JMATS Pro Mod and TSSC RFI 2024.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training Systems (MATS) Procurement, Production, Modification and Training System Support Center (TSSC)

1.0 DESCRIPTION

1.1 The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Agile Combat Support Directorate, Simulators Program Office in support of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training Systems (MATS) is conducting market research to identify companies as potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for the development, production, and modification of C/KC/HC/MC/AC/EC-130J MATS training devices for the United States Air Force (USAF), the US Marine Corp (NAVAIR), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and other US Government Users. Additionally, The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Agile Combat Support Directorate, Simulators Program Office in support of the C-130J MATS TSSC is seeking information on potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements of the TSSC program. The training system tasks include analysis, design, development, installation, integration, test, database generation and database maintenance. Only United States companies will be considered for contract award. The incumbent owns all proprietary data such as software or aerodynamic flight test data for all C-130J aircraft types.

1.2 The acquisition strategy has not yet been determined. The purpose of this Sources Sought is to identify and document capable sources of supply so that an appropriate acquisition strategy decision can be accomplished. (i.e. Full and Open competition, sole source acquisition, a small business or other socioeconomic set aside, etc.). The National American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this action is 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), size standard 1,250 employees. Firms responding to this announcement should indicate their business size for NAICS code 336413.

1.3 THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ONLY in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 -- Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). This Sources Sought is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Air Force is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this Sources Sought; all costs associated with responding to this Sources Sought will be solely at the vendor’s expense. Not responding to this Sources Sought does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it may be synopsized on the System for Award Management (SAM) beta.sam.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

2.0 C-130J MATS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

2.1 The AFLCMC/WNS “Simulators” Division of the Agile Combat Support Directorate, is seeking sources of supply that can provide C-130J training devices to augment existing/fielded trainers in support of various customers. The training systems are located worldwide and include Weapon System Trainers (WSTs), Loadmaster Part Task Trainers (LMPTTs), Multi-Function Training Aids (MFTAs), Loadmaster Fuselage Trainers (FuTs), Enhanced Loadmaster Fuselage Trainers (EFuT), Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPTs), Engine Propeller Trainer (EPT), Flight Controls Trainer (FCT), Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainers (ICSTs), Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainers (EICSTs), Avionics System Management Trainer (ASMT), and Observer Training Aids (OTAs). These devices are used by the Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Combat Command (ACC) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air National Guard (ANG), United States Marine Corp (USMC), and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and will be baselined to their respective Design Basis Aircraft configurations to include hardware, software and courseware modifications. Additionally, all the devices are required to maintain concurrency with their respective aircraft configurations by incorporating block upgrade modifications when necessary and yearly concurrency/change management options to examine aircraft changes and how they impact the training devices. This Sources Sought does NOT include operations nor sustainment activities.

2.2 The Air Force intends to award a C-130J MATS production contract with up to 10 years of deliveries. The C-130J MATS devices were initially procured under a FAR Part 12 contract. Later contracts were awarded under FAR Part 15 and 16. The government has limited rights to the aero and performance data. The government does not have a license to use the design data for the WSTs, CPTs, FuTs, EPTs, FCTs and ICSTs. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (LM RMS), among others (CAE and Flight Safety International) have data assertions for the production of training devices on the C-130J program. The Government will not provide an aircraft or training device to obtain any of the aero or performance data required for this effort. Interested parties must contact LM RMS to obtain the data or get the right to use the data.

2.3 The acquisition may consist of the production of WSTs, LMPTTs, MFTAs, CPTs, OTAs, and FuTs. Some of these devices will be delivered to Continental United States (CONUS) operational sites and some may be delivered to locations Outside Continental United States (OCONUS). Production will include delivery, set up, site activations, and on-site acceptance testing, and possibly transition of the site and the device to a classified environment. Migrating devices to a Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) using either the Combat Air Forces (CAF) or the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) standards will be a requirement as well as delivery of new devices capable of operating in a DMO environment. DMO is the linking of multiple training devices on a common network to achieve a realistic synthetic training environment.

