Nov Industry Questions (Gvt Response Nov 2021).pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA

2 December 2021

Response to Industry Questions

The purpose of this update is to provide Government response to submitted Industry Questions as of 30 November 2021.

1. In the Government documents, it's stated there will be a third Request for Information (RFI) released prior to the Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government also states they intend to release a final RFP in March 2023. Will there be a draft RFP prior to the final RFP? In that case will there still be a third RFI released or will that third RFI actually be the draft RFP?

Response: The United States Government (USG) anticipates issue of a draft RFP.

However, that may not negate the need to issue a third RFI. Issuance of a third RFI will be determined by USG based on responses received to RFI II.

2. In reference to Section 1, 7.a., does the Government plan to use Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for the entire program or just portions thereof (as an example, Prototype Phase, EMD/LRIP Phase, Production Phase, All Phases)?

Response: The USG has not finalized its acquisition strategy/approach at this time.

However, if the USG utilizes an OTA, the production phase is anticipated to be a separate vehicle than the prototype and/or EMD phases.

3. In reference to Section 1, 10.a, can the Government please define what is meant by "virtual prototype"?

Response: “Virtual prototype” is updated to “(Final prototype with Digital Twin, and testing)”.

Section 1, 10.a. How long do you anticipate it would take your company to complete all EMD (Final prototype with Digital Twin, and testing) requirements? (USG target is no longer than 18 to 24 months from award.) Explain any anticipated risks to meeting your company’s stated timeframe? In addition, explain any concerns you have with meeting the USG target of 18 to 24 months.

1. “Definition of Digital Twin: An integrated multiphysics, multiscale, probabilistic simulation of an as-built system, enabled by Digital Thread, that uses the best available models, sensor information, and input data to mirror and predict activities/performance over the life of its corresponding physical twin. (DAU Glossary)” Note – if a virtual prototype is created, the digital twin can be created from the virtual prototype.

4. In reference to Section 1, 10.b, can the Government please define what is meant by "virtual prototype"?

Response: “The virtual prototype development includes:

1. 3D CAD Model of ARP modification, utilizing 3D CAD model of all components required to install and integrate solution into T-6A. Expectation is to represent A & B kit preliminary design with fidelity to determine missing interface, environmental, and fit data.

2. Systems Modeling Language (SysML) of Top level Functional & Top Level Block Definition Diagrams (BDD), Subsystem Block Diagrams / Interface Block Definition Diagram (IBDD), and SysML of ARP External Interfaces, SysML of Subsystem level Functional and SysML of ARP internal. Expectation is to capture interface control design with fidelity to determine missing interface data.

3. Preliminary Desktop Simulator licensed to USG. COTS representation or alternate platform representation is acceptable.

4. Component Reliability Analysis, Component Thermal Analysis, Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix (RVTM) - SysML Relationship report. Expectation is to represent A & B kit preliminary design with fidelity to reduce performance risk, by early analysis assessment

The virtual prototype could be used to build upon for complete Digital Twin during physical prototype phase.

Added “Assumptions: USG may provide unverified STL files of installation areas.

Vendor must obtain all required aircraft data to accomplish project. Vendor will need to travel to an aircraft site to conduct a survey.”

5. When does the Government anticipate the next Industry Day?

Response: A date for the next Industry Day has not been determined at this time. The USG anticipates an Industry Day sometime in spring 2022.

6. When does the Government anticipate the release of the Statement of Work (SOW)/Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

Response: USG anticipates release of the SOW/PWS to occur when the draft RFP is released.

7. When does the Government anticipate the release of the draft RFP/final RFP?

Response: Release of the draft RFP/final RFP is anticipated to occur in late 2022/early 2023.

8. Will the T-6A require and FAA certification?

Response: The T-6A has Type Certificate No. A00009WI. The Avionics Replacement Program requires Supplemental Type Certification for affected areas to be built upon for Military airworthiness.

Note. USG assumes two exceptions. 1) The UHF radio will be FAA Certified to the maximum extent possible – we assume FAA Certification of the UHF radio installation but not the usage. 2) The OBOGS is FAA Certified for “safe carriage” only; the avionics processing/display of data from the OBOGS will be an exception to the FAA Certification; the avionics design and install must be fully FAA Certified.

9. During the initial Industry Day, a list of systems the Government would like to see replaced was presented. Does the Government have the budget for a full avionics upgrade or partial?

Response: Refer to the SRD attachment to RFI II published to www.SAM.gov for the replacement list and mentioned capabilities that may be considered, if proposed.

a) If partial, what systems are the most important/critical for replacement?

Response: For the replacement list and mentioned capabilities that may be considered if proposed, refer to SRD attached to RFI II.

b) Will there be a trade-off between capability and cost?

Response: The USG has not finalized its acquisition strategy/approach at this time. Specific details related to the evaluation criteria/methods will be outlined in the draft RFP/final RFP when released.

10. How important is it to have the cockpit design be representative of the future training aircraft (T-7 or other advanced trainer)?

Response: Has not been determined.

http://www.sam.gov/

11. Based on the latest RFI released, an offerors relationship with the OEM seems to be a concern. Will there be consideration for a non-OEM Prime for this opportunity?

Response: Yes, non-OEM Prime is a consideration. USG concerns focus more on the ability to acquire/license required data to design and integrate the new Avionics Replacement package in a compressed time schedule.

If you have additional questions regarding the above, please direct questions to Welth Cooper at Welth.Cooper@us.af.mil.

mailto:Welth.Cooper@us.af.mil