SOLICITATION NOTICE
69 -- Training System Acquisition and Support (TSAS) (TSA III)
- Notice Date
- 1/12/2010
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 336413
— Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- 677 AESG/SYK2300 D StreetWright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
- ZIP Code
- 45433
- Solicitation Number
- PIXS6406
- Response Due
- 1/29/2010
- Archive Date
- 12/31/2012
- Point of Contact
- Karen Shelley, (937) 255-3696
- E-Mail Address
-
karen.shelley@wpafb.af.mil;clayton.mcanally@wpafb.af.mil
(karen.shelley@wpafb.af.mil;clayton.mcanally@wpafb.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Request for Information (RFI)Training System Acquisition and Support (TSAS) Contracts This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for planning purposes in accordance with FAR 15.201(e). The information gathered by this RFI will be used for the purpose of identifying potential sources with the capabilities to accomplish the efforts as described in the paragraphs below. Information gathered will also aide in 677th Aeronautical Systems Group (677 AESG) efforts to establish a streamlined and standardized acquisition process for delivering and supporting Air Force (AF) training systems. 677 AESG Mission: The 677 AESG mission is to lead the development, acquisition and sustainment effort necessary to meet every AF major command's simulation and training requirement. The 677th AESG at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is responsible for end-to-end lifecycle management of AF training systems encompassing complex aircrew, maintenance, and system-specific training systems in support of warfighter training at operating locations worldwide. 677 AESG customers include AF active duty, reserve, and National Guard and Department of Defense joint warfighter as well as Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Aircraft platforms supported include: fighter, bomber, cargo/airlift/tanker, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and special operations that include helicopter platforms. Training system performance parameters are defined by requirements unique to each platform's mission and unique training needs. Capability Required: Performance-based acquisition of training systems encompasses the tasks of analysis, design, development, production, installation, integration, test, database generation and sustainment. Sustainment of fielded simulation systems entails system modification, upgrades, maintenance, and follow-on production activities. System modernization and modification is required to ensure accurate representation of aircraft capabilities, described as maintaining concurrency with operational aircraft as well as, technology insertion to address obsolescence issues that ensures continued system viability. The sustainment of AF training systems is accomplished via Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), which include elements of follow-on development, production, modernization, and support as well as training-related services such as courseware maintenance, academic/simulator instruction and security support. Capabilities replicated in training simulations include aircraft operations, weapons employment, navigation, and command and control. Simulation systems deliver the full range of required training from individual and aircrew events in a single aircraft to large-scale, theater specific, composite force mission rehearsal training. Training systems support initial qualification, upgrade, continuation, and mission rehearsal training. Maintenance training systems support the training of aircraft maintenance procedures specific to major subsystems of an aircraft platform that may include diagnostic and/or remove and replace tasks. System-specific training systems provide solutions to unique training needs, such as the Joint Terminal Controller Training and Rehearsal System (JTCTRS) that provides mission-rehearsal training scenarios to the Forward Air Controllers. Systems Description: The capabilities to be procured under TSAS contracts range from the acquisition and support of extremely complex system of systems to the basic sustainment of a single trainer. Some of the factors which contribute to program complexity include the phase of the system lifecycle, complexity of the platform being simulated, interoperability to other systems, the number of systems and operating locations to be supported, and specific technical solutions implemented. A Total Training System is a complex system of systems that includes a full complement of aircrew and maintenance trainers that together with academic instruction support the training required to execute weapon system mission(s). Acquisition of a complex system of systems includes development, production and sustainment of Aircrew Training Devices. Such systems require high-fidelity simulation training as defined by the using organization and/or Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) certifications. For example, a high-fidelity training device in support of the AF's mobility mission simulates aircraft capabilities and also incorporates motion capability as well as realistic out-the-window displays to deliver immersive training. These types of training systems are also capable of linking with local and geographically-separated training systems to conduct training operations. System of systems may also include acquisition and support of Maintenance Training Devices. Acquisition a! nd sustainment of complex systems typically delivers multiple training operations at multiple locations worldwide. At the other end of the range of capabilities to be procured would be the sustainment of a single type of training device with a single configuration. Absent are the requirements for high-fidelity training and/or local or long-haul connectivity with other training systems. Such a program typically requires little modernization or follow-on production. Emphasis