CAO-18-0713_Redacted.pdf

FOR PUBLIC

RELEASE

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

Version – March 2017 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT

FAR SUBPART 13.5 – SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFCATION AND APPROVAL

Program/Equipment: SIMmersion Investigative Interview Human Simulation Software for the DAIG Inspector General School (TIGS)

Authority: Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C.

1901, as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5

Amount:

Prepared by:

Contracting Officer:

Technical:

Requirements:

Contract

Specialist Email:

Contracting Officer

Quality Assurance

Chief Information Resources

DSN:

Date: 16 Aug 2018

Date:16 Aug 2018

Date: 22 Aug 2018

Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support sole source.

Program Manager:

Typed Name:

Signature:

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Legal Counsel:

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Signature:

Contracting Officer:

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

FAR Subpart 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items – Sole Source Justification and Approval

1. Contracting Activity: Army Contracting Command – New Jersey, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000

2. Description of Action: The Department of the Army Inspector General (DAIG)/ U.S.

Army Inspector General School (TIGS) requests a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) sole source contract with SIMmersion, Columbia MD for the purchase of Investigative Interview (Whistleblower Reprisal Scenario) Human Simulation Software and an Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) module. The Government anticipates award for September 2018 and funds will be used

An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 207.103(d) (i) (B).

3. Description of Supplies/Services: This requirement is for the purchase of commercial software. Requirements include the analysis, design, development, and production of a Whistle Blower Reprisal Human Simulation Interview Software Training Module which shall include a series of role-play simulations for students of TIGS. This software will be used to practice and improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills in an effort to enhance interview skills and techniques for TIGS students. The software will support and augment the current TIGS training and objectives. The training package developed for TIGS shall also include a comprehensive e-learning component, a Level IV (real-time participation) interactive role-play simulation, and extensive user feedback.

The Contractor shall deliver copies of the final DVD Installation Package and a Sharable Content Object (SCO) for use on the DAIG website for uses to access the product

The period of performance shall be for twelve (12) months from the date of contract award. There will be no provision for options. The anticipated total value of the contract, based on the

4. Authority Cited: Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C. 1901 (or 41 U.S.C. 1903 for Special Emergency Procurement) as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5:

Unusual and compelling urgency Exclusive licensing agreements Industrial mobilization

X Other: Only one responsible source

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

(a) While simulation software services are customarily available in the commercial marketplace from several vendors, market research conducted by DAIG indicates that using real people as actors to develop the simulations, best supports TIGS training needs and software requirements. Along with engaging interactive media instruction (IMI) and realistic role-plays with actors, DAIG requires training systems include extensive visual and verbal feedback, including a comprehensive after-action review.

This software will be used to practice and improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills in an effort to enhance interview skills and techniques for TIGS students. The software will support and augment the current TIGS training and objectives. This software is developed using scripted role-play by actors and responses are recorded.

The student is coached through the interactive learning to “ask” questions to simulate real-time interviews, with the pre-recorded responses guiding the student to a successful or unsuccessful outcome.

The use of real actors instead of computer-generated avatars or simulations is a key component of this requirement. This interactive simulation software is based on a personal one-on-one interaction between an investigating officer and a suspect. The student is in the role of the investigating officer and is trying to obtain answers and evidence from the suspect to determine whether or not the suspect violated a standard.

Because this is a personal interaction, the nuances of such things as body language and facial expressions are extremely, if not more important than what the subject says.

Research shows that non-verbal cues, including visual cues (e.g., eye contact, head nods) and audio cues (e.g., pitch) can play an important role in the perception of trustworthiness in face-to-face situations (Knapp, Hall, & Horgan, 2013) and (Granhag, Strömwall, & Cognition, 2002). For example, when someone lies, he or she may look away nervously and adjust their clothing while answering interview questions. A professional actor can portray behaviors in a very natural manner. Interviewers can be trained to look for these behavior patterns, make accurate determinations during interviews, and ultimately craft detailed final analysis to include in investigative reports.

Recorded actors are more realistic and can vary their interactions during interviews, unlike 3D models and avatars. IGs must be able to analyze both verbal and non-verbal cues and nuances.

While avatars can be created to look more like real people, real people automatically create a sense of engagement during the training. Additionally, research has proven that once an avatar looks too close to an actual human, the engagement level actually begins to drop and is replaced with feelings of eeriness and discomfort. Some research shows that people are less likely to believe avatars. As a result, the injection of this kind of bias is not acceptable for this training scenario.

Other simulation software, incorporating 3D modeling, game playing, keyword or verbal indicators, and animation, are not suitable for the TIGS requirements. TIGS requires a product that combines adult learning theory with technology to build conversation skills during investigative interviews. 3D models do not enable students to accurately determine interviewee(s) non-verbal communication signals. It is very difficult to

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software determine minor facial expressions and cues using computer generated 3D models.

