TX SSS RFI 30 Mar 09

Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS) Program Sources Sought Synopsis

CAUTION:

This is a combined Sources Sought Synopsis and Request for Information (RFI). THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. All responsible businesses, including small businesses, are encouraged to respond to this RFI. This Sources Sought Synopsis is in support of a market research effort being conducted by Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) to determine potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements of the future Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS). 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. 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 synopsis 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).

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 section 2.3.3 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

Both 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 2.3.3. 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 2.3 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 2.4 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

· The Alion Corporation

· WBB Consulting

· Camber Corp.

5. Responses submitted should be one copy, a maximum of 50 pages in length, Times New Roman typeset, no smaller than 12 point for narrative and 8 point in diagrams (tables must be 12 point), and must be received by 30 Apr 2009. Request for Information responses must be submitted electronically (by e-mail) and one hard copy by regular mail. 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, 937-904-4502.), 2275 D Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7224; email: michael.dudley@wpafb.af.mil.

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.

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 virtual and live training within the APT FoS is essential.

Structurally, pilot training will probably look much like today’s pilot training: a combination of real 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. 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. Capability Survey Questions

1. General Capabilities:

a. Describe briefly the capabilities of your facility and the nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your staff composition and management structure.

b. Describe your company's past experience on previous projects similar in complexity to this requirement, especially with regard to an advanced pilot training family of systems (e.g., aircraft, simulators, computer based trainers, maintenance trainers, etc.). Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

c. Describe your company's capabilities for generating, handling, processing and storing classified material and data.

d. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in generating technical data, engineering drawings and manuals. Identify what software programs are utilized to generate these data products and what formats are available for delivered items.

2. Hardware Production:

a. Describe your company’s capability and experiences in the manufacturing/fabrication of training system components (e.g., aircraft, simulators, etc.).

b. We may be interested in visiting your company’s fabrication/modification facility. Please provide a point of contact to schedule a potential site visit.

c. What quality assurance processes and test qualification practices does your company employ? Please provide a description of your quality program (ISO 9000, QS-9000, EIA-599, or otherwise).

d. Describe your company’s capabilities and experience in managing hardware development projects, including subcontractor involvement. Include any experience in project planning, work breakdown structures, resource allocations, schedule tracking, risk analysis and cost management.

3. Systems Engineering and Integration: (Note: for each of the following Systems Engineering Design and Integration questions, please provide specific example(s) of the product, service, and/or requested information.)

a. What experience does your company have in forming partnerships (or being a part of) in meeting the needs of aircraft systems? Do you expect to form or be a part of a partnership in meeting the need for this Training Family of Systems (e.g., aircraft, simulators, computer based training, maintenance training devices, etc.)?

b. What experience does your company have in providing training systems used in training pilots to end-user required “stick and rudder” core competencies? Address this with regard to a training FoS approach. “Stick and Rudder” tasks address end-user required core competencies by ensuring pilots are proficient in basic and tactical piloting skills (physical control of the platform).

c. What experience does your company have in providing training systems used in training pilots to end-user required cognitive core competencies? Address this with regard to an integrated training FoS approach. “Cognitive” tasks address training pilots to end-user required mental core competencies. Intent of cognitive tasks is to ensure pilots have the requisite knowledge to accomplish the appropriate tasks and to instill the situational awareness that will ensure effective and efficient physical control of the aircraft during applicable phases of flight.

d. What experience does your company have in fielding a flight training FoS that provides sufficient capacity (i.e., reliability, maintainability, supportability and sustainability) to ensure the pilot training pipeline/system meets Service operational requirements and APT requirements?

e. How mature is your potential APT FoS (i.e., do you have an existing system or will yours be a new development)? Are there existing Cockpit Procedures Trainers and/or Full Flight Simulators replicating the performance and layout of the proposed platform within your APT FoS? When would you be able to field your FoS?

f. How would your potential solution provide for future growth and upgrades (e.g., addition of air refueling capability, radar, weapons delivery, etc.)? What kind of experience does your company have in implementing major system modifications?

g. How do you fit within the Global Logistics Support Command (GLSC) schema?

h. What would be your company’s recommended supportability and sustainment concept for the replacement APT FoS (e.g., USAF organic, contractor logistics support, 2-level, 3-level, etc.)? In addition, describe how you would propose maintenance training be accomplished?

i. What, if any, critical technologies do you envision within the potential APT FoS?

j. Describe your company’s approach to ensuring designed systems follow current Human Systems integration/Engineering guidelines?

k. With the schedule and tasks provided in this RFI, What are the primary sources of risk? Please identify any risks considered high or medium.

4. Software Development:

a. Is your company's software development processes certified to the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model? If so what level of certification have you achieved, who performed the certification, and what is the date of your certification?

b. Describe your company’s capabilities and experience in managing software development projects, including subcontractor involvement. Include any experience in project planning, work breakdown structures, resource allocations, schedule tracking, risk analysis and cost management.

5. Commerciality:

a. Is your potential APT FoS a commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101 or is it a variant of one? Please describe how your APT FoS meets this definition? Is your product currently available commercially?

b. If you offer this product and/or service to both government and commercial sources, is the same workforce used for both the government and general public? Could our requirement be satisfied by either or both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.

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.