N6134019R0165_Sources_Sought_Notice_USMC_ATS_TEn_Posted30AUG19.docx

30 August 2019 Sources Sought Notice for the Technical Upgrade and Completion of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Aviation Training Systems (ATS) Tactical Environment (TEn)

1.0 Description

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Procurement Department, at Orlando, FL announces its intention to procure for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM), PMA205, the Technical Upgrade and completion of the USMC Tactical Environment (TEn).

The USMC TEn is a key software and hardware subsystem that is installed in nearly every USMC Aviation Training System. This subsystem facilitates stand-alone (independent) and networked modes of trainer operation with other training systems across the USMC Aviation Distributed Virtual Training Environment (ADVTE).

The anticipated contract actions described herein are follow-on in nature and represent a continuation to previously completed actions. The activities to be conducted under these anticipated actions will serve to continue completion, verification, fielding and delivery of a final baseline configuration of the USMC TEn across all of USMC Aviation.

Previous activities related to production, assessment, verification, and fielding of the USMC TEn were conducted by Veraxx Engineering Corporation (Veraxx), considered to be the USMC TEn original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Veraxx, most recently completed a successful software/hardware technical refresh of the TEn subsystem, ADVTE Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan (NASMP) bridges, and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Bridges in June 2017. This effort resulted in the technological refresh of the TEn including complete update to the TEn computational system operating system upgrade which was then installed and integrated into 67 different training devices across 15 different locations over a twenty-four (24) month period. Prior to this effort Veraxx, under numerous contracts made changes and enhancements to the TEn software and fielded updates, to include initial integration into training systems. Under these same efforts, Veraxx also provided the updated TEn software baseline and technical documentation as a deliverable to the government. The government then provided the TEn software, in the most up to date version at the time, as Government Furnished Software (GFS) to prime contractors that were required to integrate (but not modify) the TEn into Marine Corps ATS training devices when producing new trainers or modifying existing training systems.

The activities and anticipated contract actions, to be conducted under this effort, support the government’s existing approach to ensure the most recent version of the TEn is available as GFS to other firms, as needed. These actions will result in training system production and modification to ensure the TEn software and hardware is completed and implemented as a common baseline across all of Marine Aviation.

Technical Upgrade and completion requirements under this effort include analyzing requirements, assessment, upgrade, enhancement, production, installation, verification testing, delivery, technical data and information, configuration management, and sustainment activities. This requirement impacts the following systems: USMC ATS TEn software and hardware system components, and USMC Aviation Distributed Virtual Training Environment (ADVTE) Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan (NASMP) bridges, and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) bridges. Additionally, delivery of final configuration baseline items including technical data and information will be required as part of this requirement. The USMC TEn is utilized by nearly all USMC ATS training devices for stand-alone and networked training. The USMC’s ADVTE NASMP and DIS bridges enable interoperability and facilitate simulated mission training between TEn-based MC ATS training devices and training devices that do not use the TEn. Additionally, each USMC ADVTE Network Exercise Control Center (NECC) act as a centralized point of connection that utilizes the TEn for the purposes of enabling relevant, persistent, correlated, high-fidelity distributed mission training across Marine Corps Aviation Training Systems Sites (MATSS).

2.0 Anticipated Contract Types

To satisfy the subject requirements for Contract Action #1, the government anticipates award of a firm-fixed price stand-alone contract with a delivery date thirty (30) months from the contract award date.

To satisfy the subject requirements for Contract Action #2, the government anticipates award of an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with an ordering period of up to fifty-four (54) months. This ID/IQ will consist of multiple delivery orders (DO) containing fixed-price and cost-plus fixed fee contract line items.

3.0 Detailed Requirements

A. Contract action #1, includes the TEn Technical Upgrades listed below. Under this effort, the contractor shall be required to analyze, assess, construct, implement (integrate, install and verify) an updated TEn (software and hardware, as applicable) that meets the following:

1. Simulates correct, complete creation, and processing of Link-16 messages in their current format and meet Link-16 messaging requirements implemented with AV-8B Operational Flight Plan (OFP) H6.2;

2. Implement the TEn software baseline, with the changes required per A.1., into the AV-8B training devices located at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and MCAS Yuma;

3. Simulates correct, complete creation, and processing of Link-16 messages so that AV-8B Weapons Systems Trainers are capable of successfully creating and processing OFP H7.1-based Link-16 message traffic. (These messages are in addition to but dependent on the previous implementation of Link-16 generated messages developed for the AV-8B OFP H6.2 already implemented in the current TEn software);

4. Simulates correct, complete modeling, and behavior of variants A and C of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW);

5. Simulates correct, complete modeling, and behavior of the Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-9X Block I and Block II missile;

6. Implement the updated TEn software baseline, with the changes required per A.3-5, into the subsystems of the AV-8B Weapon System Trainers (WST) at MCAS Cherry Point and MCAS Yuma;

