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Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Lead CPS – Barksdale AFB, LA
Barksdale AFB, LACognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Lead CPS – Barksdale AFB, LA
*Positions Contingent on Bide and Subsequent Award*
Introduction:
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force—including the B-52, B-1, and B-2 wings—the Long-Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), and operational and maintenance support for organizations within the nuclear enterprise. AFGSC collaborates with Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), Air Education and Training Command (AETC), and Air Combat Command (ACC) to receive highly trained aircrew from associated Formal Training Units. After being assigned to AFGSC, warfighters undergo training to achieve combat mission-ready status within their operational units and prepare for deployment in combat operations. While the latest generations of aircraft are undeniably technological marvels, AFGSC recognizes that the core of its competitive advantage will always come from its people. Deliberate investment in Human Performance (HP) is essential, particularly as the command undertakes one of the largest nuclear modernization efforts in the nation’s history—specifically, the Sentinel and B-21 programs.
Background:
To enhance aircrew readiness, AFGSC established the Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) Team in 2022, expanding upon AETC’s 19th Air Force program by incorporating additional data-driven analysis requirements. With the addition of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) mission, the program has been renamed to Striker Strategically Enhancing Effective Long-Range Strike (STEEL). AFGSC is exploring the development of functional training centers tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of aircrew, ground-based strategic deterrence personnel, and supporting staff. These centers may integrate job-specific conditioning, advanced HP technologies, cognitive training, nutritional expertise, and accessible preventative and rehabilitative physical therapy. With three years of data-driven insights and continuous refinements at Barksdale AFB, AFGSC aims to expand HP across the Major Command, including the integration of ICBM operators at all Formal Training Units (FTUs).
Purpose and Overall Objective:
The AFGSC project is designed to enhance force readiness by optimizing the physical, cognitive, and emotional performance of aircrew and operators throughout their careers. By proactively reducing physical and mental injuries and expediting return-to-duty timelines, the program aims to sustain and multiply combat power, ensuring personnel remain mission-ready in high-demand operational environments.
This initiative focuses on three key areas: cognitive performance, emotional resilience, and physical durability. Cognitive training will enhance information processing, decision-making, and mental acuity, while emotional resilience training will address stress management, situational awareness, and well-being. Physical performance optimization will emphasize injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation with an aggressive “return-to-fly” and Personal Reliability Assurance Program (PRAP) mindset. To ensure consistency and scalability, AFGSC will establish partnerships with HP programs across the flying and operations community, leveraging shared expertise, best practices, and data-driven insights.
The Contractor shall play a critical role in executing this mission by designing, implementing, and refining a performance-based HP curriculum. This will include baseline assessments of cognitive, emotional, and physical capabilities, followed by structured evaluations throughout the training cycle to measure effectiveness and inform program improvements. Through this contract, AFGSC seeks industry expertise to support a purpose-driven, data-backed approach to HP optimization, ensuring aircrew and operators are prepared for the physical and mental rigors of combat aviation and nuclear operations.
Security Clearances:
All tasks outlined in this PWS require a Tier 1 (T1) security clearance, except for the Operations Director, who must hold a Tier 3 (T3) clearance. All contract employees must successfully pass a security investigation before performing any work under this contract, and any employee who receives unfavorable determination shall not be employed on this effort. Required clearances must be maintained throughout the period of performance to ensure continued compliance. Personnel without the appropriate clearance are strictly prohibited from working on this task order, and any exceptions must receive prior approval from the Contracting Officer (CO).
Mandatory Experience:
10+ years combined experience with a master’s degree (or 5+ years with doctoral-level degree) providing cognitive performance services.
Experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s or Doctorate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology or similar from an accredited institution/university.
Mandatory Certifications:
Association for Applied Sports Psychology Consultant Certification (CMPC - Certified Mental Performance Consultant).
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3) / Lead CPS:
The Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3) shall serve as the Lead CPS. The Lead CPS shall oversee cognitive training and curriculum development, ensuring program efficiency and alignment with best practices. They shall provide leadership to contracted Cognitive Performance Specialists, support diagnostic assessments, and assist with instruction. Additionally, they shall advise leadership on aircrew/operator culture and safety while maintaining confidentiality. The Lead Specialist is responsible for integrating research-based improvements and maintaining professional credentials.
The Contractor shall:
Support the planning, scheduling, and execution of the HP program to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Assist with the sustainment and continuous improvement of the AFGSC Striker STEEL program in coordination with Government stakeholders.
Provide leadership, oversight, and guidance to all contracted CPSs, ensuring alignment with the AFGSC Project Director’s intent.
Lead the development and implementation of cognitive performance curriculum and training interventions under the direction of the Operations Director.
Evaluate emerging research, empirical evidence, and industry best practices related to cognitive performance, providing recommendations to the Operations Director for potential integration into the program.
Assist in the development and implementation of diagnostic assessments to measure cognitive performance outcomes and training effectiveness.
Support the supervision, mentorship, and development of interns and fellows as designated by the Operations Director.
Assist in the delivery of classroom instruction and cognitive training to aircrew and other designated personnel, ensuring alignment with approved curriculum and training objectives.
Ensure proper maintenance, organization, and sanitation of cognitive performance training spaces and equipment in accordance with established protocols.
Serve as an independent student advocate, coordinating with the Project Director, Chief Research Scientist/Operations Director, and Project Manager to advise local Commanders on aircrew-related issues such as flight discipline, instructor-student interactions, attitudes, climate, and safety. Maintain student anonymity unless disclosure is required due to imminent danger.
