CEVT_DRAFT_RFP_Responses_10JAN2019.pdf

# Relates to:

(RFP or Att #/Sect#/Page

Question/Comment Government Response

1 SRD 3.3.2 Section 3.3.2 of the SRD (Instructor Operator Station) indicates that the Instructor Operator Station must be able to control up to 11 STS and alert the instructor of repeated student errors. Please confirm that these alerts must be provided for all STS in operation at any given time.

Yes, the IOS must be alerted of student errors from all STS connected to the IOS.

2 SRD 3.3.2.1 Section 3.3.2.1 of the SRD (After Action Review) states that the AAR shall be capable of capturing all data from each scenario necessary to recreate the scenarios. Some simulations provide highly detailed models of simulator performance and interactions with terrain. Can this data be filtered to reduce the storage requirements, as long as the playback still meets AAR requirements (eyepoint visuals, instrumentation cues, stealth view, student errors and warnings, etc?)

The AAR must capture and store all data necessary to play back and facilitate the scenario feedback. The AAR shall also play back the deformed terrain and equipment movement during the scenario.

3 Would the customer prefer that the contractor reuse other PM VTS software products as part of the CEVT solution?

The contractor shall use software that will meet CEVT requirements.

4 Section 3.3.5 of the SRD (Visual System) indicates that the visual system shall accommodate two students at a single STS. One student will be training in a scenario and the other student will be observing the training.

Is there a requirement that the STS provide a separate simulation viewpoint for the observer, or is it sufficient that the observer stand next to the STS?

It is sufficient for the observer to stand next to the STS if that visual system has displays/monitors.

5 SRD 3.3.2.2 Section 3.3.2.2 (Class Management Software) says: the class manager software shall allow the instructor/administrator to edit lessons or delete lessons for students or classes. Does this mean that the instructor/administrator must be able to create or edit existing training scenarios?

Scenario authoring tool is not required to modify or develop new scenarios. Class management software only needs to allow instructors to edit what lessons are available to a class.

6 SRD 3.11.2 Section 3.11.2 of the SRD (Transportability) indicates that each modular component shall require no more than a two man lift. Does this requirement permit the use of standard manual moving equipment such as pallet jacks?

The equipment should be moved without special equipment.

7 Has selection been made for the real world Hydraulic Excavator? If not, can we assume that we can model the current equipment?

Current HYEX model is 240.

8 SRD 3.3.2.1 Section 3.3.2.1 of the SRD (AAR) states that the AAR shall use the stored data to recreate all visuals to include all eyepoints available in the scenario. Does this require these eyepoints to be available from the IOS, the STS or both?

Both.

9 SRD 3.3.2 Section 3.3.2 (Instructor Operator Station) and 3.3.2.1 of the SRD (After Action Review) of the SRD list the requirement that the IOS be able to conduct an AAR while still conducting training for the other STS. Will the instructor be watching the students from the IOS and providing instruction and conducting an AAR session with another group of students at the same time, or will the exercises be running in the background while the instructor focuses on the AAR?

Both scenarios could happen. There could also be two instructors, one running the lessons and one running the AAR.

10 Draft RFP L.4.4.2.g What does a contractor do if they don’t have three relevant contracts that had a requirement for attainment of Small Business Participation as a percentage of Total Contract Value? All large businesses have the ability to track whether or not we’re complying with our Small Business Subcontracting Plans (i.e., SB percentage of subcontracted dollars), however, having a contract that requires the Contractor to meet specific Small Business Participation percentages or to be in compliance with a Small Business Participation Plan is rare and not often available.

Alternatively, a contractor can provide the SB dollars incurred and the work allocated to each SB for the contract’s duration (greater than 3 years), and then calculate the actual participation percentages (SB$/Total Contract$) to show past utilization of SBs. Would this be acceptable?

The language will be revised to reflect how offeror's will be evaluated if they do not have relevant contracts as evidence for attainment of Small Business Participation as a percentage of Total Contract Value.

