Responses - Questions received ahead of SPHS PD ID_v2.docx

DISTRIBUTION A. Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

OPSEC #: 8108

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS:

Project Manager Self Propelled Howitzer Systems

PROGRAM: PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE GROUND COMBAT SYSTEMS (PEO GCS); PROJECT MANAGER SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER SYSTEMS (PM SPHS); PRODUCT MANAGER EXTENDED RANGE CANNON ARTILLERY (PDM ERCA)

SUBJECT: RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED AHEAD OF SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER SYSTEM PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION INDUSTRY DAY PRESENTATION

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

This is the formal response to the questions received from potential industry partners on 21 March 2024 ahead of the SPHS Performance Demonstration Industry Day event. All vendor identifiers have been removed and the questions outlined below are in their as-received state.

1. Is there an exercise support requirement to facilitate the testing? (i.e.-support vehicle maintenance, general logistics, site support)

Response: All activities required to execute the SPHS Performance Demonstration are expected to be handled by the US Army teams. No general support is required of industry at this time.

2. Would organizers be interested in a quick overview on potential support options for the testing?

Response: An overview of support options is not desired at this time.

3. Describe the overall concept of the Performance Demonstration providing a description of the demonstration event.

Response: A general concept overview of the Performance Demonstration was discussed during the Industry Day event. Additional details will be provided in the Task Request.

4. What four months do you expect the demonstration to take place over? Is execution outside of the four-month window feasible?

Response: A general overview of the timeline of the Performance Demonstration was discussed during the Industry Day event. The advertised window is a planning assumption established by the United States Government (USG) team. The USG requests the interested vendors to validate or provide feedback on this planning assumption including feasibility of the demonstration window as proposed and recommended demonstration window.

5. Can industry participants select their demonstration window to participate in?

Response: Once the demonstration vendors are selected, the USG team will work with each vendor to select their respective demonstration window based on vendor hardware and personnel availability.

6. What is the expected duration of the individual demonstration event? Hours, days, week?

Response: A general overview of the Performance Demonstration event was discussed in the Industry Day presentation to include overarching timeline per vendor and general activities included. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

7. What is the expected duration of the individual demonstration event? Hours, days, week?

Response: Duplicate question. See response to Question 6.

8. Who from within the USG will be participating or viewing the demonstration?

Response: Numerous USG personnel across the artillery enterprise will participate and observe the demonstration activities including but not limited to: programmatic and functional subject matter experts (SMEs), user representatives, and test officers.

9. Is there a set of criteria or evaluation guidelines the demonstration is using to assess the performance of the demonstration participant?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios that were generally discussed in the Industry Day presentation. As this is a demonstration, no evaluation criteria will be established. Specific details of the demonstration events will be included in the Task Request.

10. If a Performance Demonstration proves unfeasible at Yuma Proving Ground within the four-month time period indicated, is an overseas Performance Demonstration an acceptable alternative? If yes, what are the expectations of the host nation for planning the event?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios at a USG demonstration site to standardize the environments across the vendors to the greatest extent possible. If the timeline to execute the Performance Demonstration at a USG demonstration site as proposed is deemed unfeasible, the USG is open to alternative options including overseas demonstrations. Expectation details of a demonstration performed at the vendor location would be discussed and finalized at the point in time when the current USG plan is deemed unfeasible. In general, the desire for a demonstration at a vendor location would be as similar to the USG scope as possible.

11. Can you add more definition to “USG defined scenarios intended to reflect combat missions in a general support role”?

Response: A general overview of the Performance Demonstration event was discussed in the Industry Day presentation to include operational scenarios and related conditions. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

12. Regarding the maximum range aspect of the Demonstration’s Operational category, will you standardize the ammunition being shot be each participant IOT get baseline minimum and maximum range data?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios that was generally discussed in the Industry Day presentation. Standardization of ammunition fired among vendor solutions is not expected. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request. The vendor will determine which ammunition combinations best demonstrate the system's performance based on the scenario parameters.

13. Define mission cycle time. What elements does it consist of? Are there conditions associated with the elements of the mission cycle time?

Response: A general overview of the Performance Demonstration event was discussed in the Industry Day presentation to include operational scenarios and related conditions. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

14. Define edge-case mobility. What elements does it consist of? Are there conditions associated with the elements of the edge-case mobility? What type of terrain is associated with edge-case mobility?

Response: A general overview of the Performance Demonstration event was discussed in the Industry Day presentation to include operational scenarios and related conditions. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

15. Define “basic maintenance”. Is “basic maintenance” equal to crew level maintenance tasks (i.e., -10 level maintenance tasks)? Are there tasks you are more interested in understanding?

