TH-73_GBTS_Question_Response_Tracker_-_Industry_Day_Final.pdf

A L M

Control # Question Text Government Response

ID-0001 What phone and internet services will be provided?

@ Whiting Field, in Government Facilities

- Hot Spot?

- Dedicated Line w/ firewall?

What restrictions accompany such usage?

Government will provide on-base local telephone service. Long distance telephone shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Internet services (other than NMCI) shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Offeror will need to obtain their own phone and internet service with private providers which service the base. CIs will be provided CAC in order to access grade sheets on NMCI computers.

ID-0002 Where are the PWS Specifications located regarding the various positions listed in the AHTS Section 7.2, 3.6.1, 3.6.2.

Addendum A, para 3.6.1 defined the Site Manager position description as “The SM shall have had five (5) years management experience in which two (2) years must have been management of Contracted Pilot Instruction. The ASM shall have two (2) years management experience in which one (1) year must have been management of Contracted Pilot Instruction. It is preferred that they have specific TH-XX experience (i.e. a USN Helicopter Instructor Pilot or prior TH-XX CI).”

Addendum A, para 3.6.2 states “All contract instructors shall be certified as instructors to their applicable platform and correlated to the appropriate Wage Determination classification within 15000, Instructional Occupations.” Section 3.6.2.1 states in reference to CI qualifications that “Substitution of alternative training for CI experience and/or education requirements is subject to Government concurrence as to the adequacy and applicability on an individual/case-by-case basis.”

Additionally, CI Qualifications are detailed in para 3.3.4:

“CI Qualifications

a. Must be, or have been, a Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified helicopter pilot, or Type/model qualified in TH-XX aircraft, or have been a TH-57 simulator instructor within the preceding five (5) years.

b. A CI shall have a minimum of one (1) deployed fleet tour, eight hundred (800) flying hours in any helicopter, and a bachelor’s degree.

c. The contractor may request waivers from the Government regarding any of the above qualifications for an individual on a case by case basis. The COR, through coordination with the GTO, will decide whether to approve or disapprove such a request.”

Addendum A does not have a para 7.2.

Addendum B para 3.2.1 states “The Contractor shall designate a Program Manager (PM), in writing, to the PCO and the COR. The PM will be responsible for contract performance specific to managing the installation of the contractor-provided FSTDs.”

ID-0003 Will the Govt. provide the current QASP & its AQL’s? Yes, the Government will provide QASP and its AQLs.

Advanced Helicopter Training System TH-73 Ground Based Training System Acquisition Question and Response Tracker

A L M ID-0004 Who calculates the CLI units? The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) calculates the Chargeable Lost Instruction (CLI) units in accordance with the CDRL and PWS schedule of deductions table.

ID-0005 How many primary airfields?

Where How many secondary airfields?

Where Will access be granted to airfields for scene fidelity?

The Government will define airfields in final RFP competition library. The Government intends to provide video and access to airfields for scene fidelity development.

ID-0006 Define level of “UP to DATE” The PWS will be updated to reference Rotary Wing Operating Procedures (RWOP) RWOP (COMTRAWINGFIVEINST 3710.8 Series) which will be included in RFP Competition Library.

ID-0007 What is the timeframe for update release for simulator

vs. aircraft

- 30, 60, 90, etc. days after aircraft?

At this time the Government intends to have the simulator and aircraft navigation database updates be concurrent. The final RFP will detail the frequency which will reflect the TH-73 aircraft system.

ID-0008 Can we receive a sample template of the evaluation cards?

Yes, the Government intends to include sample evaluation cards in the RFP competition library.

ID-0009 When will Appendix A, B, & D be made available?

Are there any other Appendix or Addendum to be added or stated?

Yes, all Appendices will be made available at final RFP. Draft Appendix A “Facility Drawings” and Appendix C “Subjective Requirements” were released prior to Industry Day. Appendix B “TH-XX Cockpit Drawings” will be finalized at aircraft award. No additional Appendices or Addendum are anticipated at this time.

ID-0010 What training needs drive the number of level 7 FTD (12) and level 6 FTD (6). Will there be a large increase in numbers of students trained, or is there a plan for a large shift of training hours from the aircraft to simulation?

CNATRA has determined the final number of FTDs due to a combination of increased student throughput and additional training events.

ID-0011 Can we propose innovative technologies to replace some of the large devices?

No, proposing innovative technologies would be viewed as non-responsive to the RFP.

ID-0012 Will the visual database for this effort be provided as GFI/GFE? IF so, in what format will it be provided? How recent will the database provided be?