3.0 C-130J MATS TSSC PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1 The C-130J MATS program consists of supporting the following fielded Aircrew Training Devices (ATD) and Maintenance Training Devices (MTD) and training aids at the indicated locations:

CHANNEL ISLANDS

Remote CCMS

Remote CCMS

Remote CCMS

TRNG RM

TAMPA

3.2 The C-130J MATS TSSC program includes courseware development experts, database and model development and maintenance experts, and cybersecurity trained and qualified experts. Paragraph below, contains a partial summary of the main responsibilities expected of the TSSC. The C-130J MATS TSSC will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining Authorizations to Operate (ATOs) on each of the major devices and the Training Management System, and management of the Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) and Aviation Distributed Virtual Training Environment (ADVTE) functionality, without having to “reach-back” to the OEMs.

3.3 Potential growth. The C-130J MATS program is still growing and adding locations and devices as well as new device types. Supported customers (AMC, NAVAIR, USMC, ANG,) have plans to increase the number of devices and add additional locations in the near future. Respondents are reminded that additional responsibility and growth are likely as the C-130J MATS program brings in additional WST, FuT, OTA, CPT and other training aids that are not currently included in the above listing of supported devices.

3.4 Reconfigurable devices. The C-130J MATS system will include reconfigurable devices that can be changed between mission design series (MDS) and between operational “block” Operational Flight Program (OFP) to accommodate training at various locations. While the Operations and Sustainment contractor will be responsible for actual reconfiguration of the devices, the TSSC will be required to support software loads and manage configurations of each device in either configuration. For example: WST 8 may be configured for C-130J block 6.0 and be reconfigured to block 8.1 for a period, and then be reconfigured back into a block 6.0 device, multiple times. This is referred to as vertical reconfiguration (between blocks). Likewise, a device may be configured as a C-130J block 6.0 or 8.1, then be reconfigured into an HC-130J in block 6.25. This is referred to as horizontal reconfigurations (between MDS).

4.0 C-130J MATS REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The respondents are expected to demonstrate their capabilities to develop, produce, manufacture, modify, test, deliver, and install worldwide, each of the training devices mentioned above. This will include all required spares, support equipment, and tools. The objective of the C130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) acquisition is to support the C130J aircraft program by furnishing the using commands’ maintenance training devices, integrated aircrew training devices, training aides, block upgrades, and modifications and the accompanying systems engineering and program management.

4.2 These devices create a complex and sophisticated synthetic environment for aircrew and maintenance training. The highly complex computing systems work in concert to simulate the mission environment with a high degree of fidelity to facilitate learning and rehearsal. To meet the certification of training standards, there are stringent functional and performance requirements as well as FAA simulation standards (FAR part 60, level D).

4.3 Each of the training devices are made up of subsystems, and configuration of each device is governed by the associated specification. As an example, but not a complete listing, some of the “major” training systems consist of the following:

4.3.1 WSTs: The most complex of the devices are the Weapon Systems Trainers (WSTs). Production continues for every variation of the J model aircraft. Typical production will be based upon a design basis aircraft (DBA) to match configuration and functionality with fielded aircraft in every MAJCOM that operates the C-130J. Major components of the WSTs include: Glass and Mylar based visual display systems (up to 240x60 degrees field of view), image generation computers, motion systems, flight control loading systems, Instructor Operator Station (IOS), mission debrief station, virtual cargo compartment, the crew compartment, and a separate computer room. All aircraft systems are simulated (Environmental, fuel, communication, navigation, defensive systems, etc.)

4.3.2 FuTs: Fuselage trainers are used to train the Loadmaster (or Crewmaster for USMC). Like the WSTs, FuT production is based upon DBA. Major components of the EFuT can include an aircraft fuselage with fully functional cargo door and ramp, operational landing gear, flight controls and flaps, an IOS, a debrief station and a separate computer room. A decommissioned aircraft engine can be a part of the FuT. All phases of Loadmaster/Crewmaster training, including aircraft exterior checks on top of the aircraft must be instructed depending upon the customer requirements.

4.3.3 CPT: Cockpit Procedure Trainers embody most of the same major components as a full WST except for the visual systems and the motion. CPTs are used to train cockpit aircrew in procedures and techniques and include control loading and an IOS.