11 Draft RFP CLINs X012 Why is the interim contractor support sold by the lot (i.e. year)? Wouldn't it make more sense to be sold by the device since the contractor cost is far more dependent on the number of devices vs. a flat rate per year?

Gov't will restructure its CLIN to be "per unit", per month.

12 What is the Government's intent on GFI courseware Integration? Is this taken at the IOS? The kits wouldn't likely include keyboards and mice so how would students run them from the simulators?

GFI courseware shall be integrated at the STS. Navigation of the IMI requires a keyboard and a mouse.

13 The Government is asking for both a hardcopy tracking system and an automated tracking system for test defects? Recommend choosing one and suggesting automated. Mixing the two increases the likelihood that someone will act based on outdated information.

The automated system allows for Discrepancy report to be printed.

14 Draft RFP, Basis of Award M.2.5.5

Are contractors permitted to tune our cost efficiencies to the Government pricing example or will that be flagged for cost reasonableness. For example, if I know I’m not having to deliver any Grader, Scraper, or Excavator kits in the first year then I can plan a more serial engineering approach using the same engineering staff to design all of the kits. It’s cheaper, but according to the pricing book, the Government is allowed to activate those CLINs in the first year. Would we be penalized in some way if we priced the engineering for the same kit as significantly higher cost if done in year one versus years 2, 3, 4, or 5. The math (equations) for the TEP says no. Alternatively phrased, is the Government “allowed” to change which kits they’re buying each year as a part of the pricing evaluation?

Potential Offerors should lean on their business judgement.

15 SOW Base 3.5 CEVT__SOW_BASE - 3.5 System Technical Support, Is this part of the FFP bid? Does the Govt anticipate executing reimbursement for the things listed in this paragraph?

Requirement for SOW Base 3.5 is referenced in Draft RFP Attachment 0006 Pricing Workbook for CLINs 0001 and CLINs X002. All CLINs are Firm Fixed Price.

16 Draft RFP L.2.m Based on the requirements as listed in L.2.m, this program would not allow a Subcontractor (i.e. team member, supplier, vendor, etc. (FAR 44.101)) to participate in any fashion in this effort. Is it the Government’s intent to not allow participation from any FOCI company, any foreign person working for a US company, and/or any dual citizen working for a US Company even if one of the dual citizenships is with the United States? Since “Subcontractor” also means “vendor”, is it the Government’s intent to not allow any foreign built or sourced parts in the CEVT solution? Also, is it the Government’s intent to not allow any US built or sourced parts where the vendor has a foreign person or dual citizen working in that company in any capacity as related to those parts?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance.

17 Draft RFP L.2.m L.2.m. also states that dual citizenship working for a company supporting CEVT is not allowed. ITAR states that as long as an individual is a U.S.

citizen, then they are a US Person. US Persons are allowed access to Unclassified Controlled Technical Data, to include Export Controlled material. There is no exception in the ITAR that states a U.S. Citizen that has dual citizenship with the United States and any other nation is not allowed to be considered a US Person. We request that the Government reconsider this requirement to allow dual citizens access to information, including Export Controlled information that they are authorized to have.

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance.

18 The Department of State will not issue a DSP-5 license until they know exactly what ITAR controlled information is required for export. It is part of the license application requirement. What specific information or equipment on this solicitation requires a DSP-5 license since it falls under the ITAR because it is on the U.S. Munitions List?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance. At this time, we do not anticipate any items or data to be ITAR controlled. Draft SOW Base

3.1.5 requires contractor upload of documentation to the Live Training Transformation (LT2) database which requires a secret clearance.

19 The US Munitions list specifically states that Simulators are only ITAR category IX if they, replicate the operation of an individual crew station, mission system, or a weapon of an end-item that is also controlled, or software and databases that can be used to model or simulate trainers which have “Ground, surface, submersible, space, or towed airborne targets that have an infrared, radar, acoustic, magnetic, or thermal signature, that mimic a specific defense article other item or person, or is instrumented to provide hit/miss performance information for defense articles; or battle management, or military test scenarios/models, or effects of weapons; or simulators that are classified, or are being developed from classified information, or contain classified software directly related to defense articles or 600 series items subject to the EAR.

None of these items which would be required to list a training simulator as Category IX under the ITAR would seem to apply to the simulators being solicited under this RFP. Construction equipment is not export controlled. Simulators are not in and of themselves export controlled.

What items and information requested for this resulting contract is export controlled?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance. At this time, we do not anticipate any items or data to be ITAR controlled. Draft SOW Base

3.1.5 requires contractor upload of documentation to the Live Training Transformation (LT2) database which requires a secret clearance.

20 Draft RFP L.2.m RFP states in L.2.m. “The FOCI Company will not have access to unclassified Technical Information marked Distribution B through F, FOUO and …”. Information marked as FOUO, or with a distribution statement of any designation (B through F) does not mean information is necessarily Export Controlled. Why are export control requirements being added to information that is not specifically export controlled under the ITAR, EAR, or other export control law? Only defense articles and controlled technology should be export controlled and therefore require a permanent export license (DSP-5).

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance and FOUO Attachment ver 1.

21 What would be the anticipated volumes / CEVT variants that could potentially require delivery in Year-1 based on the need to design, develop, and test all five types of CEVT STS with Reconfigurable Variant Kits and IOS?

See Draft RFP Attachment 0006 CEVT Pricing Workbook, "Est Qty" tab.

This provides an estimated breakdown by Fiscal Year (Column A).

22 Would Contractor Logistical Support and Provisional Manuals / Training Materials based on Commercial Simulator Manuals be acceptable in Year- 1 and Year-2 while developing the MILSPEC Training Materials

(TM/SMM)?

No.

23 Could the CEVT acquisition schedule allow for phased approach with Year-1 System Development (Design, Development, & Testing) for all five types of CEVT Simulators with the Motion-based Student Training Stations, five types of Reconfigurable Variant Kits, and the Instructor Operator Stations (IOS), followed by Year-2 Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) / Development of MILSPEC Technical Manual and System Maintenance Manual, and Year-2 Production, Delivery, Fielding / Training?

No.

24 Draft RFP Section B CLINs CLIN Structure – [A11_Synopis Draft CEVT CLIN Structure IDIQ] Could the CEVT CLIN structure be changed to create separate CLINS to allow for a phased approach for acquisition of the five types of CEVT simulators (motion based STS with the five Reconfiguration Variant Kits), with Instructor Stations (IOS), by creating a separate SUBCLIN for development and delivery of ILS / Technical Manual & System Maintenance Manual, and a separate SUBCLIN for Fielding/Training?

No.

CEVT Acquisition Schedule - [21_Solicitation_Draft / A11_Synopis Draft CLIN Structure IDIQ] The Draft RFP Solicitation requires simultaneous Year- 1 System Development (Design, Development, & Testing) for all five types of CEVT Simulators with the Motion-based Student Training Stations, five types of Reconfigurable Variant Kits, and the Instructor Operator Stations (IOS) plus Year-1 Development /Delivery of MILSPEC Training Materials (U.S. Army Technical Manuals and System Maintenance Manuals plus Training Packages) and Year-1 Production / Delivery / Fielding / Training with quantities ranging from (5) up to (100) at multiple locations.

3.7 Contractor Manpower Reporting Application - [SOW Page #47 / CLIN 0011 / 21_Solicitation Draft Item #1011 (Page-81); #2011 (Page-120);

#3011 (Page-159); and #4011 (Page-198] The DoD Enterprise-wide Contractor Manpower Reporting Application (eCMRA) requirement for annual contractor manpower reporting for contracts that require the performance of services, specifically contracts for goods with defined requirements for services. The synopsis for CEVT Solicitation W900KK-19-R-0080 indicates,”….that it is Government's intent to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Single Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with an ordering period of five years and an estimated ceiling of $27M.”