Video recorded characters, in the form of professional actors, accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of human behavior and create realistic and varied interactions.

Gaming may also prevent students from practicing critical investigative interview skills -which may affect a Soldier’s career for several decades. Gaming implies a typical final outcome of “winning”. Gaming, which may be translated to winning, losing, or “beating the game”, is not appropriate for TIGS’s desired training outcomes. This product must be designed to improve interview skills without a gaming aspect. Students should be able to use the final product multiple times in order to gain new insight, skills, and experiences. Learning and practicing the skills necessary to navigate an effective interview is the primary focus.

DAIG reviewed several potential sources of interactive simulation software, and SIMmersion was the only source that uses recorded actors. During each class, TIGS bring in live actors / role-players to interact with students during practical exercises using investigative and interview techniques to enhance training. Feedback from student course critiques show that students not only prefer live interaction with human role players, but often request more time for these training experiences. This software will give students more opportunities to practice their interview skills during time away from the more formal training. Based on this assessment SIMmersion offers the only potential solution that meets the requirements.

(b) Alternatives: Several alternative sources were reviewed by DAIG to determine if they are capable of meeting current DAIG requirements. Each potential alternative was compared to the requirements to determine the likelihood that they were acceptable.

(1) is prepared to develop scenario-based, role-play simulation training and software for TIGS. The company combines excellence and experience in training and education with innovative, immersive technology. incorporates different interactive capabilities, such as simulation, role-play, animation, 3D modeling, and serious gaming, into their eLearning products. expresses a thorough knowledge of instructional concepts with premier software design. While could meet many elements of the requirements, 3D modeling, and gaming are not elements this software package should include and were not part of this requirement. 3D models and gaming are elements largely used in video games and take away from the serious nature of TIGS training. These elements hinder the learning process and do not result in TIGS desired learning outcome.

(2) platform was designed to support multi-lingual interviewer training in support of the community. For the interviewer provides the means to record, transcribe, post edit, review annotation and reporting of interviews, for the trainer or analysts provides an analytical platform

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software to search, review and analyze interviews, to validate either the subject or the interviewer.” product is primarily used for monitoring and analyzing telephone calls, interviews, and video conversations. software program monitors keywords and recognizes language in order to conduct deception analysis or cooperation analysis from interviewees. In short, this program uses computer software and technology to identify behaviors from interviewees. The goal of the Investigative Interview Human Simulation Software is to develop the interview skills of IGs as opposed to using software to identify and analyze behavioral patterns. Additionally, solution focuses on analyzing verbal indicators, but does not analyze non-verbal deception or cooperation indicators, which are a key skill required of IGs. Based on this assessment, product is not a training product or suitable for the purposes of training IG interviewers.

(3) : The is an interactive, virtual simulation training environment developed on a commercial gaming engine deployed via . It provides the ability for trainees to practice human to human interaction in a virtual environment that is often difficult to replicate in real life due to resource constraints (subject matter experts and role players). uses commercial gaming engines, avatars, and virtual simulation training environments in their products. These elements are not appropriate for the type of training required by IGs. Avatars, gaming engines, and virtual simulation training environments work great for combat training, but do not improve the interview and critical thinking skills necessary for an IG. While avatars can be created to look more like real people, actors are actually real people, so they automatically create a sense of engagement during the training. Additionally, research has proven that once an avatar looks too close to an actual human, the engagement level actually begins to drop and is replaced with feelings of eeriness and discomfort (Vilhjálmsson & Cassell, 1998).

(4) is a commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) product that can be and has been customized to meet specific military training and simulation needs. offers dynamic and immersive training capabilities by assigning a human-in-the-loop Role-player as the primary driver of virtual character interaction with Trainees. The Role-player is still avatar based and uses a combination of real-time facial performance capture, real-time voice changing, a set of pre-recorded emotional affect animations, and a palette of triggerable pre-recorded non-verbal cues to digitally puppeteer multiple realistic avatars within a single scenario.

incorporates avatars, emotional affect animations, and a 3D virtual environment. Artificial people and environments do not provide the realistic training TIGS requires. TIGS simulation software requires actors who can provide authentic emotional responses. Additionally, training solution requires a role-player to drive the virtual character with trainees behind the scenes, requiring another person when students are training. TIGS is seeking a stand-alone product that students can use without having an instructor or driver co-located with them. It is imperative that students have access to a training product that they can navigate without assistance.