Response: The USG expects the vendors to execute a minimum of basic maintenance - defined as crew level or -10 level maintenance - of the system platforms during the event. The extent of maintenance activities would be determined by the vendor with the intent to keep the system platforms operational through the entire event. The USG team is open to observing any and all maintenance tasks the vendor is willing to demonstrate and/or execute as part of the event.

16. What ammunition (projectiles, propellants, fuzes, primers) is the USG providing to the demonstration participants?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios. As outlined in the active RFI, the system includes firing platform, resupply vehicle, and associated ammunition. All ammunition required to execute the scenarios is expected to be supplied by the vendor. The USG currently plans to make available only the ammunition outlined in Table 1 of the RFI if the vendor desires to fire USG ammunition. The firing of USG ammunition is not a requirement to participate in the Performance Demonstration. If other USG-designed ammunition is desired, the vendor may outline their request in their response to the active RFI per question 4.2.11 for consideration.

17. Can you define how the 50 rounds of ammunition will be used? Will the USG provide a list of fire missions to execute (with standards) or will the utilization of the ammunition be determined by the demonstration participant?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios. The vendor will determine which ammunition combinations best demonstrate the system's performance based on the scenario parameters - details of which will be provided in the upcoming Task Request.

18. Will the USG provide access to ammunition outside of the ammunition identified in Table 1 if requested (i.e. M982, M1113, M549A1, PGK)?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios. As outlined in the active RFI, the system includes firing platform, resupply vehicle, and associated ammunition. All ammunition required to execute the scenarios is expected to be supplied by the vendor. The USG currently plans to make available only the ammunition outlined in Table 1 of the RFI if the vendor desires to fire USG ammunition. The firing of USG ammunition is not a requirement to participate in the Performance Demonstration. If other USG-designed ammunition is desired, the vendor may outline their request in their response to the active RFI per question 4.2.11 for consideration.

19. What degree of fire control or digital fire control or integration if digital systems will occur prior to or during the Performance Demonstration?

Response: The USG does not intend to integrate any USG fire control solution onto vendor hardware in support of the Performance Demonstration.

20. What facilities will be made available to the demonstrator to prepare for the demonstration? Will there be secure storage areas made available to the demonstrators for equipment (prior to and after the demonstration)?

Response: Facility and support equipment requirements may be outlined in the vendor's response to the active RFI per question 4.2.8.

21. Will access to heavy lift cranes be available?

Response: Facility and support equipment requirements may be outlined in the vendor's response to the active RFI per question 4.2.8.

22. Will the USG provide additional consumables (I.e., Class 3 and Class 9) if requested?

Response: Per the active RFI, the vendor shall be responsible for any consumables not listed in Table 1, of which includes Class 3 items. At this time, the USG does not plan to provide Class 9 or additional Class 3 items. The vendor may request specific items they desire the USG to provide during the Performance Demonstration in their respective RFI response under question 4.2.8 for USG consideration.

23. Can the USG support the demonstration participants with basic repair parts for systems that are already fielded in the USG (i.e., tires, batteries, etc.) if needed/requested?

Response: Per the active RFI, the vendor shall be responsible for any consumables not listed in Table 1. At this time, the USG does not plan to provide additional items not listed in Table 1. The vendor may request specific items they desire the USG to provide during the Performance Demonstration in their respective RFI response under question 4.2.8 for USG consideration.

24. Can a liaison with Yuma Proving Ground be established for point-to-point coordination? When can we begin coordination?

Response: The intent is for NAMC personnel to lead the coordination of the selected vendors with the USG team. Coordination is expected to begin at the Start of Work meeting currently planned for 10 days following Task Request award.

25. Can we perform site survey of the demonstration site(s) and other key nodes on Yuma Proving Ground prior to the demonstration?

Response: The USG intends to conduct the Start of Work meeting with the selected vendors at the demonstration location to allow the vendors an opportunity for a site survey.

26. What special requirements are there for access to Yuma Proving Ground? Are there special access requirements/limitation for foreign personnel?

Response: Requirements for access will depend on the affiliation of the personnel. Foreign visitors associated with their country's defense department (i.e. military) or representing their government will need to process their request through the embassy. The Request for Visit (RFV) will process through the appropriate channels for final review and approval at YPG. Once YPG approves the RFV, the foreign visitor(s) can arrive at YPG and obtain their visitor badges from the Visitor Control Center (VCC).

