Physical Therapist (PT), Level II – CONUS and OCONS Positions



Place of Performance Locations:
 

• Hill AFB, UT
• JB Langley-Eustis AFB, VA
• Moody AFB, GA
• Mountain Home AFB, ID
• Nellis AFB, NV
• Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
• Shaw AFB, SC
• Eielson AFB, AK
• JB Elmendorf-Richardson AFB, AK
• Kadena AFB, Japan
• Kunsan AB, Japan
• Misawa AB, Korea
• Osan AB, Korea
• RAF Lakenheath AFB, UK
• Spangdahlem AB, GE
• Aviano AB, IT

Introduction/Background:

This requirement supports Air Force fighter squadrons in Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), and other MAJCOMs as needed. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, noting a shortage of fighter aircrew due to suboptimal retention, directed a task force to investigate the causes of premature departures. One key issue identified was pain and disability from neck and back injuries caused by the extreme physical demands of flying fighters. Aircrew surveys from 2020 to 2024 indicate up to 99% of fighter pilots experience flying related spinal pain during their careers. These issues—affecting the neck, upper back, and lower back— impact cockpit performance, daily activities, readiness, and retention. Additionally, as the U.S. Air Force continues to prepare for conflict against peer competitors, our Warfighters face increasing cognitive performance demand, driven by rapidly advancing technologies leveraged both by allies and adversaries. Effective integration of physical and cognitive performance training is required for success in complex, denied environments. The OHWS program addresses these concerns by preparing aircrew for the unique demands of fighter operations. Additionally, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports estimate replacement costs exceed $10M per pilot, reinforcing the high return on investment for OHWS services in improving retention and readiness.


 Purpose and Overall Objective:

The Contractor shall provide both personal and non-personal services, equipment, and other items and services necessary to meet mission requirements as defined in this Task Order (TO). The Contractor shall perform to the standards specified in this contract. The objective will be accomplished by increasing the physical and mental capacity of fighter aircrew, decreasing the rate of injuries, and accelerating return to duty. Contractor personnel shall collaborate with active duty (AD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Component (AFRC) fighter aircrew to optimize physical and mental performance with a focus on neck and back pain prevention while monitoring, analyzing, and resolving associated musculoskeletal (MSK) physical readiness concerns.


Security Clearances:

All tasks in this PWS will be conducted at the UNCLASSIFIED level. All Contract employees shall have a favorable Tier 3 (T3) security investigation resulting access to Secret information via briefings. Contract employees receiving unfavorable T3 security investigations shall not be employed under this contract.


U.S. Citizenship:

Employee must be a U.S. citizen. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. citizenship.


OCONUS (Outside of contiguous United States) Locations:

Contractor personnel performing OCONUS duties must comply with the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), which serves as the primary source for all travel, visa, and entry requirements for each host nation. Contractors are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) provisions, host nation agreements, and local laws, including force protection and security policies.


Specific Duty Hours:

Normal duty hours are 0800-1700, Monday through Friday, hours may be flexible to meet mission requirements as pre-approved in writing by the Government. Permanent changes to the duty hours will be approved by the Government only.


Mandatory Qualifications:

Required Experience: 

Must show recency within the last 2 years consistent with DHAPM. AND 5+ years of experience as an Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist or Sports Physical Therapist AND
Demonstrated experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.

Required Education:

Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program.

Required Certification:

ABPTS Board Certified or Sports Clinical Specialist Certification OR Orthopedic or Sports Residency / Fellowship Trained OR Advanced competency in dry needling level 2 and Manual Therapy Certification Current (CPR) and (AED) trained.


HPO TASK: PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT):

The Contractor shall serve as a Physical Therapist in support of all permanently assigned or visiting active-duty Air Force Fighter Aircrew (11Fs/12Fs/11RXJ) responsible for all administrative and clinical management within scope of practice for HPO services as an independent embedded healthcare provider. The Contractor shall utilize a range of principles and methodologies to provide examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome assessment for assigned personnel to include but not limited to operational provision of care associated with individual assessments, injury prevention and human performance interventions of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in support of personnel readiness.


PT SUBTASKS:
 

• Complete all unit and Medical Group (MDG) in-processing requirements, to include computer-based trainings as required by the Department of Defense, Air Force, or the Medical Group training, on-line Relias health training, Military Health System (MHS) Genesis training, and newcomer's orientation.

 

• Complete an in-processing evaluation/assessment for all newly assigned personnel.

 

• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders, injuries, associated structures and systems that may impair movement or function.

 

• Provide direct access (i.e., no referral needed) evaluation for acute MSK and neuromuscular conditions in an embedded setting.

 

• Order diagnostic laboratory, imaging studies, consultations and refers patients to Military Health Providers (MHP).

 

• Perform and recommend physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance optimization, ergonomic evaluation, wellness, screening, concussion, acute injury management and promotion of health lifestyle activities.

 

• Educate patients on the rehabilitation process.

 

• Initiate, continue and terminate temporary profiles to include placing patients on quarters.

 

• Perform work assignments in compliance with instructions, policies, or accepted practices of Defense Health Agency (DHA) and MDG requirements

 

• Conduct required clinical and non-clinical administrative responsibilities and maintains patient care records IAW the latest DHA PM 6025.02 Volume 1.

 

• Advise unit commanders on matters related to injury prevention and rehabilitation. Identify opportunities for improvement to include developing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) for PT programs.

 

• Advise the site Government POC of administrative matters, purchasing of required supplies and equipment, and supplemental fiscal requests related to interventions and professional services provided.

 

• Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment is used for patient care and contributes to a safe working environment.

 

• Attend all unit and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) meetings as required or as requested by the Unit Commander or his/her designee.

 

• Prepare and submit data to a comprehensive Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP-MER).

 

• Document Aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts as directed by the OHWS Program Office within 72 hours of assessments, encounters, or contacts with Aircrew Members. The Contractor may further be required to provide associated information, data, and support to other government entities (e.g. Air Force Research Lab). No information, data, and support will be provided absent written concurrence with the Government (OHWS Program Office and COR) to facilitate the OHWS program effectiveness.

 

• Provide Individual Training Plans after initial assessment, including individual fitness assessment results, feedback sessions, unique training plans, and any modifications as appropriate to achieve goals.

 

• Monitor access to care and employs electronic systems, software programs, and databases for patient care documentation and administrative responsibilities within 72 hours of assessments, encounters or contacts with Aircrew members.