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Q&A-29 Feb 16
| F-15E, F-16 and F-22A Contract Aircrew Training (CAT), Courseware Development (CWD) and Continuation Training (CT) | |||||
| Solicitation FA4890-16-R-0007 | |||||
| Question Number | Date | Solicitation Reference # | Offeror's Question | Answer | |
| 1 | 29-Feb-16 | Draft PWS - para 1.2.1 CAT states: “The contractor will also monitor interactive courseware (ICW) instruction periods. The ICW monitor must be available to answer questions should the student need assistance; however the monitor need not remain in the training room as long as the student has access to them. For this reason no CAT credit will apply to the unclassified ICW monitor requirement. For classified ICW lessons, a minimum of one qualified instructor will be physically in the room during the lesson.” | a. Will the Government provide the number of FTU ICWs and the percentage that are classified? | a. Currently there are 3 classified ICW lessons for approximately 120 hours/year that an instructor would need to be available. These occur during the normal duty day and paragraph has been revised so that ICW monitor must be available to answer questions and report system problems to the lead GSME or designated representative should they occur; however the monitor need not remain in the training room as long as the student has access to them. | |
| 2 | 29-Feb-16 | Draft PWS - para 1.2.1.1. Standards of Performance for Instructors states: “Deficiencies in student academic objective achievement identified by test trend analysis shall be presented at the Curriculum Reviews (paragraph 1.3.2.7).” | a. Should this reference paragraph 1.2.2.7? | a. Yes -- reference will be changed to 1.2.2.7. in the PWS. | |
| 3 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para 4.5. Mission Training Center (MTC) Operations states: “Contractor personnel will (3) Maintain BMC minimum number of simulator flights per year to maintain proficiency. Contractor proficiency does not take precedence over ops training requirements. | a. (FTU) F-15E FTU instructors will maintain the same simulator currency/qualification requirements as military FTU instructors IAW AFI11-2F-15EV1 and the current RTM. Additional currencies/qualifications to supplement operational MTC requirements will be coordinated between the 4OG, Det 15 and the contract SM. These currencies/qualifications will be attained/maintained IAW AFI11-2F-15EV1 at no additional cost to the Government and not impact FTU training unless deemed appropriate by the 4 OG.” | ||
| i. Will the Government provide the F-15E, F-16C, F-22A BMC RTM requirements, as well as FTU AFI F-15E requirements? | a. At the F-15E FTU the instructors regularly fly with the students and will not have an issue maintaining the requirement. They get credit for MTCs just like AD crews and are already participating in every 2/4-ship in the syllabus. Augmenting Ops is rare and "at no additional cost". At operational bases there is additional workload so the contractors (if needed) can participate to augment training events or fly during unused period to maintain their proficiency. | ||||
| 4 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para A1.3.1.2.1 F-15E FTU Annual Device Training Workload (High Order): Line TX-1 4 ship column J shows 25. | a. Should this be 29.2? | Reference the note at bottom of table. The FTU only has a single TX crew every two years. This requirement during a 4 ship mission will require 6 CIPS to fly in the MTC to support the 2 students while 2 are operating the console. The 6 flying CIPs will receive credit for 3.5 hours per IP and the console operators 2 hours per console operator for a total of 25 hours. | |
| 5 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para A1.3.6.1.2. Hill F-16 Training Device Annual Workload: “Other As Directed” line | a. column h=( b+f)*g should be (1.25+0.75)*1=2.00 vice 1.00 with Column i=116.0 and the total =3266? | a. These events are additional work (if needed) for tours or other requests and will be corrected to 1.25 direct hours plus .5 indirect instructor time for total of 1.75 hours total CIP time. Total row calculation will be updated to 101.5 hours. New table will be included in PWS update. | |
| 6 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para A1.4.1.3. states: “These files will become Government property once they are developed. Contract personnel involved with mission/scenario development shall possess the expertise and knowledge of current aircraft systems and tactics to independently develop and input requirements into JMPS and assist CLS technicians with input and verification data into equipment programs (A1.5.1.1 already includes these times as part of the “Verify” estimate). There are four Optional CLINS identified in this section (A1.5.3). | a. A1.5.1.1 addresses courseware development and A1.5.3 discusses courseware review and revision rates. Can the Government clarify the references? | a. A1.5.1.1. should be A1.5.3 Courseware Review and Revision Rates and estimated CWD for option CLINS should be section A1.5.4. PWS will be corrected. | |
| 7 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para A1.4.2.1 Seymour Johnson TIC File Workload Base Year and All Option Years and A1.4.2.4 Langley AFB F-22 Mission File Workload Base Year and All Option Years. | a. References require more files developed than reviewed. Is this accurate? For instance at SJ we develop 50, review 30, then put 80 in the library. Should it be develop 50, review 50, put 50 in the library? | a. Correct. Developing 50 plus revising 30 equals 80 put in the library. Para. A1.4.1.1 explains this. Other tables will be corrected to incorporate the same math so they add up vertically. To computer required hours, table A1.4.1.4 needs to be applied to the numbers. | |
| 8 | 29-Feb-16 | PWS - para A1.5.1. Development Standards states: “The contractor shall develop courseware in accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.3.2.9.” | a. Should this refer to 1.2.2.9? | a. Yes --Should be PWS Paragraph 1.2.2.9. PWS will be corrected. |
Q&A-9 May 16
