RFI_Questions_VR_AR_Training_Technology.pdf

Q = Questions Received in Response to RFI

A = FEMAs Response to Questions

FEMA RFI No. 70FA3019I00000006 Page. 1

Q1. Of the training that LSD does for LSCMS users, what specific topics would the LSD address with the VR/AR simulators?

A1. Supply Chain Management Lifecycle: Warehouse Management, Transportation, Reporting

Q2. Could you provide more details about the existing 2019 pilot for role-based field training?

A2. The pilot course merged a long-standing system training with business processes that are needed to do the job in the field. The course was laptop based and mirrored an

Incident Support Base (ISB) and the skills needed to be successful

Q3. What new technologies would the leadership like to explore using?

A3. VR/AR

Q4. What is the desired outcome of the implementation of these new technologies?

A4. To create realistic training to respond to real life events

Q5. Scope of Solution: One section of the RFI states that the purpose of the inquiry concerns all of logistics and supply chain handling, but the rest of the document addresses only the LSCMS.

How broad is the scope of the work you would like to address in this response? Is it only

LSCMS? If it is all of logistics, how many/which systems, physical locations, and functions are to be considered, such as training for setup of equipment in the field? Would the enhanced

AR/VR capabilities address soft skills as well as technical “hard” skills training?

A5. LSCMS is the system that touches several areas. We would also like to incorporate best practices that are not systemic

Q6. Level of AR/VR Simulation: It would be helpful to have a more specific interpretation of the term "immersive". Specifically, if this RFI relates only to the LSCMS training. Would the expectation be for 2D rather than 3D, with realistic graphics and scenarios, and linked to realistic data sources and systems? Or would the scenarios also include 3D / 360 degree visual "walk throughs" of sites, warehouses, etc.?

A6. 2D to start and then move forward from there

Q7. Existing Technology Base: The RFI mentions that an existing LSCMS role-based field training pilot exists, with a small VR/AR environment. What kind of new technology, security enhancements, or new purpose would the LSCMS implement? Is the purpose of the work being discussed to extend and productize this pilot, or to add AR/VR features to existing scenarios, or to develop entirely new functionality using the pilot as an example of successful training? Or is the purpose of the RFI different than this? Will the LSCMS system have the ability to provide a training environment separate from its operational environment?

FEMA RFI No. 70FA3019I00000006 Page. 2

A7. If possible, we would like to use what we have

Q8. Student Requirements: The RFI refers to “text to speech” and “speech to text” capability.

Are visually impaired students expected? If so, what is the AR/VR expectation for these students?

A8. All courseware must be 508 compliant and have an accommodation plan in place

Q9. Is this meant to be all in one application or multiple?

A9. One application

Q10. Could this be one application with multiple modules that can be downloaded?

A10. Possibly, depends on the solution.

Q11. What AR/VR technology is being used currently?

A11. Vizard

Q12. How are the current training and exercises being delivered currently?

A12. In person, Instructor led

Q13. What level of complexity (i.e. subtle movements and small facial reactions) is expected to be required for virtual characters? What would these actions be used to determine for/against the role-players?

A13. This is not a requirement now, but it could be further down the road.

Q14. Augmented Reality refers to overlaying digital information on the physical world. Is

FEMA interested in this type of AR technology as well?

A14. Possibly, depends on the solution

Q15. In what teaching application will text to speech be used?

A15. The program office is unsure currently, but we are open to suggestions

Q16. What language is the current LMS using?

A16. Adobe Captivate

FEMA RFI No. 70FA3019I00000006 Page. 3

Q17. Do you have any specific LMS that you’re interested in this being integrated with?

A17. Not yet

Q18. Does your product allow for trainers to virtually advise/ coach users during scenarios? Are you referring to a virtual instructor or an actual instructor?

A18. We would like an actual instructor with a virtual avatar

Q19. Can you provide an overview of field operations roles?

A19. Transportation Manager, Logistics Systems Manager, Logistics Systems Specialist

Q20. Can you provide a couple example scenarios you would like to see in AR/VR? If not, is there some training material you can provide a link to?

A20. Scenario Examples: Create Report, Ship a Trailer, Create Orders, Organize Folder, Adjust Global Item Inventory