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

(5) partially sponsored by the conducts basic, applied and advanced R&D projects to include modeling and simulation, advanced prototype development, data collection and assessment, while also leveraging the technical advancements and talents of the entertainment industry. core competencies include Virtual Humans, Immersion, Scenario Generation, Content Creation, Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Integration, Creative Technologies, Intelligent Tutors, Evaluation and Learning Sciences.

uses “Virtual Humans”, will not meet TIGS requirement for actual actors (humans). As noted above, avatar based solutions do not offer the engagement and improvement to interview and critical thinking skills required by the training scenario. has a lot of experience developing products for counseling solutions. It is not apparent that has the experience to help TIGS develop an effective investigative interview software training program. Additionally, This would involve a “bottom-up” software development project whereas DAIG is seeking a proven, commercial product.

(6) designs, develops, and delivers 2D and 3D immersive training solutions. Their products perform on gaming hardware and unrestricted networks and behind restrictive firewalls. builds their products around three Instructional Design principles: . In their training scenarios high fidelity 3-D environments are augmented with 3D characters (avatars) to create an immersive experience for the user. For example, they developed

, a game in which the user takes on the role of a . The user must navigate the 3D environment and maintain the safety of the unit patients and staff and manage the flow of the unit.

During game play the user selects from various action options in response to their gameplay decisions. If the optimal options is not selected a mentor pops up on the screen and explains why that choice is not optimal. At the end of the scenario, there is a knowledge test and assessment of skills in a virtual training scenario. The scenario does not evolve based on the user choices, which is each user choice will always lead to the same follow-up game play. Thus, there are a finite number of pathways available to the user during gameplay. Based on this assessment, is not a training product suitable for the purposes of training IG interviewers.

(7) drives positive change in health behaviors through the use of immersive learning experiences with virtual humans. For example, they created

Each conversation experience simulates the interactions and behaviors of practicing health professionals, patients, caregivers, students and educators in real life situations. Their core approach is based on research in neuroscience, social cognition and game

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software mechanics. Users move through realistic scenarios at an individual pace. They practice and role-play real life situations by talking with virtual humans, building their skills in motivational interviewing and other evidence-based communication techniques. Based on this assessment, product is not a training product suitable for the purposes of training IG interviewers.

(c) Other information:

(1) The proposed contract represents the whole of the requirement. The Government does not anticipate additional services beyond the stated period of performance.

(2) DAIG and TIGS are tasked with preparing Army IGs for a variety of investigations in their mission to protect Army and taxpayer interests.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.603(a), a combined synopsis/solicitation will be published for this action. The Government will take into consideration any response that indicates they may be able to meet the requirements.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: This is a one-time requirement for the Whistleblower Scenario module. Should the need arise for future similar requirements, the Government will consider all sources that may meet those requirements. Any response to the combined synopsis/solicitation will be taken into consideration on their ability to meet future, similar requirements.

7. Market Research: DAIG conducted extensive market research, Market research has been conducted periodically to support this effort.

In accordance with FAR Part 10, further market research will be conducted to support any future requirements.

8. Other Facts:

a. Procurement History:

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

Contract Number: W9133L-12-P-0147 Customer: Army Reserve National Guard (ARNG) Bureau, Arlington, VA Contractor: SIMmersion Award Date: 25 September 2012 Item description: Interactive Counterintelligence Training Software Dollar Value:

Period of Performance: 12 Months Competitive Status: Unknown

Contract Number: N68322-10-F-N046 Customer: U.S. Navy, Pensacola, FL Contractor: Intelligent Decision Systems, Inc. (SIMmersion as sub) Award Date: 27 September 2010 Item Description: Customer Service Training Module Software Dollar Value:

Period of Performance: 12 Months Competitive Status: Unknown

Contract Number: W15QKN-16-C-0114 Customer: Department of the Army Inspector General Agency Contractor: SIMmersion LLC Award Date: 29 September 2016 Item Description: Human Simulation Investigative Interview Software Dollar Value:

Period of Performance: 12 Months Competitive Status: Sole Source Authority: Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C. 1901 (or 41 U.S.C. 1903 for Special Emergency Procurement) as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5:

b. As noted above, a justification under the authority of Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C. 1901 (or 41 U.S.C. 1903 for Special Emergency Procurement) as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5 was approved in support of the previous contract for similar requirements. Under the previous contract, it was determined that

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

9. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Date: 16 Aug 2018 Title: Quality Assurance Signature:

10. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Title: Chief, Information Resources

Signature: //signed//

11. Best Value Determination/Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. An analysis will be performed to determine if the price submitted for the services is the best value to the Government in accordance with FAR 13.501(3). Additionally, I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

Title: Contracting Officer Date: 22 Aug 2018 Signature: //signed//

Control No: CAO-18-0713 Contractor: SIMmersion

Program/Equipment: DAIG Simulation Software

Version – March 2017 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

12. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Date: 22 Aug 2018 Title: Contracting Officer Signature: