Second RequestT-X_Technical_RFI_questions_v10.docx

Advanced Pilot Training Family of systems RFI – Second Request

Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS) Program Request for Information Second Request

CAUTION:

This is a Request for Information (RFI). THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. All responsible businesses that are able to provide the entire Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS) are encouraged to respond to this RFI. The APT FoS will utilize a broad range of ground (e.g., simulators, computer based training, etc.) and flight training systems as part of an integrated family of systems. This RFI is a continuation of a market research effort being conducted by Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) to collect information on high-performance, two-seat military jet trainer aircraft and ground-based training systems to include full-fidelity simulators, courseware and other virtual/computer based training applications. These elements should be presented as a Family of Systems (FoS) that facilitate the accomplishment of the objectives of the USAF Advanced Pilot Training Fighter/Bomber (FB) Track including the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Course (IFF). There are five fighter flying training requirements that lend themselves to two-seat instruction prior to performing them solo: sustained high-G operations, air-refueling, night vision imaging systems operations, air-to-air intercepts, and data-link operations; any submitted FoS should be capable of performing all of these functions plus all other required syllabus events. Note: The aircraft does not necessarily have to be capable of all functions; for example the air refueling could be accomplished in a full-fidelity simulator.

The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined. Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards.

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only. In accordance with Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the government is conducting Market Research. This Market Research is for information and planning purposes only. Before submitting any information to the government, be advised that the government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of these questions or to otherwise pay for the information you provide. Your responses will be treated as information only and will not be used as a proposal. However, estimates may be used, not attributed to a particular Respondent, as a basis to engage with appropriate Congressional committees to inform and solicit programmatic support.

Submission of Proprietary Information Caution: The government appreciates that interested firms may not be able to respond to this RFI without disclosing information deemed “proprietary” or “competition sensitive.” Data submitted in response to this RFI will be widely distributed and discussed within the government as it will be used to assist in developing the acquisition strategy for the future APT FoS program. It is the responsibility of Respondents to clearly mark submitted information with appropriate restrictive markings (See Section 4 in instructions). Respondents are further advised that the government’s analysis of your responses may require disclosure of your responses to supporting contractor personnel. The government’s support contractors will be required to sign non-disclosure agreements prior to being granted access to your data.

Any information provided by the government, at this time, is preliminary and may be updated or changed prior to a formal release of a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The government has not planned an Industry Day at this time, though they do plan to host an Industry Day event in the future. If you have any additional questions please contact the POC identified in the instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS:

4. Proprietary Materials Protection All information received in response to this RFI that is properly marked as “proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Any materials submitted in accordance with this Request for Information which contain information that is marked as proprietary will be protected as proprietary information. Such information will be reviewed by a team comprised of Government as well as contractor personnel hired to provide technical assistance for the Government’s preparation of an Analysis of Alternatives. All members of the team will be reminded of their obligation to protect such information to the maximum extent permitted or required by the Economic Espionage Act, 18 U.S.C. 1831 et seq., and other applicable statutes or regulations. In addition, Government members will be reminded of their obligations to afford protection under the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. All contractor members are required to protect the information by the terms of their contracts. The Government has made an initial determination that its support contractor personnel have no personal or organizational conflicts of interest that could adversely affect protection of the information.

4.1 Proprietary Protection Period

The protection addressed in Section 4.4 shall continue for a period of eight (8) years from the date upon which the team last has access to the information. Thereafter, the information will not be disclosed to any other person or legal entity unless that person or legal entity is authorized by the head of the agency or the contracting officer to receive such information, or unless the information is required to be released under Court Order. Any violations may be subject to contractual, administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions.

4.2 Additional Proprietary Materials Clarification

The provisions of Section 4.1 are intended to supplement and implement the authorities listed in Section 4.0. In the event of any conflicts or inconsistencies between the authorities listed in Section 4.0 and the provisions of Section 4.1, the authorities in Section 4.0 shall take precedence over the provisions of Section 4.1.