Foreign and domestic visitors associated/representing a company, they will submit their request directly to YPG. The appropriate documentation will be made available as part of the Task Request for population in support of the Start of Work meeting expected to occur at the test site.

All foreign personnel will require an escort with them at all times while on YTC property. Usually, 1 escort can oversee 5 foreign visitors at one time.

27. Can we perform test firing prior to the demonstration? Can ammunition for test firing be coordinated for?

Response: The USG requests further elaboration on the questions.

28. What expectation are there for USG personnel to participate in the demonstration as members of the system being demonstrated?

Response: At this time, there is no expectation for USG personnel - civilian or military - to participate in the execution of the demonstration. This is due to safety limitations and time constraints. A Soldier Touch Point (STP) event is projected to occur with each vendor to afford Soldiers the opportunity to receive an overview of the system. Details of the event will be made available at the Start of Work meeting.

29. What contractual mechanism will be used to initiate the demonstration with attending industry members?

Response: The USG intends to utilize an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) through National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) to execute the Performance Demonstration.

30. When would you expect an agreement to be signed between the USG and industry initiating the agreement?

Response: Based on current USG-developed planning assumptions, a Task Request award is projected for the late June 2024 timeframe. This timeframe is subject to change based on assumption validation from projected industry participants.

31. What level of funding from the USG will be allocated to industry members participating in the demonstration?

Response: The USG intends to award up to $250,000 per vendor.

32. Define “developmental” and “non-developmental” as it relates to the screening criteria for the Performance Demonstration.

Response: The USG intends to observe performance of mature, non-developmental systems - hardware (platform and ammunition) that is currently in production, ideally with fielding underway. A developmental item/system would be one requiring additional maturation (design, testing, etc) prior to entering the production phase. Draft screening criteria of the proposed systems based on current capabilities and maturity of systems was included in section 6 of the active RFI.

33. What are the definitions of current and non-developmental? For non-developmental should we assume anything not covered by the developmental definition in the Draft Screening Criteria Item 8?

Response: The USG intends to observe performance of mature, non-developmental systems - hardware (platform and ammunition) that is currently in production, ideally with fielding underway. A developmental item/system would be one requiring additional maturation (design, testing, etc) prior to entering the production phase. Draft screening criteria of the proposed systems based on current capabilities and maturity of systems was included in section 6 of the active RFI.

34. Can Contractors bring wheeled or tracked systems?

Response: The USG intends to host a performance demonstration to observe the capabilities of current, non-developmental, 155mm artillery systems. The system platforms may utilize whatever chassis would best demonstrate their system capabilities in operationally relevant environments.

35. When will dates for demonstration event be released?

Response: A general overview of the timeline of the SPHS Performance Demonstration was discussed during the Industry Day event. The advertised window is a planning assumption established by the USG team. The USG requests the interested vendors to validate or provide feedback on this planning assumption including feasibility of the demonstration window as proposed and recommended demonstration window.

36. Is the government intending to award OTA agreements for participation in the performance demonstration or is the Task Request referenced for a follow-on effort?

Response: The USG intends to utilize an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) through National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) to execute the Performance Demonstration.

37. Will the government be open to seeing systems in government testing at other locations (including internationally)?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios at a USG demonstration site to standardize the environments across the vendors to the greatest extent possible. If the timeline to execute the Performance Demonstration at a USG demonstration site as proposed is deemed unfeasible, the USG is open to alternative options including overseas demonstrations. Expectation details of a demonstration performed at the vendor location would be discussed and finalized at the point in time when the current USG plan is deemed unfeasible. In general, the desire for a demonstration at a vendor location would be as similar to the USG scope as possible.

38. When will demo execution direction be released to determine required tools, maintenance, ammo, personnel, etc.?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios that were generally discussed in the Industry Day presentation. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

39. Please provide an outline of the maintenance activities that the U.S. Government would like to witness so that industry can assess the feasibility of having equipment and consumables on hand to support.

Response: The USG expects the vendors to execute a minimum of basic maintenance - defined as crew level or -10 level maintenance - of the system platforms during the event. The extent of maintenance activities would be determined by the vendor with the intent to keep the system platforms operational through the entire event. The USG team is open to observing any and all maintenance tasks the vendor is willing to demonstrate and/or execute as part of the event.

40. Is this to say that if an offeror’s demonstration window is not until the 3rd month of the 4 month demonstration period, then that offeror’s vehicle does not need to arrive at the test site until the 3rd month?

