Request for Information regarding Certified Athletic Trainers and Strength and Conditioning Specialist services for the Human Performance Branch.

The necessary services to support the TECOM SMIP program mission include providing Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist services to support worldwide Athletic Training services within Marine Operating Forces (OPFOR) Formations. Physical Training (PT) is a large component of how the U.S. Marine Corps readies personnel for its mission. Utilization of evidence-based training methods as well as best practice injury recovery techniques enable the Marine Corps to establish effective PT regimes, mitigate injuries, and assess/treat injuries when they occur. The U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) has employed civilian Certified Athletic Trainers as part of the Sports Medicine Injury Prevention (SMIP) program since 2003 to reduce injuries and lost workdays associated with musculoskeletal injuries. Strength and Conditioning Specialists will augment the Certified Athletic Trainers to enhance the SMIP program. The SMIP has had the intended effect within entry level training (ELT) venues and the Commandant of the Marine Corps has directed that it be expanded to the OPFOR. The objective of this requirement is to provide OPFOR units and select schools with SMIP Certified Athletic Trainers.