5.0 C-130J MATS TSSC REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Respondents to this Sources Sought Synopsis are expected to demonstrate their capabilities to complete all TSSC related efforts, at all operational sites to include within the Continental US (CONUS) and Outside CONUS (OCONUS). The Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air National Guard, and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR and/or US Marine Corp USMC) are the primary supported customers. Respondents should demonstrate their ability to conduct overall planning, directing, and controlling of the TSSC. Vendors should demonstrate their capability to establish real-time electronic access to key program data through a web-based system and provide visibility into program metrics. The Government maintains a separate contract for the operation and sustainment of the training devices and will require an associate contract agreement (ACA) between the TSSC provider and the Operations and Sustainment contractor. Likewise, the Government maintains a separate production contract and will require an ACA between TSSC and the production contractor as well.

5.2 The respondents must demonstrate their ability to perform training systems tasks and meet training support objectives. The training system tasks include analysis, design, development, installation, integration, test, database generation and database maintenance Tasks also include, documentation reviews, participation in design and management reviews, cost/schedule status tracking, technical data library management, and configuration and data management activities. The C-130J MATS TSSC is also responsible for cybersecurity throughout the C-130J MATS training system for all devices to include obtaining and maintaining Authority To Operate (ATO) on applicable devices and systems, as well as physical security at Little Rock AFB. Specific training system performance parameters will be defined by requirements unique to each platform’s mission and unique training needs.

5.3 The duties and function of the C-130J MATS TSSC further include, but may not be limited to:

5.3.1 Provide (TSSC) management including all required training media for AMC sites (e.g., computer-based training, texts, classroom training aids, classroom training equipment, O&S Contractor MILNET computer equipment, support software).

5.3.2 Manage the TSSC utilizing an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment that embodies Contractor, acquisition agency, and end-user participation and Operation and Sustainment (O&S) Contractor representation. The environment is intended to streamline management processes and provide the Government real-time electronic access to key program data and visibility into program metrics, schedule, technical and test performance, and program risk.

5.3.3 Maintain and update a Training Management System (TMS) and support Graduate Training Integration Management System (GTIMS) requirements as necessary to support and operate the C-130J MATS for AMC sites.

5.3.4 Manage and maintain a support package for the technical data required to sustain all C-130J MATS devices at all locations.

5.3.5 Update/modify system components and documentation.

5.3.6 Design, acquire/fabricate, modify, inspect, assemble, integrate, test, and validate computational resources, including the associated software, to support the training devices.

5.3.7 Provide the required labor and material to perform changes to hardware, software, and courseware. Also provide the required labor and material to perform courseware development for serviced customer(s).

5.3.8 Provide engineering labor and perform functions necessary to conduct studies to support engineering change proposals and provide expertise as needed for revision and maintenance changes.

5.3.9 Prepare feasibility studies.

5.3.10 Resolve Design Changes (DCs) and Instructional Change Requests (ICR) for courseware changes in accordance with (IAW) statement of work. Note: resolution of DCs may require use and access to proprietary data. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (LM RMS), CAE USA, and Flight Safety International each assert data rights to various portions of the C-130J MATS training systems. Respondents must obtain the data or get the rights to use the data. As a minimum, respondents must include in the response to this Sources Sought Synopsis, a letter from LM RMS stating their willingness to sell and/or share C-130J proprietary data for all C-130J aircraft types.

5.3.11 Provide rough orders of magnitude (ROM) and design change studies.

5.3.12 Provide a capability for prototyping functions such as development, H/W and S/W integration, and testing of simulator modifications.

5.3.13 Maintain configuration management (CM) for revision and maintenance change projects.

5.3.14 Operate the training management system (TMS) for AMC sites.

5.3.15 Maintain an evaluation system and use it to prioritize changes and evaluate student progress for AMC sites.

5.3.16 Distribute courseware and changes to courseware for AMC sites.

5.3.17 Maintain the C-130J MATS Master library, to include updating it for revision and maintenance change projects and distributing as well as all documentation required to operate the devices and the system (ex. Technical Data Packages (TDP), and sanitization instructions, etc.)

5.3.18 Provide Cybersecurity IAW DODI 8500.01 for all C-130J MATS devices.

5.3.19 Provide physical security management for the C-130J MATS program at Little Rock Air Force Base.

5.3.20 Provide on-site Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air National Guard (ANG) TSSC Engineering liaisons.