7. Simulates correct, complete modeling, and behavior of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM);

8. Implement the updated TEn software baseline, with the changes required per A.7, into the subsystems of the AH-1Z training devices at MCAS Camp Pendleton and MCAS New River;

9. Provide functional improvements to the ADVTE NASMP bridge to reduce the current bridge capability gaps by providing bi-directional translation between the existing TEn and existing Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) entities to MC ATS training devices and F/A-18 C/D training devices;

10. Provide a technical refresh of the ADVTE NASMP bridge computational system hardware and operating system;

11. Provide functional improvements to the DIS bridge to reduce the current bridge capability gaps by providing bi-directional translation between the existing TEn and existing ADVTE DIS entities to MC ATS training devices and MC Ground training devices;

12. Provide a technical refresh of the ADVTE DIS bridge computational system hardware and operating system;

13. Assess, modify, and deliver the TEn software to correct the ballistic model/behavioral model for Marine Common Aircrew Trainer automatic weapons at the point that each projectile exits the barrel to point of impact (flight to target);

14. Fully integrate the updated TEn software with the upgraded ballistic model/behavioral model into the MCAT and into designated CH-53, MV-22, and UH-1Y training devices located at MCAS New River, Jacksonville, NC;

15. Provide training in the use and operation of the enhanced capability to the TEn subsystem used to conduct multi-site, multi-device training missions;

16. Provide training in the use, operation, and configuration of the ADVTE NASMP and DIS bridges used to conduct multi-site, multi-device training missions; and

17. Deliver the upgraded classified and unclassified TEn software baseline source code and associated technical data and information to include technical data and information for the ADVTE NASMP and DIS bridges.

B. Contract Action #2 includes modifications, enhancements, and upgrades to the TEn. Under this effort, the contractor shall be required to analyze, assess, construct, implement (integrate, install and verify) an updated TEn (software and hardware, as applicable) that meets the following:

1. Provide software configuration management and quick response modification and fielding of USMC TEn software/hardware and ADVTE NASMP and DIS bridge software/hardware subsystems and documentation;

1. Provide initial installation of the upgraded TEn software/hardware, ADVTE NASMP Bridge software/hardware and DIS Bridge software/hardware to MC ATS training devices and other training devices that are interoperable with MC ATS training devices and NECCs;

1. Perform software/hardware updates to the TEn, DIS bridge, and ADVTE NASMP bridge software resulting from capability gaps assessment(s);

1. Perform testing and evaluation (T&E) of updates to the TEn software, DIS bridge software, and ADVTE NASMP bridge across MC ATS training devices to validate new capabilities and ensure persistent interoperability is retained (e.g., local network events, wide area network events, Distributed Mission Operations (DMO));

1. Perform integration of the TEn software, DIS bridge software, and ADVTE NASMP bridge software onto/into ADVTE equipment, to include MC ATS training devices;

1. Perform the assessment, correction, and integration of TEn software, DIS bridge software, and ADVTE NASMP bridge software deficiencies into/onto ADVTE equipment and MC ATS training devices (e.g., Trainer Engineering Change Requests );

1. Provide, implement, and deliver the final TEn software configuration baseline into all MC ATS training devices and ADVTE equipment to ensure persistent fully integrated networked training across all Marine Aircraft Wing training locations and other locations conducting training requiring use of ADVTE and USMC ATS training devices;

1. Support planning, training system(s) systems integration as necessary to enable multi-site, multi-device player participation between USMC aviation and non-USMC aviation training systems when conducting Distributed Mission Training;

1. Provide training in the use and operation of the TEn subsystem, and configuration of bridge(s) and systems used to conduct multi-site, multi-device training missions;

1. Assess, procure, and deliver initial spares to support operation, maintenance, and repair of the TEn subsystem, ADVTE NASMP bridges, and DIS bridge per individual Delivery Order requirements;

1. Assess and deliver systems/subsystems that meet USMC ATS Risk Management Framework Cybersecurity Requirements;

1. Produce and deliver upgraded classified and unclassified TEn software baseline source code and associated technical data and information to include technical data and information for the ADVTE NASMP and DIS bridges per individual Delivery Order requirements to include the TEn’s High Level Architecture (HLA) and Federation Object Model (FOM); and

1. Provide Contractor Field Services and/or Contractor Logistics Support per individual Delivery Order requirements.

3.0 Place of Performance

Activities to address the aforementioned general requirements will be performed within the Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside CONUS (OCONUS).

4.0 Disclaimer

This sources sought notice is being issued in accordance to FAR Part 5.205(c), Special Notices, for market research, information and planning purposes, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government.

In addition, this notice is in support of a potential Justification and Approvals (J&A) pursuant FAR Part 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source.

This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing the information in response to this announcement and any follow-up information requests. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resulting solicitation for the requirement.

