KDAM_ATARS_Industry_Day_QA_v5.pdf

KDAM ATARS Industry Days Q&A

Question: What is the difference between experience and past performance?

Answer: Section L has been updated to include the definition of experience (see Section L, Paragrah 5).

Question: Will DMO modifications be part of the KDAM ATARS contract?

Answer: It will depend on the MDS. The KDAM ATARS contractor will only be responsible for device modifications for the UH-1N and HH-60G as driven via TSSC tasks or via ECPs, when appropriate.

Question: Will the government provide the annual instruction hours?

Answer: The Government will provide the number of students attending each course and the syllabus for each course. The contractor will determine the number of employees to meet these requirements.

Question: Will the government provide the PFT for previous years and FY16/17 projections?

Answer: Yes

Question: Will the government provide new lesson equivalent data?

Answer: The government does not capture courseware development in terms of new lesson equivalent data. The government has provided TCP history in the bidder’s library.

Question: How many LMS licenses will be required?

Answer: LMS bill data will be provided as part of the software license agreement provided in the bidder’s library.

Question: Is there a central database management framework for GTIMS?

Answer: No, there is not a central database for GTIMS, it is managed per site.

Question: What is the configuration and version of GTIMs?

Answer: Current version of GTIMS is located in bidder’s library; Browser 1.7.25.1.

Question: What is the requirement for in-flight instructors?

Answer: There is no requirement for in-flight instructors, at this time. The PWS has been updated.

Question: When will CBAs be provided?

Answer: CBAs will be provided mid-end May. CBAs will be for the current ATARS II prime.

Question: Where is the TSSC located and how many TSSCs are there?

Answer: The TSSC requirements are performance based. Location and number of TSSCs is up to the contractor. Same for courseware.

Question: Will there be any new documentation with the RFP?

Answer: Updated documents will be issued by mid-end May, prior to final RFP.

Question: Why are there three different transition period lengths?

Answer: Transition period will be driven by contract award date.

Question: Is there a key personnel requirement? Are resumes required?

Answer: No

Question: Are there any tasks not being done on the current contract that the KDAM ATARS contractor will be required to perform?

Answer: The KDAM ATARS contract is structured differently; performance based. All KDAM ATARS requirements are identified within the PWS.

Question: What are the labor categories required for the contract? Are they limited to those provided in the CLIN matrix?

Answer: Labor categories provided in the table rate matrix were for example purposes only and are not limited to those included in the example. Labor categories shall be provided for all contractor positions.

Question: Will the current graduation rates be provided?

Answer: Similar information is provided in the bidder’s library. However, please note graduation rates will be calculated differently under KDAM ATARS.

Question: Are there any specific innovations the government is looking for?

Answer: There is no requirement for innovation. However, innovation may be included within a contractor’s approach.

Question: Is the government looking for details on transition planning?

Answer: Yes, the contractor’s transition approach is evaluated under Technical Subfactor #1.

Question: What activities will be disrupted during transition?

Answer: Nothing will be stopped during transition. Lockheed Martin will be responsible for all activities during transition and the new contractor will take over on 1 Oct 16.

Question: Will oral presentations be allowed?

Answer: Government is considering.

Question: Is the Government considering placing any limitations on teaming or cross-teaming?

Answer: The Government is not considering limiting teaming arrangements or cross teaming.

Question: Is the contractor responsible for all spares and consumables as part of CLS and

TSSC?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for all spares and all consumables associated with CLS and TSSC, to include repair, replenishment, and replacement. See PWS Para 2 (a). For further information on materiel management, please refer to AFI 23-101.

Question: Why is technical subfactor #2 weighted equally to subfactor #1 when it is a small percentage of the overall contract workload?

Answer: Modifications are a critical piece needed to ensure simulator concurrency with the weapon system and enable training.

Question: Can the government provide data from the UH-1N HTAWS/TCAD modification done at Joint Base Andrews on the current ATARS contract?

Answer: No, the training system modification done at Joint Base Andrews is different than what is being asked as part of the KDAM ATARS RFP. However, the modifications to the UH-1N weapon system are provided in the SOO-Exhibits A and B.

Question: Will the government consider increasing the page limits for the technical subfactors, given the addition of experience?

Answer: The government has evaluated and decided to maintain the page limits as published in the draft RFP.

Question: What is the definition of a stick-shaker?

Answer: Please see PWS Para 4.7.1 "The contractor shall provide personnel to cover training/mission positions made vacant by student absences so that training may continue without disruption" (they don’t have to have the flight controls to meet this definition )

Question: What are the ancillary tasks instructors are no longer required to perform?

