Job Description
Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 1) – 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 :
2+ years combined experience with applied sport psychology and/or mental performance consulting.
Experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, aircrew, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
Mandatory Education :
Master’s degree in psychology, sport psychology, performance psychology, motor behavior/learning/ control, or other related discipline from an accredited institution/university.
Mandatory Certifications :
Certified Mental Performance Consultant (Associated for Applied Sport Psychology).
Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
Cognitive Performance Specialist (Level 1) :
The CPS Level 1 supports the execution of HP initiatives by assisting in the development and implementation of cognitive training programs for AFGSC personnel. This role provides direct support to the Operations Director and Lead CPS in delivering curriculum, administering assessments, and integrating evidence-based cognitive performance methodologies. The CPS Level 1 ensures training effectiveness by facilitating classroom instruction, maintaining training environments, and advising leadership on student needs. The position requires expertise in psychology, sport psychology, performance psychology, motor behavior, or a related field, with a focus on optimizing cognitive function, decision-making, and resilience in high-performance operational environments.
The Contractor shall:
Support the planning, scheduling, and execution of HP training, ensuring efficient delivery in alignment with program objectives.
Assist in sustaining the AFGSC Striker STEEL program by supporting training continuity, curriculum adherence, and programmatic effectiveness.
Implement cognitive training interventions as directed by the Operations Director and Lead CPS, ensuring adherence to approved methodologies and objectives.
Stay current on industry best practices and empirical research related to cognitive performance, providing recommendations to the Operations Director and Lead CPS.
Administer and support diagnostic assessments measuring cognitive, emotional, and mental performance, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
Deliver classroom and practical instruction under the guidance of senior cognitive performance personnel, ensuring consistency in training delivery and adherence to curriculum guidelines.
Ensure the cleanliness and proper sanitization of training spaces and equipment, maintaining a safe and professional learning environment.
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 and relationships, attitudes, climate, safety, and other topics. Students will remain anonymous unless in imminent danger.
Job Tags
Contract work, For contractors, Local area,