ESBD_File_342676_RFI_THP202311130933_Virtual_and_Augmented_Reality_Training_Solutions.pdf

RFI #THP202311130933 Page 1 of 5

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Request for Information

RFI # THP202311130933

TITLE: Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Solutions

RFI #THP202311130933

1. INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE

The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) along with the Training Operations Division (TOD) are seeking to explore virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training solutions to train commissioned personnel on various topics including but not limited to defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, de-escalation, crisis response, etc. There is a need for using realistic training scenarios to give new and existing commissioned personnel highly immersive and realistic training to help build muscle memory and make decisions under stress in a controlled environment.

1.2 Agency Liability and Confidential Information

This RFI is only a request for information and no contractual obligation on behalf of the TXDPS whatsoever shall arise from the RFI process. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Offer (RFO), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or other solicitation, nor does it constitute the commitment to issue any solicitation in the future. Therefore, those choosing to respond to this RFI will, merely by virtue of submitting such a response, NOT be deemed to be “bidders” in any sense, and no such respondent will have any preference, special designation, advantage or disadvantage whatsoever in any subsequent procurement process related to this RFI.

This RFI does not commit the TXDPS to pay costs incurred in the preparation or submission of any response to the RFI. It is the responsibility of the potential respondent to monitor the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) for additional information pertaining to this RFI.

Pursuant to §552.301 (c) of the Public Information Act (PIA), and the following email address has designated for public information requests: OGC.Webmaster@dps.texas.gov Respondents are advised that materials contained in their response are subject to the aforementioned section of the PIA. Note:

A request emailed to any other TXDPS Department email address does not trigger the requirements of the PIA.

If Respondent asserts that any material in the response is confidential or proprietary information, Respondent must clearly mark the applicable pages of respondent’s submission in boldface type to indicate each claim of confidentiality and include the words “confidential” at the top of the page.

Additionally, Respondent must include statement on company letterhead identifying all Response section(s) and specific pages(s) that have been marked as confidential and explain why the information is marked as confidential and excepted from public disclosure under the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (the Act). Merely making a blanket claim that the entire Response is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable, and will make the entire Response subject to release under the Act.

1.3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION/HISTORY

The THP division currently utilizes traditional classroom training to include defensive tactics, firearms, and less than lethal techniques to train commissioned personnel on various topics including but not limited to use of force, de-escalation, crisis response, etc. There is a need for using realistic training scenarios to give new and existing commissioned personnel a highly immersive and realistic training to help build muscle memory and make decisions under stress in a controlled environment. While the division will still utilize existing traditional training the agency will incorporate a VR/AR training solution.

mailto:OGC.Webmaster@dps.texas.gov

2. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND TIMELINES

RFI issue date: 11/15/2023 Deadline for questions/clarifications to the RFI (Close of Business)

12/7/2023

Deadline for responses to questions/clarifications (Close of Business)

12/20/2023

Deadline for submission of RFI: 01/09/2024

To maintain the integrity of the RFI process, all communications with respondents pertaining to this RFI must be referred to and/or coordinated with the TXDPS point of contact referenced below.

Communicating with any other TXDPS personnel may result in disqualification of the respondent’s response.

Instructions to Recipients

1. You are requested to complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it by January 9, 2024 @

5:00 P.M.

2. All respondents responding to this RFI may be required to make a demonstration/presentation of products/services following the deadline for submission upon request by TXDPS. TXDPS shall not be responsible for expenses incurred by a respondent in the preparation and submission of Information. This provision also includes any costs involved in providing an oral presentation/demonstration of product/services.

3. Please list the question (included in the enclosed questionnaire) before each response.

4. All questions/clarifications must be submitted on or before December 7, 2023.

Electronic transmission via email to Lori Melcher is required for both questions/clarifications.

Contract Specialist: Lori Melcher, CTCD, CTCM Email: Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov

Phone: (512) 424-5370

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Provides a variety of training capabilities to include de-escalation and/or drills and scenarios, e.g.

use of force, active shooter, target assessment, weapons skills, traffic stops, etc.