Answer: The current ATARS II contract requires instructors to perform specific, non-instruction related tasks such as courseware reviews, etc. KDAM ATARS requires all of these tasks to be performed by personnel with the knowledge and experience to meet the requirements (PWS Paragraph 1(c)), but does not dictate the specific means or methods.

Question: Can the government provide additional information on the commercial training that may be required?

Answer: The government will update and provide a list of commercial training courses required as part of the pricing matrix within the Commercial Training price list.

Question: How will the government ensure CBAs are used by all bidders?

Answer: KDAM ATARS model contract includes FAR clause 52.222-41.

Question: Does the government have any projections of future UH-1N and HH-60 modifications?

Answer: Modifications to the UH1N and HH60G aircraft will be incorporated into the KDAM ATARS contract via an Engineering Change Proposal. The Government cannot guarantee future modifications to the UH1N and HH60G aircraft and training system.

Question: Will the government allow for multiple solution options to be submitted as part of the Technical Subfactor #2 modification approach?

Answer: No, the government will not allow multiple or alternative proposals.

Question: Can the government clarify KDAM ATARS contractor travel requirements?

Answer: The KDAM ATARS contract will be responsible for all travel costs required to accomplish the contract requirements (see PWS Para 1.2).

Question: Will the government provide a list of companies with whom ACAs are required?

Answer: Please see AFLCMC/WNS-H003 for ACA requirements.

Question: How is past performance considered on an informal mentor-protégé agreement?

Answer: The government does not recognize any “informal” agreements, therefore, past performance would not be assignable on an informal agreement. An informal mentor protégé is considered a normal teaming arrangement and will be treated as such.

Question: How will cybersecurity impact the current systems?

Answer: Cybersecurity requirements are rapidly evolving. The KDAM ATARS contractor will be responsible for management and monitoring all device changes to ensure cybersecurity is maintained and all cybersecurity requirements are met.

Question: How will performance threshold issues be addressed where multiple contractors touch devices?

Answer: Identification of which contractors impact site availability and/or on-time graduation will be adjudicated at that time.

Question: Will the government be hosting any site visits?

Answer: There will be no government hosted site visits. The DD 254 has been provided in the draft RFP and can be used for contractors to visit any of the KDAM ATARS locations.

Question: How is surge defined and what are the allowances for execution? How will that be managed for cost reimbursement?

Answer: Surge is defined as an increase in student bands within a period of performance.

Question: What is the expectation for OPFOR events per month (it’s highlighted and not defined in Attachment 21)? Any expectation by type? What is to be priced?

Answer: The expectation for OPFOR events per month will be 1/12 of the total yearly events.

OPFOR is banded by events per year. An OPFOR pricing worksheet has been added to the Pricing matrix.

Question: What would be the projected quantity of database artifacts (Target Areas, etc.) per geocell to support the pricing process? Does this include the integration into the baseline (through testing) or just the creation of the geocell?

Answer: A geocell should be priced based on a standard, basic geocell. If airfields, target areas, etc. are required within the geocell, they will be added based on the CLIN price for each element (by airfield, by target area, etc.). All elements should be integrated into the baseline.

Question: For DMO pricing, is there any separation between the skills which support the prep, execution and debrief events or is this to be a blended effort?

Answer: DMO pricing bands are for the number of hours required to meet the DMO support requirements, across all skill sets.

Question: Does the successful offeror need to team with the incumbent to win?

Answer: The Government has no expectation or expectations of teaming, partnering, etc. All offerors will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the final RFP. While there are similarities between ATARS II and KDAM ATARS, there are significant changes in requirements, responsibilities, approaches, etc. and offerors need to respond to THIS requirement.

Question: The list of Referenced Documents on page 6 lists “AR 95-20”, however “AR” is not defined in the list of ACRONYMS on page 8. In addition, KAFBI and NAVAIRINST are not listed in the acronyms. (KAFBI is defined in the body of the document) Answer: AR 95-20 and reference to NAVAIRINST have been removed from the PWS along with the rest of paragraph 4.7.4.4 for in-flight instructors. KAFBI has been added to the acronym list.

Question: PWS para. 1.26 b) states in part “The Contractor shall utilize the .mil network in performance of requirements of this contract.” Does the government believe the speeds available on the .mil Network will adversely affect performance?

Answer: No

Question: Section J, Attachment 5, Draft Pricing Matrix and Instructions, 6 Apr 15, page 2 or 4:

Paragraph on CLS Add device Option Matrix references “paragraph i”. Is this the correct paragraph reference?