Response: Once the demonstration vendors are selected, the USG team will work with each vendor to select their respective demonstration window based on vendor hardware and personnel availability.

41. Any details on expected assigned test schedule duration (i.e. - 2 weeks, 1 month, etc.…)? Does this include any deprocessing time when the vehicle arrives?

Response: A general overview of the Performance Demonstration event was discussed in the Industry Day presentation to include overarching timeline per vendor and general activities included. The vendor window allocates time for deprocessing, safety inspections, and closeout inspections in additional to operational scenario execution. Specific details of the demonstration will be included in the Task Request.

42. Does the USG provide ammo as stated in Table 1 or the Contractor or both USG and Contractor provides?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios. As outlined in the active RFI, the system includes firing platform, resupply vehicle, and associated ammunition. All ammunition required to execute the scenarios is expected to be supplied by the vendor. The USG currently plans to make available only the ammunition outlined in Table 1 of the RFI if the vendor desires to fire USG ammunition. The firing of USG ammunition is not a requirement to participate in the Performance Demonstration. If other USG-designed ammunition is desired, the vendor may outline their request in their response to the active RFI per question 4.2.11 for consideration.

43. RFI states, "Describe the minimum and maximum range..." Given that each candidate system has likely developed their firing tables around different requirements, how does the USG plan to conduct an even comparison of minimum and maximum range?

Response: The intent of the RFI is to collect information from each vendor on their system's capabilities. Regarding question 4.2.1.5, please include the ammunition combination required to achieve advertised range as well as the related effect (unclassified) as the question states. Also denote any ammunition combination or components that are considered developmental versus mature (fielded).

44. Please provide a reference standard by which we can measure system maturity.

Response: The USG intends to observe performance of mature, non-developmental systems - hardware (platform and ammunition) that is currently in production, ideally with fielding underway. A developmental item/system would be one requiring additional maturation (design, testing, etc) prior to entering the production phase. Draft screening criteria of the proposed systems based on current capabilities and maturity of systems was included in section 6 of the active RFI.

45. What is the NET/NLT time to begin the demonstration?

Response: Based on current USG-developed planning assumptions and contracting lead time, the Performance Demonstration is expected to occur no earlier than (NET) August 2024. The USG is soliciting feedback from industry to better inform these assumptions and identify feasible demonstration timeframes. A no later than (NLT) date has not been identified at this point in time.

46. Will the demonstration take place at YPG? (needed for planning & shipping purposes)

Response: A general overview of the timeline of the Performance Demonstration was discussed during the Industry Day event. The advertised window is a planning assumption established by the USG team. The USG requests the interested vendors to validate or provide feedback on this planning assumption including feasibility of the demonstration window as proposed and recommended demonstration window.

47. What is the NET/NLT time to request US munitions (projectiles, fuzes, propellants? Any restrictions on requesting U.S. special munitions (PGK, EXCAL, XM1113, XM1155, etc.)?

Response: The intent of the Performance Demonstration is to collect observations of mature and available system performance in specific operational scenarios. As outlined in the active RFI, the system includes firing platform, resupply vehicle, and associated ammunition. The USG currently plans to make available only the ammunition outlined in Table 1 of the RFI. If other USG-designed ammunition is desired, the vendor may outline their request in their response to the active RFI per question 4.2.11 for consideration.

48. What type of support / cost-sharing can we expect?

Response: The Government intends to award up to $250,000 per vendor. Any costs above and beyond this amount is expected to be funded by the associated vendor.

49. What are actions to expect if down-selected after SPHS Demonstration? Will this lead to an RFI, an RFP, or sole-source selection?

Response: The SPHS Performance Demonstration will not result in a down-selection. A general overview of the near-term events was provided in the Industry Day presentation.

50. Regarding the fire platform, is there any restriction or preference for wheeled and tracked type and caliber (39 Cal./ 52 Cal.)?

Response: The Government will host a performance demonstration to observe the capabilities of current, non-developmental, 155mm artillery systems. The system platforms may utilize whatever chassis and/or cannon caliber would best demonstrate their system capabilities in operationally relevant environments.

51. In section 4.1.2.4, please clarify the expectations for “major components”? Is the USG requesting the Contractor to provide the manufacturers and locations based on a Contractor-defined provisioning level or a specific level (4 or 5) as defined in MIL-STD-881F Appendix G (WBS for Ground Vehicle System)? Or is the Contractor able to define “major components” as we see fit?