| F-15E, F-16 and F-22A Contract Aircrew Training (CAT), Courseware Development (CWD) and Continuation Training (CT) | ||||
| Solicitation FA4890-16-R-0007 | ||||
| Question Number | Date | Solicitation Reference # | Offeror's Question | Answer |
| 1 | 9-May-16 | Langley CBA - Page 15, Section 15.1, Base Rate Structure table shows two (2) levels of a labor category for Simulator Technician. However, no qualifications or duties are listed in the PWS. | a. What are the qualifications for this labor category in order to coordinate hiring concurrence from the Govt COR? |
| a. The Simulator Technician positons listed in the LAFB CBA relate to another Boeing contract. The CBA covers two separate Boeing contracts. The instructor positons along with the resource scheduler positons apply to this contract. | ||||
| b. What are the specific duties for these positions? | b. These positons do not apply to this contract. | |||
| c. What is the annual workload per position? | c. These positons do not apply to this contract. | |||
| 2 | 9-May-16 | Mt. Home and Hill CBA - Page |
17, Section 15.1, Base Rate Structure table for Mountain Home AFB shows
| labor category of “Weapons Officer Instructor.” | a. Is this the same as a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) Instructor? | a. Yes the Weapons Officer Instructor is the same as a Weapons System Officer (WSO) Instructor. | |||
| 3 | 9-May-16 | Mt. Home and Hill CBA - Page | |||
| 17, Section 15.1, PWS Page 20, Para 4.1.5.4, Base Rate Structure tables for both Mountain Home AFB and Hill AFB have no labor category for a scheduler. PWS reference states “The completion of these tasks may not require a full time equivalent and these duties can be performed by a CSME.” | a. What is historical workload data? (What fraction of an FTE is needed at Mountain Home and Hill AFBs?) | a. There is no histrorical workload to support the requirement to have a FTE for a operational site scheduler. At Mt Home there is currently an FTE listed under a scheduler/security person, however at Hill there is no specific FTE who performs these duties. | |||
| 4 | 9-May-16 | Nellis CBA - Page 17, Section 15.1 and PWS Page 20, Para 4.1.5.4, Base Rate Structure table for Nellis AFB has no labor category for a scheduler. PWS reference states “The completion of these tasks may not require a full time equivalent and these duties can be performed by a CSME.” | a. What is historical workload data? (What fraction of an FTE is needed at Nellis AFB?) | a. There is no historical workload to support the requirement to have a FTE for an operational site scheduler. At Nellis there currently is an FTE who performs scheduling/securtiy duties howeve,r it is up to the bidder to determine whether he believes these duties maybe perfomed by one of the CIPs who can also accomplish instructor duties. | |
| 5 | 9-May-16 | RFP - Page 92, Section 6, Paragraph 7.3; and RFP Page 110, Section 7, Paragraph |
4.1.7.1, First reference states, “References for contracts with less
| than 12 months of performance will not be considered.” Second reference states, “References for contracts with less than six (6) months of performance will not be considered.” | a. Which is the correct minimum period of performance for consideration—12 months or 6 months? | a. 12 months is the correct period of performance for consideration. The change is reflected in the RFP. | |||
| 6 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 6, Para 1.2.2.9 (2), Reference lists “Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM)” as a standard for courseware development. | a. What version of SCORM (e.g., SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004) is currently in use, and do all current courseware modules conform to this standard? | a. Current ICW/CBT products are developed using Adobe Flash and HTML. SCORM 2004 standards are used but the courseware has low interactivity ( Level 2) and are grouped at the criterion lesson objective level within the lesson. | |
| 7 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, Para 1.2.3.6.1, First sentence reference directs use of COTS Success Factors currently at SJAFB. | a. Could the Government provide a description about what tasks Success Factors performs with regards to the LMS? |
a. Student Interface-Ability for student to access unclassified Computer Based Training via on-site NIPRNet or commercial internet connection. Access to own student gradebooks. Ability for student to acknowledge instructor comments and grades on past syllabus events. One-way notification that student needs to acknowledge instructor comments and grades on past syllabus events. One-way notification of overdue events. Instructor Interface - View event requirements, desired learning objectives, special instructions, event pre-requisites. View, confirm and modify event meta-data (e.g. Sortie Duration, Effectiveness Status, Class, etc), Overall grade for event, Overall comments for event, Additional training recommendations, one click access instructor comments for any pre-requisite (all event types), one click access instructor comments for previous like event, Ability to access unclassified Computer Based Training via on-site NIPRNet or commercial internet connection. Supervisory Interface/Functionality; View students in an event where user is the instructor of record/assigned, access instructor comments for previous like event, Acknowledge instructor comments for previous like event, access instructor comments for any pre-requisite (all event types), Access to all student gradebooks. Student Gradebook Functionality 1 click access instructor grades/comments for previous events, View completion of government defined/local administrator controlled tasks that are not associated with a particular syllabus event (e.g. air refueling), View list of tasks where student has failed to meet training standards, View and modify list of unaccomplished tasks, View student meta data, View last date of overall review of student training (gradebook review), View, modify, acknowledge additional documentation not associated with syllabus events (e.g. SMS letter, Syllabus Waiver, Reduced Training Program).