Answer: Corrected

Question: PWS para. 1 states “The Contractor shall provide all…hardware, software, materials, equipment, consumables, peripherals, tools…” Does the Government expect the Contractor to incur all costs associated with replacing Government Furnished Property (GFP) when such property becomes obsolete?

Answer: IAW with PWS 2.5 b), The Contractor shall report obsolete items on AFTO 781s and replace with FORM, FIT, and Function substitutes. The Contractor is responsible to incur costs when there is a FORM, FIT, and Function replacement available. If there is no form, fit, and function replacement part available, the AFTO 781 will be categorized as a priority 6 or 7. IAW PWS 2.5 c), The Contractor shall work within the DCRB to manage Priority 6 and 7 AFTO 781s.

Question: PWS para. 1b states “The Contractor shall operate and maintain all assets listed within Section J, Attachment 7 – Asset List, and equipment within specifications and operational limits. Can the Government define the specifications and operational limits of the “58 SOW Wing Small Computer Local Area Network (LAN)” and “SMART-NET Simulator Support Network (SSN)” devices at Kirtland and the Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) Equipment at Davis-Monthan, Kirtland, and Moody as shown in the asset list?

Answer: There are no specifications and operational limits documented for the LAN and SMART-NET. Both should be maintained based on classifications. DMO equipment is part of the aircrew training device or the network and has been removed from the asset list.

Question: PWS para. 1g states “the Contractor shall incur a 1-year employment commitment”.

Does the Government mean “the trainee shall incur a 1-year employment commitment”?

Answer: Contract is with the prime, not the employee. If the trainee leaves before a year, the contractor is responsible for training a new employee at contractor’s cost.

Question: PWS para. 1.4 states “The Contractor shall support AIBs and SIBs as requested by the…COR”. Can the Government provide historical data regarding the number of AIBs and SIBs the contractor may be required to support?

Answer: There has been 1 AIB/SIB in the last 4 years. The Contractor shall provide 1 AIB/SIB per year.

Question: PWS para. 1.21 states “The Contractor shall provide, implement, and maintain a requirements-driven EMP for execution of program requirements of this post-Milestone C program.” Can the Government explain or define what a “post-Milestone C program” is, or what this phrase refers to?

Answer: PWS para 1.21 is for the SEMP (Systems Engineering Management Plan). Please refer to the DID referenced in the PWS for clarification on SEMP requirements. The ATARS program is post milestone-C and has no future acquisition milestones.

Question: PWS para. 1.26 states “The Government will provide and maintain USAF standard configuration on-base desktop computer connected to the .mil network.” Can the Government elaborate on what this means in terms of providing Automated Information Systems (AIS) in support of this contract and who will provide day-to-day operational and maintenance support for these systems?

Answer: If the government provides the AIS, the government will provide maintenance of the system and/or the FSA (designated by the contractor) will provide maintenance. Any contractor provided AIS will be operated and maintained by the contractor. Please note, any contractor provided AIS loaded on the .mil network must have an ATO.

Question: PWS para. 2b)ii states “The Contractor shall provide CLS to ensure all training devices are mission-capable IAW the Minimum Essential Subsystem List (MESL) and maintain the performance levels specified in the Qualification Test Guide (QTG) and Technical Data Package (TDP) for each device. Can the Government provide the current MESL, QTG and TDP for each device?

Answer: MESLs will be provided in the bidder’s library. Full TDPs and QTGs are available at each of the KDAM ATARS sites. Offerors may visit each site utilizing the DD 254 and contacting Valerie Wetzel, (937) 255-5062, valerie.wetzel@us.af.mil.

Question: PWS para. 2d)iii states “The Government will provide areas…at Kirtland AFB for Contractor use to warehouse parts and storage.” Will the Government provide parts warehousing and storage at any of the other sites?

Answer: PWS has been updated. Storage space for spares will be provided at Kirtland, Davis- Monthan, and Moody AFBs. At the current time, there is no storage space at Joint Base Andrews.

Question: PWS para. 2g states “The Contractor shall provide System Administrator support for KDAM ATARS networks.” System Administration is a Tier 2 function. Can the Government identify who shall be responsible for providing Tier 1 desktop support for KDAM ATARS mailto:valerie.wetzel@us.af.mil networks? How will reach back support be implemented and categorized with regards to systems administration and network support? What is the scope at all sites?

Answer: Anything on the .mil network is maintained by AFNET. This contract requires the contractor to be a Functional Systems Administrator (FSA) for the AF GIG to facilitate actions at every site.

