Army Sources Sought: Office of the Director for Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR Program – Program Management Support Services

Notice ID: W5170124X102G

The Army seeks information on companies that can provide technical expertise, business process expertise, and support for activities including, but not limited to, those listed below.  Multiple companies are anticipated in order to provide the comprehensive skills and services required to plan, manage and execute the US Army SBIR, STTR, and xTech Programs.  Companies shall be currently capable of providing specialized services in one or more of the following areas:

3.1 Business Operations and Program Management

Comprehensive program management and operational support is required to effectively achieve SBIR, STTR, and xTech Program objectives under the authorities of Title 15 United States Code (USC) Section 638 (Research and Development) and Title 10 USC Section 4025 (Prizes for Advanced Technology Achievements).  The Unites States Government is seeking companies with experience supporting business operations and program management functions for government organizations and research and development program execution.  Support includes coordinating strategic planning activities, resource allocation, and operational oversight.  The companies will be responsible for managing the master schedule for the SBIR, STTR, and xTech programs, coordinating the Defense Innovation Science Program (DSIP) and fulfilling annual reporting requirements for the programs. Operations support also involves support to external and internal stakeholders, including but not limited to:  coordinating and conducting engagements with stakeholders and Army transition partners; conducting regular reviews with SBIR contract awardees and Army partners; managing e-mailboxes; supporting data collection;  drafting responses to Government taskers and industry questions;  preparing executive summaries and input to information papers; supporting development of technical and program briefings;  developing, recommending, implementing, and executing plans and procedures to efficiently and effectively execute SBIR, STTR, and xTech mission; assisting Government contracting and SBIR/STTR/xTech Program personnel with drafting, finalizing, posting, and updating pre-solicitation and solicitation documentation; managing the processes used for approving topics, evaluating proposals, and selecting offers;  assisting Government contracting and SBIR/STTR/xTech Program personnel with developing Acquisition Requirements Packages;  computing and analyzing lead time metrics; recommending areas for improved efficiencies; coordinating meetings and special projects in support of SBIR/STTR portfolio managers; staffing, coordinating and writing weekly, monthly and annual reports for various governmental stakeholders including Army, DoD, SBA and others; and facilitating communication with Army sponsors and technical points of contact for SBIR, STTR, and/or xTech topics and projects. xTech program specific functions include but are not limited to: planning and executing all facets of xTech Prize Competitions from pre-launch to post-competition; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to conduct reviews of xTech applicants; developing tailored marketing and communications strategies that align with Army and DoD objectives; administering and tracking the distribution of xTech competition prizes; and coordinating in-person and virtual competition related events.

Successful companies shall provide personnel with expert knowledge of federal acquisition statutes and regulations, informal source selection procedures, and safeguarding of classified, controlled unclassified, and source selection sensitive information and technology.

3.2 Strategic Communications

Companies equipped with the capabilities and services are required to execute strategic communications functions effectively. Robust strategic communications support is crucial for achieving program objectives both internally and externally to the Army, aiming to enhance the understanding of technology innovators and Army customers regarding the values and capabilities provided by these programs while ensuring consistency of messaging and branding. Companies with experience in developing and executing internal and external communications strategies are sought to assist the Army in maintaining consistent messaging and brand awareness of the SBIR, STTR, and xTech programs to both internal and external audiences. This support includes managing and developing initiatives for internal and external stakeholder brand awareness, creating and disseminating program newsletters, internal memos, and communications, managing intranet and internal collaboration platforms leveraging Army-approved platforms including the suite of Microsoft O365 applications (i.e. SharePoint, Power Apps, Power BI), conducting Army engagement campaigns and surveys, and ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information through various channels. External communications tasks involve developing and executing external communication strategies, managing public relations and media relations, content creation including press releases, articles, and blog posts, social media management, digital marketing efforts, website content development to advertise all Army prize competitions, SBIR/STTR topics as scheduled by the government, and event promotion, marketing, and coordination in support of virtual and live events. These companies play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the SBIR, STTR, and xTech programs through strategic communication initiatives.

Successful companies shall provide personnel with expert knowledge of safeguarding classified, controlled unclassified, and source selection sensitive information and technology.

3.3 Digital Marketing, Graphics and Web Support

The Digital Marketing and Web Support required includes a range of services for enhancing online and in-person presence and engagement. This includes comprehensive website management, design, development, and optimization for platforms such as xTech (www.xtech.army.mil) and SBIR (www.armysbir.army.mil), collaborating closely with Army hosting partners to ensure smooth operation and user experience. Capture of various video content including B-Roll, stakeholder interviews, and technology demonstrations is needed, and leveraging these assets to develop digital marketing and media products. These products serve to increase brand awareness, promote xTech/SBIR/STTR activities, and effectively communicate program goals and successes. Graphics creation is required to enhance presentation and website materials and to support digital marketing efforts and information dissemination through presentations and seminars.  In support of live events described in section 3.5 below, support is required to support conferences, workshops, and industry engagement activities, providing video production services including live streaming, virtual meetings and workshops, and hybrid events, accompanied by comprehensive audio/visual support to ensure seamless execution.

3.4 Information Technology Support and Database Management

Companies are required to possess an extensive background in the design, development, and management of databases, along with proficiency in financial and metrics tracking and reporting tools.  Responsibilities encompass maintaining data integrity across legacy Army platforms; managing data integration, transformation, and quality assessment for new data imports; ensuring data security and compliance with Army regulations; developing data analytics and reporting workflows and dashboards in support of business analysts, Requests for Information and mandatory reporting requirements.  Furthermore, they’re tasked with managing information governance and providing lifecycle support for both current and future Army data management systems.  Proficiency in the suite of Microsoft O365 applications including SharePoint, Power Apps, and Power BI is essential for effectively managing current Army database and reporting tools. Additionally, familiarity with a wide range of database and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, as well as advanced analytic capabilities deployed across the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal government innovation programs, is desired. Companies should also have experience in communicating and managing data sharing between disparate platforms and employing advanced analytic and data management techniques. Experience with leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced data analytic capabilities is also of great interest to the programs…

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