US Army Central (USARCENT) Training Support Service (TSS)

***Update 14 November 2019***

Questions in response to the attached Draft Documents are not due until Monday, 18 Nov 2019, 4:00 P.M EST.  Given the issues encountered with the new beta.SAM.Gov website, I will continue to provide updates via email and on the beta.SAM.Gov website (if available). 

No additional documentation has been provided, other than the original attached Draft Documents, posted to beta.SAM.Gov and provided via email.  Feel free to forward the attached Draft Documents and advise if there is anyone you would like the Government to add to this distribution list.

*** Update as of 12 November 2019 ***

Attached DRAFT documents for the US Army Central (USARCENT) Training Support Services (TSS) Solicitation (W900KK-19-R-0048), including:

1.  Section B, Description of Supplies and Services

2.  Section L, Instruction to Offerors

3.  Section M, Evaluation Criteria

4.  Performance Work Statement (PWS)

5.  Technical Experience Reference Workbook

6.  Price Workbook

7.  Q&A Comment Form

The Government anticipates releasing the Final RFP, subsequent to the Solicitation Review Board (SRB), currently scheduled for 20 Nov. 2019.

To clarify Tuesday's 12 Nov. 2019 PALT Session Announcement.  Offerors will be requred to respond to Phase 1, Technical Experience, 10-14 days from release of the Final RFP.   Shortly after Offeror's submission of Phase 1, the Government will assess whether Offeror's are qualified to enter into Phase 2 and will inform Offerors.  Phase 2 responses, including response to the Program Managment & Cost/Price Factors, likely will not be required until after the holiday (Mid Jan 2020).

*** Update as of 16 August 2019 ***
The Government has attached an updated PWS. The PWS identifies multiple changes in scope and requirements. The Program of Instruction (POI) creation has changed to management of the current POI library. The Government added the operation and maintenance of the Kuwaiti Multi-Purpose Range complex located at the Udairi Range Complex (URC). This includes tower operations during training events, range berm, roads, target area maintenance as well as target test, set up and removal.
The Government anticipates the following Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure:
CLIN # Description Type
X001 Phase-In Operations FFP
X002 Program Management FFP
X003 Instructor / Operator (I/O) Services FFP
X004 Maintenance and Lifecycle Support FFP
X005 Training Support Center (TSC) FFP
X006 Material and ODC COST
X007 Deployable Range Capability (DRC) FFP Option CLIN
X008 Kuwaiti Multipurpose Range Complex FFP Option CLIN
X009 Travel COST
X010 Defense Base Act Insurance / Housing COST
X011 Contractor Manpower Reporting NSP
X012 Technical Documents NSP
X013 Contractor Acquired Property NSP

The solicitation is not finalized but the Government is contemplating the following evaluation method. The Government will require the Offerors to initially submit (4) of the (5) proposal volumes;
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience,
Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation
Volume III Factor 3Technical,
Sub factor 1 - Program Management
Sub factor 2 - Udairi Range Complex Execution Plan
Volume V Administrative and Contract Information

The Government will request Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/ Price after all other Factors have been evaluated. Offerors with compliant and acceptable proposals within the Competitive Range will be required to submit Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/Price. The Volume IV must be submitted within 14 calendar days after notification of the competitive range.
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience and Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation will be evaluated first on an Acceptable / Unacceptable basis. Small Business Participation shall be 15% of the total contract value. The Technical Experience criteria will be released in a future public posting. After Factor 1 & 2 are completed, the Government will evaluate Volume III Factor 3 Technical. Only Offerors with Unacceptable Factor 1 or 2 will be notified that they are non-compliant and have been removed from consideration.
Please provide any input or questions regarding the attached updated PWS, potential CLIN structure, and the potential evaluation criteria prior to 14 September 2019.

***Update as of 12 November 2019***

Attached DRAFT documents for the US Army Central (USARCENT) Training Support Services (TSS) Solicitation (W900KK-19-R-0048), including:

1.  Section B, Description of Supplies and Services

2.  Section L, Instruction to Offerors

3.  Section M, Evaluation Criteria

4.  Performance Work Statement (PWS)

5.  Technical Experience Reference Workbook

6.  Price Workbook

7.  Q&A Comment Form

The Government anticipates releasing the Final RFP, subsequent to the Solicitation Review Board (SRB), currently scheduled for 20 Nov. 2019.