No visual database will be provided as GFI. The current TH-57 ATS visual database is contractor owned and will not be provided as GFI/GFE.

ID-0013 With a visual display size of 270 x 70 this usually works out to >18’ height of display. Can the government confirm that the temporary facility (listed as 20’ ceiling height) will accommodate the devices?

Yes, the temporary facility will accommodate the devices.

ID-0014 Can the government provide any details on the temporary facility HVAC and electrical capacity? Any info on floor loading/reaction pad loading?

The government will provide the information at the time of release of the RFP.

ID-0015 There does not appear to be a stated requirement that the level 7 FTDs be light tight for NVG operations. Is this a requirement?

Yes, the Level 7 FTD must be light tight for NVG operations and this requirement will be clearly communicated in final RFP PWS.

A L M ID-0016 Government states that emergency procedures (EP) will be ‘stipulated’ during device development. How will these EP’s be stipulated? Will this be one way – Government dictates, or cooperatively through some sort of IPT?

The Emergency Procedures (EP) will be determined following TH-73 aircraft selection during NATOPS development. These aircraft EPs will be translated into Instructor Operating Station (IOS) malfunctions through an iterative IPT process during simulator development.

ID-0017 Clarify – Draft PWS states for each type of device that “A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Level 7 Certificate of Qualification and Statement of Qualification (SOQ) (IAW 14 CFR Part 60, Appendix D) from a “parent” FTD (i.e. a xxx FTD which, from a development perspective, is the source device on which the installed device will be constructed and is functionally analogous to)” (level 7 device) and “A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Level 6 Certificate of Qualification and SOQ (IAW 14 CFR Part 60, Appendix D) from a “parent” FTD (as defined above) (Level 6 device) What if there is no commercially equivalent device in existence? Would a military certified parent device be acceptable?

In the situation that no “parent” FTD exists, the Government intends to require the Offeror to obtain an FAA Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for the first Level 7 FTD with a short throw motion system. This SOQ will be considered the “parent” FTD for follow-on Level 7 FTDs and all Level 6 FTDs. Navy pilots will act as Offeror SME pilots during FAA evaluation process. This process will be further defined in the RFP.

A military certified device will not be considered as a parent device.

ID-0018 Will the government be using the same pricing structure (hourly rate which contains all costs + profit) as was used for TH-57 GBTS be used to evaluate price?

The pricing structure will be specified in the RFP.

ID-0019 Does the government have any budget estimate for this program?

The Government does not intend to provide a budget estimate for the program.

ID-0020 Is the temp facility suited for motion? No, the facility is not suited for full flight simulators (FFS). The facility will be suited for FTD Level 7 short throw motion system as detailed in the PWS.

ID-0021 Stimulation vs. Simulation? The Government does not dictate whether stimulation or simulation should be used in FTDs. Device shall replicate Form, Fit, and

Function analogous to the specified aircraft as set forth in the PWS. Tactile feel of all equipment shall mirror aircraft cockpit components to provide a realistic training experience.

ID-0022 The devices provided by FSI what is the plan for removing them?

The Contractor shall, within thirty (30) calendar days after the expiration of this contract, remove contractor-provided items from Government site.

ID-0023 Double checking that the Government isn’t planning on making any changes to the device that is planned to be around 30+ years?

The planned period of performance of the AHTS GBTS Services contract is seven years. At the completion of the Services contract, new technologies can be assessed for future contracts.

A L M ID-0024 Is the government planning to make any syllabus changes?

The Offeror can expect syllabus adjustments and refinements during the first three years of operations with the expectation of minor adjustments thereafter. For syllabus adjustments after IOC, CI standardization check instructors (SCI) will be offered the opportunity to participate in the change process. The initial TH-73 syllabus is under development.

ID-0025 30 day full removal of device very difficult. Would you consider extending it?

The timeline is critical to maintain aviator production during contract transition; however the government will take the question into consideration and the final transition period will be identified in the RFP.

ID-0026 Is the flight evaluation of the devices part of the proposal evaluation?

No, the government will evaluate the FTD's compliance with training requirements prior to installation at NASWF.

ID-0027 Is the requirement to train instructors on first simulator? Military instructors will initially require use of the first devices to conduct validation/verification of the syllabus. Civilian instructors can train on a not-to-interfere basis during that time. Civilian instructors will attain final certification from military standardization instructors prior to training students.