| b. What additional Success Factors modules or “plug-ins” are required for current system configuration? | b. As far as additional modules - We do not know that there are any out there. There are certainly modules we don't currently use. For example there are some analytics that we haven't even touched which are more managing syllabus changes from the Training Team level vs the line instructor/scheduling level. | |||
| c. What pieces are third-party COTS tools or modules? | c. Whatever the current contractor uses to create course documentation - syllabi etc. 4FW developed/maintained excel gradesheets. | |||
| d. Are there any contractor-developed add-ons or modules? | d. All contractor development has occurred within the framework of the system and includes primarily Reports (written in BIRT programming language) and Updated landing screens (written using html, flash and javascript). | |||
| 8 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, Para 1.2.3.6.1, Third sentence reference states, “The Government will provide a TMS/LMS database, data and files as well as any source codes to allow for startup.” | a. Will the Government also provide a database schema (data dictionary with record layout/format), or at least examples of specific data contained in key training products |
or forms (e.g., a student grade sheet)?
| a. Report files are formatted as “.rptdesign” files and are held within a .zip file. These files will be delivered on a CD or DVD. Currently there are 31 report files. These files can be opened with B.I.R.T. report designer or Plateau Reports Designer software packages. | ||||
| b. What current data, software, content is going to be handed over to the successor contractor? | b. The current database, data and files will be transferred at the beginning of the phase in period of the contract using external hard drives. Since this will be delivered prior to the end of the contract, any data provided before the last training event completed on the last day of the current contract will, naturally, be current only as of the day the data is pulled from the database. | |||
| c. Is anything currently in place considered proprietary and not going to be handed over to the successor contractor? | c. To the government's knowledge, nothing is currently considered proprietary to include source code. | |||
| 9 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, Para 1.2.3.6.1 |
(Para number appears to be in error—cited para follows Para 1.2.3.6.1.1), Reference states, “Unclassified material shall be accessible from the unclassified LAN, while all classified material shall be located on a classified server IAW Local Operating
| Procedures, with password controls.” | a. Could the Government provide details on the current software and hardware in place, who (Government or contractor) owns it, and where the servers (classified and unclassified) are located? | a. The current Success Factors system is an Oracle database along with all Oracle database files and it currently resides on a contractor (DRG) owned server located at their secure off site facility. | |||
| 10 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 10, Para 1.3.5; and RFP Page 97, Subfactor D, Aspect II, first reference calls required document “Instructor Training and Certification Plan,” but calls for ISD training or CWD personnel. Second reference calls the document “Training and Certification Plan.” | a. Should the required document be called the “Training and Certification Plan” in all references? | a. The PWS in the final RFP can be changed to reflect a Training and Certification Plan however the plan will still be required to contain the same training information. | |
| 11 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 11, Para 1.3.6; and PWS Page 76, Appendix 7, Attachment 10, Para 10 (7); and RFP Page 97, Section 6, |
Paragraph 8.2 E, Subfactor D, Aspect III, first reference states, “The contractor shall formulate and submit a Quality Control Plan…” and lists three requirements. Also, third reference uses term “Quality Control Plan.” Second reference calls for a “Quality Program Plan” and lists two requirements. a. Which is the correct title for this document: “Quality Control Plan” or “Quality Program Plan”?
| a. Quality Control Plan. PWS Attachment 10 will be corrected to reflect this. | |||||
| b. What is the correct number of requirements that the plan should cover (two or three)? | b. The plan should cover all three listed in the RFP which incorporates PWS Attachment 10 ISD requirements as well as PWS 4.3, PWS 1.3.6 and PWS 1.7 security requirements. | ||||
| c. Is this plan a stand-alone document or is it a section in the ISD Management Plan? | c. Stand alone plan however the Attachement 10 requirements can be contained in the ISD Plan. | ||||
| 12 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 20, Para 4.1.5.5, reference states, “The contractor will provide one | |||
| scheduler for each flightline squadron.” (at SJAFB). | a. Does this mean that the two FTU squadrons and the two operational squadrons will each get a scheduler? | ||||
| a. Correct, the intent is to provide a scheduler for each squadron at SJAFB. | |||||
| b. If the two ops squadrons each get a scheduler, is there still a need for an MTC scheduler at SJAFB? | b. At the SJAFB F-15E FTU site due to the heavy workload there is a requirement for a FTE to perform duties as an MTC scheduler. | ||||
| 13 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 20, paragraph 4.1.5.2., reference states contractor will perform CSA duties. “CSA” is not defined in the PWS. | a. What does CSA stand for, what duties are entailed, and what is historical workload for this function? | a. Certified System Administrator. There is no histroical workload for this function however it is currently performed by a FTE who is required to posses the appropriate certification per DoD 8570. | |
| 14 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 20, Para 4.1.5.4, calls for MTC scheduler at each CT site and states level of effort may be less than one (1) full-time equivalent. | a. What is the historical workload at each site? | a. There is no histrorical workload to support the requirement to have a FTE for a site scheduler. It is up to the bidder to determine whether he believes the scheduling duties maybe perfomed by one of the CIPs who can also accomplish instructor duties. | |