is placed on operations and maintenance to include routine device upgrades in support of training at a limited number of operating locations, usually US-based. Additionally, services procured may include guaranteed student throughput, academic/instructor, courseware development and/or maintenance, and security services. Because of the aforementioned requirement for training representative of aircraft capabilities, TSAS contractors shall procure the capability to establish and sustain an Associate Contractors Agreement (ACA) with an aircraft prime that includes classified documentation. Acquisition Initiative: Whether it is the acquisition or sustainment phase of a simulation training system, emphasis remains on timely delivery and sustained total training system performance. In order to meet the challenge of executing an increasing number of programs, the 677 AESG must streamline and standardize its training system acquisition and support procurement processes. The AF previously attempted to satisfy this requirement through the utilization of competitively-awarded Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts referred to the Training System Acquisition (TSA) I and II. The AF remains committed to the ID/IQ approach and respondents are encouraged to provide recommendations for achieving this goal. The AF is planning a similar multiple award, ID/IQ contracts that includes both large and small business, referred to as Training System Acquisition and Support (TSAS) contracts. The TSAS contracts have an anticipated award date of late Calendar Y! ear (CY) 2011 or early CY 2012. Elements under consideration include: a.Contract length: The TSAS ID/IQ contracts are expected to have an ordering period that may be up to 10 years in length. b.Delivery Order Length: individual delivery orders under a TSAS contract may range in length from 5 - 10 years. Different factors may determine the length based on the range of products or services to be delivered. c.Contract types: Both FAR Part 12 and 15 with Firm Fixed Price, Fixed Price Award Fee, Fixed Price Incentive Fee, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost Plus Award Fee and Time & Material are being considered. d.677 AESG utilization of templates, a user's guide, and web-based application for execution e.Small business participation: A determination will be made based on overall market research to include RFI responses. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is expected to be 336413, with a size limit of fewer than 1,000 employees including the offeror and its affiliates. Directions to Respondents: Industry is requested to provide the information listed below in order to help focus and structure the procurement approach. Respondents are requested to provide any feedback regarding your experience with TSA I and/or II. Responses should detail your company's capabilities and processes for accomplishing work associated with each phase of system lifecycle management as categorized below. Submit 3 hardcopies plus a CD to 677 AESG/SYK, 2300 D Street, Bldg 32, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433. Direct and concise responses are preferred with a recommended limit of 50 pages. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response to this RFI. Responses shall also include the following information: a.Describe your experience with front-end analysis, design, development, production, fielding, modification and sustainment of training systems, to include:.Development and manufacturing of aeronautical training devices.Maintenance and development of software and hardware baselines of training simulators.Systems engineering tools and processes.Integration of distributed training assets to include Combat Air Force and/or Mobility Air Force DMO standards.Training system requirements analysis.Courseware development and delivery.Academic/instructor service.CLS to include aircraft concurrency, upgrades, and modifications to existing training systems.Analysis and integration of both aircraft and commercial technologies to develop efficient and cost-effective solutions b.Describe your present technical capabilities in each of the areas listed in item (a) above. Discuss your company's core technical focus areas, as well as your approach to obtaining technical capabilities needed to address other areas relevant to training systems acquisition and sustainment. Describe current industrial/engineering/software certifications or those expected in the next year. c.Describe your program and financial management processes. Identify whether you possess an approved Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) cost accounting system. Describe your experience with Cost Fund Status Reporting and/or Earned Value Management reporting. d.Address the extent of your experience as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or team member, particularly any advantages or disadvantages to cross-teaming situations on multiple award ID/IQ contracts e.Describe your experience as a participant in prior TSA or similar multiple award ID/IQ contracts. The government is interested in any lessons learned regarding reducing delivery/task order award cycle time and resources. Also, describe any best practices for fostering small business participation on similar contracts that cover a wide range of complexities and requirements. f.Describe your experience with worldwide support and import/export licenses. g.Describe your current security classification and resources available to perform classified changes/upgrades to training systems. h.Provide a short description of your facilities both current and planned (within the next 2 years) and include any capital equipment relevant to training system support. i.The Government may be interested in conducting contractor facility site visits as additional market research. Please include in your response your company's address and point of contact for future site visits the government may be interested in conducting. l.Provide the following business information for your company and for any teaming or joint venture partners:.Company Name:.Address:.Point of Contact:.Phone Number:.E-mail Address:.Web Page URL:.CAGE Code:.DUNS Code:.Central Contractor Registration (CCR)(Yes / No).North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 336413 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Size standard: 1,000 employees. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company is:Small Business*(Yes / No)Woman Owned Small Business(Yes / No)Small Disadvantaged Business(Yes / No)8(a) Certified(Yes / No)HUBZone Certified(Yes / No)Veteran Owned Small Business(Yes / No)Service Disabled Small Business(Yes / No) (*) If you answered yes, please explain whether your company would be capable of meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), a response to this notice is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract. Any proprietary information contained in the response shall be clearly marked. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Questions may be directed to Clayton McAnally, Contracting Officer, at 937-255- 3655 or Kristi Forino, Program Manager, at 937-656-5933 or emailed to: clayton.mcanally@wpafb.af.mil; kristi.forino@wpafb.af.mil; and karen.shelley@wpafb.af.mil. RFI hard copy response packages are due by 29 Jan 2010 and shall be mailed to: 677 AESG/SYK, ATTN: Clayton McAnally, 2300 D Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433. ATTACHMENT 1677 AESG - TRAINING SYSTEMS PRODUCT GROUPGLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TSAS RFI-1 Aircrew - The total complement of rated (pilots, navigators, observers, and flight surgeons) and nonrated personnel (1AXXX AFSCs) responsible for the safe ground and flight operation of the aircraft and onboard systems. Individuals must be on aeronautical orders and assigned to an authorized aircrew position according to AFI 65-503. Aircrew members perform their principal duties in-flight. Duties are essential to operating the aircraft/mission systems and associated equipment used for completing a mission.Aircrew Training Device (ATD) - A training device used to prepare aircrew members for the actual performance of flight duties. ATDs can be described as: cockpit familiarization trainer, cockpit procedures trainer, operational flight trainer, part task trainer, and weapon system trainer to name a few. Weapon Systems Trainer (WST) is defined as a combination of one or more weapons with all related equipment, materials, services, personnel, and means of delivery and deployment (if applicable) required for self-sufficiency. (Joint Pub 1-02) For this pamphlet, that portion of the system that conducts the mission.Concurrency - The condition of ready for training being achieved on the training need date, and the functions and operation of the training system and its supporting equipment and materials must match the supported defense system.Contract Logistics Support (CLS) - A preplanned method used to provide all or part of the logistics support for a system, subsystem, modification, or equipment throughout its entire life cycle. CLS covers depot maintenance and, as negotiated with the operating command, necessary organizational and intermediate level maintenance, software support, and other operation and maintenance tasks.Courseware - All instructional material including technical data, textual materials, and audiotapes, slides, movies, video tapes, video discs, and other audiovisual materials.Fidelity - The degree to which a training device represents actual defense system performance, characteristics, and environment.Front-End Analysis (FEA) - A process that evaluates requirements for manpower, personnel, and training (MPT) during the early stages of the military system acquisition cycle. Its purpose is to determine manpower, personnel, training, and safety requirements under alternative system concepts and designs and to estimate the impact of these MPT requirements on system effectiveness and life-cycle costs.Guaranteed Student - The product of a contracted training system that assures graduates achieve specific performance levels according to the approved user tasks and standards documents.Maintenance Training Device (MTD) - A training device designed to train maintenance personnel on specification systems or subsystems.Major Command (MAJCOM) - A major subdivision of the Air Force that is assigned a major part of the Air Force mission. MAJCOMs report directly to Headquarters US Air Force.Mission Rehearsal - Conduct of a specific mission in an environment of adequate fidelity to practice, test, and assess crews, plans, support, tactics, command, control, communications, intelligence, and probability of success.Simulation - A method for implementing a model over time. Also, a technique for testing, analysis, or training in which real-world systems are used, or where real-world and conceptual systems are prepared by a model. (DODD 5000.59)Simulator - A training device that permits development and practice of the necessary skills for accomplishing flight operational tasks, to a prescribed standard of airman competency, in a specific aircraft and duty positionTotal Training System (TTS) - A systematically developed curriculum including, but not necessarily limited to, courseware, classroom aids, training simulators and devices, operational equipment, embedded training capability, and personnel to operate, maintain, or employ a system. The training system includes all necessary elements of logistic support.Training Requirement - The skills and knowledge that are required for satisfying the job performance requirements and are not already in the students' incoming repertoire. For more information on "Training System Acquisition and Support (TSAS) (TSA III)", please refer to:https://pixs.wpafb.af.mil/pixs_solicitation.asp?id=6406
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