4.3 Proprietary Materials Marking Requirements

Submitted proprietary information, if any, must be clearly market as such on both the outside container and the materials inside.

4.3.1 Page Marking Types

Each page of submitted proprietary information must be conspicuously marked using one of the following markings:

4.3.1.1 Basic Marking Type

The complete Basic Marking set forth in sections 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 must be placed conspicuously on each page (e.g. in the header or footer), OR

4.3.1.2 Header/Footer Type

The header or footer of each page must contain the phrase “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION,” the name of the owner of the information, the RFI number, the date the information was submitted, and a statement referencing the cover/title page for the full contents of the marking.

4.3.2 Title/Cover and Transmittal Documents

Either the cover page, or title page if no cover is used, of the submittal, and the container or transmittal document, must contain the complete Basic Marking set forth in section 4.3.3. The cover page (or title page if no cover is used) must ALSO include the statement: “This submission is governed by use and disclosure restrictions set forth in section 4.3 of the above-referenced RFI. All such use and disclosure restrictions contained therein shall expire: [Insert Expiration Date). No use and disclosure restrictions shall apply to this information after the expiration date." The Submitter shall insert the appropriate expiration date, if any, of the use and disclosure restrictions, by inserting either (i) a date-certain at which the restrictions shall expire, or (ii) a time period starting on the date of submission and ending at some definite period thereafter (e.g., “five (5) years after the date of submission for this material”), or (iii) indicating “no expiration date.”

4.3.3 Basic Markings

The marking must contain the following elements and may not contain any additional information or claims (unless such additions are required under another statute, regulation, or contractual obligation).

4.3.3.1 First Line Marking

The phrase, “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION” shall be the first element on the first line of the marking.

4.3.3.2 Ownership Information

The name of the owner of the information, address, and point of contact information (e.g., phone, email, name) shall be listed.

4.3.3.3 Date Reference

The date the information was submitted to the Government, and the solicitation or RFI number under which the information was submitted shall be listed.

4.3.3.4 Example

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION – XYZ Corp 123 Main Street Ashburn

IN

12345 , Ph:260-555-5555 POC: John Doe, 260-555-5556, john.doe@xyzcorp.com Date Submitted: 1 January 2008 – RFI No.: 123-45-6789

4.3.4 Effects of Proprietary Markings

While all submissions in response to this RFI will become Government property (see paragraph 4.4 below), properly marked proprietary or sensitive information will be subject to proper use only in accordance with section 4.3.5, and will also be protected from unauthorized disclosure pursuant to 5 USC 552(b)(4) (Freedom of Information Act), Executive Order 12600 (Pre-disclosure Notification Procedures for Confidential Commercial Information), 18 USC 1905 (Trade Secrets Act), 18 USC 1831 et seq. (Economic Espionage Act), and any other statute, regulation, or requirement applicable to Government employees or contractors.

4.3.5 Requirements of Proprietary Information Handlers

All Government and support contractor recipients of submitted information are obligated to safeguard all properly marked proprietary information and are authorized to use, reproduce, modify, perform, display, and release or disclose such information to other authorized persons only as necessary for the purpose of analyzing alternatives for the T-X APT FoS or other Government purposes permitted under this RFI. Recipients will not use or disclose such information for their own personal use, nor any other use of their employers, nor release or discuss it with third parties unless such use or disclosure is (1) specifically authorized in writing by the owner of the sensitive or proprietary information, or (2) required under Court Order.

4.3.6 Proprietary Status

Information must retain its proprietary nature in order for these restrictions and markings to remain in effect. Once marked information loses its proprietary status, it will no longer be subject to the use and disclosure restrictions under the terms of this RFI.

4.3.7 Proprietary Expiration

Paragraph 4.3.2 requires the submitter to identify in the marking the expiration date, if any, of the use and disclosure restrictions on the submittal. No restrictions shall apply to this information after the expiration date described above in 4.1.