| 15 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 38, paragraph A1.3.1.2.1 (FTU ATD Workload—Hi Order) Line entry for “Instructor 2-ship” shows only one instructor per event. All other 2-ship lines show three (3) instructors per event. | a. Should the “Instructors/event” be changed to 3 for the “Instructor 2-ship” ATD event? In turn, should the “Total Instr Hrs per Yr” be changed from 544.0 to 1,632.0 for the “Instructor 2-ship” event? | a. See Note bottom of table A1.3.1.2.1 which reads: Computation of total instructor hours per event for 2-ships is based on 2.0 hours for the IOS instructor and 3.5 hours (B and TX Courses) per flying instructor. Other syllabi are figured similarly for respective brief and debrief times. | |
| 16 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 41, Paragraph A1.3.5.1 (Nellis Academic Classroom Instruction) Line entry for MQT/CT shows “Instructor Prep Hrs” as .40 and “Total Instructor Hrs/Yr” as 45.60. Computation of “Instructor Prep Hrs” is 1.5 x .25 = .375, and using that, the “Total Instructor Hrs/Yr” becomes 45. | a. Should the “Instructor Prep Hrs” be changed to .375 and the “Total Instructor Hrs/Yr” be changed to 45? | a. The excel spreadsheet rounded up the time to .4 and the numbers in the table should be correct. There are not a significant number of CT academic classes taught at this site so any overage will be consider part of the total workload. | |
| 17 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 70, Appendix 7, Attachment 7, Paragraph 7.1, third sentence; and Page 78, Attachment 11, Paragraph | |||
| 11.1. Reference cites AFMAN 36-2236; however, this manual was rescinded in summer of 2015. | a. Is there another publication to replace AFMAN 36-2236? | a. AFMAN 36-2236 was not recinded but listed as obsolete. We have been informed that the manual is still usable and unitl it is replaced the obsolete version still has viable use. | |||
| 18 | 9-May-16 | PWS - Page 82, Appendix 7, Attachment 14, Para 2 a. reference states scheduling function “Must be compatible with existing scheduling system (Patriot Excalibur) using a machine-to-machine interface.” | a. Is the machine-to-machine interface from PEX to the LMS contractor developed and if so is it proprietary or going to be passed on to the next contractor? | ||
| a. Currently the machine-to-machine interface from PEX to Success Factors is not developed. The squadron schedulers provide a human interface to upload data via excel or other system. | |||||
| b. Does PEX provide a web service or Windows | |||||
| Communication Foundation (WCF) service to facilitate exchange of data? | b. Patriot Excalibur (PEX) is a software suite of applications used by AF operations community to manage wing-level and below Scheduling, Training, and Stan/Eval tasks. Patriot Excalibur imports U.S. DoD data with interfaces to the following programs: ARMS (Aviation Resource Management System), ATO (Air Tasking Order), TaskView, Horseblanket, CAMS (Core Automated Maintenance System), PFPS (Portable Flight Planning System), and UL/UC2 (Unit-Level/Unit Command and Control). |
Q&A-12 May 16
| F-15E, F-16 and F-22A Contract Aircrew Training (CAT), Courseware Development (CWD) and Continuation Training (CT) | ||||
| Solicitation FA4890-16-R-0007 | ||||
| Question Number | Date | Solicitation Reference # | Offeror's Question | Answer |
| 1 | 12-May-16 | Solicitation - Page 84, 4th para. Reference paragraph titled "SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING GOALS - IF APPLICABLE. | a. Is this requirement applicable to this acquisition? Please verify the referenced requirement is not applicable for this solicitation. | a. No, it is not applicable. The reference has been removed from the RFP. |
| 2 | 12-May-16 | Solicitation - Page 92, para 7.3, Recency definition states "minimum of 12 months" performance for past performance contracts; however, Section M, page 109, paragraph 4.1.7.1 states "minimum of six (6) months". | a. Which one is correct? Please clarify which Recency definition is correct. | a. A minimum of 12 months is the correct reference. Paragraph 4.1.7.1 has been changed to read 12 months. |
| 3 | 12-May-16 | Solicitation - Page 98, para 9.4, Reference states "Supporting data may be submitted in a format selected by the offeror, but must address the information requested in this paragraph and should not exceed 3 pages." Three pages does not seem sufficient to provide supporting price backup data to include tabular breakouts of pricing. | a. Request the Government remove the 3-page limit and allow bidders "unlimited" page length. | a. The page limit will remain at 3 pages. No change to the RFP. |
| 4 | 12-May-16 | Solicitation - Page 109, para 4.1.7.1, Recency definition states "minimum of 6 months" performance for past performance contracts; however, Section L, page 92, paragraph 7.3 states "minimum of twelve (12) months". | a. Which one is correct? Please clarify which Recency definition is correct. | a. A minimum of 12 months is the correct reference. Paragraph 4.1.7.1 has been changed to read 12 months. |
| 5 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 1, para 1.2.1, Reference "The contractor will receive CAT credit against the workload in this contract for classified ICW lessons." | a. What is purpose of the use of the word "credit" in this sentence? The Government uses the term "credit" in several places within the PWS. Request the Government explain the purpose of using this term? For example, is this term used in consideration of payment, Quality Assurance evaluations, etc.? | a. This sentence refers to the preceding sentence. "For the purposes of SJ (4TS) vault/Learning Center, the contractor will monitor classified interactive courseware (ICW) instruction periods. The ICW monitor must be available to answer questions and report system problems to the lead GSME or designated representative should they occur; however the monitor need not remain in the training room as long as the student has access to them." the term "Credit" refers to the time the contractor is monitoring the student in the Learning Center. The time performed will be counted against CAT instruction requirements. |
