The SOF Global Services Delivery (SOFGSD) Solicitation represents an essential opportunity for contractors specializing in knowledge-based professional services within the defense sector. With this detailed SOFGSD Solicitation Preview, prospective bidders gain clarity on the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)’s goals, eligibility requirements, and contracting strategy.
Understanding the SOFGSD Solicitation
The SOFGSD Solicitation is crafted to deliver subject matter expertise and professional services critical to USSOCOM’s operational and strategic missions. This solicitation emerges as the successor to the current SOF Core Support (SCS) contracts, which will expire in March 2028. The new SOFGSD program aims to continue and enhance the capabilities provided by SCS, emphasizing Stability, Agility, and Reach as fundamental imperatives.
Key Areas of SOFGSD Contracting Support
USSOCOM seeks comprehensive services across several distinct categories:
Education and Training Services
SOFGSD’s Education and Training scope includes vocational and technical training, curriculum development, and translation services vital to global Special Operations Forces (SOF) deployments. Contractors will support internal training and operational preparation, ensuring SOF personnel readiness through tailored programs and multilingual capabilities.
Management Support Services
Under the SOFGSD Solicitation, Management Support involves strategic planning, capability structuring, and broad support in public relations and media analysis. Contractors should possess a robust capacity for developing position papers, detailed analytical reports, and providing independent advisory services.
Program Management
Program Management activities require rigorous support in strategic planning, irregular warfare analysis, and acquisition process improvement. Contractors participating in this pool should exhibit experience in managing complex projects, providing innovative solutions to SOF-specific challenges.
Engineering and Technical Services
Though not explicitly scored in the evaluation, contractors should anticipate task orders requiring technical documentation, engineering analysis, system evaluations, and operational support.
Professional and Intelligence Services
Contractors providing Professional and Intelligence Services will support multimedia communication strategies, historical documentation of operations, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and mission-specific planning. Intelligence support will particularly demand experience in Human Intelligence (HUMINT), operational planning, and exploitation analysis.
Administrative and Other Services
Administrative support under SOFGSD covers workflow efficiency, coordination of technical meetings, and administrative functions. Contractors will enhance organizational productivity through meticulous management of processes and procedures.
Eligibility Requirements for Contractors
Eligibility for SOFGSD is explicitly detailed, ensuring contractors align closely with USSOCOM’s strategic and security interests:
Security Clearances
Contractors must hold a Top Secret Facility Clearance at proposal submission, accredited by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The solicitation does not anticipate classified information storage at the contract level but will require capability at the task order level.
Cybersecurity and SPRS Scores
All contractors must possess Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 and achieve a Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score of 110. These certifications are prerequisites, emphasizing stringent cybersecurity compliance consistent with NIST SP 800-171 standards.
Financial Capability
Contractors must demonstrate financial stability through proof of a minimum $1 million line of credit. This financial benchmark ensures contractors’ readiness to fulfill contract obligations effectively.
Accounting System Adequacy
An adequate accounting system, verified by DCMA or DCAA within three years of proposal submission, is mandatory. Contractors without current validation must complete a pre-award accounting system checklist.
Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI)
Contractors and subcontractors must disclose existing USSOCOM-related contracts to identify and mitigate potential OCIs, safeguarding transparent and competitive contracting environments.
Anticipated Acquisition Strategy
USSOCOM plans a multiple award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracting strategy, structured with a General Pool and Specialty Pools (Education and Training, Intelligence Support, Exercise Support). Up to 15 awards will be granted under a Highest Technically Rated Offeror (HTRO) selection method, emphasizing contractors’ demonstrated experience and capabilities.
Contract Lifecycle and Opportunities
The SOFGSD contract will span a ten-year period (a five-year base plus a five-year option). Notably, an innovative “on and off ramp” procedure will allow continuous contractor competitiveness, periodically adding or removing vendors to maintain optimal performance and competition levels.
Performance Locations and Conditions
Contractors should anticipate operational tasks at global locations, including USSOCOM HQ, subordinate Component Commands, and various Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), potentially requiring deployment to remote and international settings.
Milestone Timeline
Prospective bidders should prepare for the following significant milestones:
- Industry Day: March 2025
- Solicitation Release: May 2025
- Award Announcements: February 2026
- Contract Performance Start: June 2026
Preparing for SOFGSD Success
Given the expansive and dynamic nature of the SOFGSD Solicitation, contractors must thoroughly review USSOCOM’s strategic priorities, specifically Stability, Agility, and Reach. High-scoring contractors will demonstrate robust capabilities in providing seamless transitions, agile responses to evolving missions, and extensive operational reach.
Contractors should align their proposals to reflect deep institutional knowledge, capacity for rapid adjustment to USSOCOM’s operational tempo, and global logistical readiness. USSOCOM highly values proposals evidencing sustained workforce stability, quick adaptability, and global operational presence.
Next Steps for Interested Contractors
As this SOFGSD Solicitation Preview highlights significant opportunities for engagement, contractors should proactively ensure compliance with all outlined eligibility criteria, enhance cybersecurity measures, and consolidate their strategic partnerships and capabilities. The upcoming Industry Day offers essential insights, allowing contractors to address specific questions directly to USSOCOM representatives.
Contractors interested in exploring detailed requirements or seeking further insights should connect with relevant contracting officers as identified in official solicitation communications.
This SOFGSD Solicitation represents a transformative opportunity within the defense contracting community. Proper preparation aligned with USSOCOM’s clearly stated requirements positions contractors for success in delivering mission-critical services to Special Operations Forces worldwide.