Response: The contractor may respond as they see fit. This is intended to be an initial overview of the manufacturing locations used to produce this system. A suggested list would include the prime contractor/government manufacturing location for the self-propelled howitzer, the resupply vehicle, and each major ammunition component (projectiles, propellant, fuzes) that would be offered. Other major components such as cannons, breeches, engines, transmissions, hulls, etc. are also of interest.

52. Is this demonstration intended to fulfill the ERCA capability requirement? Mobile Howitzer? Both?

Response: The SPHS Performance Demo is intended to inform the entire Self-Propelled Howitzer modernization strategy.

53. It is our understanding that all munitions entering the US need to obtain an EX Number from the Department of Transportation. Will PM SPHS be able to assist in expediting EX Number approval process to ensure we can get our projectiles and propellants to the test site in time?

Response: The USG will investigate the opportunities to assist in obtaining EX numbers. Please document this and any other challenge areas where the USG could potentially assist in the vendor's response to the active RFI per questions 4.2.1 and 4.2.2.

54. Which level of maintenance demonstration is required? Operator level Preventive maintenance and crew tasks or higher?

Response: The USG expects the vendors to execute a minimum of basic maintenance - defined as crew level or -10 level maintenance - of the system platforms during the event. The extent of maintenance activities would be determined by the vendor with the intent to keep the system platforms operational through the entire event. The USG team is open to observing any and all maintenance tasks the vendor is willing to demonstrate and/or execute as part of the event.

55. Is there going to be a formal Safety Release requirement?

Response: A Soldier Touch Point (STP) is currently planned for each system participating in the Performance Demonstration. The level of involvement expected in the STP is still draft and will drive the Safety Release requirements. Additional details will be provided in the Task Request.

56. What amount of inert projectiles/fuzes/charges will need to be exercised prior to allowing the use of live rounds? For both Howitzer and Resupply Vehicle?

Response: The USG does not require the operational scenarios to be executed with live rounds. Inert rounds are permitted however they will not be recovered. Also, inert ammunition is not required to be exercised prior to the firing of live rounds if the firing and resupply platforms are mature and safe as documented by the requested Safety Assessment Report, operations manuals, and safety inspection results. Inert rounds are recommended to support the planned Soldier Touch Point (STP). The level of involvement expected in the STP is still draft and will drive the Safety Release requirements. Additional details will be provided in the Task Request.

57. How much time will be required for safety checks and inspections prior to performance demonstration?

Response: The USG is currently targeting 2 weeks for safety checks and inspection of hardware and ammunition. These 2 weeks are included in demonstration window per vendor.

58. Will prior testing at a USG facility override any of the above?

Response: Participation in the SPHS Performance Demonstration is completely voluntary. Currently, the SPHS project office does not possess any validated performance data on any available self-propelled howitzer system outside of the M109 family of vehicles. The vendor will have the opportunity to decide if previous test data collected at a USG facility would suffice in place of a physical demonstration for any particular demonstration event(s).

59. Will the USG conduct a Test Readiness Review (TRR) prior to vehicles being delivered? When? How long? Where? What are our requirements/expectations?

Response: Yes, the USG plans to conduct a TRR-like event prior to execution of the vendor-specific demonstration. The TRR-like event would take place likely once all hardware, including ammunition, has arrived on-site. Content and expectations of such an event are currently under development. Additional details are expected to be outlined in the Start of Work meeting.

60. Other than data logging equipment, will the USG require any additional equipment to be installed prior to demo?

Response: Per the active RFI question 4.3.3 – the USG intends to collect a limited amount of data from instrumentation during the demonstration. The demonstration will mostly consist of visual observations and GPS position.

Visual observations will be made live or with a camera - live and/or recorded. If the vendor recommends other data collection methodologies, please include those recommendations in the response to question 4.3.3.

61. Will the demonstration site require firing of inert / fuzes rounds during the demonstration or does the PM want to observed demonstration of full-up live rounds?

Response: The USG does not require the operational scenarios to be executed with live rounds. Inert rounds are permitted however they will not be recovered. Also, inert ammunition is not required to be exercised prior to the firing of live rounds if the firing and resupply platforms are mature and safe as documented by the requested Safety Assessment Report, operations manuals, and safety inspection results. Inert rounds are recommended to support the planned Soldier Touch Point (STP). The level of involvement expected in the STP is still draft and will drive the Safety Release requirements. Additional details will be provided in the Task Request.

62. Will the TDP for M795 be made available to conduct compatibility analysis prior to demonstration?

Response: The USG does not intend to share any technical data as part of this effort. If technical data of any US ammunition is required, the vendor may outline those data requests in their response to the active RFI per question 4.2.11 for consideration.