Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Level 3) Lead CSCS – 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 of full-time experience as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s degree or higher in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
Mandatory Certifications:
National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCCa) and Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC).
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) or Certified Sports Nutritionist (CSN).
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Level 3) / Lead CSCS.
The Certified Strength and Conditionals Specialist (Level 3) serves as the Lead CSCS. The Lead CSCS will oversee the development, implementation, and execution of the strength and conditioning curriculum, ensuring alignment with program objectives and best practices. This role provides leadership to the contracted CSCS Level 1, collaborates with the Operations Director on diagnostic assessments, and ensures the cleanliness and proper maintenance of training spaces. The Lead CSCS will also serve as an advocate for student aircrew, providing confidential advice to leadership on matters related to aircrew culture, safety, and well-being.
The Contractor shall:
Support the planning, scheduling, execution, and validation of the Striker STEEL project, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide leadership, oversight, and guidance to the contracted SCC, ensuring alignment with the AFGSC Project Director's intent and program objectives.
Lead the development and implementation of all strength and conditioning curriculum and training interventions under the direction of the Operations Director.
Consistently review and recommend to the Operations Director the implementation of empirical evidence and industry best practices related to strength and conditioning.
Assist the Operations Director in the development and implementation of all diagnostic assessments.
Assist in the supervision of interns and fellows, as designated by the Operations Director.
Assist the Operations Director in the development and delivery of strength and conditioning training for all HP syllabi.
Use relevant technology to promote excellence and efficiency for physical, technical, and tactical training during the challenges of combat operations or pressure situations.
Ensure the cleanliness and proper sanitization of facility space and equipment utilized for strength and conditioning curriculum and training interventions.
Coordinate referral to physical therapy or flight medicine if training of an aircrew member exceeds the scope of an SCC, as defined by the coach's certifying agency.
Act as an independent student advocate by coordinating with the Project Director, Operations Director, and Project Manager to advise local Commanders on aircrew issues, including flight discipline, student-instructor interactions, attitudes, climate, and safety. Maintain student anonymity unless disclosure is required due to imminent danger.