NSS Industry QCRR Tracker Set 2 Final.091922.pdf

Notes Responses are subject to change. Any responses to subsequent question sets shall supersede responses herein.

Nothing in these responses supersedes requirements as stated in the solicitation.

Many questions have been consolidated and paraphrased from the numerous submissions. Some questions are anticipated to be addressed by the subsequent release of information and have not been directly responded to here.

Item # Subject Question/Comment/Request/Recommendation Reference(s) Government Response A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 A-6 A-7 A-8 A-9

A-10 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-14 A-15 A-16 A-17 A-18 A-19 A-20

B-1

Training System Installations - DO SOW Please further define the anticipated scope of NSST baseline 2. NSST baseline is referenced in the same section and we are not sure if this should instead say NSST 2. If not, please define NSST baseline. We further assume that NSST baseline 2, to be provided as part of this NSST program, will replace all existing baselines. Again, is that a correct assumption?

3.2.1.1 NSST baseline 2 is the system* that satisfies PRF 210025. (*as defined in the Systems Engineering Guidebook). DO1 tasking is to:

1. modify/transition existing (or soon to be existing) NSST baseline 1 devices into NSST baseline 2 devices

2. deliver new NSST baseline 2 devices (Yokosuka)

B-2

Please clarify the remedy for inaccurate COTS manual information and that any inaccuracies are limited to the versions of COTS products in operational use

Section 3.2.9.8.1 Warranty of Technical Documentation

The contractor must provide revisions that remedy inaccuracies.

If edits are not possible (e.g. third party COTS), supplemental data is acceptable.

B-3

Does 20 working days refer to the amount of training hours in each work day?

Please define a working day (e.g., 8 hours, M-F) section 3.2.1.1a-f A working day is a week day, not including federal holidays. If, due to activities performed under this contract, a device is not available for the fleet to execute normal training schedules on a working day, it will be considered a day of reduced availability.

B-4

Can the government provide an example of a desired consolidation/restructure/and revision that would be needed?

section 3.2.1.1.2 The end state of these activities must be a TDP that conforms to CDRL A009. These requirements exists to provide the

Government a complete and accurate set of data that is useful for the lifecycle sustainment of the system without single source dependencies.

B-5 Please define the standard or Government requirements for human factors integration?

section 3.2.5 See PRF section 3.3.9

B-6

Please verify "product baseline" refers only to NSST baseline 2 defined in Section 3.2.1.1. If not, does the government require the contractor to perform adaptive, corrective and/or perfective software maintenance to the existing product baseline under the DO1 task order?

Section 3.2.2.5.1:

Contractor Regression Testing

This is in reference to modifications to the product baseline established during the critical design stage. (See DO1 SOW

3.2.6.2) When the contractor choses to reuse existing technical data, the contractor is responsible for the quality of it's content.

B-7

Does the government require operations & maintenance (O&M) support from the contractor under the DO1 Task Order? Please define "regularly report"

Section 3.2.4:

Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) Engineering

See PRF 3.3.12.1.1.

Regularly report: This will depend on the phase of the project, but generally not more frequently than other reporting requirements (e.g. Base SOW 3.1.1.6 & 3.1.2.2)

B-8

Please confirm that SETR events for DO1 Task Order are limited to Section

3.2.6.1 SRR-SFR event, Section 3.2.6.2 CDR event and Section 3.2.6.3 T&E events. If additional events require a SETR will the government provide a System Engineering Plan or list outlining the additional required events along with entrance/exit criteria?

Section 3.2.6:

Systems Engineering Technical Review

(SETR)

Only those specified are required.

B-9 Does the government intend to provide tailored FCA/PCA event entrance and exit criteria for DO1 or should contractor conform to the NAVAIRINST 4355.19E instruction with enclosure definitions?

Section 3.2.6.3: T&E SETR Events and Audits

Entry and exit criteria are as specified in section DO1 SOW 3.2.8

B-10

To properly provide an IMS with realistic performance expectations please provide a review/adjudication process with timelines for accepting presentation materials and documentation.

multiple Required data review windows are as specified in the applicable CDRLs. The Government cannot speculate about whether adjudication timeframes will be needed or how long they will be as these depend on submission quality.

B-11

Does the government maintain a set of training and system objectives that are not included in the SOW or Performance Specification? If so, please provide documentation so the contractor understands the SRR-SFR exit criteria requirements?