ID-0028 Are there spaces available for spares? The temporary simulator building includes space for maintenance support ID-0029 Change qualified part 142 vice part 141. Industry Day slides incorrectly referenced 14 CFR Part 141 Pilot Schools in reference to "Relevant Corporate Experience/Past

Performance in delivering pilot training." The correct reference is 14 CFR Part 142 Training Centers.

ID-0030 Are the devices that are currently in use intended to be upgraded?

The government does not own these devices.

ID-0031 Can you describe your acceptance process? PWS Addendum B section 2.4.1 details the evaluation process and timelines.

ID-0032 How did you verify the aero model? Per PWS Addendum B, the FAA "parent" device Statement of Qualification will ensure the aero model has been verified. In the situation that no “parent” FTD exists, the Government intends to require the Offeror to obtain an FAA Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for the first Level 7 FTD with a short throw motion system. This SOQ will be considered the “parent” FTD for follow-on Level 7 FTDs and all Level 6 FTDs and will ensure the aero model is qualified. The FAA Parent device provides verification of a suitable baseline aero model. Government subject matter experts then evaluate handling and performance based on criteria specified through the use of test cards during the evaluation process.

ID-0033 How long did you use for the acceptance period? PWS Addendum B section 2.4.1 details the evaluation process and timelines. Level 6/7 FTD factory/site Government evaluation timeline is 10 business days. Central Control Station Government evaluation timeline is 4 business days.

ID-0034 What’s the availability rating for the simulators? PWS Addendum A, section 5.2.2 Schedule of Deductions conveys the Government intent of availability ratings. Final rating will be released with final RFP.

ID-0035 Do you have the test cards to include with the RFP? The Government intends to include sample evaluation cards in the RFP competition library.

ID-0036 Will the government supply the current syllabus in the library?

The government will provide the current TH-57 syllabus in the RFP competition library. Due to the expected significance in differences between the TH-57 and TH-73, the current syllabus will require significant changes to address modern systems, training techniques, and fleet needs. The initial TH-73 syllabus is under development in parallel to the air vehicle and simulators.

The government will work with the successful offeror to ensure training philosophy and requirements are understood once the air vehicle is selected.

ID-0037 Will a list of emergency procedures be provided? TH-57 Emergency Procedures (EP) will be provided in the RFP competition library. EPs will be determined following TH-73 aircraft selection during NATOPS development. Current TH-57 EPs should be considered a baseline list with procedures specific to the TH-73 developed as the NATOPS manual is written. Due to the variations of potential aircraft selections, additions/adjustments to procedures is highly likely. Offerors can expect an iterative process to develop EPs/procedures with military IPs.

ID-0038 Is there a list of potential training growth? The government is continually assessing fleet needs and will adjust training to meet that demand when required.

A L M ID-0039 Will part-task trainers be part of this RFP? No.

ID-0040 Will factory pilots be used to help evaluate the simulators?

Contractor factory pilots will not conduct the evaluation of the simulators. CNATRA/TW-5 Government SME pilots will conduct the evaluation.

ID-0041 Number of devices, understanding increase over the years, how likely is it to not require the 18 devices?

CNATRA has determined the final number of FTDs due to a combination of increased student throughput and additional training events.

ID-0042 Is the government looking at other technologies to supplement FTD training?

No, other technologies are not a part of this RFP.

ID-0043 Is there any plan to provide an updated visual database to the winner?

No, the government does not plan to provide an updated visual database to the winning offeror. The current TH-57 ATS Services FTDs have contractor-provided FTDs/visual databases which the Government does not own.

ID-0044 Can you share about the visual database requirements? Requirements will be detailed in the PWS.

ID-0045 Will the current height of the temporary facility be high enough to ensure no issues with install of the simulators?

Yes

ID-0046 Will there be quantitative requirements for hovering? PWS Addendum B, section 2.2.6.1 contains the requirements for hover training. PWS Appendix C Subjective Requirements for hover contain the requirements that Government SME pilots will follow during evaluations.

ID-0047 Capacity is significant, is it the Government intention to use all the capacity?

Yes, CNATRA has determined the final number of FTDs due to a combination of increased student throughput and additional training events.

ID-0048 Will the government provide an OEM data package as

GFI?

The government will not be providing any data packages as GFI. If a data package is required it will be incumbent by the contractor to obtain those packages directly from the OEM or suppliers.

ID-0049 Since this is a 30 year program (comparing to lifetime of TH-57), how does the government expect contractor to deal with new technologies that are developed throughout that timespan?