5.3.21 Provide pro-active Obsolescence identification.

5.3.23 Maintain, update, develop, and improve visual and radar data bases, and models as needed.

5.3.24 Obtain and maintain inputs to support multiple ATOs to the extent needed to permit continuous and persistent connection to the DMO network(s) without having to “reach-back” to the OEMs.

6.0 SOURES SOUGHT REQUESTED INFORMATION

Interested sources who can meet the stated requirements should provide a capabilities package that demonstrates the company’s relevant technical capabilities and clear understanding of the scope of the tasks in accordance with the following:

6.1 Describe briefly the nature of the goods and/or services that your firm provides.

6.2 Describe your company’s past experience on previous projects similar in nature and complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the items produced/delivered, other substantive information, and Government point of contact.

6.3 Describe your experience in the manufacture/fabrication of similar training devices/components.

6.4 Describe your capabilities and experience in managing hardware/software development projects of this nature, to include subcontractor involvement.

6.5 What quality assurance processes and test qualification practices does your company employ?

6.6 The submittal package must include a letter from Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems (LM RMS) stating their willingness to sell and/or share C-130J proprietary data such as software or aerodynamic flight test data for all C-130J aircraft types.

6.7 If the company lacks sufficient experience in a particular area, describe how it would overcome the lack of experience/capability in order to perform that portion of the requirement.

· Government-provided design/production data is not available and will not be provided.

· Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess the vendor’s capabilities.

6.8 The Contractor should provide appropriate technical details of their capabilities to substantiate that it would meet the Government’s requirements. Please discuss the company’s ability to develop, produce, manufacture, modify, test, deliver, and install worldwide, each of the training devices mentioned above.

7.0 RESPONSES

7.1. Interested sources who can meet the relevant capabilities and requirements should provide a capabilities package using MS-Word (limited to 10 single-sided 8.5 X 11 pages, size 12-point font, any Table of Contents and fold-outs count against the 10 page limits), with information describing the company’s technical expertise and experience, personnel and facilities, and motivation for participating in this program. Past project references must relate to the experience described in this request that have occurred within the past five (5) years. Any existing DoD contractual vehicles available for this Air Force organization to gain access to your services should be referenced with your submission. The capabilities package should present clear evidence that the vendor is fully capable of providing the requirements, and as such, may contain any information the interested vendor feels is relevant.

7.2. Responses must include the following information:

7.2.1. Company Name and Address

7.2.2. Point of contact name and title for further clarifications or questions

7.2.3. Point of contact Telephone Number, Email Address, and Web Page URL

7.2.4. CAGE Code

7.2.5. Company size: Number of employees and annual revenue

• If your response contemplates participating under a socioeconomic program, please discuss your compliance with FAR 52.219-14

7.2.6. Participation in the 8(a) Program including copy of letter from the Small Business Administration providing proof, if applicable.

7.2.7. Identify participation in any other socioeconomic programs (i.e. HUBzone, Service-Disabled-Veteran Owned, or Women-Owned small business set asides subject to FAR)

7.2.8. Provide IDIQ contracts available for use by the Air Force if any.

7.2.9. State if the firm intends to perform the work as the prime contractor or if it plans to subcontract with the prime contractor.

7.2.10. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract.

7.3. Capability Packages shall be submitted via email to ryan.masin.1@us.af.mil.

7.4. Contracting Officer:

Mr. Ryan Masin

AFLCMC/WNSK

2300 D Street Area B, Bldg. 32 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 ryan.masin.1@us.af.mil

(937) 307-2383

7.5. Capability Packages are due by 4:00 p.m. EDT on 21 Feb 24.

7.6. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or Contracting Officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Interested parties are invited to contact the AFLCMC Ombudsman, AFLCMC/AQ 1790 10th Street, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433, telephone: 937-255-5512 DSN 785-5512, email: ASCA@us.af.mil.

8.0 QUESTIONS

8.1. Any questions (technical, contractual, etc.) shall be submitted via email to ryan.masin.1@us.af.mil. Telephone inquiries are not acceptable. NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR SOLICITATION MATERIAL.

9.0 SUMMARY

9.1. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ONLY to identify sources that possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to meet the requirements for the development, production and maintenance of C/KC/HC/MC/EC-130J MATS training devices. The information provided in the Sources Sought is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this Sources Sought should not be construed as such a commitment, or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate.