351 SWTS_VWT PWS_17 Apr 2025.docx

Vertical Wind Tunnel Training Performance Work Statement (PWS) for 351 SWTS

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 The vertical wind tunnel is a valuable tool that enables parachutists to practice and improve body flight technique. It enables parachutists to practice emergency procedures while wearing military equipment, i.e. parachute and equipment bags in a controlled environment. This training is vital to keeping parachutists safe and proficient to accomplish their mission. The 351 Special Warfare Training Squadron (351st SWTS) utilizes the vertical wind tunnel as a requirement to perform emergency procedures for all Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer students prior to conducting Military Freefall Operations.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 Provide Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) Freefall Simulator Facility to be used for training.

3. SCOPE

3.1 The Contractor shall provide the personnel, management, materials, equipment, and facilities necessary to provide a VWT facility and training time to elevate the currency and proficiency levels of military freefall parachutists.

4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The Contractor shall provide a secure area for military personnel to conduct wind tunnel training and instruction. Facility will be sufficient in size to accommodate multiple personnel performing relative work training. The Contractor shall provide a clean, effective facility for the conduct of vertical wind tunnel training.

4.2 The Contractor shall provide for a VWT as follows:

4.2.1 Meet or exceed 14 feet in diameter, 52 feet in height, and contain a climate controlled, recirculating flight chamber; and

4.2.2 Accommodate four (4) students at one time and provide a wind tunnel that incorporates a make-up air system, allowing the antechamber to remain open while the tunnel runs.

4.3 Facility wind speed will be sufficient to lift all parachutists wearing tunnel-safe parachute rigs and equipment bags.

4.6 Contractor shall provide classroom facilities to accommodate fifteen (15) students; the classroom shall be equipped with a large high-definition screen and all electronics necessary for viewing any assessments and all visual training materials.

4.7 Contractor shall provide wind tunnel suits, helmets, and goggles for use by each student training in the VWT, as needed.

4.9 Contractor shall provide International Bodyflight Association (IBA) certified Instructors (L rated) or Trainers (T rated) at the appropriate skill level when coaching is required.

4.10 The Contractor shall provide an estimated 125 VWT hours per year, and 50 hours of coaching per year.

4.10.1 125 hours of Vertical Wind Tunnel – to be used as needed.

4.10.2 50 hours of coaching hours needed – to be used as needed.

4.11 Video Recording and Playback

4.11.1 Contractor shall provide equipment and personnel necessary to perform video recording and playback capabilities of all VWT training events.

4.11.2 The Contractor shall provide the capability for recording and playback to occur concurrently.

4.12 Scheduling and Access

4.12.1 The Government intends to provide the Contractor with tentative training schedules within thirty (30) days after contract award.

4.12.2 Schedule changes will be made no later than ten (10) business days prior to the start of each training event. All changes will be issued by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative.

4.12.3 The Government will provide the Contractor a tentative training plan ten (10) business days prior to the start of each training event so that the Contractor can provide a L or T rated instructor appropriate for the planned training.

4.12.4 During a Training Event, the Contractor shall provide access to the training facility from 0700 until 2200, including weekends and Holidays. The Government will coordinate with the Contractor for access outside of the normal scheduled work hours no later than seven calendar days in advance.

5. CONTRACTOR TRAVEL

5.1 Contractor travel is not authorized for this requirement.

6. SECURITY

6.1 Contractor shall establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect any and all nonpublic Government data to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Government data.

7. SAFETY

7.1 Nothing in this PWS, nor any Government action or failure to act in performance of the contract shall relieve the Contractor of its responsibility for the safety of the Contractor’s personnel and property, the Government personnel and property, and the general public. Furthermore, nothing in this PWS shall relieve the Contractor of its responsibility to comply with applicable Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations (including those requiring applicable licenses and permits) in connection with the performance of this contract.

7.2 The Contractor, along with Government, will ensure that Training Time Out (TTO) procedures (Verbal and Non-Verbal) are briefed and understood by all instructors and participants prior to the start of every evolution. A TTO will be implemented in any situation when students or instructors express concern for personal safety or a need to clarify procedures or requirements. Training must immediately cease until the situation or condition is returned to a safe state. Then and only then will training resume.

7.5 Safety and training related problems or mishaps involving or observed by the contractor shall be addressed immediately to the senior ranking Government Training Instructor present at the training location. The Contractor will ensure any mishaps or near mishaps are investigated, recorded, and reported to the Government.

7.6 The Contractor (including any subcontractor) shall have in place all required and appropriate Liability Insurance coverage at the minimum commercial industry standards to be used in the event of accident, injury, and/or damage related to activities under this contract. If requested by the Government, the Contractor shall furnish a Certificate of Insurance evidencing required coverage.

8. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY/EQUIPMENT/INFORMATION:

N/A

9. QUALITY CONTROL

9.1 The Contractor shall implement and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure work performed conforms to the scope of work and meets the requirements under this PWS. The QCP shall, at a minimum provide a method for performing inspections; identifying, correcting and preventing problems/defective service; addressing customer complaints, and improving the quality of services over the life of the contract.

10. QUALITY ASSURANCE

10.1 The Government reserves the right to perform inspections and surveillance to evaluate the Contractor’s compliance to the contract terms and performance of the requirements in the PWS. The Government will make every effort to ensure that the surveillance methods used are conducted in an objective, fair, and consistent manner.

10.2 In the event of unsatisfactory Contractor performance, the Contracting Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will issue a Performance Assessment Report (PAR) that will explain the circumstances and findings concerning the incomplete or unsatisfactory service. The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the PAR and respond in writing as to how he/she shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The Government will review the Contractor’s corrective action response to determine acceptability and will use any completed PAR as part of an overall evaluation of the Contractor’s performance when determining present or future contractual actions.

11. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

11.1 This service shall be provided by the contractor’s location