| 6 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 5, para 1.2.2.6.4, Reference "The GSME (with concurrence from the BRI Project Officer) has final approval on the amount of credit received for the work effort." | a. What is purpose of the use of the word "credit" in this sentence? The Government uses the term "credit" in several places within the PWS. Request the Government explain the purpose of using this term? For example, is this term used in consideration of payment, Quality Assurance evaluations, etc.? | a. Credit refers to the "time" spent working on the effort. |
| 7 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 6, para 1.2.2.9(5), Reference "(5) All training materials must be developed using the current Air Force Enterprise System". | a. What is the definition of "Air Force Enterprise System." Recommend the Government provide the definition of the Air Force Enterprise System in terms of hardware, software and location. Also recommend adding this definition to the Paragraph 4.9 Definitions. | a. The Air Force Enterprise System refers to the approved software programs that can be used to develop courseware. This information will be made available on request at the Preproposal Conference. |
| 8 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." The draft RFP does not provide sufficient information on Success Factors to respond to the PWS requirement. | a. Request the Government provide detailed information on the software to include implementation specifications to meet requirements. Recommend the Government provide detailed definition and technical implementation requirements for the COTS product Success Factors. Recommend adding Success Factors to paragraph 4.9 Definitions. | a. Success Factors software is third party COTS software and detailed definition and technical implementation is available through the provider. Government technical requirements are listed in PWS Attachment 14. |
| 9 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "The contractor shall be prepared to provide licenses for up to 500 users." The Government is requiring bidders to make a very specific ODC purchase. Since this is directing bidders to purchase a specific solution and amount, there is no competitive aspect to this requirement - that is, bidders do not have an option to offer alternate solution to reduce costs. Since there is no competitive aspect to this requirements, we recommend the Government make this purchase a Cost Reimbursable ODC CLIN on the contract. | a. Since there is no competitive aspect to this requirements, we recommend the Government make this purchase a Cost Reimbursable ODC CLIN on the contract. Recommend the Government turn the referenced requirement into a Cost Reimbursable CLIN. | a. The government will discuss the possibility of turning the requirement into a cost reimbursable CLIN. |
| 10 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." | a. Is Success Factors the TMS/LMS? Recommend the Government provide additional clarification to the requirement to use Success Factors. Rationale: The requirement states "for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS". The wording suggests the TMS/LMS is not provided by Success Factors. | a. Yes. The Success Factors system is used to provide management of both the TMS and LMS systems at Seymour Johnson. |
| 11 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." | a. Is Success Factors the TMS/LMS? Request the Government provide specific technical details on the Success Factors software, database management system, operating system software, and hardware architecture needed to properly host Success Factors. | a. Specific technical details are is available through the Success Factors company. Government requirements for the TMS/LMS system are listed in PWS Attachment 14. |
| 12 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." | a. Where does one purchase Success Factors? Is Success Factors Government-owned software? | a. No the Success Factors system is 3 party COTS software. |
| 13 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." | a. Where does one purchase Success Factors? Who produces and maintains Success Factors software? | a. Success Factors functions as an independent business unit within the parent company SAP. |
| 14 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference "...the contractor will utilize the off-the-shelf (COTS) Success Factors software currently in use at Seymour Johnson AFB for the management of the FTU TMS/LMS." | a. What is the cost of Success Factors? What is the cost of 500 licenses for Success Factors software? | a. The bidder will need to contact Success Factors to determine the cost of initial or transfer site licenses. The 500 license requirement is an initial estimate of the number of users at Seymour Johnson. This number could be higher. A revised estimate will be provided at the Preproposal Conference. |
| 15 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1.1, Reference "The LMS Knowledge Portal provides an internet based portal to manage all electronic training references, courseware, CBT and other academic instruction for the F-15E community." The Government has introduced another term "LMS Knowledge Portal". There is no explanation on how the LMS Knowledge Portal relates to the TMS/LMS or Success Factors COTS software. The requirement goes on to levy on the contractor, administration of the Portal. Additional operational and technical information concerning the LMS Knowledge Portal is needed to respond to the PWS requirement. | a. Recommend the Government provide detailed definition and technical implementation requirements for the LMS Knowledge Portal. Rationale: This information is needed to ensure correct staffing and sustainment approaches are developed. | a. PWS page 34 definitions: Training Management System (TMS)/Learning Management System (LMS) (F-15E FTU). |
The TMS/LMS is a web enabled system which provides both scheduling and training management functions that facilitate the administration of flight training. In addition it states that there is also a portal for the student to access courseware and other training reference material. This is the LMS Knowledge Portal. Other technical requirements are listed in PWS Attachment 14.