Question: PWS para. 2j)ii.d states “Ship components to VTRAT sustainment Contractor as needed.” Can the Government provide historical data regarding how many shipments like this are required annually?

Answer: Historically, there have been 4 items shipped in the last 4 years.

Question: PWS para. 2.1.1c states “Maintenance Debriefs Required after each scheduled event.” Section J, Attachment 7 – Asset List indicates the 58 SOW Wing Small Computer Local Area Network (LAN) is a Class A device. Can the Government elaborate on what shall be considered a “scheduled event” as they pertain to utilization of the LAN? Does the Government’s position also apply to PWS para. 2.1.3c as it relates to the SMART-NET Simulator Support Network (SSN) and Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) Equipment devices which are classified as Class D devices?

Answer: The 58 LAN and DMO equipment have been removed from the asset list. There are no specific events tied to the SMART-NET. The SMART-NET is utilized within scheduled events and any issues associated with SMART-NET performance will be part of the de-brief for aircrew training device scheduled events.

Question: PWS para. 2.4a states “The Contractor shall utilize the AFTO Form 781 series…to document all required inspections, maintenance actions, when as asset listed within Section J, Attachment 7 – Asset List are not performing IAW the accepted performance baseline…” Does this requirement apply to the KDAM ATARS Networks?

Answer: PWS updated; Created new Asset Class B to encompass assets that do not require AFTO Form 781s or maintenance debriefs.

Question: PWS para. 2.4b states “The Contractor shall accomplish maintenance debriefs with instructors and or crew members immediately upon completion or termination of all scheduled events to document CLS discrepancies.” Does this requirement apply to the KDAM ATARS Networks? If so, can the Government elaborate on what shall be considered a scheduled event as they pertain to KDAM ATARS Networks?

Answer: See previous answer.

Question: PWS para. 3.vi states in part “The Contractor shall also install up to two (2) software FLASH releases per year provided by the Government as GFP.” What is a FLASH release?

FLASH is not defined in the acronyms list.

Answer: FLASH is the software release from Hill AFB for VTRAT maintenance.

Question: PWS para. 4j states “The Contractor shall help catch to missing students outside of class.” Can the government clarify the intent of this statement? Was it the Government intent to say “help catch up missing students”?

Answer: Yes, PWS updated.

Question: PWS para. 4.1 - 3 states in part “The Contractor shall provide and maintain a LC at Kirtland AFB for student training and self-study. The LC shall include: … 3. LMS/Courseware access….4. Learning-center system “trouble tickets” and resolution.” How will LMS and LCMS assets related to courseware exist and function within the .mil network?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for maintaining the LMS and LCMS on the .mil network, reference PWS para 5.2(a).

Question: PWS para. 4.4 a) states “The Contractor shall operate the Live Fire Trainer(s) to include transporting it to and from local designated firing ranges on Kirtland AFB, NM. The Government will transport Government personnel.” Is it the responsibility of the Contractor to provide a vehicle to transport the trainers? How many devices need to be transported and how many times a year?

Answer: Reference PWS Para 4.4 for Live Fire Trainer requirements. Contractor is responsible for transportation of the trainer when needed to meet training requirements.

Question: PWS para. 4.6c states “The Contractor shall transfer training records to alumni’s unit of assignment and shall ensure students cannot modify student records or access privileged system files.” Can the Government provide examples of what constitutes “privileged system files”?

Answer: Privileged system files are files that students should not have access to.

Question: PWS para. 4.7.2 states “The Contractor shall implement, utilize and update GTIMS databases as required…” Is GTIMS installed and available at all KDAM ATARS sites?

Answer: GTIMS is available at all sites utilizing GTIMS (Kirtland, Davis-Monthan, and Moody AFB). Joint Base Andrews utilizes paper files.

Question: PWS para. 5.1D states “The Contractor shall ensure all courseware is delivered in HTML5 or the most current version (as coordinated with the Government), and unclassified courseware is executable on Government-PMO-approved mobile devices. Classified Courseware shall be developed and delivered via classified networks.” Does the contractor have a requirement to convert existing materials? If so, how many courses and course hours?

Answer: Courseware is in various formats, as we are currently modifying it. The KDAM Contractor, when they make changes to courseware, will provide that courseware in HTML 5 format. Much of the courseware will be changed to HTML5 by the time KDAM starts.

Contractors are welcome to go to Kirtland and review.

Question: PWS 5.2.1b states “The Contractor shall ensure the Government provided Content Repository (part of the LCMS) contains all Lesson assets (text, pictures, graphics, animations, etc.) used to develop or update the courseware throughout the life cycle of the contact.” Does this include obsolete text, pictures, graphics, and animations, etc?

