Automated Weight and Balance System(AWBS)/ A-10 Automated Form F (AFF)Sources Sought
A-10 Automated Form F (AFF) Software
NAICS: 541511
Response Due Date: 03 September 2021
NOTICE: This is not a solicitation but rather a Sources Sought Synopsis to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only.
1.1 The purpose of this sources sought is to conduct market research to determine if other responsible sources exist, to assist in determining the acquisition strategy. The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 541511 which has a corresponding Size standard of $27.5 million. The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement. The Government is interested in all large and small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Hubzone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. The government requires that interested parties respond to this notice if applicable and identify your small business status to the identified NAICS code. Additionally, please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years. Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime and the work accomplished by the teaming partners.
Program Details:
2.1 This requirement is currently being performed under a sole source contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co with one (1) remaining option year. The government currently knows of only one responsible source (Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co) possessing the knowledge and data rights for this requirement. The government intends to exercise the next option year on the current contract.
2.2 This Sources Sought is to conduct market research to determine how long it will take perspective responsible sources to build a proposal and obtain the capability to perform the requirements of the task described below. This market survey is to identify potential sources capable of updating the A-10 C Automated Form F (AFF) software which is an aircraft specific subsystem of the Automated Weight and Balance System (AWBS) Used to automate the generation of flight clearance forms known as Forms F for DoD Aircraft. Forms F must be generated prior to each flight to determine Aircraft Center of Gravity (CG) and ensure safety for the duration of flight. As new stores are added to the aircraft and Technical Orders are updated the AFF software must be updated to include those stores. The contractor will deliver an update to the AFF software that includes the updated stores as defined in the current Technical Orders.
2.3 This includes:
­­General Requirements
The executable software program generated the tasks listed below shall be developed for the A-10C. The government will maintain government purpose rights and unlimited usage of the A-10C AFF executable program.
Program Management
The contractor shall perform administrative, technical, and financial management functions during the course of this effort and shall maintain a status of their effort towards achieving the objectives, including all technical activities and efforts, problems/deficiencies, notional schedule for Technical Interchange Meetings (TIM) and Model Design Series (MDS) report, impacts, and recommended solutions.
Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs)
The contractor shall conduct technical interchange meetings as necessary in the performance of this task. The TIM with the contractor shall be scheduled when there is need for technical interchange between the government and the contractor. The proposed agenda will be provided via monthly status reports. The content of the meeting can include the discussion of any information that has impact upon the task activities, including documentation contents or format.
Data Format Requirements
Automated Form Fs shall operate with the latest Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 10) being used by USAF. The contractor shall upgrade the Graphical User Interface to use the latest version of AWBS common standard interfaces. The primary working interface will consist of the new Form F properties dialog that allow the user to modify the Form F and display CG Graph (where applicable) in the view window.
The AFF shall operate with the following minimum computer configuration:
1) CPU: 1.6GHz or faster
2) OS: Windows 10
3) RAM: 8GB
4) PERIPHERALS:
Mouse and Keyboard
VGA or better (1920 X 1200 minimum)
Printer
A-10 Model Design Series (MDS) Requirements
The contractor shall research the latest TO and develop a requirements specification document that will include A-10C aircraft configurations and any new software/hardware technologies to increase effectiveness and performance of the software for the A-10 AFF. The proposed technical approach shall be summarized at a TIM for Integrated Product Team (IPT) approval.
A-10 Design & Upgrade
The contractor shall upgrade the A-10 AFF based on the requirements developed under paragraph 3.4. The requirements shall include but are not limited to:
1) Capability for the A-10 AFF to integrate with the newest AWBS release(s)
2) Convert to the most recent AWBS architecture and integration
3) Software updates from current drawings and technical orders
4) Update fuel loading capabilities where applicable
5) Taxi and in-flight limits per the -5 manual (A-10 Weight and Balance Technical Order)
6) Taxi, towing, jacking, and hoisting calculations
7) Back up loading to Central Server
G. A-10 Integration and Test
The contractor shall develop internal test procedures for verifying system performance. The contractor shall conduct a test program to ensure the AFF meets the requirements defined herein. This test program shall consist of:
1) In-house Testing
2) Field Testing
3) User Acceptance Test, coordinated with the A-10C SPO engineering authority
H. A-10 Software Distribution
The contractor shall distribute the AFF executable program for the A-10C via the AWBS website with any necessary installation instructions. The contractor will also deliver a hard copy CD/DVDs of the AFF executable program to Government Contracting which shall in the end be delivered to the A-10C SPO at Hill AFB, UT.
I. A-10 On-line Help
The contractor shall establish an AFF On-line HELP menu to be compatible with the latest version of AWBS. The contractor shall provide the most current information to assist with the latest upgrades to the AFF and weight and balance concepts. All Help information shall integrate into the newest AWBS system and shall be delivered with the software such that separate TO or Users Manuals are not required.
J. Program Summary
The contractor shall summarize all work accomplished, including significant technical accomplishments, problems encountered, solutions implemented, recommendations for improvement, and a comparison of planned schedules and costs with final performance. The final report will be delivered with the last monthly status report.
3. INSTRUCTIONS:
A. The government anticipates a proposal response time of 45 days. Please comment as to whether you believe this is a reasonable response time. Additionally, please identify how long after contract award it will take before you are fully operational and fully capable to perform the requirement?
B. If intent is to utilize or gain authorized use of proprietary Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co Software please explain. Or, if intent is to utilize commercially available or develop software please explain approach and level of effort required to accomplish this approach.
C. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to the following individuals:
Primary POC: Contracting Officer, Ian Sanders: ian.sanders@us.af.mil
Alternate POC: Program Manager, Pamela Christensen: pamela.christensen@us.af.mil
FA8202-21-R-1001 Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center
8/4/21, 12:11 PM