Attachment_1_Questions_and_Answers_Final.pdf

Questions from Industry

1. Will the government provide any aircraft data to include the Pilot flight manuals and emergency list to accurately model the simulations?

Answer 1:

No, it is expected that this information already exists within industry

2. I see no real level of fidelity stated in the RFP, It is assumed as a “demonstrator” that it will be in the range FAA FTD level 4. If this can be clarified then all bidders will has a definitive requirements expectation for the simulator and resulting cost/price.

Answer 2:

FAA FTD level 4 fidelity will meet the government’s need, as long as the simulator conforms to all other requirements in the RFP.

3. Is it a desire to have a simulator with all weapons and weapons systems functional or is it limited to VFR/IFR and emergency demonstrator?

Answer 3:

The requirement is for weapons and weapons systems functionality.

4. What is the audience of the simulator ( Pilots, Trainees, Public visitors ...)

Answer 4:

College students; some with flight experience (private pilot and instrument rating).

5. For the 3DOF system the motion angles expected seems to be more that a lot of existing simulators, do you want the pilots to have the impressions to bank of the stated angles or do you want the simulator to actually take the following angles "The simulator’s electric motors shall provide at least 50 degrees of pitch, 60 degrees of yaw, and 40 degrees of roll" - Same question for the 2 DOF simulator

Answer 5:

The electric motors of the simulator shall physically move the simulator to the bank angles stated in the requirement.

6. Can you clarify what level of realism you expect here : " The simulator shall be realistically designed to mimic the cockpit instrument configuration of the F-35B, F/A-18C, AH-1Z, and MV-22. The cockpit shall be ergonomically correct with throttle on the left and stick between the legs for MV-22 and F/A-18C aircraft. For F-35B and AH-1Z aircraft, the throttle/collective shall be mounted on the left and stick shall be mounted on the right. Stick and throttle components shall have the appearance and functionality of an actual military jet/helicopter. Rudder/anti-torque pedals shall be fully functional and adjustable forward and aft." When you state " be realistically designed to mimic the cockpit instrument configuration", do you mean it has to be photorealist and a pilot can think he is in the actual plane or do you mean it have to be located at the right positions with respect to the pilot position.

Answer 6:

The stick and throttle/collective shall be physically located in the correct position relative to the pilot position.

7. Would the image in attachment here be a good enough type of realism ?

Answer 7:

The photo does not show a full simulator, the throttle shown in picture provides a level of realism sufficient for that component

8. Could we setup a call to chat more about your need in order to provide the best answer we can ?

Answer 8:

This acquisition is a competitive requirement and a best value award. Section I of the solicitation states the government anticipates holding discussions but may award without dicussions. Therefore offerors should examine the solicitation in its entirety and ensure their proposal is complete in all respects upon submission.

9. [2.1.8.4] provides an exhaustive list of emergency procedures to be simulated

1) Could you provide a detailed list of what emergency procedures you require for each aircraft type device (F35, MV22, and AH-1Z)?

Answer 9:

The ability to execute emergency procedures will add a level of fidelity to the simulation experience. Basic fuel, electrical, and hydraulic failures should be simulated. An ejection scenario is preferred for jet aircraft.

10. [2.1.8.5] Have a complete worldwide terrain and airport (military and civilian) database

1) What is the required image resolution of the worldwide terrain?

Answer 10:

The resolution of the terrain shall scale to accurately show features as small as 7cm at closest viewing distance.

2) Does the worldwide terrain need to be populated with cultural, man-made, landmarks 3D-models for the entire globe?

Answer (2):

Yes.

3) How many airports Civilian and military are expected (per country)?

Answer (3):

Per country isn't a consideration, the primary consideration should be size and significance. A count in excess of 24,000 is expected.

4) What is the requested terrain resolutions required per airports?

Answer (4) :

The resolution of the terrain shall scale to accurately show features as small as 7cm at closest viewing distance.

5) What is the feature level of detail required per airport?

i. Only Runways?

ii. Runways, taxi ways?

iii. Runways, taxi ways, generic airport gates and buildings?

iv. Runways, taxi ways, Specific gates and buildings and imagery for each

Airport in the database?

Answer (5) Each airport should have a level of detail that correctly lays out runways, taxi ways, but can use generic buildings and gates. Each airport should also have generic ground traffic of commercial and private aircraft, fuel trucks, baggage carts, ect.

11. What is the overall program budget available for this acquisition?

Answer 11: This acquisition is a competitive requirement and a best value award. The budget will be based on the best value/quote for the government.

12. 2.1.5. Each flight simulator shall have a separated mounted functional instrument pod that houses radios, flight director, autopilot switches, landing gear and flaps (as appropriate).

a) Is this another element of the glass-mounted display, to include HUD?

Answer 12: Yes.

b) Are any mechanical “noises” expected when selecting “flaps”, landing gear, etc.?

Answer 12: Yes.

13. While this is from Section 2.1 3-axis, etc., it is also referenced at the end of the 3-axis section-

2.1.7. Provide the FE3AM software and licensing, and ensure the software adheres to the following:

2.1.7.1. A user defined mission database controlled by the instructor at the instructor station.

a) Is the instructor station expected to be anything more than a remote computer designed to select, launch and replay events?

b) Are any actual airmanship-related skills or emergencies instigated by the instructor station controls?

Answer 13: The instructor station should be a remote computer designed to select, launch, replay events, instigate emergencies, and change aircraft 3D location, speed, and configuration.

14. 5.1. Kick-Off Meeting.

a) If attending on-site, contractor should assume that this is a funded CDRL event?

Answer 14: Attendance is at contractor’s expense.

15. 5.4. Train-the-Trainer Program/Manual.

a) Is there any USMC format requirements associated with the training/operators guides?

Answer 15: The guide shall be specific and thorough, and include pictures/diagrams/photographs where necessary. It shall, at a minimum, address assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The document format will be left at the discretion of the contractor.

16. Who builds the existing motions Sim(s) used by the USMC by MCRC?

Answer 16: Eleetus and Redbird flight simulators.

17. Is your timeline for this acquisition fixed, or can it be extended?

Answer 17: Fixed

18. (The path for this acquisition is somewhat atypical for this type of training/simulation device, where in typically such devices are procured by the DoN either through MCSC or NAWCTSD/NAVAIR. Having said that, it is very understandable why this existing route would be preferred by MCRC).

Has this acquisition been preceded by an RFI, SSN, or a draft notice? (It has taken me/us by surprise).

Answer 18: No pre solicitation notices were posted.

19. How will you respond to these, and other questions filed by industry?

Answer 19: Posting all Q&A’s to FBO

20. Is this acquisition strategy fixed, or could it end up proceeding as a Small Business set aside?

Answer 19: Fixed, the acquisition will not change full and open competitive requirement.