T-6A Questions and Answers 3192021.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE KLAHOMA

19 March 2021

T-6A Avionics Replacement

Question/Answers

1. This RFI and avionics upgrade only pertains to the USAF T-6A, not the USN T-6B

a. That is an accurate statement.

2. Is this opportunity limited strictly to analog cockpit USAF T-6As or does it also include USN

T-6Bs (with current glass cockpit)?

a. Answer: The solution being asked for is a comprehensive integrated digital avionics system with a glass cockpit to replace the current T-6A avionics system. There are no implications for the T-6B at this time.

3. Are you looking for a company that can integrate all/most of the avionics items listed or rather singular offerings?

a. Answer: All of the items listed. We are looking for a comprehensive integrated digital avionics system that retains all of the operational capabilities delivered by the current T-

6A avionics system. (i.e. Can you replace the current T-6A avionics system with a modern, digital integrated version (driven primarily by the mission CPU) that delivers the same functionality to the pilot?).

4. Capabilities 3.1 (g) Tactical Situation Display, as the T-6A is not retrofitted with any kind of

Radar or Sensor Suite, can you better define what the Tactical Situation Display (TSD) should be capable of displaying? I’m thinking Airspace/MOA boundaries, along with maybe a TCAS or ADS-B type of capability?

a. Answer: Tactical Situation Display may support many things, being T-6A serves different customers with different training needs. Expect fully simulated data (i.e.

“targets”), and/or actual sensor inputs (same as found on Nav Page or moving map).

Radar (imagery or object identification) is not being pursued for T-6. Airspace/MOA boundaries and ADS-B In data are of interest. Solution should host simulation applications or algorithms provided. Solution should allow for future expansion of capability to include more simulations and sensors (i.e. TACAN).

The express requirement in ARP is for an open architecture that meets airworthiness, safety, and certification requirements for hosting both flight critical, safety critical, flight essential, mission critical, and mission essential applications.

The RFI bullet for TSD gives vendors the opportunity to identify past pertinent projects and engineering development capabilities.

Additional note on different subject; CFIT-P solution should include Radio Altimeter or

Radar Altimeter.

5. Will you be notifying us of the one on one time after the 19th?

a. Answer: Yes. Please look for Microsoft Teams Invites for the one on one sessions prior to March 26th. A call-in phone number with a Conference ID will also be provided to accommodate industry in the event that Microsoft Teams is not supported by your company’s IT infrastructure.

6. Is the intent of the program to work with the OEM or will any and all tech data required to be provided by the USG to execute the program.

a. Answer: The Government will provide the tech data which is available, but it will not be comprehensive for the purposes of this effort. Programs will also be expected to work with the OEM to access the required tech data.

7. Who does USG envision as the certifying authority for the program (OEM, USG or contractor).

a. Answer: The Government T-6 Program Manager will be the certifying authority.

8. What is the estimated timeframe for program execution (development, prototypes, production)

a. Answers:

b. Development & Prototypes: FY23-25

c. Production and Deployment: FY25-29

9. Please confirm that Attachment 1 should include information about work split between teaming partners and Product WBS.

a. Answers: Yes, Attachment 1 should include information regarding work splits, teaming concepts and strategic partnerships. You may include a Product WBS as part of

Attachment 1 but no additional pages will be allotted.

10. Please explain what should be included in Attachment 2. It appears that it should be experience with systems integration and installation, however item 4.1 requests “a description of similar services provided to the Government and/or to commercial customers.”

a. Answers:

b. Yes, describe the concept that your company is considering in regards to delivering the identified requirements to include T-6A system integration and fielding. You may describe analogous previous projects completed by your company to illustrate competence in integrating and fielding solutions for existing platforms.

c. Answer: RFI Response: 5 pages

4.1. Teaming and Product WBS Attachment: 3 pages max

4.2. T-6 Integration / Compatibility Attachment: 3 pages max

4.3. Induction Tab: 2 pages max

Total: Max of 13 Pages

11. Please confirm that the “Induction Tab” can be provided as the Cover Page of our RFI response.

a. Answer: Yes.

12. What is to be submitted for “i. OEM License/Agreement/Manual”?

a. Answer: Not required at this time. Please disregard.

13. What avionics will be replaced by this upgrade? For example, the RFI mentions a GPS system. Does this mean the Government is seeking to replace the entire GPS system

(including receiver and maybe the antenna system) or just the Cockpit interface? Other systems that this question relates to:

i. Standby attitude and heading. Does this replace the existing cockpit displays only, or some other element as well. Does the this requirement imply any additional requirements, such operating on an auxiliary or battery power bus?

ii. Updated radio suite. What is the desired capability of the new “updated” radio suite? Are these voice comms only? Will the government identify the updated radios to be used, or will the contractor make this determination?

iii. ADS-B-In. Does the A/C already support ADS-B in in some fashion? If so, will the existing ADS-B-In receiver be used? If not, is the Contractor expected to identify an

ADS-B-In solution, or use a Government selected unit?

a. Answer: Current system info;

• KLN-900 Navigator with built in TSO-C129 GPS receiver connected to a GPS

Antenna on top of the vertical stabilizer.

• NGT-9000R Transponder with built in TSO-C145C WAAS GPS receiver is connected to GPS Antenna installed in the dorsal fin. Added in 2019 per STC to meet ADS-B Out mandate.

The T-6A KLN-900 GPS Receiver / Navigator needs to be replaced. The GPS antennae and ADS-B Out transponder are not on the DMSMS list.

The expectation is compliance with FAA AC 90-100A guidance for Area Navigation

(RNAV) routes, Instrument Departure Procedures (DPs), and Standard Terminal

Arrivals (STARs); with the equipment performance meeting RNP 1/RNAV 1/RNAV

2. Compliance with FAA AC 90-107 guidance for LPV approach.

14. CFIT-P. What level of GFIT-P is required. Class A? Is there or an existing system? If not, is the Contractor expected to identify a CFIT-P solution, or use a Government selected unit?

- mission-planning feature (preflight definition of waypoints routes, airspaces, etc).

- What tactical information should be displayed? ADS-B targets? Other?

a. Answer: The expectation for CFIT-P is to comply with Chief of Naval Operations letter

13210.1B dated 15 April 2014. Threshold is at minimum TSO-C151c requirements for

TAWS Class C system, with objective to meet TSO-C151c requirements for TAWS

Class B system.

15. What cockpit modifications would be permitted? Installation of a MFD and datapad would obviously require some reconfiguration. Are options such as a HOTAS upgrade possible?

a. Asnwer: No information at this time.

16. The requirements specify that “The mission computer shall integrate the operations of all avionics components.” Does this imply the integration of systems not included here such as the primary Electronic Flight Instrumentation System (EFIS) or just the components otherwise mentioned?

a. It is envisioned that the Mission Computer will drive most/all of the T-6A avionics including those not mentioned.

17. Please verify the due date for the written RFI response.

a. Answer: 9 April 2021

18. Will DFAR 252.228-7001, Ground and Flight Risk, apply to the awarded contract? This would require the contractor (and subcontactors) to comply with DCMAI 8210.1

CONTRACTOR’S FLIGHT AND GROUND OPERATIONS.

a. Answer: As of now this is not a fully defined requirement, but if it were this clause would be required based on the Provision and Clause Matrix.

19. What is the quantity of T-6A aircraft that would be eligible for the Replacement Program?

a. Answer: 442

20. Do you have an estimated release date for the RFP? Or the draft RFP? Or, will this be discussed at the Industry Day?

a. Answer: As of right now this is not a fully defined requirement. So currently there is no timetable on when or if a requirement will be released. It will also be discussed during the industry day.