The planned period of performance of the AHTS GBTS Services contract is seven years. At the completion of the Services contract, new technologies can be assessed for future contracts.

ID-0050 The “Network” requirement is vague, what is the intent? The requirement will be specified in the PWS.

ID-0051 Should the simulator be qualified by FAA before contractor delivers?

The requirement will be specified in the PWS.

ID-0052 Where does contractor get SME support? As detailed in PWS Addendum B, section 2.4.1.7, the Government will make SMEs available during FTD development.

ID-0053 Does the government have a preference in new/used equipment?

The Government does not have a preference for new/used equipment as long as PWS requirements are met.

ID-0054 Would the government be open to a temporary CBA? Its up to the winning contractor to negotiate the CBA.

ID-0055 Is there interest in the government allowing for subcontractors?

Yes, the Government will detail subcontractor/small business goals in final RFP.

A L M ID-0056 In para. 3.1.1, the Government states: The Contractor shall provide its own administrative spaces not furnished by the Government. Such additional spaces shall be external to Government property.

Can the Government describe the number of spaces and size of those spaces that will be dedicated to the TH-73 contractor during transition for administrative spaces so that offerors may reach a conclusion if additional spaces are required?

No spaces are available during the transition.

ID-0057 In para. 3.1.3.3, the Government states: The Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with installation and usage charges for telephone and internet access services not provided by the Government.

Does the Government currently, or is the Government planning to provide Wi-Fi network services to Buildings 3005/2946/Temporary Facility or in any other building/area that the AHTS GBTS contractor will be providing services/support?

If not, are there any restrictions beyond normal access safety protocols for the contractor to establish such a network?

Government will provide on-base local telephone service and essential electricity, heating, water, sewage and air conditioning.

Long distance telephone shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Internet services (other than NMCI) shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Offeror will need to obtain their own phone and internet service with private providers which service the base. CIs will be provided CAC in order to access grade sheets on NMCI computers.

ID-0058 In para. 3.3, the Government states: “Note 1: The maximum number of CIs that can be scheduled at any one time is 21”.

Will the Government explain the rationale behind this limitation? As long as the agreed to HPW is not exceeded, this limitation appears unnecessary.

The requirement is a placeholder and will be updated in the PWS to reflect TH-73 requirements. In order to achieve its training need, the government could potentially schedule events in inefficient ways. With 18 simulators, for example, the government could conceivably schedule, in addition to classroom and learning center instructors, 40 simulator CIs at any given instant in time (to include two each at the two CCS stations) for the overlapping brief and debrief windows. If the HPW is sufficiently large, the government agrees that the maximum CI limitation is moot. However, postulating an HPW of 2000 hours, the notional FTE would 50 CIs. If the government did not specify a maximum instantaneous number of CIs, then the contractor could likely incur cost for substantially more labor hours than the contracted for HPW, to ensure the flexibility that the government desires.

Putting a small limitation on the government’s ability to schedule in a FFP environment, in the government’s opinion, reduces risk to the contractor and should result in lower overall cost to the government.

A L M ID-0059 In para. 3.3.1, CI Primary Responsibilities, (c), the CI is expected to “Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.” Later, in para. 3.3.3 CI Collateral Responsibilities (l), which do not count toward the instructional hours per week, the CI is may be required to perform “Evaluation and recording trainer/equipment performance established criteria.”

Can the Government more clearly describe the difference between these two tasks as they appear identical?

Noted. The requirement will be clarified in the PWS.

ID-0060 In para. 3.3.1, CI Primary Responsibilities, (c), the CI is expected to “Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.” Later, in para. 3.3.3 CI Collateral Responsibilities (l), which do not count toward the instructional hours per week, the CI is may be required to perform “Evaluation and recording trainer/equipment performance established criteria.”

Will the Government consider re-categorizing the following tasks as CI Primary Responsibilities?

(e) Instructional material coordination and handling (check-in/out)

(f) Instructor preparation for scheduled instruction.

(j) Completion of grading each student training event, as required.

Noted. The requirement will be clarified in the PWS.

A L M ID-0061 In para. 3.3.2, CI Additional Support Responsibilities (6), the CI is expected to “Provide assistance in the validation of training device Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs).”

In para. 3.3.3, CI Collateral Responsibilities (m), which do not count toward the instructional hours per week, the CI is “Providing assistance in the validation of training device/equipment Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs).”

These tasks appear identical. Will the Government further clarify or consider deleting 3.3.3 (m)?

Noted. The requirement will be clarified in the PWS.