4.4 Proprietary Data Protection

Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. ASC intends to have the contractor support personnel listed below assist in review and evaluation of responses. By submitting a response to this RFI, you are authorizing the Government to release or disclose your submittal, including any proprietary information contained therein, to the Government's support contractors identified below in section 4.4.1. A properly executed nondisclosure agreement will be obtained from each individual support contractor and government personnel.

4.4.1 Identification of Support Contractors

· Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc

· Alion Science and Technology Corporation

· WBB Consulting

· Camber Corp.

5. Responses submitted should be one copy, a maximum of 60 pages in length, Times New Roman typeset, no smaller than 12 point for narrative and 8 point in diagrams (tables must be 12 point). Specifically requested attachments are not included in the page count. Schematic diagrams are not included in the page count. Request for Information responses must be submitted electronically (by e-mail) and one hard copy by regular mail. Responses must be received by 4 September 2009. Firms responding to this announcement should indicate their business size in accordance with the size standard; ensure that the company name, address, a point of contact with e-mail address and telephone number, Federal CAGE Code, and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Responses and questions should be sent to ASC/XRS, (Mr. Mike Dudley, 937-904-4417.), 2275 D Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7224; email: michael.dudley@wpafb.af.mil.

Part I: Purpose/Description:

The United States Air Force is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements of the future Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS). Due to the age of the T-38C, as well as the long lead time required for a major aircraft acquisition program, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) began the acquisition process for replacement of the T-38 training FoS in the fall of 2003. The T-38 training FoS is currently expected to be the Advanced Trainer for the Fighter/Bomber (F/B) APT track until at least 2017. The Air Force will conduct an Analysis of Alternatives to examine the most cost effective approach to replacing the T-38 training FoS. The current desired timeline is to field a replacement APT FoS with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in the 2017 timeframe. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is defined as sufficient assets available to start the first class in training using exclusively the assets of this FoS. Planning IOC is Q4 FY2017. FOC is anticipated in 2024.

United States Air Force (USAF) pilot training in 2017 will be tailored to support USAF missions identified in the Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review Report (January 2009). Moreover, the APT FoS will ensure pilots are trained to transition to operational aircraft with the core competencies necessary for safe and efficient follow-on weapon system mission-ready training. Examples of these competencies include: basic aircraft control, airmanship, formation, instrument and navigation, advanced air-to-air, advanced air-to-ground, and advanced crew/cockpit resource management.

USAF pilot training programs will utilize a broad range of ground and flight training systems as part of an integrated family of systems. The introduction of 5th generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35 will not require new piloting skills; however, increased complexity, especially in terms of information management will make Cockpit/Crew Resource Management skills and advanced skills even more important than they are today. Having the right balance of simulation/virtual and aircraft flying training within the APT FoS is essential.

Structurally, pilot training will probably look much like today’s pilot training: a combination of aircraft and virtual training in an integrated training FoS environment. While the makeup of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) and Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (JSUPT) may change over time, the screen, primary, and advanced phases will likely be retained, with the following exception: the fighter piece of the Fighter and Bomber Track (Advanced Phase) and the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) segment will address the Formal Training Unit (FTU) challenges resulting from a lack of two-seat F-22 and F-35 aircraft. As previously stated, there are five fighter flying training requirements that lend themselves to two-seat instruction prior to performing them solo: sustained high-G operations, air-refueling, night vision imaging systems operations, air-to-air intercepts, and data-link operations. In the current training model, sustained high-G operations and air-refueling are accomplished in two-seat aircraft for safety reasons while the other three are introduced in two-seat aircraft for training efficiency purposes. Risk mitigation and training efficiency are the operational drivers for the 2017 pilot training model.

The aircraft portion of the APT FoS will be U.S. Military (or equivalent) certified, and must meet projected Communication Navigation System (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) aviation requirements to conduct Continental United States (CONUS) flight operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) and all military airspace as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DOD).

