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Human Performance Specialist (Level 2)/HPO Lead – Barksdale AFB, LA
Barksdale AFB, LA · Government/MilitaryHuman Performance Specialist (Level 2)/HPO Lead – Barksdale AFB, LA
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:
Minimum 5+ years of experience in human performance, curriculum development, and program implementation, with experience in:
Research, development, and innovation in human performance optimization.
Curriculum design, instructional development, and learning assessments.
Performance optimization, resilience training, and cognitive readiness for military personnel.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s degree in psychology, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sport Sciences, with a focus on Sport Psychology, Cognitive Performance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
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 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 2) / HPO Lead:
The Human Performance Specialist (Level 2) shall assist the Chief Scientist in the daily execution and coordination of the Striker STEEL program. This role provides operational leadership to ensure effective delivery of human performance services to AFGSC personnel, working in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and subordinate HP staff. The HPO Lead shall supervise day-to-day activities of lower-level HP personnel, manage curriculum execution, and ensure program fidelity in accordance with standards established by the Chief Scientist.
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:
Minimum 5+ years of experience in human performance, curriculum development, and program implementation, with experience in:
Research, development, and innovation in human performance optimization.
Curriculum design, instructional development, and learning assessments.
Performance optimization, resilience training, and cognitive readiness for military personnel.
Mandatory Education:
Master’s degree in psychology, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sport Sciences, with a focus on Sport Psychology, Cognitive Performance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
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 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 2) / HPO Lead:
The Human Performance Specialist (Level 2) shall assist the Chief Scientist in the daily execution and coordination of the Striker STEEL program. This role provides operational leadership to ensure effective delivery of human performance services to AFGSC personnel, working in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and subordinate HP staff. The HPO Lead shall supervise day-to-day activities of lower-level HP personnel, manage curriculum execution, and ensure program fidelity in accordance with standards established by the Chief Scientist.
- Assist the Chief Scientist in implementing and refining the Striker STEEL program’s strategic plan, ensuring execution aligns with command priorities and Air Force guidance. Participate in strategic planning meetings, provide input on program development, and track progress toward key goals.
- Collaborate with the Project Coordinator to develop and maintain detailed program schedules, track milestones, and monitor progress towards achieving program objectives. This includes identifying potential delays, proposing solutions, and communicating updates to the Chief Scientist.
- Provide supervision, guidance, and mentoring to lower-level HP personnel (e.g., Cognitive Performance Specialists, Strength & Conditioning Specialists) to ensure adherence to protocols, quality of service delivery, and professional development.
- Lead the delivery and execution of Striker STEEL curriculum and training interventions — including classroom instruction, practical applications, and ongoing training sessions — as designed and validated by the Chief Scientist.
- Support the execution of research and program evaluation activities by collecting data, compiling metrics, and contributing to reports under the scientific direction of the Chief Scientist.
- Administer and support diagnostic assessments as directed, ensuring adherence to established protocols, accurate data collection, and timely reporting to the Chief Scientist.
- Collaborate with the Project Coordinator to manage resources, including equipment, supplies, and budget allocations, ensuring efficient utilization and accountability. Submit purchase requests and monitor expenditures as required.
- Maintain awareness of current research, best practices, and emerging technologies in human performance optimization, providing recommendations to the Chief Scientist for consideration.
- Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, promoting teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing among Striker STEEL personnel. This includes facilitating team meetings, encouraging open dialogue, and recognizing individual and team contributions.
- Act as a liaison between the Contractor team, Government stakeholders, and aircrew, facilitating communication, addressing concerns, and promoting program understanding and support.
- Contribute to the preparation and submission of required deliverables, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to contract specifications. This includes writing sections of reports, gathering data, and reviewing documents for quality control.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, security, and ethical standards, promoting a culture of compliance among Striker STEEL personnel. This includes enforcing safety protocols, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to ethical research practices.