ID-0062 In para. 2.1.1 Personnel, the Government references “Program Management (PWS 7.2).” This section is not provided for the offeror to review.

When does the Government anticipate making this section and the rest of the Draft PWS beyond the Addendums already provided to offerors for review and comment?

The RFP is intended to be released in 1st Qtr. FY20. Due to the interdependencies with the TH-73 aircraft the government is not providing a specific date at this time. It is anticipated that a draft L&M will be released in advance.

ID-0063 In para. 2.1.1 Personnel, the Government states:

“Resumes for all Program Management (PWS 7.2), Site Management (PWS 3.6.1), and CI (PWS 3.6.2) personnel are required to be submitted to the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) thirty (30) days after start of Mobilization for review and determination of acceptability.”

Will Government please provide a more detailed description of the Mobilization Period to include the expected start of this period following contract award and the anticipated length of the period?

Does the Government anticipate that the Mobilization Period will fall under a separate CLIN and pricing structure?

A more detailed description of the Mobilization Period will be included in the RFP. The Government does anticipate that the Mobilization Period will fall under a separate CLIN and pricing structure.

ID-0064 In para. 2.2.4 (f), the Government states, “Additional updates include “the kiddie approach plates . . . “

Can the Government provide a definition and description of what a “kiddie approach plate” is?

A "kiddie approach plate" is a locally created approach procedure that is intended to be flown to a local course rules reference point or a navigational aid. These are not certified approaches and are intended to be flown under VFR for simulated instrument training in the aircraft. The government intends to have the ability to introduce the concept in the simulator for student familiarization and additional practice opportunities.

A L M ID-0065 In para. 2.2.3.1, the Government asserts a requirement for a Remote IOS Tablet.

Is it the expectation of the Government that this tablet be wireless or is a cabled Remote IOS Table acceptable?

If the Remote IOS Tablet is desired to be wireless, will the Government provide the Wi-Fi network for the Remote IOS Tablet to connect?

The offeror shall describe its approach to meeting the requirements described in the PWS. The Government will not provide a Wi Fi network.

ID-0066 In para. 2.2.4, the Government asserts a requirement for a Central Control Station (CCS).

In para. 2.3.1, the Government asserts that a CCS will be in Building 3005.

In para. 2.3.3, the Government asserts that a CCS will in the Temporary Facility.

In para. 2.3.4, the Government states that there is an “empty cable conduit approximately 4 inches in diameter . . . available to the contractor for connections between buildings 2946 and 3005.”

In para. 13.(a) of Addendum C, the Government states, “The CCS shall possess the functionality of a single simulator IOS, . . . or for its main purpose to link 2-18 simulators together simultaneously in a single, combined and interacting simulator environment.”

Will there be a similar conduit noted in para. 2.3.4 installed to connect the Temporary Facility to the other existing buildings?

Is it the Government’s intention that a single CCS in either Building 3005 or the Temporary Facility be able to control all 18 FTDs in three separate buildings?

Is it the Government’s intentions that both CCS will eventually be re-located to the new permanent facility?

No, there will not be a separate conduit for the temporary facility. No single CCS will not control all 18 FTDs while occupying buildings 3005/2946/temporary facility. It is expected that both CCS will be re-located to the new permanent facility and that each CCS will be able to control all 18 FTDs in the permanent facility.

A L M ID-0067 In para. 2.2.4(f), the Government states, “CCS should be able to record a single or a multi ship recording, then save, protect, rename, and playback functionality just like IOS record functionality.”

In para. 2.2.6.2, the Government asserts that the FTDs possess a Debrief capability.

There is no mention of the space required or detailed functionality required in any of the provided documents for brief/debrief events. Will the Government provide the detailed functionality (i.e. demonstration, mission planning, replay) required/desired in the brief/debrief spaces?

Do/will the existing facilities and the temporary facility have the capacity to fulfill this required/desired functionality or is this functional capability in the brief/debrief spaces for the future planned permanent facility?

The requirement in the PWS will be updated when the RFP is released. The offeror shall describe its approach to meeting the requirements described in the PWS. The temporary facility has space allocated to utilize for brief/debrief stations. The brief/debrief stations will be well described in the PWS.

A L M ID-0068 In para. 2.3., the Government states, “There is sufficient space within existing and temporary Government facilities to house the type and number of FSTDs required at NAS Whiting Field.”

In para. 2.3.3, the Government states, “A temporary GBTS building . . . is currently designed, and funded to provide the required amount of space throughout the transition period.”