| 16 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference the second 1.2.3.6.1, numbering should be 1.2.3.6.2. | a. Recommend the Government update the numbering for this paragraph and the following paragraphs. | a. Paragraph numbering will be reviewed and updated in PWS to be released with the final RFP. |
| 17 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.1, Reference states " Unclassified material shall be accessible from the unclassified LAN, while all classified material shall be located on a classified server IAW Local Operating Procedures, with password controls. Passwords will be provided to all current students, instructors, and upon request through the 4TS CC." This is an ambiguous statement of requirement as currently written. We assume this is a statement of requirement, but it does not state to what it applies. | a. If this applies to the FTU TMS/LMS, Success Factor, or LMS Knowledge Portal, please provide additional information. Recommend the Government provide additional clarification to this requirement. | a. There a two local area networks at Seymour Johnson. Training materials that are at the unclassified level will be made available through the unclassified LAN system. Classified material will be retained on a closed classified network at the base. |
| 18 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.6.2, Reference states "The contractor shall provide dedicated on-site personnel to manage and support the TMS/LMS." | a. Is it the requirement of the Government that all Success Factors, TMS/LMS, portals, etc., hardware and software solutions be maintained on-site with the FTU? Request the Government clarify this requirement. The reference suggests the Government is mandating an implementation solution for the TMS/LMS capabilities. | a. Contractor will provide a TMS/LMS FTE on site to manage the system. |
| 19 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.5.6, Reference "The contractor shall have all licenses, hardware, software and the authority to operate at contract start." To develop a TMS/LMS strategy to meet transition timelines requires more details than what is provided in the PWS. | a. Recommend the Government provide the current database schema and logical size of data that needs to be migrated. Request the Government provide the current database SQL schema definition to enable bidders to what information is available that will need to be ported to the new TMS/LMS. | a. The current Success Factors system is an Oracle database. |
| 20 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.5.6, Reference "The contractor shall have all licenses, hardware, software and the authority to operate at contract start." More information on the status of the current TMS/LMS is needed. | a. Is the current Electronic Gradebook considered Government proprietary and included as Government Furnished software/data during transition? | a. The current database, data and files will be transferred at the beginning of the phase in period of the contract using external hard drives. |
| 21 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.5.6, Reference "The contractor shall have all licenses, hardware, software and the authority to operate at contract start." More information on the status of the current TMS/LMS is needed. | a. Is the current Learning Management System (LMS) considered Government proprietary and included as Government Furnished software/data during transition? | a. The current database, data and files will be transferred at the beginning of the phase in period of the contract using external hard drives. |
| 22 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.5.6, Reference "The contractor shall have all licenses, hardware, software and the authority to operate at contract start." More information on the status of the current TMS/LMS is needed. | a. Is the current Training Management System (LMS) considered Government proprietary and included as Government Furnished software/data during transition? | a. The current database, data and files will be transferred at the beginning of the phase in period of the contract using external hard drives. |
| 23 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 9, para 1.2.3.5.6, Reference "The contractor shall have all licenses, hardware, software and the authority to operate at contract start." We have many questions related to the current status and requirements of the TMS/LMS and LMS portal capabilities. To numerous to be asked and answered during the Q&A process. | a. Recommend the Government provide a comprehensive overview and Q&A period during the Pre-proposal conference. This should include a demonstration of the current TMS/LMS and LMS Portal. | a. During the Preproposal Conference there will be a demo of the current Success Factors system as well as the ability to ask questions. |
| 24 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 11, para 1.4.1, Reference "training device instructors are required to meet AFI 11-2F-15E V1, AFI 11-2F-16 V1, AFI 11-2F-22A V1 and MDS-specific RTM BMC requirements to maintain instructor certification (see paragraph 4.5 (3))." | a. Will the Government provide MDS-specific TRM BMC requirements to bidders for use in developing the Training and Certification Plan? Since the Government includes MDS-specific TRM BMC requirements as part of instructor certification, bidders need to know the extent of continuation training required to factor it into staffing approaches. Recommend the Government provide access to MDS-specific RTM BMC requirements. | a. MDS-specific RTM BMC requirements will be made available to the contractor at Phase IN if required. An estimate of this requirements has been factored into the training device workload tables. |
| 25 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 17, para 3.2.5, Reference states "The contractor will be responsible for the maintenance, and CSSO duties (i.e. accreditation), and upgrade of all components, hardware, and software of the contractor’s Intranet file server and computers." Requirement references an "Intranet file server". | a. Additional information is required to understand the requirement and provide appropriate support. Recommend the Government provide technical information on the Intranet file server referenced by the requirement. | a. The unclassified LMS is separated in two different systems. The courseware production is internal to the USAF LAN system at the 4TS. It resides on govt servers where it is developed and revised. Courseware is then distributed to the Success Factors system where is can be accessed by staff and students. Classified material is developed and stored on the classified 4 FW Strike Net LAN system. Current Intranet files server information is Total Allocated Size is approximately 180 GB and space utilized is approximately 50 GB. |
