SON_Street Smarts VR.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

9TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON (ACC)

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

11 Jul 24

MEMORANDUM FOR 9 CONS

FROM: 9 SFS/S4 Superintendent

SUBJECT: Statement of Need Brand Name of Equal for Virtual Reality Training Simulator

1. PURPOSE: 9 SFS requires an innovative decision-making virtual reality (VR) trainer that can replicate the stress, intensity, & realism of real-world situations with learning objectives coupled with Career Field Education & Training Plan (CFETP) tasks embedded within the scenarios. The scenarios developed within the VR trainer are intended to allow Defenders the opportunity to maximize repetitions on Use of Force scenarios. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 31-117, Arming & Use of Force by Air Force Personnel, Chapter 3 – Use of Force Guidance is the foundation to establish “Why” repetitions are fundamentally important to establishing Objective Reasonableness & understanding Totality of Circumstances as force is to be used only as a last resort. However, without a tool in which Defenders can maximize repetitions, it can be difficult for a Defender to understand & meet the training standards required to employ Use of Force.

Additionally, the VR trainer needs to be highly portable, enabling its deployment in various locations to conduct scenarios across multiple sites. It needs to be flexible enough to be established within the Security Forces arming pad facility to facilitate training sessions prior to the commencement of shifts. This flexibility allows for the integration of training into diverse environments & at varying times throughout the day. Furthermore, the software represents a significant innovation, with the capability to be customized to replicate actual locations on any USAF base. This feature ensures Security Forces personnel can practice in realistic settings which accurately reflect the layouts of buildings & access points on their current base. This VR simulator will ultimately enhance the training & readiness of all personnel assigned to the squadron.

2. BACKGROUND: The VR trainer allows for consistent & constant stress inoculation during training where the Defender is well prepared to make split second decisions, leading to a better prepared Defender whose actions are ‘objectively reasonable in the context of Use of Force. The training scenarios must have the 6 degrees of freedom for the user to move in any direction, take cover, turn to look anywhere within a 540-degree field environment to create the realism & intensity of life & death situations with the ability to analyze human performance data. The main goals of our involvement in this project are to utilize VR based training scenarios to increase overall familiarity & exposure to varying Use of Force scenarios required for duty certification in accordance with (IAW) AFI 36-2646, Security Forces Training & Standardization Evaluation Programs. This will also increase complex decision making, which will enhance force protection of mobility assets worldwide. Within these scenarios, & Use of Force electives available, 9 SFS will explore a data-driven approach to track overall performance in regards to proper Use of Force elective selection & firearms proficiency to include: recoil operated devices IAW Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 31-129 United States Air Force (USAF) Small Arms and Light Weapons Handling Procedures, magazine changes, night vision like firing, rates of fire, & the ability to deescalate and/or stabilize a given scenario. Additionally, this VR simulator must be able to simulate the recoil of the M18 Sig Sauer Pistol to meet the career fields semiannual sustainment firing requirements IAW AFI 36-2654 Combat Arms Program. VR will significantly close this gap in training by providing both scenarios & a flexible weapons training platform.

3. Requirement: The contractor shall provide all supplies, materials, & equipment to install the

Firearms Training Simulator Virtual Reality System to the two (2) units. The Contractor is responsible for providing two (2) Street Smart Virtual reality simulators or equal with the following specifications:

• Complete Access to, & usage of, current de-escalation, use of force, & tactical training scenarios library at time of purchase.

• Current VR training objective based, complete operational cycle of a situation focused library at time of install & all updates that include any combination of new scenarios, new capabilities, & new features.

• Provides scenarios, new capabilities, & new feature updates (3 updates per year for 2 years) for each unit.

• required high-performance computer, VR headset, and required accessories, Includes VR-enabled, wireless M18 (Desert Tan Sig Sauer P320), ECW (Taser X26 model), & M4 weapon systems.

o All weapons need to be compatible with standard holsters.

• Software must respond quickly to instructor & student inputs (no glitches or time delays)

• System must be mobile (quick assembly) & not require internet connection for operation (Scenarios should be able to be downloaded).

• Software must include at-least 30 unique scenarios (multiple outcomes per scenario) & regular updates or requested changes must receive timely support.

• Scenarios will focus on Arming & Use of Force by Air Force Personnel. Scenarios should include but are not limited to Gate-Runner, Domestic Incidents, Armed Robbery, Traffic Stops, Active Shooter, Peer Policing, Protests, Emotionally Disturbed Persons, Suicides, & other tactical training environments as deemed necessary to accurately gauge a Defenders Use of Force response.

• System hardware must be able to be replaced by compatible parts sourced from the user's desired location, meaning, replacement hardware should not be required to come from the company or require support for installation and/or integration.

• System hardware must support wireless headsets, a minimum of 10 ft x 10 ft play area, & a full VR experience, to include 360-degree sound.

• Full software service & support shall be included for 1 year at no additional cost.

Includes 3-year warranty on all hardware. Includes 2-year warranty on all software.

A one-time in person Operator Training to teach the end users proper use of the system is required upon delivery of items.

4. DELIVERY DATE: Immediately upon award.