25 Why would the CEVT SOW and CLIN 0011 require, ”…..annual reporting of all contractor labor hours (including sub-contractor labor hours) required for performance of services under this contract for the CEVVT via a secure data collection site….” when this is a solicitation for a Firm Fixed Price IDIQ Contract for commercial items (supplies) which would not be considered a services contract subject to Enterprise-wide Contractor Manpower Reporting Application (eCMRA) reporting?

It is not required. The CLIN will be reviewed for removal.

26 Can the requirement for 3.7 Contractor Manpower Reporting Application be removed from the CEVT A21_Solicitation_Draft, CEVT SOW and CLIN 0011 because Contractor labor hours reporting would not applicable to a Firm-Fixed Price IDIQ Contract for acquisition of commercial items under the FAR?

It is not required. The CLIN will be reviewed for removal.

27 HYEX 240 Barrier Grapple Attachment [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 5 Page #48)]

Can the HYEX 240 Barrier Grapple Attachment - currently marked as "Fully Functional", change to, “Not Required?”

Barrier grapple is part of Replace Attachments task and needs to be fully functional.

28 HYEX 240 Barrier Grapple Attachment [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 5 Page #48)]

How does the HYEX 240 learning objectives or POI specify any applications that would require using the Barrier Grapple attachment?

Barrier grapple is part of Replace Attachments task.

29 HYEX 240 Barrier Grapple Attachment [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 5 Page #48)]

What HYEX worktool attachments would be utilized during the, "Learning Attachment Replacement," learning step?

Heavy duty bucket and barrier grapple.

30 HYEX 240 Barrier Grapple Attachment [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 5 Page #48)]

If there are not any HYEX learning objectives or POI requirements for operating the HYEX 240 with Barrier Grapple attachment, then could it change to, “not required?”

Barrier grapple is part of Replace Attachments task.

31 HYEX 240 Menu Button [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 58 Page #49)]

Can the HYEX 240 Menu Button change from “fully functional on the monitor” to “Not Required” within the simulation?

Menu button has been updated to fit and form only.

32 HYEX 240 Menu Button [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 58 Page #49)]

Which simulated functions on the HYEX 240 monitor within the simulation would require the, “Fully functional,” capability?

Monitor section has been updated in the table.

33 HYEX 240 Menu Button [SRD Appendix E 240 HYEX Cab Simulation Table (Line # 58 Page #49)]

What HYEX learning objectives or HYEX POI requires Operators to "click" thru the HYEX menu button within the simulation to operate other functions?

Menu button has been updated in the table to be fit and form only.

34 What are the footprint requirements for add-on kits? Or are they included in the simulator footprint?

The add-on kits are not included in the footprint size of the trainers. The kits will be stored separately.

35 Can you better estimate the RFP release? AKA within 3Qtrs, but can you guess a month?

Likely January 2019.

36 Is $30M available for contractor, or for contractor and Government to run

CEVT?

The ~$30M will be the ceiling price on the contract and was based on the Government’s IGCE.

37 Currently, questions regarding draft RFP are due NLT 12/21/18 before 1300hrs. Can the deadline for questions regarding draft RFP be extended until 1/10/2018 due to the threat of Government shutdown and upcoming holiday season?

No. The Army is fully funded and would not be effected by a Government shutdown.

38 The draft RFP had extremely difficult to meet ITAR and dual citizenship requirements. Is it the Government’s intent to readdress?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance.

39 Slide #12 includes bullet “Technical Data Package” that references the CEVT SOW, however could not find TDP in SRD SOW. The solicitation refers to “Technical data and information”. Can you clarify where in the SOW is TDP defined?

The TDP noted on this slide is referencing the Product Definition Data.

