, reserve and National Guard members of all Services

How quotations were evaluated

  1. Factor 1: Technical capabilityTechnical approach and methodology, and reporting. A quotation rated Marginal or Unacceptable on this factor would not be evaluated further.
  2. Factor 2: Past performanceRecent, relevant work as a prime contractor, joint venture member or first-tier subcontractor, within the last five years, shown through up to three references.
  3. Factor 3: PricePriced line items for the base year and four option years. Price is not given an adjectival rating.

Technical capability is more important than past performance, and the two together are about equal to price. The government said the lowest price may not win, and neither may the highest technical rating.

What stood out

  • One contract was to be awarded on best value, price and other factors considered, rather than on lowest price alone.
  • The solicitation required the online product to be ready to use upon award, and called out availability and functionality as the critical indication of usefulness.
  • Offerors were warned that repeating the work statement back with a promise to comply does not show understanding of the requirement.

Requirements in detail

Summarized from the solicitation. Open each group to read it.

What the tool must do9
  • Web-based access for unlimited military users under a dedicated address
  • Individual registration and login, plus separate registration for military counselors and administrators
  • A detailed self-assessment of career interests, work values and work skills
  • A personal career plan that lines up occupations and education requirements with the assessment
  • Customized career and education pathways, with a matching menu of resources
  • Search for civilian occupations by Military Occupation Specialty, and by ASVAB scores
  • Education, financial aid and GI Bill information
  • Job search tools and transition guidance, including resumes, interviews and career fairs
  • A secure electronic portfolio for every user, with lifetime access once an account exists
Availability, support and reporting5
  • At least 98 percent availability, measured monthly
  • Technical support by phone or email, answered within 24 hours during business hours
  • Notices on the home or login page for outages, maintenance and content changes
  • Quarterly usage reports: new registrations and assessments completed, by Service branch
  • Marketing materials, and webinars for education staff and Service members, no more than one a month
Accessibility, records and security4
  • Compliance with Section 508 for electronic content and support documentation
  • Records and data created for the government are federal records, covered by the Federal Records Act, the Privacy Act and FOIA
  • The government owns the rights to the data and records produced under the contract
  • Background investigations for staff who can reach Service members' personal information

How the process works

  1. QuestionsWritten questions by email to the contracting officer, due June 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
  2. QuotationDue July 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, moved from June 29 by Amendment 1. Quotations were sent by email in four volumes: business information, technical, past performance and price.
  3. Registrations and attestationOfferors had to be registered in SAM.gov and provide a signed CMMC attestation. The required CMMC level had to be on file in SPRS when the award decision was made.
  4. EvaluationThe government planned to evaluate quotations and make an award without meaningful exchanges, while keeping the option to hold them.
  5. AwardOne contract: a one-year base period and four one-year options, from August 29, 2026 to August 28, 2031.

Timeline

  1. RFQ postedMay 29, 2026
  2. Questions dueJune 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET
  3. Amendment 1June 17, 2026
  4. Quotes dueJuly 15, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET

My response

I responded to this solicitation. The response itself is not published here.