MARSOC ITC Support Contract: Set-Aside Designation Under Review

Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is conducting a market research review for the Individual Training Course (ITC) support contract, which provides role players, OPFOR, and scenario development for MARSOC's primary assessment and selection pipeline. This contract has historically been awarded full-and-open.

The shift signal

Two data points suggest the set-aside designation is changing:

1. MARSOC's small business office has been actively engaging SDVOSB-certified firms through the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) over the past 45 days, specifically querying for NAICS 611430 (Professional Development Training) with SOF-relevant keywords
2. SBA coordination meetings in Q2 FY26 identified MARSOC training support as an account where SDVOSB set-aside obligations were underperforming against targets

When a contracting office starts actively searching DSBS for qualified small businesses, it typically means the Rule of Two analysis is trending toward set-aside.

What this means

If this contract shifts to SDVOSB set-aside, the competitive landscape changes dramatically. The current incumbent — a mid-tier firm competing as a small business — would face a different pool. SDVOSBs with SOF assessment and selection support experience, cleared role players, and Camp Lejeune/Stone Bay presence would become the primary competitors.

Estimated timeline

• Market research / Sources Sought: Expected Q3 FY26 (next 60-90 days)
• Draft RFP: Q4 FY26
• Final RFP: Q1 FY27
• Award: Q2 FY27

The BD window is now. If you have relevant past performance in SOF training support, contact MARSOC's OSBP to ensure your firm is captured in the market research.