SOW para 3.2.6

40 Is MTBF calculated at the STS level or the classroom level? At the STS level.

41 When you said you will turn over sustainment to Field OPS, will that be an independent opportunity or be part of ATMP? If not ATMP will this enter PALT?

The sustainment effort will not be an independent opportunity, it will be part of ATMP which is managed by Filed OPS.

42 * Are the Army variants of these vehicles equal in form and function to the OEM model numbers as sold?

Yes.

43 * If the Government truly expects a COTS product with light modification to meet the CEVT requirements, is the Government open to waiving or reducing the scope of the development phase (e.g. early stage design reviews) Question is asked in interest of reducing cost and schedule.

The design reviews will be required to ensure the modifications will meet the requirements.

44 * Is HMD a viable option to meet FOV requirements? The Government does not believe HMDs will be a viable solution based on the volume of students that will be using the simulator and the hardware requirements for the controls.

45 Technical Publications Delivery

Does Delivery Orders for X002 - X009 QTY (8 EA) 30 days after date of contract require Army-standard Technical Manuals for Operators Manual and System Maintenance Manual and Technical Package within 30 days?

Government will review relief regarding manuals.

46 Technical Publications Delivery

Would Government allow contractor System and Provision Manuals/Technical Manuals based on commercial simulator manuals while developing master training manuals?

Government will review relief regarding manuals.

47 Could Sub-CLIN be developed for each item to allow for development of technical publications (training materials) and training package (separate from delivery/installation/net)?

Government will consider Progress Payments or other financing relief.

Pre-Solicitation Briefing Slides #46

48 Does the Government expect to issue (RO) Delivery Orders X002 - X009 after delivery of CLIN #1/Delivery Order #1 System Development? Or will the Government require simulators 30 days upon contract award by 8 each quantity?

The Government plans to issue follow on delivery orders after successful completion/acceptance of D001. The Government will not require simulators 30 days after contract award. The Government will require all five variants to be completed during the 12 month development period for D001.

CLIN #1/Delivery Order #1 System Development within 365 days of contract award.

49 As an non-U.S. company we are concerned about our ability to compete for CEVT based upon citizenship restrictions, "classified" data handling requirements, and the requirement for a National Agency Check for access to technical data. We know of some aspects are a work in progress with PEO STRI G2, but what do you see as impediments that may influence our participation?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance.

50 Will the Government provide additional data packages? i.e. Technical Data Package? Bidder's Library? Program of Instruction (POI) details?

Will they all be provided on FedBizOpps or can they be requested from the Contract Specialist?

PoI and data packages links or documents will be provided, as allowable, on FedBizOpps. Documents that are not posted on FedBizOpps can be requested from the Contract Specialist.

51 Can we submit videos as part of our proposal bid? The Government will review this recommendation.

52 Will the Army provide access to the real equipment for the purposes of measurement/data-collection?

The Government has all the equipment available for data collection.

53 Does no wireless capabilities include no wireless keyboards/mice? Wireless networks are not allowed but wireless keyboards and mice are acceptable.

54 Will the Army provide engineering data for the equipment (i.e. CAD Data)?

CAD data is not available. Additional engineering data is available in the SRD, Technical Manuals, and the PoIs.

55 Form-fit-function Will the Government accept implementation of controls (like gauges, some machine set-up functions) on touch panel?

See SRD Appendices tasks A-E.

56 2 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) vs 3DOF - is a 2DOF solution option acceptable?

The Government will review this recommendation.

57 What behaviors are expected from these entities? Dump trucks will be loaded with dirt and move into position as required.

Dozer will push load scraper. These models shall move through terrain with 6DOF.

58 Are they expected to be virtual or constructive? These 6DOF vehicles shall have some automated/constructive behaviors such as moving in and out of required positions and performing a task like the dozer push loading the scraper.