| 26 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 19, para 4.1.2, Reference states "The contractor shall employ a minimum of one person who has graduated from a formal ISD course or equivalent. This person shall be stationed at the same base as the Air Force Operations Training Development (OTD) team for contracted system and shall review all contractor written or revised courseware." | a. Where is the Air Force OTD team located? Please state where the Air Force OTD team is located for clarification. | a. For this contract, the USAF F-15E OTD team is located at ACC TRSS Det 15 at Seymour Johnson AFB. |
| 27 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 20, para 4.1.5.5, Reference states "The contractor will provide one scheduler for each flight line squadron." Recommend the Government identify each flight line squadron that requires a scheduler. | a. Request the Government identify each flight line squadron for which bidders must provide a scheduler. | a. The contractor will provide a scheduler for the 4th Training Squadron (Academic) and each flying training squadron (333rd, 334th) as well as two operational flying squadrons (335th/336th). |
| 28 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 20, para 4.1.5.5, Reference states "The contractor will provide one scheduler for each flight line squadron." | a. Are flight line schedulers a dedicated full time FTE for each squadron? Request the Government clarify the requirement for flight line schedulers. | a. Yes, each scheduler at Seymour Johnson is a FTE. |
| 29 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 25, para 4.3.7, Reference states "Personnel assigned to this project will require access to information up to and including Top Secret/SCI-SAP." It has been our experience the Government's process to adjudicate personnel is very slow and may require more than what the Transition Period (60 days) allows. Since the Transition Period will occur during Dec 2016 and Jan 2017, the process may experience additional delays. Even though the winning bidder will more than likely transition a majority of the incumbent staff, SAP access does not transfer in status and may take an extended period to be granted. This is out of the control of the winning bidder. | a. Recommend the Government coordinate with the HQ ACC and/or other program SAP approving authorities to obtain agreements for expedited processing of SAP access during the transition period. | a. Government is prepared to work with HQ ACC and local CVN to process SAP during the Phase IN period. |
| 30 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 25, para 4.3.11, Reference states " At the Langley AFB, VA, F-22A MTC, security will be a dedicated position with duties IAW Appendix 7." The requirement to have a "dedicated position" is ambiguous. If the Government requires the position to be filled by 1 FTE and that is not part time or an Instructor, then so state. | a. Does the Government require 1 FTE to perform this work? | a. Correct, the Langley Security manager is a required FTE and has been the focal point for security for all contract security issues. |
| 31 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 26, para 4.5(3), Reference states "Maintain BMC minimum number of simulator flights per year to maintain proficiency." Requirement does not state the minimum requirement for proficiency. | a. Will the Government provide BMC requirement to bidders for review? Recommend the Government provide BMC requirements to provide an understanding of proficiency requirements. Rationale: This is needed to understanding the non-instruction time spent on contract. | a. Minimum BMC simulator flights refers to a minimum of 2 simulators sorties per month. This requires the contractor to fly in the seat a minimum of 2 times per month. This can be accomplished as part of a training event filling in during a multi-ship mission (Appendix 4) or during a contractor proficiency sortie. This basic requirment is factored into the Training Device workload tables. |
| 32 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 26, para 4.4(3)(a), Reference states "F-15E FTU instructors will maintain the same simulator currency/qualification requirements as military FTU instructors IAW AFI11-2F-15EV1 and the current RTM." Requirement does not state the RTM requirement. | a. Will the Government provide RTM requirements to bidders for review? Recommend the Government provide RTM requirements for better understanding of simulator currency/qualifications. Rationale: This is needed to understanding the non-instruction time spent on contract. | a. MDS-specific RTM BMC requirements will be made available to the contractor at Phase IN if required. An estimate of this requirements has been factored into the training device workload tables. |
| 33 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 28, para 4.7.1, Reference states "The contractor shall develop ICW to run properly on the ACC computer configuration." | a. What is the current ACC computer configuration? Recommend the Government provide technical specifications (hardware, software) of the ACC computer configuration. | a. Computers at Seymour Johnson to develop ICW are govt owned and provided for the contractor for their use. If the contractor is required to provide a computer, the ACC computer configuration is basically a computer set up with appropriate hardware to run Windows 10 along with Microsoft Office 2013. Information on Computers and Courseware will be available upon request at the Preproposal Conference. |
| 34 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 37, para A1.2.1, The referenced table does not provide length of courses. Length of courses are needed to develop adequate staffing solutions. This includes accounting for course overlaps and times of simultaneous instruction. | a. Recommend the Government add a course length column to the table. | a. Course length can vary, average course length for the F-15E BQ is 165 days (56 ground training days, 109 flying training days). F-15E TX courses can range from 18-112 training days. Instructor course 101 training days and Senior Officer Course (SCO) range from 15-26 training days. Specific syllabi will be available for review at the Preproposal Conference. |
| 35 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 37, para A1.2.1, Would the Government entertain adding a schedule chart to Appendix 1? The FTU schedule chart would show a notional layout of all courses over a typical fiscal year. Understanding actual or potential overlaps in scheduling is critical to proper staffing. | a. Would the Government entertain adding a schedule chart to Appendix 1? Request the Government add a FTU schedule chart to Appendix 1. | a. An example FTU course schedule will be made available during the Pre-Proposal conference. |
