Questions and Answers.docx

1.1- ….. as a minimum, provide the tower simulation capability including a small handheld computer (Microsoft Surface Pro), with ability to connect to the Amazon cloud in order to download multiple airfields across the world in order to diversify training

Can you please explain more in detail what you are looking to accomplish?

Every airfield is different as requires training on that specific airfield (frequencies, runway dimensions and configurations, taxiway dimensions and configurations, lighting and equipment available, etc…) In order to train my Airmen on the airfield they will be deployed to, I need that ability to load different airfields into the simulators.

3.3.1 Visual display system, capable of a mobile/ hand-held representation of multiple airfields and environments as viewed from a Control Tower/Radar/PAR.

Are you looking for a single ATC Simulator or multiple devices to train ATC?

They are multiple, handheld devices that Airmen can take home or to other facilities with them to practice. My training and work facilities are no co-located, and many of my Airmen live over 500 miles away.

3.3.6 Digitized voice and data communications between controllers and adjacent facilities and/or simulation devices.

What do you mean by data communication with adjacent facilities?

Part of ATC is coordinating with other ATC facilities for inbound/outbound traffic, airfield conditions, and safety information. It is vital that these communications are included as a part of the training. (red, green, amber lights, traffic calls, up and down times, etc…)

What do you mean by digitized voice and data communications with simulation devices?

The device needs to recognize what the user is saying and respond to the instructions.

3.3.14 Must contain Air Traffic Controller console consistent with model and quality deployed throughout DoD and FAA simulation systems.

Do you have a photo representation of the ATC console you are looking for? There are multiple options in the industry.

I would like multiple consoles depending on the airfield. Our equipment is old, some of the stuff we deploy with might be way newer.

4.2 The system must have an open architecture design and be compatible with existing Air Force aviation simulation systems. Rationale: The simulator will replicate actual air traffic situations that occur between control towers, air traffic control radar facilities, and aircraft.

Do you mean connectivity to flight sims?

No, not flight sims. ATC sims. It is common that when a fatality occurs in real life, programmers will create sims that replicate the scenario so that controllers can learn how to avoid mishaps in a simulated environment.

4.4 Software and configuration management must be fully documented.

Are you looking for the ATC SIM product documentation?

Yes.

4.10.5 Depict variable vertical visibility to reflect a difference between on ground level and tower.

Do you mean ground fog?

Yes, ground fog is an example, so are haboobs or dust storms.

The simulator shall automatically adjust aircraft flight path and vehicle direction in response to the controller commands, even if wrong commands are given e.g. “make short approach, extend downwind, turn right at X-ray, etc.”

Can you explain more please? What if a student gives an “extend downwind five miles” but the system understood “extend downwind four miles”, which phraseology would you want the system to understand? It is very realistic that a pilot at times, misunderstands the controller.

The aircraft and vehicles need to do what the controller says, not just have automatic things it does when certain words are used. If the controller gives a wrong taxi route, the aircraft needs to taxi wrong. Yes, pilot error is a given in the ATC world. But we also have to let the trainees see what works and doesn’t work in a simulated environment, where it’s safe.

4.23 Critical System Characteristics: The equipment should be compatible with other air traffic simulation systems within the Army, USMC, Air Force, and FAA

Can you explain what you mean by “other ATC simulation system?” Adacel has their ATC simulation software inside the Army, USMC, Air Force and FAA.

I have Adacel here, it does not do what I need it to do. A lot of bases are switching to ATC Speak. I want our system to be able to talk to the other systems so that we can all learn from each other.

4.27 Computer Resources: Each component of this simulator should be interoperable with other training simulator systems.

What do you mean by “other simulation systems”?

Same as above, but it also needs to connect to the internet to upload, download and update.

· For the fixed base system, please provide the minimum number of controller positions (i.e., Local and Ground), minimum number of visual displays for the Out of the Window View (i.e., 5- displays), and the minimum display size (i.e., 55” diagonal screen)?

The requested system is for mobile computers (i.e. Microsoft Surface Pros). All Sims for the facilities can be ran on this device. There will be no additional screens, displays, or otherwise.

· Please confirm adequate space is available for the fixed-based Tower Simulator System?

This requirement does not require a fixed-based tower simulator system.

· Please confirm that the 4-page proposal limit refers to a description of the proposed simulator configuration and this is in addition to a detailed compliance response to the Statement of Work requirements?

The 4 page proposal limit refers to the technical and pricing information provided in response to this RFQ. Any additional documents such as capabilities statements and past performance can be submitted on a separate document and will not be held to the 4 page limit.