Will the Government please provide when construction is planned to begin and be completed to a point where contractor residence and simulator installation may begin in the temporary GBTS building for contractor planning purposes?

Since the temporary GBTS building does not include additional classroom space, does the Government intend to make additional space available for the TH-73 classroom(s) and computer lab or is the Government planning on de-conflicting existing space usage with on-going TH-57 training?

Does the Government anticipate that the move of devices from the temporary and existing buildings to the planned permanent facility be included as part of the scope of this contract? If so, will it still be considered Fixed-Price?

The construction is planned to begin in 1Q FY20 and completion date is anticipated prior to delivery of first simulators. The Government intends to de-conflict existing space usage with on-going TH-57 training. The permanent facilities are anticipated to be completed prior to the end of this contract. In the event that the Government is ready to move devices from the temporary and existing buildings to the planned permanent facility, the government will exercise a mobilization option, which will be included as part of the scope of the contract.

A L M ID-0069 In para. 2.4.1.4, the Government states, “The final evaluation will be conducted following the completion of the onsite evaluation of the final device.”

Is it the Government’s intention that this “final evaluation” will occur following the installation of all devices in their temporary sites (i.e. 5 Level 7 FTDs / CCS in Temporary Facility, 7 Level 7 FTDs/CCS in Building 3005, 6 Level 6 FTDs in Building 2946), or at their permanent site following transition. If the latter, will the Government please provide this planned configuration?

Does the Government plan on moving any of the Level 7 FTDs from the GBTS Temporary Facility into Building 3005 as TH-57 devices are decommissioned assuming space is available prior to the construction of the TH-73 permanent facility?

If so, will these moves be in the scope of this contract’s pricing or will a separate CLIN be provided?

The Government will make the determination prior to the release of the RFP. Yes, the final evaluation will occur following the installation of all devices in the temporary facilities. No, the government will not be moving Level 7 FTDs from the temporary building to building 3005.

ID-0070 In para. 2.4.1.4.1, the Government states, “. . . the government will develop a schedule for re-evaluation no later than 1(sic) following the onsite evaluation . . . “

Will the Government please clarify this typo so that the period following “1” can be determined?

The PWS will be updated to be "1 day".

ID-0071 In para. 2.4.1.5, the Government states, “The government requires minimal impact to TH-57 training throughout the installation of AHTS GBTS, and throughout the transition of students to AHTS training.”

Will the Government please provide the proposed sundown plan for TH-57 training so that the contractor may formulate a transition plan to ensure minimal impact to the TH-57 training?

The Government intends on releasing this at a later date.

A L M ID-0072 In para. 2.4.2, the Government states, “The Government will provide the required facilities capable of housing, operating and securing required Contractor-provided training devices. Office space (as available) will be provided for support personnel.”

As the existing spaces, with the exception of the yet to be constructed Temporary Facility, are occupied with TH- 57 training devices and personnel, will the Government please provide the existing TH-57 contractor’s Transition- Out plan so that the TH-73 contractor may formulate a de-conflicted and coordinated Transition-In Plan?

Is the assumption that the current TH-57 contractor is responsible for dismantling and disposal of all TH-57 devices correct?

Will the Government provide allowances and relieve risk of failure to perform and/or meet timeline to the TH-73 GBTS contractor if the TH-57 contactor Transition-Out fails to meet schedule?

The transition plan will be managed by CNATRA and details will be provided at a later date. The current TH-57 contractor owns the current devices and will be responsible to dismantle and dispose of their devices in accordance with the contract in execution.

ID-0073 In para. 2.4.2, the Government states, “The government shall work with the contractor to establish a staging area to support the contracted efforts, but space is limited and the government makes no warranty at this time with regard to its ability to provide such an area.”

As the most sensitive electronic equipment cannot be left exposed to the elements, will the Government allow the contractor to use available space in the sim bays of the three buildings in a manner not to interfere with existing device operations as staging areas?

Will the Government be able to identify an appropriate location on-base for trailers to be parked while material is waiting to be installed if unable to be off-loaded and staged inside?

The Government will work with the contractor to manage an effective transition while making every effort to properly store equipment in available space. If the contractor desires to bring their own trailers, advanced permission and coordination would be required.

A L M ID-0074 In para. 2.4.2.4, the Government states, “The Contractor shall repair facility or equipment damage, caused by the Contractor during the installation and integration of the training device to a like new condition, at no additional cost to the Government.”

Is it the requirement of the Government that any such repairs be required to be contracted with NAVFAC and that the contractor be required to pay their rates as reimbursable expenses to the Government or may the contractor complete the repairs using a subcontractor of their choosing?

The contractor may choose the subcontractor and coordinate directly with NAVFAC.

ID-0075 In para 2.2.4 (a), the Government states, “The CCS IOS functionality shall allow an instructor to link and control as few as 2 or as many as xx FTDs simultaneously.”

Is the linking and controlling of xx FTDs exclusive to that specific instructor? (i.e. once an instructor is controlling a given number of FTDs to link and control, other instructors cannot control those same selected FTDs)

The PWS will be updated to reflect the requirement. The Government requests the offeror describe its approach to linking and controlling FTDs via CCS.

ID-0076 For shipboard operations in a linked state (multiple FSTDs linked together), does the government require sea states and ship dynamics be “synched” across multiple devices?

For linked events, all participating devices should see the same presentation of operating environment.

ID-0077 During the Industry Day presentation, the Government stated that it anticipates (contemplates) a 2400 HPW requirement.

Does this HPW estimation include personnel required for Program Management (PM, Assistant PM, Site Manager), classroom support personnel (book issue, computer lab technical support), COMS personnel (maintenance support for FTDs), and schedules desk personnel or is it just the HPW estimated for the Contract Instructors (CIs)?

If this 2400 HPW requirement is inclusive of all required labor, when does the Government anticipate providing a TH-73 curriculum to industry with planned student throughput so that offerors may determine the number of CIs required and price accordingly?

The 2400 HPW requirement is in-device instruction. Offeror should describe its approach to overhead/management in proposing a solution.

A L M ID-0078 PWS 2.1.1 “The Contractor shall have all proposed personnel on-board at the training site no later than ten

(10) working days prior to CSD.”

What is the phase in plan regarding instruction delivery?

Will these CIs be phased in via CLINS or other method?

Is it the intent for the contractor to hire to match simulator delivery and certification?

The requirement will be specified in the PWS.

ID-0079 PWS 3.1.1 “The Contractor shall provide its own administration or other spaces not furnished by the Government”

Are the administration/other spaces required to be in proximity to NAS Whiting Field? If so, is there a distance requirement?

If Government facilities are not sufficient for work at NAS Whiting Field, then Contractor must provide spaces in proximity to NAS Whiting Field. Any distance requirements will be specified in the PWS.

ID-0080 “Note 1: The maximum number of Cis that can be scheduled at any one time is 21.”

Can the government please provide the variable that drives the maximum number of 21 CIs?”

Can the government please provide how many concurrent simulators can be utilized at any given time (considering simulator maintenance, etc.)?

The requirement is a placeholder and will be updated in the PWS to reflect TH-73 requirements. In order to achieve its training need, the government could potentially schedule events in inefficient ways. With 18 simulators, for example, the government could conceivably schedule, in addition to classroom and learning center instructors, 40 simulator CIs at any given instant in time (to include two each at the two CCS stations) for the overlapping brief and debrief windows. If the HPW is sufficiently large, the government agrees that the maximum CI limitation is moot. However, postulating an HPW of 2000 hours, the notional FTE would 50 CIs. If the government did not specify a maximum instantaneous number of CIs, then the contractor could likely incur cost for substantially more labor hours than the contracted for HPW, to ensure the flexibility that the government desires.

Putting a small limitation on the government’s ability to schedule in a FFP environment, in the government’s opinion, reduces risk to the contractor and should result in lower overall cost to the government.

All 18 simulators are expected to be used concurrently for all or most of the training day specified. If not for scheduled training with a CI, then for student practice.

ID-0081 Are all of the Brief/Debrief Cubicles planned to be provided by the government, or are those the responsibility of the contractor to provide?

It is the intent of the Government to provide facilities to conduct training, but the contractor will be responsible to outfit each cubicle to support its proposed solution.

ID-0082 Is the contractor responsible to provide Janitorial service for the Temporary Toilet Facility?

The Government will provide janitorial services.

A L M ID-0084 Can the government define whether the Greenhouse

(seems to be synonymous with "overhead visuals") windows are a requirement or a performance threshold over basic threshold performance. The beginning of paragraph C sounds like it is required, but at the end of the paragraph sounds optional/desired. The terminology is not exact in both references, so we cannot be sure of the intent.

The requirement will be addressed in the final PWS. Offerors shall describe its approach to providing the required FOV per the

PWS.

ID-0085 Can the government define the desired FOV coverage of the "Greenhouse" displays on the Level 6 and Level 7 FTD's?

The requirement will be addressed in the final PWS. Offerors shall describe its approach to providing the required FOV per the

PWS.

ID-0086 Do these "Greenhouse" displays need to cover each pilot and copilot looking across out of the others window?

The requirement will be addressed in the final PWS. Offerors shall describe its approach to providing the required FOV per the

PWS.

ID-0087 Will the government define the desired FOV coverage of the Chin Window Displays as well, as well as the alternatively desired additional down look desired beyond the -40° covered by the Out The Window requirement?

The requirement will be addressed in the final PWS. Offerors shall describe its approach to providing the required FOV per the

PWS.

ID-0088 "Navigation database in the FTDs will be updated in accordance with the TH-XX aircraft system."

Will the government define the typical frequency of a Navigational Database update in the TH-XX aircraft.

Additionally, will the government confirm that the Nav Database will be provided to the contractor at no cost when these updates occur.

At this time the Government intends to have the simulator and aircraft navigation database updates be concurrent. The final RFP will detail the frequency which will reflect the TH-73 aircraft system. The Government will not provide the contractor Nav Database updates as the FTDs will be contractor-provided.

ID-0089 Does the government anticipate being able to define the TH-XX aircraft prior to AHTS GBTS Firm Fixed Price Proposals being due?

Yes

ID-0090 "The government will identify a “golden arm” who will be a uniformed SME who will serve as the primary point of contact for simulator issues."

Does the government anticipate designating a timeline for this identification?

The Government will identify the "golden arm" after contract award.

ID-0091 We recommend including a walk through and inspection to be held with the awarded contractor and Government during contract transition to ensure mutually agreed to conditions of the facility's condition.

Noted

A L M ID-0092 In the event a temporary facility or another building is not complete by the required period of performance, has the Government considered an alternative solution?

No

ID-0093 Does the Government have a timeline for updating the "Required Installation Date" in the Table outlined in Section 2.4?

Information will be updated by the final RFP.

ID-0094 Does the Government currently maintain a Disaster Recovery (DR) or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), or is the expectation the awarded contractor will develop this artifact?

If yes, is this hosted on a contractor network, or government? Are there areas in need of an update?

If this currently exists, will the Government provide details around this requirement?

The base currently has a COOP that will be used to address the concerns of the award contractor. If needed, particular concerns can be addressed at the base level and update the current COOP accordingly.

ID-0095 Does the government desire innovations and efficiencies in specific areas, or is there a general preference to maintain the status quo outlined in the current requirements?

The government will consider all compliant proposal responses against the best value criteria identified in the RFP.

ID-0096 Could the government please clarify the security level for key personnel?

CIs will be required to complete the necessary steps and forms for initial and continued UNCLASSIFIED NMCI access, in order to access the Learning Management System for student grading, etc. At this time, there is no requirement for SECRET clearance qualification or access.

ID-0097 Please confirm all reference documents with the current draft materials is current and up to date.

All reference documents will be updated with final RFP.

ID-0098 Does the government anticipate setting small business subcontract allocations for the final RFP?

Yes, the Government anticipates establishing a small business utilization goal.

ID-0099 What is the anticipated frequency for required updates to instructional material, knowledge based articles (KBAs), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?

As training requirements change, the Government will disseminate the changes. There is no pre-determined frequency for updates to these documents.

A L M ID-0100 As stated in the Industry Day slides, the selected

Helicopter OEM will be required to establish a Contractor Associate agreement with the GBTS contractor. (Industry Day slide 15)Does the Navy intend to establish a mechanism with the selected Helicopter OEM in order to ensure that the solicitation for the TH- 73 GBTS will be equally competitive to all potential providers?

It could be viewed that the selected Helicopter OEM may have a competitive advantage?

Will the selected helicopter OEM be allowed to participate in the GBTS solicitation?

All contractors in all lines of efforts for AHTS will be required to establish ACAs with each other, which is common in Government contracting. This effort will be competed on a full and open basis, so all contractors are free to propose or team in accordance with their own business decisions. The Government neither encourages nor discourages incumbent competitive advantage.

ID-0101 CIs – the Navy indicated that a maximum of 21 CIs may be required at a single point in time. Does the Navy plan to use Navy Instructor Pilots to provide instruction in the simulator, and if so, approximately how many monthly simulator hours will they support?

See response to questions ID-0068.

ID-0102 Will answers to bidder’s questions be published on

FBO?

Yes

ID-0103 Does the 7 year POP begin upon delivery of the final

FTD?

No, begins at contract award.