| 36 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 37, para A1.2.1, The performance start date is 1 February 2017. Would the Government identify which classes will be in-progress on 1 February? This information is needed to understand requirements for the transition period. | a. Would the Government identify which classes will be in-progress on 1 February? Request the Government add a FTU schedule chart to Appendix 1 so bidders have an understanding of what classes will be on-going on 1 Feb 2017. | a. See A1.2.1 for annual class numbers. The FTU is continuous; there are no breaks, specific class schedules vary and there are at least five classes in session at any one time. |
| 37 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 37, para A1.3, Reference states " I/SME hours within the CAT portion of the contract can be moved within the contract as long as the total hour + 10% is not exceeded (example: F-15E device instruction hours can be used to teach IRC if required)" . | a. Why is requirement in the PWS. CAT and CWD CLINS are FFP. It is up to the bidder to manage I/SME use to best serve the requirement. Also, we do not see any provisions to report how I/SME hours are allocated and used during execution. Recommend the Government clarify this requirement or remove it from the PWS. | a. The total estimated hours for academic and simulator instruction are consider a total amount of workload. If either is underutilized at each site, it may be used to accomplish the other training activity. If the total amount required exceed 10% then a contract modification will be required. |
| 38 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 38, para A1.3.1.2.1, Reference table, last entry SOC 2 Ship. The number "8.50" under column for Instructor Hrs/Event does not appear to follow the calculation method in the Note provided. | a. Request the Government update the Note to provide the specific calculation used when determining Column J of the table. Rationale: Under certain conditions, the formula for column 'j" is not used. This is when the "Note" should be applied; however, the Note does not provide a formula to use. And it appears "8.50" is an incorrect entry for the SOC 2 Ship. | a. Under the SOC course the debrief time is 15 minutes less and when applied to two instructors the total time is 30 minutes less or 8.5. |
| 39 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 41, para A1.2.5.1, Reference table, entry for CT/MQT Academics, column e does not appear to be correct. Using the equation, the results are .375, not .40. | a. Request the Government clarify the correct entry. | a. If you were referring to Para 1.3.5.1, CT/MQT Academics, the excel document rounded up the time to.4. and this did not affect the overall calculations. |
| 40 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 41, para A1.2.5.1, Reference table, entry for CT/MQT Academics, column f does not appear to be correct. Applying the correct answer for column e, the results for column f should be 1.88. | a. Request the Government clarify the correct entry. | a. If you were referring to Para 1.3.5.1, CT/MQT Academics, the excel document rounded up the time to.4. and this did not affect the overall calculations. |
| 41 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 41, para A1.2.5.1, Reference table, entry for CT/MQT Academics, column g does not appear to be correct. Applying the correct answers for column e & f, the results for column g should be 45.12. | a. Request the Government clarify the correct entry. | a. If you were referring to Para 1.3.5.1, CT/MQT Academics, the excel document rounded up the time to.4. and this did not affect the overall calculations. |
| 42 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 42, para A1.4.1.2, Reference states "Each site will account for the actual spent time (example: a new 2-ship TIC File was produced for the F-15E MTC and it took 8.5 hours vs. the 11.5 allocated) on TIC/Mission File Workload and annotate the hours in the monthly report." While individuals performing TIC/Mission File updates are covered under an FFP CLIN, we assume the requirement to track actual hours spent vs allocated is for Government historical knowledge. | a. Request the Government explain the reason(s) behind the requirement to track and annotate TIC/Mission File actual workloads in the monthly report. | a. As the contractor performs this requirement, it may not take as long as projected to perform. Per first sentence PWS 1.4.1.2 As the time spent on TIC/Mission Files is dependent upon a number of factors (file complexity, single or 2-ship, etc.) the estimates above may or may not reflect the actual time required to complete the task. Therefore the government requires the contractor to track and report actual time spent on TIC support. The government will supply tracking templates for the contractors use during the Phase In period. |
| 43 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 43, para A1.4.1.3, Reference states "...programs (A1.5.1.1 already includes these times as part of the “Verify” estimate)." The reference to A1.5.1.1 does not appear to be correct. | a. Please clarify. Request the Government check the accuracy of reference to A1.5.1.1 as applied to the referenced paragraph. | a. Reference was referencing Para 1.4.1.1 and will be corrected. |
| 44 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 54, para A.7.2 (15), Reference deliverable is "Syllabi". Will the Government provide access to current syllabi for reference when developing offers? | a. Request the Government provide bidders access to all current syllabi. | a. Copies of syllabi will be available for review during the Preproposal Conference. Syllabi will be provided to the incoming contractor during Phase IN period. |
| 45 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 54, para A.7.2 (16), Reference deliverable is "Training Task List". | a. Will the Government provide access to current Training Task Lists for reference when developing offers? Request the Government provide bidders access to all current Training Task Lists. | a. Copies of TTLs will be available for review during the Preproposal Conference. TTLs will be provided to the incoming contractor during Phase IN period. |
| 46 | 12-May-16 | PWS - Page 54, para A.7.2 (17), Reference deliverable is "Briefing Room Interactive". Will the Government provide access to current Briefing Room Interactive (BRI) specifications and requirements documents for reference when developing offers? | a. Request the Government provide bidders access to all current BRI specifications and requirements. | a. Access to BRI will be available for review during the Preproposal Conference. |
Q&A 23 May 16
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