Answer: Yes

Question: PWS para. 5.5 refers to Distributed Learning. Are there plans for regional datacenters to store copies of material due to the limited bandwidth on the .mil network?

Answer: No

Question: PWS para. 6 a) refers to the Security System and supporting TS operations at Joint Base Andrews. If reach back support is to be considered, do some members of the Kirtland CSE team need to get TS clearances for Andrews?

Answer: The government does not dictate the means and methods of requirement accomplishment. Questions regarding TS clearances should be directed to Defense Security Service (DSS).

Question: PWS para. 7.2 refers to Database Production and Maintenance. Does the Government have plans to have the contractor migrate old node-locked software off aging systems to newer hardware? Does software need to be re written does this responsibility fall to the awardee contractor?

Answer: If computers with old-node locked software are refreshed, it will be the responsibility of the contractor to migrate. If software needs to be rewritten it will be covered by an ECP or an

ESM.

Question: PWS para. 7.2.5 states “The Contractor shall transmit a second copy [of the DBGS developed common database layers] to Hurlburt Field SOFPREP as an emergency recovery backup.” Does the Government have sufficient data storage capacity at SOFPREP to handle all of the DBGS data? Why not use a site under KDAM ATARS control for off-site emergency backups, like Davis-Monthan or Moody?

Answer: Yes the Government has data storage capacity at SOFPREP. The Government will not be adding a KDAM ATARS site for this control.

Question: PWS para. 8 refers to DMO. When will DMO be implemented for all sites?

Answer: All sites, except for Joint Base Andrews, will have DMO prior to award of the KDAM ATARS contract.

Question: PWS 8b states “The Contractor shall configure KDAM ATARS networks and devices to establish a connection and execute DMO.” Can the Government clarify their intent to execute DMO from all KDAM ATARS sites? Do any of the KDAM sites have DMO networks in place?

Answer: See answer to previous question for KDAM sites having DMO. DMO support is a banded level of support that will be executed as required.

Question: PWS para 8 c) state “The Contractor shall coordinate with non-KDAM ATARS programs to configure non-KDAM ATARS devices at non-KDAM ATARS sites to connect and participate in KDAM ATARS DMO events.” DO any of these non-KDAM program or sites require any special coordination or are they set up to respond to DMO support requests.

Answer: Other programs and sites are not identified at the present time and may be identified as events are planned; hence DMO support is banded.

Question: PWS para 8.4 a) states “The Contractor shall maintain and support the DMO network architecture on the KDAM ATARS program with the following features:” But no “Features” are identified. Can the Government provide the missing features?

Answer: PWS has been updated.

Question: PWS para, 8.4.1 a) states “The Contractor shall support and maintain the current distributed network connectivity, with a combination of T1 and DS3 lines along with the associated equipment required for encryption and dissemination.” Does the government have any other requirements to state? This technology is being phased out.

Answer: This is our requirement at the present time. If the requirement changes at a later date an ECP will be issued.

Question: PWS para, 8.4.1 b) states “The Contractor shall maintain a connection at Kirtland AFB to the Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC) and have a permanent connection to the Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON).” Will this be high side communication?

If so what are the bandwidth limitations?

Answer: Government is researching.

Question: PWS para. 10 addresses “SIMULATOR CERTIFICATION (SIMCERT) AND VALIDATION (SIMVAL), and TRAINING DEVICE ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT (TDAA).” What process does the government suggest to simtest a device or program that can’t be plugged into the smartnet because they don’t carry an accreditation to operate on the smartnet.

Answer: The contractor is only required to support SIMCERT and SIMVAL in accordance with PWS Para 10.

Question: Is the Contractor responsible for updating courseware impacted by the concurrency modification as part of the HTAWS/TCAD concurrency modification?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor shall identify and update courseware impacted by the concurrency modification.

Question: While the proposed spares list is a requirement of the SOO, are the actual spares to be provided as part of this concurrency modification?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for providing the initial spares as part of this concurrency modification. The Contractor is responsible for replacing all spares for the KDAM ATARS contract.

Question: Following modifications, we normally train the CLS technicians to maintain the updated device. Is this a requirement?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for CLS of all assets identified in Section J, Attachment 07 – Asset List. Also, PWS para 1. c) states “The Contractor shall provide management, support personnel, and staff who have thorough knowledge of their jobs, including the job duties and tasks, and the associated intellectual skills to accomplish job duties and tasks.” Therefore, the Contractor shall ensure their personnel have the knowledge and intellectual skills required to accomplish their job duties.