• Ability to track and compile training metrics for varying levels of review, i.e. end user, supervisor, executive leadership.

• Hyper realistic, high quality/resolution graphics displaying numerous environments, i.e. busy roads, schools, jails, etc.

• Wide field of view for more encompassing virtual environment.

• Intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) – must show how the system is navigated between person in scenario and person running scenario.

• Set up requirements o At a minimum, training area should be 10ft x 10ft. Preferably this area can be scaled larger depending on facility accommodations. Equipment should not have to be permanently installed to the facility and can be moved easily by DPS Staff.

• Training Platform must:

o Allow for custom scenarios built by TxDPS to provide more realistic encounters related to THP and TOD needs. Custom scenarios must be able to be built easily and in a timely manner.

o Software to customize for specific use cases.

o Allow multiple users to access and utilize in the same scenario. The users should be able to communicate and see their team member / members in the same environment.

Example: Active shooter response (team movement/Multi player).

mailto:Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov o Provide interactive weapon platforms based on equipment issued to THP personnel to ensure continuity in training and muscle memory (Sig 320, Daniel Defense, Taser) o Motion Controllers – Responsive and ergonomic controllers Left-handed and right-handed abilities Headset and accompanying gear are wireless.

o Track and record the user’s eye movement and where they are looking for training purposes and playback.

• Augmented Reality Specific—AR Training Platform must either generate 3D scans or ingest 3D scans from third parties to create immersive scenarios true to the training environment.

3.1 RFI QUESTIONS

TXDPS is requesting responses to the following questions. Additional explanations and/or capabilities can also be provided:

• As part of market research, TXDPS is requesting a budgetary estimate that includes published/MSRP pricing for user licenses and equipment.

• What are the specifications for the type of computer to run the program?

• How are we able to get updates to the system? (OTA, ETC)

• What systems and equipment do you currently integrate with and what outcomes does it provide for the agency?

• What equipment is required to run a basic scenario?

• Provide details on frame rate, visual fidelity, latency times and dynamic environments.

• Average time to switch users using the system during training?

• What types of training models do you offer to agencies, i.e. train the trainer, computer based training, etc.?

• Battery life on various pieces of equipment such as the headset?

• What does your company provide equipment wise?

• Is the Department able to provide it’s own equipment?

• How much space is required to run a scenario?

• If AR, how large of a space is able to be utilized?

• What data is being collected and processed?

• How many users are able to be in a scenario at a time?

• Please provide estimates on initial implementation costs and ongoing annual subscription/maintenance fees

• How are hardware upgrades handled?

• If you are a cloud-based solution, are you familiar with TX-RAMP requirements and are you currently TX-RAMP certified or meet the minimum requirements?

• Are you a cloud-based solution only or do you provide on prem options?

• Are users able to participate in a scenario together from two separate systems?

o If so, what are the networking/hardware requirements?

4. TIME TABLE

The respondent’s response shall include a timetable that will include product configuration deployment, testing, and acceptance.

5. LIMITATIONS

Changes may occur between the publishing of this RFI and any subsequent RFIs. There also may be differences between this RFI and other relevant documents.

Respondent’s staff must be able to pass requisite background checks in order to gain access to: TXDPS Data for either server or cloud-based installation and maintenance.

6. INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS

TXDPS representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential respondents. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and certification risks. Oral presentations and product demonstrations may be requested from the Respondents.

7. SUMMARY

THIS IS AN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide a virtual and augmented reality training solution. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding by the TXDPS. The TXDPS has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and the release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become TXDPS property and will not be returned.

8. RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Respondents must provide the following:

Company Name:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

RFI Point of Contact:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

Company Web Page Address:

NOTE: The respondent acknowledges that they have read all instructions carefully. Failure to complete all requirements as outlined in this RFI, sign and submit in accordance with Section 2 Schedule of Events and Timelines may result in disqualification of the respondent’s response.

RESPONDENT SIGNATURE(S)

Signature of Authorized Representative Name - Printed Date