*Positions Contingent on Bide and Subsequent Award*
Introduction:
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force—including the B-52, B-1, and B-2 wings—the Long-Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), and operational and maintenance support for organizations within the nuclear enterprise. AFGSC collaborates with Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), Air Education and Training Command (AETC), and Air Combat Command (ACC) to receive highly trained aircrew from associated Formal Training Units. After being assigned to AFGSC, warfighters undergo training to achieve combat mission-ready status within their operational units and prepare for deployment in combat operations. While the latest generations of aircraft are undeniably technological marvels, AFGSC recognizes that the core of its competitive advantage will always come from its people. Deliberate investment in Human Performance (HP) is essential, particularly as the command undertakes one of the largest nuclear modernization efforts in the nation’s history—specifically, the Sentinel and B-21 programs.
Background:
To enhance aircrew readiness, AFGSC established the Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) Team in 2022, expanding upon AETC’s 19th Air Force program by incorporating additional data-driven analysis requirements. With the addition of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) mission, the program has been renamed to Striker Strategically Enhancing Effective Long-Range Strike (STEEL). AFGSC is exploring the development of functional training centers tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of aircrew, ground-based strategic deterrence personnel, and supporting staff. These centers may integrate job-specific conditioning, advanced HP technologies, cognitive training, nutritional expertise, and accessible preventative and rehabilitative physical therapy. With three years of data-driven insights and continuous refinements at Barksdale AFB, AFGSC aims to expand HP across the Major Command, including the integration of ICBM operators at all Formal Training Units (FTUs).
Purpose and Overall Objective:
The AFGSC project is designed to enhance force readiness by optimizing the physical, cognitive, and emotional performance of aircrew and operators throughout their careers. By proactively reducing physical and mental injuries and expediting return-to-duty timelines, the program aims to sustain and multiply combat power, ensuring personnel remain mission-ready in high-demand operational environments.
This initiative focuses on three key areas: cognitive performance, emotional resilience, and physical durability. Cognitive training will enhance information processing, decision-making, and mental acuity, while emotional resilience training will address stress management, situational awareness, and well-being. Physical performance optimization will emphasize injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation with an aggressive “return-to-fly” and Personal Reliability Assurance Program (PRAP) mindset. To ensure consistency and scalability, AFGSC will establish partnerships with HP programs across the flying and operations community, leveraging shared expertise, best practices, and data-driven insights.
The Contractor shall play a critical role in executing this mission by designing, implementing, and refining a performance-based HP curriculum. This will include baseline assessments of cognitive, emotional, and physical capabilities, followed by structured evaluations throughout the training cycle to measure effectiveness and inform program improvements. Through this contract, AFGSC seeks industry expertise to support a purpose-driven, data-backed approach to HP optimization, ensuring aircrew and operators are prepared for the physical and mental rigors of combat aviation and nuclear operations.
Security Clearances:
All tasks outlined in this PWS require a Tier 1 (T1) security clearance, except for the Operations Director, who must hold a Tier 3 (T3) clearance. All contract employees must successfully pass a security investigation before performing any work under this contract, and any employee who receives unfavorable determination shall not be employed on this effort. Required clearances must be maintained throughout the period of performance to ensure continued compliance. Personnel without the appropriate clearance are strictly prohibited from working on this task order, and any exceptions must receive prior approval from the Contracting Officer (CO).
Mandatory Experience:
10+ years combined experience with a master’s degree (or 5+ years with doctoral-level degree) providing cognitive performance services.
Experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s or Doctorate degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology or similar from an accredited institution/university.
Mandatory Certifications:
Association for Applied Sports Psychology Consultant Certification (CMPC - Certified Mental Performance Consultant).
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3) / Lead CPS:
The Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 3) shall serve as the Lead CPS. The Lead CPS shall oversee cognitive training and curriculum development, ensuring program efficiency and alignment with best practices. They shall provide leadership to contracted Cognitive Performance Specialists, support diagnostic assessments, and assist with instruction. Additionally, they shall advise leadership on aircrew/operator culture and safety while maintaining confidentiality. The Lead Specialist is responsible for integrating research-based improvements and maintaining professional credentials.
The Contractor shall:
Support the planning, scheduling, and execution of the HP program to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Assist with the sustainment and continuous improvement of the AFGSC Striker STEEL program in coordination with Government stakeholders.
Provide leadership, oversight, and guidance to all contracted CPSs, ensuring alignment with the AFGSC Project Director’s intent.
Lead the development and implementation of cognitive performance curriculum and training interventions under the direction of the Operations Director.
Evaluate emerging research, empirical evidence, and industry best practices related to cognitive performance, providing recommendations to the Operations Director for potential integration into the program.
Assist in the development and implementation of diagnostic assessments to measure cognitive performance outcomes and training effectiveness.
Support the supervision, mentorship, and development of interns and fellows as designated by the Operations Director.
Assist in the delivery of classroom instruction and cognitive training to aircrew and other designated personnel, ensuring alignment with approved curriculum and training objectives.
Ensure proper maintenance, organization, and sanitation of cognitive performance training spaces and equipment in accordance with established protocols.
Serve as an independent student advocate, coordinating with the Project Director, Chief Research Scientist/Operations Director, and Project Manager to advise local Commanders on aircrew-related issues such as flight discipline, instructor-student interactions, attitudes, climate, and safety. Maintain student anonymity unless disclosure is required due to imminent danger.