Part II: Technical Definition Survey Questions To ensure a thorough analysis, we are requesting aircraft technical, performance, cost, and availability information described below to be provided on your company’s offering. This information will be used to develop a systems engineering document known as the Concept Characterization & Technical Description (CCTD). This document characterizes each concept and its maturity; it supplies all data used for effectiveness and cost analysis during the Analysis of Alternatives so responses should be as complete as possible.

A. Aircraft

1) General

a. Provide scaled and dimensioned three-view drawings. Submit as an attachment.

b. If available, provide an approved flight manual for submitted aircraft type. Submit as an attachment.

c. Provide design history data on aircraft design completion date, first flight date and entry into service date.

d. Provide aircraft certification data references. How many are currently in service?

2) Performance (when using tables, submit as an attachment)

a. Envelope

i. Provide a level-flight operating envelope map at Gross Takeoff Weight and 50% fuel load. Include contours for augmented and military power at a load factor of 1.0 and the maximum load factor.

ii. Provide a turn rate vs. speed plot at CLmax when at Gross Takeoff Weight and 50% fuel load for both augmented and military power at 15,000’ and 30,000’. Include turn limit and sustained turn rate contours.

iii. Provide a design load V-N diagram.

iv. At maximum gross weight, what is the aircraft Critical Field Length[footnoteRef:1] at sea-level standard and high-hot (4,000 ft/95oF) conditions? [1: Critical Field Length (CFL) is the total length of runway required to accelerate on all engines to critical engine failure speed, experience an engine failure, then continue to liftoff or stop. Assume a 0 grade, dry runway, no headwind/tail wind, and no obstacle. 300 feet for line up distance will be assumed.]

v. Provide endurance vs. radius plot for Gross Takeoff Weight and a 50% fuel load.

vi. Provide a group weight statement.

vii. How many flight hours is the airframe designed to operate before a service life extension program would be necessary?

viii. What is the climb rate at 15,000’ and 30,000’ at augmented and military power with 50% fuel load.

b. Subsystems

i. What percentage of the structure is made of composite, aluminum, steel, titanium, and other materials?

ii. Does this aircraft share common parts with any other operational aircraft? If so, what are they?

iii. Avionics, Networking and Sensors

1. Provide a detailed listing and description of avionics, networking and sensor units comprising the standard cockpit for each submitted aircraft.

2. Provide a listing and description of avionics, networking and sensor units available as options for each submitted aircraft.

3. Confirm standard cockpit infrastructure can support power, cooling and control/display space for upgrades required for a militarized cockpit and additional avionics.

4. How can you simulate air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons employment and how would employment effectiveness be scored?

iv. What space, power, and cooling growth are available for future upgrades?

c. Provide information concerning supportability for a USAF standard boom Air-to-Air Refueling receive-only system installed on the listed aircraft. Is the candidate aircraft currently or has it ever been modified to enable air-to-air refueling? If not, has it ever been modified with a dry receptacle for training or can this be accomplished?

d. Provide information concerning supportability for a standard USN probe & drogue refueling receive-only system installed on the listed aircraft. Is the candidate aircraft currently or has it ever been modified to enable air-to-air refueling? If not, has it ever been modified with a dry receptacle for training or can this be accomplished?

e. Is the aircraft currently compatible with night vision systems?

f. Define the all-weather capability of the aircraft. What systems enable this? Is there an anti-ice capability?

3) Reliability, Availability & Maintainability

a. Provide historical or projected Material Availability and Operational Availability for the aircraft and explain how they were derived.

b. Provide information on recommended maintenance plan. What is the recommended frequency, estimated time to complete, tasks and other pertinent information regarding maintenance over life span of aircraft. Provide any other guidelines for flexibility in maintenance planning and scheduling.

c. Provide information on system health and prognostics.

