DoD COLLEGE ACQUISITION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (DCAIP)

Description

The DoD College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP) is an opportunity for Army acquisition organizations to hire eligible college students for a 12-week paid summer internship. Upon a student’s successful completion of the internship, the organization may noncompetitively convert the individual to a permanent position in the acquisition workforce.

Program History

DCAIP was established as a pilot in 2019 by the Office of Human Capital Initiatives (HCI) of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Army began its participation in the program in 2020. DCAIP is part of HCI’s talent management strategy to recruit and retain full-time students who are enrolled in institutions of higher education. The program is an effort to “build the bench” of talent with degrees that are in high demand across the acquisition community.

Requests for Intern Allocations

Each year, the Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office reaches out to the Acquisition Career Management Advocates (ACMAs) and solicits requests for DCAIP interns. The timeframe for this solicitation varies, but typically occurs during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. Organizations that wish to hire DCAIP interns must coordinate requests with their respective ACMA, or the ACMA’s designee.

Important Documents

The following documents contain important information about DCAIP. It is strongly advised that you read all documents if your organization is interested in hiring DCAIP interns.

DCAIP Implementing Guidance
DCAIP Sample Internship Plans
DCAIP flyer
DCAIP-FAQs

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Program Announcement

Announcement Dates:

  • Announcement Opening: October 1, 2025
  • Announcement Closing: October 31, 2025, or until 500 applications have been submitted

How to Apply

Students will use USAJobs to apply. There are three postings listed below that target different college majors.

Student Trainee (Engineering)

Student Trainee (Administration and Office Support)

Student Trainee (Contracting)

FY25 DCIAP Flyer

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