59 Does 6DOF imply associated vehicle dynamics models? Yes. These models shall move through terrain with 6DOF.

60 Is there a requirement for simultaneous forward and rear view? Yes.

61 Will user turn physically around to see the rear view? Yes.

62 Draft RFP L.4.2.1 Do you anticipate specifying Key Personnel requirements? No.

63 When will scenarios, visual models, POIs, virtual environment, training area, etc. be defined? They are referenced, but not defined.

SRD defines scenarios, visual models, virtual environment, training, area.

The POIs will be uploaded to FedBizOpps. See SRD 3.3.6.3 for model list.

64 Can the Government provide more detail on the specific performance characteristics of the dynamic terrain?

SRD provides this information: See SRD 3.3.6.2, 3.3.5, and 3.3.5.1.1.

Need to be able to drive into a hole and onto a hill.

65 Would the Government consider separating the spares, delivery, installation, and net training CLINs from unit pricing? Rationale: Given the fact the Government could buy units in a range, these activities would be required whether the Government acquires 1 or many.

The Government currently chose not to do so. Potential Offerors should lean on their business judgement.

66 Through your market research have you found a capability that already meets the SRD requirements?

No.

The SRD mentions a minimum of three 6DOF vehicle models for Dump truck, FMTV Dump truck, and D7R Dozer.

What operations/tasks/behavior is expected for rear view operations?

67 Is there any advantage or room in subjective tradeoff for more advanced capability (range of motion, etc.)? If yes, are there areas the Government is interested in advancing current capability? Or is the Government specifically concerned with directly meeting objectives?

Since this is a subjective tradeoff any greater capabilities than what is required will be evaluated to determine if it provides a benefit to the Govt.

The Tradeoff will be IAW the relative order of importance.

68 The guard and reserve have trainers fielded to date. Are there areas these trainers specifically are not meeting that will be met with this requirement?

The previous trainers are not related as no refurbishment is required.

69 How long do you anticipate providing offerors for response? Typically 30 days for proposal submission but a final date will be provided at time of solicitation release.

70 Draft RFP L.4.3 & L.4.3.1 Past Performance: Government states to provide 3 contracts per prime and major subcontractors and then states to provide 3 most relevant contract citations. Can the Government clarify this requirement?

Three (3) for the prime and three (3) for the major subcontractor(s) are required. Current page restriction is under review.

71 After Action Report (AAR) Requirement in the SRD is for the capability at the Student Trainer Station (STS). Slides say it was at the Instructor Operator Station (IOS). Please clarify.

AAR shall be played back at both the IOS and STS.

72 Operational Availability at the STS level, site level, or fleet level? STS level.

73 How is the small business plan evaluated? How is it evaluated if you are a small business?

See Draft RFP L.4.4.1 and M.2.4. Participation evaluation is for large and small business. Small business plan is not required for small businesses.

Language will be revised to clarify the requirement.

74 Would the Government consider "summing" past performance across all identified contracts as opposed to evaluating each contract individually and then "averaging" the result?

No. Evaluation will be conducted IAW RFP L&M.

75 Would the government consider adding teaming agreements as an evaluation criteria for the proposal?

No.

76 Can the Government confirm all/which components must be tied to the motion platform?

Components common for all variants should be tied to the Common Base Platform. Components tied to the motion platform shall realistically simulate vehicle movement, feel, and visual image.

77 Slides today implied that some controls were "control-loaded". Please confirm.

Equipment controls are electronic; feedback from machine operation and controls will come through motion platform and visual system.

78 For the DSP-5 license, does the receiving company or disclosing company supply that license?

Please review Collateral Item 13 Security Guidance.

79 Can you confirm that the Government will provide technical data package will not include ITAR data?

At this time, we do not anticipate any data to be ITAR.

80 Does the Government intend/expect that the final product is or is not ITAR controlled?

At this time we do not intend this product to be ITAR controlled.

81 Can you describe the intent (use case) for the Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS)?

SRD 3.5.1 defines the UPS requirement.