Failure to respond to this sources sought synopsis shall not limit a potential offeror’s ability to respond to a solicitation at a later date, pending a change in contracting strategy resulting from the outcome of this synopsis.

Potential respondents are advised that the Government reserves the right to utilize a sole-source contracting methodology or subsequently set this acquisition aside for small business or one of the authorized socio-economic small business set-aside categories business pending the number of qualified businesses responding to this synopsis. Only United States companies will be considered for contract award.

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible vendors capable of providing the products and services described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a Request for Proposal. The government contemplates to execute the requirements detailed below by awarding two separate contractual actions, identified below as Contract Action #1 and Contract Action #2. The government anticipates award of both contract actions to the same awardee. Your submitted response should clearly identify the requirement/anticipated contract action. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this Sources Sought Notice.

5.0 Eligibility

The applicable NAICS code for all requirements under both Contract Actions #1 and #2 is 541512, size standard of $27.5M. The Product Service Code for both Contract Actions is 7010.

Companies must identify their size status relative to the $27.5M size standard, the results of which will be utilized as guidance to determine any potential set-aside basis.

If you are a small business interested in being the prime contractor for this effort, please be advised that the FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting clause has changed. Deviation 2019-O0003 is now in effect which adds the definition of “Similarly Situated Entity” and changes the 50% calculation for compliance with the clause. Small business primes may now count “first tier subcontracted” work performed by similarly situated entities as if it were performed by the prime itself. Please read the full text of the clause deviation (52.219-14 Class Deviation 2019-O0003 dated 12/3/18 at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vmfara.htm ).

To assist in our market research and determination of any applicable small business set-aside opportunities for this effort, if you are a small business interested in priming this effort and plan to utilize “similarly situated entities” to meet the Limitations on Subcontracting, please identify the name & CAGE Code of the specific firm(s) you intend to partner/subcontract with to meet the requirements as well as their SB size status under the NAICS that you as the prime would assign for their workshare. Information regarding any planned similarly situated entity should be included in answering any questions outlined in the SSN in order to assist the Government’s capability determination.

6.0 Submission Details

Capability summaries relevant to this requirement are requested. If a potential respondent chooses to provide a capabilities summary, the summary provided must demonstrate the firm’s ability to perform the requirements listed above. The capabilities statement should include and clearly identify, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) Name and address of the firm;

(2) Size of business and any applicable Small Business Socio-Economic status (i.e. SDB, WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, etc.);

(3) Ownership;

(4) Year firm established;

(5) Names of two principals to contact, including title and telephone number; and

(6) Identify the contract action you are responding to;

(7) DUNS number, cage code;

(8) Statement regarding capability to obtain the required industrial security clearances for personnel;

(9) Company’s ability to perform at least 50% of the work;

(10) Company’s ability to being performance upon contract award;

(11) Can, or has your company managed a task of this nature? If so, please provide details;

(12) Can, or has your company managed a team of subcontractors before? If so, please cite contracts and teaming arrangements;

(13) What specific technical skills does your company possess which ensures capability to perform the tasks;

(14) A detailed description of previous relevant experience(s) within the last five (5) years that demonstrates your firm’s ability to effectively and successfully perform or manage a similar effort. Provide the following information for each example of relevant experience provided:

Name of effort;

Name of Prime Contractor (if the responding firm was not the prime):

Name of Contracting Activity;

Contracting Officer name and current telephone number.

Contract Number;

Contract Type;

Total Contract Value:

Total Dollar Value under the Contract that the firm was actually responsible for under this NAICS code;

Period of Performance;

Detailed summary of work performed

Responses should address items (1) through (14) above, in the same outline format. Responses should be provided in editable Microsoft Word format or readable and searchable Portable Document Format (PDF). Each respondent is limited to and shall submit no more than twelve (12) pages to address (14) above (detailed description of previous relevant experience). Pages used to address (1) through (11) will not count against the page count limitation. Each page should be 8 ½ by 11 inches. 12-point font minimum. Responses that do not follow the above guidelines will not be reviewed. The government will only review the pages provided to address items (1) though (13) above and first 12 pages provided to address (14) above (detailed description of previous relevant experience). No other pages or attachments will be reviewed.

Submit responses to ensure receipt no later than 2 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on 12 September 2019. Type “USMC TEN TECHNICAL UPGRADE SOURCES SOUGHT RESPONSE” as the subject of the electronic mail message.

Responses must be submitted electronically to both the Sr. Contract Specialist Mr. Alberto Amparo at the following email address: Alberto.Amparo@navy.mil and Contracting Officer Mrs. Alana Nuñez-Bennett at Alana.Nunez-Bennett@navy.mil. Please contact Sr. Contract Specialist Mr. Alberto Amparo at the email address listed or call (407) 380-8028 for any further information as needed.