Section 3.2.6.1.2:

SRR-SFR Exit Criteria

The Government used an extensive amount of sources to generate the performance requirement. The Government is not opposed to providing this information to the awardee, but the

PRF effectively limits which Navy training objectives the NSST needs to support and the Government believes that providing this information would not be useful in establishing scope of effort for proposals. The Government believes specific questions related PRF requirements, for the purpose of establishing scope of effort, would be a more productive way to achieve the offeror's objective.

B-12

Multiple questions were asked about which sites are existing vs. new. Yokosuka (PRF 3.1.11.3) is a new system in a new facility. This system will replace another NSST baseline 1 system (NSST-5A device) located at another facility in Yokosuka. All other systems in PRF 3.1.11 are currently being delivered as NSST

Baseline 1 systems under an existing contract.

B-13

Software Technology Refresh What are the requirements for “current generation state-of-the art software technology”. Does this refer to the definition of NSST Baseline 2?

DO1 SOW 3.2.1.1.1 Interpretation depends on the specific technology, that technology's associated market, and in the context of related specified performance requirements.

The Government would generally not consider a technology to be current generation state-of-the-art in the following types of situations:

- The technology is obsolete or unsupported.

- The technology will become End Of Life (EOL) during the performance of the contract.

- The technology is dependent on other obsolete, unsupported, or near-EOL technologies.

This can also apply to specific technologies that have been superseded, but with reasonable consideration made for areas such as the maturity, availability, and appropriateness in meeting related performance requirements.

B-14 B-15 B-16 B-17 B-18 B-19 B-20

C-1

Multiple questions have been asked about NSST Baseline 1 software interfaces

The Government does not intend to release specific data related to the NSST Baseline 1 software interfaces (HLA, API, etc.)

prior to award since it has determined that such information is not necessary for an offeror to submit a proposal in response to this requirement. The Government's long term objective is for the delivered systems, technology, and data be used (in specified and derivative forms) on a massive scale throughout the Government using a variety of contract vehicles, agencies, and vendors, with a preference toward open competitive procurements. In its current form, the NSST Baseline 1 software does not meet such long term objectives. The Government has established its requirements for the NSST Baseline 2 procurement to this effect and the Government is seeking proposals that are responsive to these requirements.

C-2 Multiple questions were asked about a particular vendor's brand name product

The Government neither requires nor prohibits the use of any particular brand name product so long as it conforms to the specified requirements of the contract.

C-3 Communication Tasks

What kind of setup needs to be trained?

3.1.2.4

From PQS: Establish and test primary and secondary means of communication.

This typically involves Selecting/Verifying the channel/circuit/NET (depending on comms type), donning equipment (e.g. headset/belt pack), setting volume levels, doing a radio check.

C-4 Man Overboard Emergency

What training is required? Is the location on the chart marked? Does the ship slow and stop? Is training for recovery of the man overboard or just calling in the emergency?

3.1.2.9.b.1

Typically: Maneuver the ship to the point of recovery using all available methods (e.g. Anderson, Williamson, small boat, etc.)

accounting for environmental conditions and following Navy procedures and MOB checklists. Bridge and CIC mark and track location of MOB (visually and electronically). (see also PRF 3.1.2.10.k, and 3.1.7.3.b thru e) Make required announcements over 1MC, set appropriate lights/day signals, perform appropriate internal/external communications depending on the scenario/situation, etc. Practicing ownship MOB procedures is the most common scenario, but system should not be limit the generation of other MOB scenarios/situations (e.g. MOB from other ships, distress call response with MOB, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, etc.)

C-5 Aircraft in water emergency

What training is required? Is the location on the chart marked? Does the ship slow and stop? Is training for recovery of the aircraft or just calling in the emergency? 3.1.2.9.b.3

Observe and respond to an aircraft in the water. This typically involves maneuver of ownship to and in the vicinity of the crash, internal and external communications/signals, coordinating SAR plans, etc. (see also PRF 3.1.7.3.f)

C-6 Aircraft crash on deck emergency

What training is required?

3.1.2.9.b.4

Observe and respond to an aircraft crash on deck. This typically involves maneuver of ownship accounting for environmental conditions, and internal and external communications/signals.

C-7 Marine Mammal strike emergency

What training is required?

