Army Contracting Command–Orlando (ACC-Orlando), on behalf of the Capability Program Executive for Simulation, Training, Test, and Threats (CPE ST3), issued a Request for Information (RFI) for CPE ST3 Professional Services and updated it on April 28, 2026 (Sections 5, 6, and 7). Per the updated RFI, the Government is considering up to two Task Orders (one for Engineering/Acquisition Support and one for CPE Staff Support), delivered through an Agile program management approach. The described support spans:
- Product management, engineering and digital engineering, DevSecOps integration, validation and verification, test planning and execution, training support, data analytics, and sustainment planning and acquisition-lifecycle support (requirements, market research, acquisition strategy, solicitation and source selection support, and contract administration) for a portfolio of 370+ products at 400+ locations worldwide
With the RFI now updated and the Government signaling a two-task-order structure, a solicitation is the likely next step—and CPE ST3 requirements have historically offered meaningful room for small businesses. Firms that use this window to sharpen their acquisition and engineering-support past performance, line up teaming partners, and engage ACC-Orlando’s industry channels will be far better positioned than those that wait for a formal solicitation to post.
OPPORTUNITY SNAPSHOT
- Opportunity: CPE ST3 Professional Services (acquisition lifecycle support)
- Agency: Department of the Army—Army Contracting Command–Orlando (ACC-Orlando)
- Estimated Value: TBD
- Next Step: Government considering up to two Task Orders (Engineering/Acquisition Support; CPE Staff Support)
- NAICS: 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (PSC R499)
- Contract Type: TBD
- Competition: TBD; Likely will have a small business set-aside track
- Place of Performance: Orlando, FL area anticipated (ACC-Orlando)
- Security: Acquisition support for defense training/test programs will likely require cleared personnel; specific clearance levels to be defined in the solicitation
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY MATTERS
CPE ST3 is the Army’s premier organization for acquiring, delivering, and sustaining test, training, and threat solutions supporting Major Defense Acquisition Programs (Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, Apache, Chinook, and Black Hawk), including partner-nation and combatant-command engagement. Behind that mission sits a heavy, continuous workload: hundreds of products across hundreds of sites. Professional acquisition and engineering support is what keeps that pipeline moving, making this a durable, mission-critical requirement rather than a one-off buy.
For small businesses, the timing is the opportunity. Professional support requirements like this—expertise-driven rather than capital-intensive and often structured to broaden small business participation—are where small firms compete most effectively. With the RFI updated and a two-task-order structure in view, firms that prepare early can be ready the moment a solicitation posts. Competitive teams typically field:
Acquisition and contract specialists, cost/price and data analysts, source selection support staff, and program/administrative support—plus product managers, systems and digital engineers, DevSecOps practitioners, and test/V&V specialists—backed by DAWIA-informed expertise and, where required, cleared personnel
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY
This opportunity is built for small businesses experienced in federal acquisition support and/or engineering and program support—ideally for DoD or Army training, test, and threat programs. Firms with the following capabilities should begin positioning now:
- Acquisition lifecycle support—requirements development, acquisition strategy, and market research for defense programs
- Solicitation and source selection support—drafting solicitation packages, evaluation support, and documentation
- Contract administration and closeout—post-award management, modifications, and lifecycle documentation across FFP, cost, and IDIQ vehicles
- FAR/DFARS fluency—knowledge of defense acquisition regulation, procedures, and DoD acquisition policy
- Engineering and Agile delivery—digital engineering, DevSecOps, validation and verification, test planning/execution, data analytics, and sustainment planning
- Qualified acquisition workforce—the ability to staff and retain experienced acquisition/contracting professionals, with clearances where required
HOW OST CAN HELP
With the RFI updated and a solicitation likely ahead, the pre-solicitation window is where small businesses gain ground. OST supports firms pursuing Army, ACC-Orlando, and federal professional-support opportunities with:
- Bid/no-bid assessment: Evaluating your acquisition and engineering-support capabilities, small business status, workforce depth, and past performance against the anticipated requirement
- Capture planning: Building a capture plan and win themes now, so you are ready to move the moment a draft or final solicitation is released
- Teaming strategy: Identifying complementary teaming partners and subcontractors to round out acquisition disciplines and CPE ST3 domain coverage
- Past performance strategy: Curating relevant acquisition-support project examples and assembling past performance references mapped to the requirement’s scope
- Proposal development: Proposal readiness—technical approach, staffing and recruiting plans, and a compliant response prepared for the anticipated solicitation
If you are evaluating whether the Army’s CPE ST3 Professional Services opportunity aligns with your firm’s capabilities or want to position ahead of the anticipated solicitation, we are happy to help you assess your fit and build your capture strategy. If this interests you, please book a call with OST Partner and President Bill Schalik via the button below.