4) Human Systems Integration

a. What is the range of anthropometric accommodation based on size and weight? Provide the answer is terms of JPATS cases.

b. What is the degree of duplication between the cockpits, e.g., what front cockpit functions are excluded from the rear cockpit?

c. Describe g-suit and ejection capabilities.

5) Other interest items

a. Describe any aircraft systems capable of simulating air-to-air and air-to-ground radar returns and functionality.

b. Is there a fighter/attack variant of the aircraft? What are its capabilities and how does it differ from the training variant?

c. If there is not a fighter/attack variant, is one feasible? Describe what capabilities if could provide and what the challenges and cost impacts are for both development and production. Note: Projected RDT&E and production costs are addressed in Para D.

d. Can the cockpit be provided with an F-35-like layout (with a helmet that functions as the primary instrument like JSF)?

e. Can your aircraft be modified for use by the US Navy for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and Carrier Qualification (CQ)? If so, what are the challenges and potential cost impacts? Note: Projected RDT&E and production costs are addressed in Para D.

f. How much commonality could be attained between an Air Force variant and a Navy variant?

g. What is your assessment of the ability of a new pilot being able to transition directly from your Family of Systems to a Fifth Generation fighter? What is the rationale behind this assessment?

6) Complete the following tables (for each platform/variant) as an attachment to your response:

General Aircraft Parameters

Manufacturer's Empty Weight lbs

Operating Empty Weight lbs

What are the operating weight items?

Maximum Payload lbs

Maximum Fuel Weight (assume JP-8) lbs

Max Zero Fuel Weight lbs

Fuel with Maximum Payload lbs

Gross Take-off Weight lbs

Maximum Design Landing Weight lbs

Useable Fuel Capacity gal

Overall Length ft

Overall Height (landing gear to tail at OWE) ft

Wingspan ft

Main Engine Power Generated kVA

APU Power Generated kVA

Overall Aircraft Total Electrical Power Generated kVA

General Aircraft Parameters (continued)

Expected/Demonstrated mission capable rate

Design G-Limit at Max Gross Takeoff Weight

Design G-Limit at half fuel load

Rate of climb, all engines operating ft/min

Service ceiling ft

Best Range Cruise Speed kts

Best Range Cruise Altitude

Best Endurance Speed (Long Range Cruise) kts

Best Endurance Altitude

Service Ceiling ft

Sea Level Static Thrust per engine lbs

Number of engines

Engine Manufacturer and Model

Turbine Inlet Temperature

°F

Landing speed at maximum carrier landing weight

Wind over deck required at normal carrier speed and aircraft at maximum landing weight

Fuel remaining at maximum carrier landing weight

Provide Typical Engine SFC for these phases

Taxi

Takeoff

Climb

Cruise Climb

Augmented

Loiter / Hold

B. Ground Based Training Systems

1) Aircraft Simulators

a. Are there existing Cockpit Procedures Trainers and/or Full Flight Simulators replicating the performance and layout of the proposed aircraft?

i. How does your cockpit procedures trainer enable development of normal and emergency procedures skills?

ii. How does the full flight simulator enable development of stick-and-rudder2 and cognitive skills3 such as formation flying, air-to-air refueling, and basic air-to-air and air-to-ground?

iii. How would your simulator complement Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training requirements?

iv. To what degree could simulation of field carrier landing practice and carrier qualification be added?

b. Describe the fidelity & range of motion of the simulators mentioned above.

i. Describe the field of view and visual display resolution. What is the visual acuity at tactical formation ranges off wingtip? (Desire is to have sufficient resolution and simulator fidelity to train students in close and tactical formation flying in the simulator.)

ii. How does the full flight simulator accurately replicate feel and the complexities of the trainer aircraft, especially on the edges of the flight envelope?

c. Can the described simulators be networked with other simulators to include tasks such as tactical formation flying? Can this be done between remote locations?

d. Describe the range of emergency situations and weather conditions simulations.

e. Are there other simulator trainers available or planned that are not full fidelity (e.g. weapon system trainers, etc.)?