3.1.2.9.b.10

Provide indication of marine mammals in the area (See also PRF 3.1.7.3.jj) and indication that a marine mammal strike has occurred so the watchstanders can respond (typically ship maneuver and communications)

C-8 CONREP What is meant by the state of the rigs? Is this visualization of the lines? 3.1.3.2.9.b

This involves both visualization of the tensioned span wire showing when it is tensioned (applying force) and not tensioned (not applying force) as well as the location of the fuel rig that travels along the tensioned span wire and connects to the ship receiving fuel.

C-9 Fathometer simulations Will an emulation of the AN/UQN-4A and 10 suffice, or does the Government require a stimulated device? 3.1.3.5.8 Stimulated devices are not required.

C-10 VMS Version

Will the Government specify exactly what VMS versions need to be supported?

3.1.3.7.a

VMS version 9.5 is the only version of VMS required. The version(s) of Navy ECDIS (follow-on program to VMS) will depend on which versions have been approved for fleet use and will be determined during the design phase.

Note: For ongoing deliveries of Navy ECDIS for other training systems, there has not been a license fee similar to VMS, however there has been a cost for virtualization software since Navy ECDIS is LINUX based. Virtualization is not required but is one possible technical approach for implementation.

C-11 VMS

Will the Government provide the contractor (GFI) with the VMS menu configuration data for each ship class to be supported? 3.1.3.7.a

The Government can provide exemplars from the fleet, but every ship in the fleet is different and uniquely configured. The ECDIS needs to be properly configured based on the simulated ownship model to satisfy specified requirements.

C-12 AIS

Does the contractor need to provide GUI emulation of the AN/URN-31 AIS or only message simulation to other system devices? Does the AN/URN-31 support encrypted AIS? 3.1.3.9

The Government will provide tactical TV32 software for stimulation of AIS data, and a GFS GUI interface that provides functionality to procedurally turn on and off ownship AIS.

Simulation/stimulation of encrypted AIS is not required.

Operator control of entity behavior (which would include the transmission of AIS data) is a requirement.

C-13 Radios How many channels are required for each type of radio? 3.1.3.11.1

Marine VHF radios is typically range from channels 0 through

UHF radios are configured by the ship's Comms plan and typically provide operators selectable channels from 00 thru 99

C-14 Radio Data Since the various Navy vessels use different bridge radios, would the Government provide specific radio data (manufacturer and model) that need to be supported?

3.1.3.11.1 There is significant variations of radios used in the fleet, no specific manufacturer and model is required.

C-15 Flag Hoist Will the controls for the flag hoist need to be simulated or can it be emulated? 3.1.3.11.4 Control method is not specified

C-16 Flashing light Will the controls for the flashing light need to be simulated or can it be emulated? 3.1.3.11.5 Control method is not specified

C-17 NSST-5A

Can you confirm that an NSST-5A device includes the NSST-5 Bridge Office Watch Station (with its seamless projection display system) plus the NSST-5 Port Bridge Wing Station (with its seamless projection display system) plus the NSST-5 Starboard Bridge Wing Station (with its seamless projection display system)?

3.1.4.1.6 All stations specified in 3.1.4.1.5 are required in a NSST-5A and only 3.1.4.1.5.10 has alternative station requirements.

C-18 NSST-2

Is the NSST-2 configuration a site requirement anywhere?

3.1.4.1.2

The Government may issue orders for NSST-2 devices on subsequent delivery orders. These orders will likely use the catalog approach which necessitates the establishment of NSST- 2 product baseline and technical data under delivery order 1.

C-19 CONN Watch Station for NSST-2 Is there a VFOV requirement for the "forward" and/or "aft" mounted display system? 3.1.4.1.2.1 Not specified. PRF 3.1.10.e applies.

C-20 NSST-5A panorama display Multiple questions were asked about the panorama display. All uses of the term "panorama display" associate with PRF 3.1.10.4

C-21 Visual Display System Is the "commercial non-VR display system" the same as the OTW projector display system? 3.1.10.i "non-VR" refers to sections 3.1.10.1, 3.1.10.2, & 3.1.10.4 and excludes section 3.1.10.3

C-22 Visual Display System A couple questions were asked about the use of the term "out the window". 3.1.10.1.3.d

The Government's intended use of the term "out the window" refers to the view of the virtual scene from the watch station (e.g. the bridge) that provides a perspective as seen on a real world ship. It is not a reference to the view as seen through a physical or virtual window frame.

