View all jobs
Human Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Operations Director – Barksdale AFB, LA
Barksdale AFB, LAHuman Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Operations Director – Barksdale AFB, LA
*Positions Contingent on Bid 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 experience in human performance, curriculum development, and program implementation, with experience in:
Research, development, and innovation in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, aircrew, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Budget management, team leadership, and process improvement.
Curriculum design, instructional development, and learning assessments.
Performance optimization, resilience training, and cognitive readiness for military personnel.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology, Cognitive Performance, or a related field.
Mandatory Certifications:
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Current Certification in at least one of the following: Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or National Board Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NBC-CBT) or Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Current Certification in at least one of the following: Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or National Board Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NBC-CBT) or Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS).
Human Performance Specialist (Level 3) / Operations Director:
The Human Performance Specialist (level 3) shall serve as the Striker STEEL Operations Director. The Operations Director shall support the Government AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director by leading the refinement, development, and integration of HP capabilities through evidence-based research, quantitative analysis, and program execution oversight. This individual shall provide strategic guidance, project planning, and requirements development, ensuring HP initiatives align with mission objectives. Responsibilities include designing and conducting research, implementing statistical modeling, developing performance assessment methodologies, and publishing peer-reviewed findings to enhance operational effectiveness. The role requires collaboration with Government stakeholders, oversight of program implementation, and personnel selection input, while ensuring compliance with DoD policies, security protocols, and ethical research standards. Additionally, the Operations Director shall advise leadership on emerging trends, innovation strategies, and capability improvements to optimize aircrew performance, resilience, and readiness.
The Contractor shall:
Assist the AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director and COR with planning, scheduling, reporting, and execution of the HP project to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This includes supporting the development of strategic plans, tracking milestones, and ensuring project alignment with mission objectives.
Coordinate with the AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director and COR to validate the effectiveness of the Striker STEEL project, leveraging performance metrics, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback to refine and enhance program execution.
Lead the development and implementation of all cognitive performance, strength and conditioning, and performance nutrition training, ensuring curriculum structure, content, and scheduling are aligned with AFGSC operational needs and evidence-based best practices.
Continuously evaluate and refine HP curriculum using empirical evidence related to cognitive performance, strength and conditioning, and performance nutrition, ensuring alignment with evolving mission requirements and scientific advancements.
Obtain all necessary human subjects research approvals from national, DoD, and DAF oversight bodies and ensure strict adherence to Air Force policies governing human research, maintaining compliance throughout the duration of the project.
Lead the development and implementation of diagnostic assessments, including instrument design, protocol establishment, and scheduling, ensuring assessments are valid, reliable, and appropriately aligned with program objectives.
Oversee the secure storage, management, and analysis of all diagnostic assessment data in strict compliance with applicable Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force cybersecurity and operational security (OPSEC) regulations. Data must be stored in Government-approved systems that meet these stringent security requirements to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.
Coordinate with the Project Manager to facilitate and manage team meetings, ensuring effective communication, task tracking, and documentation of action items while maintaining alignment with project deliverables and Government expectations.
Make recommendations to the COR for all purchases related to curriculum, training interventions, and diagnostic assessments,
Provide briefings presenting project progression, research findings, performance metrics, and recommendations to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure informed decision-making.
Ensure the timely completion and accuracy of monthly summary reports, annual reports, and POA&M updates in support of Striker STEEL sustainment
Manage and maintain a complete inventory of all Government-procured equipment, ensuring proper accountability, tracking, and maintenance in compliance with contract requirements and Government property management policies.
Develop risk mitigation strategies for program shortfalls, funding constraints, and compliance challenges.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies and methodologies in HP research, cognitive enhancement, and physical readiness optimization, ensuring alignment with AFGSC priorities and DoD technology transition strategies.
*Positions Contingent on Bid 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 experience in human performance, curriculum development, and program implementation, with experience in:
Research, development, and innovation in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, aircrew, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Budget management, team leadership, and process improvement.
Curriculum design, instructional development, and learning assessments.
Performance optimization, resilience training, and cognitive readiness for military personnel.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology, Cognitive Performance, or a related field.
Mandatory Certifications:
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Current Certification in at least one of the following: Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or National Board Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NBC-CBT) or Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Current Certification in at least one of the following: Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or National Board Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NBC-CBT) or Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS).
Human Performance Specialist (Level 3) / Operations Director:
The Human Performance Specialist (level 3) shall serve as the Striker STEEL Operations Director. The Operations Director shall support the Government AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director by leading the refinement, development, and integration of HP capabilities through evidence-based research, quantitative analysis, and program execution oversight. This individual shall provide strategic guidance, project planning, and requirements development, ensuring HP initiatives align with mission objectives. Responsibilities include designing and conducting research, implementing statistical modeling, developing performance assessment methodologies, and publishing peer-reviewed findings to enhance operational effectiveness. The role requires collaboration with Government stakeholders, oversight of program implementation, and personnel selection input, while ensuring compliance with DoD policies, security protocols, and ethical research standards. Additionally, the Operations Director shall advise leadership on emerging trends, innovation strategies, and capability improvements to optimize aircrew performance, resilience, and readiness.
The Contractor shall:
Assist the AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director and COR with planning, scheduling, reporting, and execution of the HP project to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This includes supporting the development of strategic plans, tracking milestones, and ensuring project alignment with mission objectives.
Coordinate with the AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director and COR to validate the effectiveness of the Striker STEEL project, leveraging performance metrics, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback to refine and enhance program execution.
Lead the development and implementation of all cognitive performance, strength and conditioning, and performance nutrition training, ensuring curriculum structure, content, and scheduling are aligned with AFGSC operational needs and evidence-based best practices.
Continuously evaluate and refine HP curriculum using empirical evidence related to cognitive performance, strength and conditioning, and performance nutrition, ensuring alignment with evolving mission requirements and scientific advancements.
Obtain all necessary human subjects research approvals from national, DoD, and DAF oversight bodies and ensure strict adherence to Air Force policies governing human research, maintaining compliance throughout the duration of the project.
Lead the development and implementation of diagnostic assessments, including instrument design, protocol establishment, and scheduling, ensuring assessments are valid, reliable, and appropriately aligned with program objectives.
Oversee the secure storage, management, and analysis of all diagnostic assessment data in strict compliance with applicable Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force cybersecurity and operational security (OPSEC) regulations. Data must be stored in Government-approved systems that meet these stringent security requirements to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.
Coordinate with the Project Manager to facilitate and manage team meetings, ensuring effective communication, task tracking, and documentation of action items while maintaining alignment with project deliverables and Government expectations.
Make recommendations to the COR for all purchases related to curriculum, training interventions, and diagnostic assessments,
Provide briefings presenting project progression, research findings, performance metrics, and recommendations to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure informed decision-making.
Ensure the timely completion and accuracy of monthly summary reports, annual reports, and POA&M updates in support of Striker STEEL sustainment
Manage and maintain a complete inventory of all Government-procured equipment, ensuring proper accountability, tracking, and maintenance in compliance with contract requirements and Government property management policies.
Develop risk mitigation strategies for program shortfalls, funding constraints, and compliance challenges.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies and methodologies in HP research, cognitive enhancement, and physical readiness optimization, ensuring alignment with AFGSC priorities and DoD technology transition strategies.