2) Courseware

a. Please describe existing Instructor-Based Lessons for the classroom and Computer-Based Lessons for the computer labs and electronic exams.

b. There is interest in PC-based virtual instruction. Are there existing applications for your system that can accurately simulate the performance and procedures of the proposed aircraft that could be integrated with virtual lesson plans?

c. Are there any transformational capabilities you envision being able to incorporate into your ground-based training system to further improve live, virtual and constructive pilot training capabilities? If so, please describe them.

3) Mission Support Systems

a. If 50% organic aircraft maintenance is required, what is the product support strategy for organic/CLS mix? What training devices, etc., would be required to train maintainers?

b. Identify any ground support equipment not included on the USAF standard list.

C. Family of Systems Questions

1) What are the advantages and risks of having a FOS integrator, rather than developing the entire FoS?

2) What risks do you see in the USAF awarding separate contracts for some of the FoS systems?

2 Intent of this task is to ensure pilots are proficient in basic and tactical piloting skills (physical control of the platform 3 Intent of this task is to ensure pilots have the requisite knowledge and situation awareness to accomplish the appropriate tasks.

D. Cost Information

1) Aircraft – provide this information for a USAF (non-carrier), USN (carrier) and Fighter/Attack variant (if this information is available) – address each platform separately.

c. RDT&E (if required)

i. What are your estimated non-recurring costs?

ii. What are your estimated integration costs?

iii. What are your estimated recurring costs?

iv. What are your other cost/data regarding:

1. Prototypes/Test articles?

2. Average engineering and manufacturing burdened labor rates?

3. Average overhead rates?

4. Average profit/fee?

d. Production

i. What are your estimated recurring costs?

ii. What is your estimated integration and assembly (I&I) costs?

iii. Other Cost/Data

1. What is your estimated annual production rate, for this aircraft?

2. What is the average unit production cost (AUPC) for your training aircraft, based on a buy quantity of 350 aircraft?

3. What is the average unit production cost (AUPC) for your training aircraft, based on a buy quantity of 500 aircraft?

4. Are you assuming a learning/improvement curve rate? If so, what rate?

5. What is your average engineering and manufacturing burdened labor rates?

6. What are your average overhead rates?

7. What is your average profit/fee?

8. What is the estimated uninstalled cost per engine from the engine manufacturer?

e. Operation and Support

i. What is the assumed annual # of flying hours, per aircraft?

ii. What is the estimated cost per flying hour, per aircraft?

iii. What is your estimated attrition rate – # of aircraft per 100,000 hrs?

iv. What is your assumed maintenance concept and estimated cost?

v. What are your estimated maintenance training costs?

f. Other

i. What is your forecasted system’s testing concept, and cost?

ii. Are you assuming a future prime and sub relationship? If so, for what cost element items (i.e., avionics, propulsion, systems integration, etc.)?

2) Ground based training – provide this information for a USAF (non-carrier), USN (carrier) and Fighter/Attack variant (if this information is available) – address each platform separately.

a. Simulators

i. RDT&E (if required)

1. What are your estimated non-recurring costs?

2. What are your estimated recurring costs?

3. What are your estimated subsystem and system integration costs associated with the aircraft?

4. What are your other cost/data regarding prototypes and test articles?

i. Production

a. What is the estimated average unit production cost (AUPC) for your training simulators, based on a buy quantity of 35 full flight simulators?

b. What is the estimated average unit production cost (AUPC) for your training simulators, based on a buy quantity of 55 full flight simulators?

b. Courseware and/or Mission support

i. Provide estimated annual unit maintenance costs for a GBTS and an associated annual unit training cost.

ii. Provide estimated cost of courseware and other ground based training systems?

iii. Provide annual estimated costs associated with updating GBTS courseware and technical data.