C-23 Projectors at existing sites Would the projectors be reused at any of the sites?

3.1.11 The Government has future plans for the technology refresh of existing NSST projectors and computers so this is not a specified requirement under delivery order 1.

C-24 IVCS Voice Comm System Would the Government please provide details related to the IVCS system and describe what it entails. 3.1.4.1.6

IVCS is effectively a shipboard phone system with point to point calling capability and the added capability to call into communication networks.

C-25 Please define what non-NSST systems does the Government intend to provide enterprise licensing agreements under the contract

Section:

3.1.1.5.1 Enterprise

license agreement

NSST systems: Classified as device 1B17 and delivered IAW the NSST PRF. Non-NSST systems: Any Government system not classified as device 1B17.

C-26

Please clarify the definition of false contact effects Section:

3.1.3.4.5.5 Weather

Cell

False contact is indication of a contact on the radar scope when there is no associated vessel entity. This is specified ICW weather cells because in real world operations, certain weather conditions can be easily be mistaken for a contact/contacts on the radar scope.

C-27

Is the Government expecting the software to operate in operational conditions beyond specified limits? If so

1) Please define the specified limits to be considered

2) Please specify the metrics that define "operate properly" under these conditions

Section

3.3.11.3.2 Softwar

e stability and reliability

Generally, the Government requires systems that are stable and reliable so the Navy's training mission is not negatively impacted by system instability and system unreliability.

Specifically:

1. Limitations are defined in multiple ways: Contract requirements provide the preeminent limitations, but documented commercial item limitations and limitations documented through the requirement analysis and design process also apply.

2. Proper operation, is to be documented through the design process and depends on the exploit. Dealing with exploits

(whether inadvertent or intentional), often involves the implementation of safeguards, fail-safes, graceful degradations, and the like to mitigate the negative impact of exploits on the training mission.

C-28 Statement of Compliance What is the reason for the requiring the Statement of Compliance? This will restrict competition.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, sets qualification standards for personnel on seagoing ships. These requirements have been incorporated into U.S. Regulation and Policy for certain personnel. While U.S. Navy is exempt from requirements for licensure under STCW, the U.S. Government has agreed that “persons serving on board such ships (will) meet the requirements of the Convention so far as is reasonable and practicable.” As such the U.S. Navy has established training requirements based on and consistent with the requirements of STCW to include the use of DNVGL-ST-0033 for its maritime simulation systems. The Government has determined that DNVGL-ST-0033 is both commonly used and appropriate in establishing a foundational standard for maritime simulation system technology in support of U.S. Navy training requirements. Note: The Government is not requiring a

"Product certificate"

C-29 Statement of Compliance Are there any compliance certifications that will be accepted as an equivalency to the Class A Statement of Compliance (SOC) for Bridge Operation in accordance with DNVGL-ST-0033?

The Government is not accepting any equivalancy certifications.

C-30 C-31 C-32 C-33 C-34 C-35 C-36 C-37 C-38 C-39 C-40

D-1 NSST_DO1_CDRL_E(21JUL2022)DRAF

T

Is Eagle Publishing the tool that the Government recommends for the program or can another tool be used? E001, 1.A No particular tool is specified

D-2 NSST_DO1_CDRL_E(21JUL2022)DRAF

T Was this tool used to create the original documentation? E001, 1.A Yes

D-3 NSST_DO1_CDRL_E(21JUL2022)DRAF

T Will the Government be providing Eagle Publishing as GFE/GFI? E001, 1.A No

D-4 CDRLS CDRLS are disconnected from the SOWs and PRF All

CDRLs unique to each delivery order are attached to the delivery order. CDRLs applicable to every delivery orders are attached to the base contract. For DO1, CDRLs referenced by the DO1 SOW and Base SOW section 3.1 apply. For catalog items, CDRLs referenced by the base SOW sections 3.1 and 3.3 apply.

D-5 CDRLS Can the Government please confirm the CDRLS to be modified for the existing contract have been approved by the Government? All

Government provided technical data will be provided without warranty of fitness or guarantee of conformance. Reuse of existing technical data is optional. Offerors shall not submit proposals dependent on the Government providing conforming technical data.

D-6 D-7 D-8 D-9 D-10

E-1 E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5 E-6 E-7 E-8 E-9

E-10 E-11 E-12 E-13 E-14 E-15 E-16 E-17 E-18 E-19 E-20