To clarify Tuesday's 12 Nov. 2019 PALT Session Announcement.  Offerors will be requred to respond to Phase 1, Technical Experience, 10-14 days from release of the Final RFP.   Shortly after Offeror's submission of Phase 1, the Government will assess whether Offeror's are qualified to enter into Phase 2 and will inform Offerors.  Phase 2 responses, including response to the Program Managment & Cost/Price Factors, likely will not be required until after the holiday (Mid Jan 2020).

*** Update as of 16 August 2019 ***
The Government has attached an updated PWS. The PWS identifies multiple changes in scope and requirements. The Program of Instruction (POI) creation has changed to management of the current POI library. The Government added the operation and maintenance of the Kuwaiti Multi-Purpose Range complex located at the Udairi Range Complex (URC). This includes tower operations during training events, range berm, roads, target area maintenance as well as target test, set up and removal.
The Government anticipates the following Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure:
CLIN # Description Type
X001 Phase-In Operations FFP
X002 Program Management FFP
X003 Instructor / Operator (I/O) Services FFP
X004 Maintenance and Lifecycle Support FFP
X005 Training Support Center (TSC) FFP
X006 Material and ODC COST
X007 Deployable Range Capability (DRC) FFP Option CLIN
X008 Kuwaiti Multipurpose Range Complex FFP Option CLIN
X009 Travel COST
X010 Defense Base Act Insurance / Housing COST
X011 Contractor Manpower Reporting NSP
X012 Technical Documents NSP
X013 Contractor Acquired Property NSP

The solicitation is not finalized but the Government is contemplating the following evaluation method. The Government will require the Offerors to initially submit (4) of the (5) proposal volumes;
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience,
Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation
Volume III Factor 3Technical,
Sub factor 1 - Program Management
Sub factor 2 - Udairi Range Complex Execution Plan
Volume V Administrative and Contract Information

The Government will request Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/ Price after all other Factors have been evaluated. Offerors with compliant and acceptable proposals within the Competitive Range will be required to submit Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/Price. The Volume IV must be submitted within 14 calendar days after notification of the competitive range.
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience and Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation will be evaluated first on an Acceptable / Unacceptable basis. Small Business Participation shall be 15% of the total contract value. The Technical Experience criteria will be released in a future public posting. After Factor 1 & 2 are completed, the Government will evaluate Volume III Factor 3 Technical. Only Offerors with Unacceptable Factor 1 or 2 will be notified that they are non-compliant and have been removed from consideration.
Please provide any input or questions regarding the attached updated PWS, potential CLIN structure, and the potential evaluation criteria prior to 14 September 2019.

*** Update as of 16 August 2019 ***
The Government has attached an updated PWS. The PWS identifies multiple changes in scope and requirements. The Program of Instruction (POI) creation has changed to management of the current POI library. The Government added the operation and maintenance of the Kuwaiti Multi-Purpose Range complex located at the Udairi Range Complex (URC). This includes tower operations during training events, range berm, roads, target area maintenance as well as target test, set up and removal.
The Government anticipates the following Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure:
CLIN # Description Type
X001 Phase-In Operations FFP
X002 Program Management FFP
X003 Instructor / Operator (I/O) Services FFP
X004 Maintenance and Lifecycle Support FFP
X005 Training Support Center (TSC) FFP
X006 Material and ODC COST
X007 Deployable Range Capability (DRC) FFP Option CLIN
X008 Kuwaiti Multipurpose Range Complex FFP Option CLIN
X009 Travel COST
X010 Defense Base Act Insurance / Housing COST
X011 Contractor Manpower Reporting NSP
X012 Technical Documents NSP
X013 Contractor Acquired Property NSP

The solicitation is not finalized but the Government is contemplating the following evaluation method. The Government will require the Offerors to initially submit (4) of the (5) proposal volumes;
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience,
Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation
Volume III Factor 3Technical,
Sub factor 1 - Program Management
Sub factor 2 - Udairi Range Complex Execution Plan
Volume V Administrative and Contract Information

The Government will request Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/ Price after all other Factors have been evaluated. Offerors with compliant and acceptable proposals within the Competitive Range will be required to submit Volume IV Factor 4 Cost/Price. The Volume IV must be submitted within 14 calendar days after notification of the competitive range.
Volume I Factor 1 Technical Experience and Volume II Factor 2 Small Business Participation will be evaluated first on an Acceptable / Unacceptable basis. Small Business Participation shall be 15% of the total contract value. The Technical Experience criteria will be released in a future public posting. After Factor 1 & 2 are completed, the Government will evaluate Volume III Factor 3 Technical. Only Offerors with Unacceptable Factor 1 or 2 will be notified that they are non-compliant and have been removed from consideration.
Please provide any input or questions regarding the attached updated PWS, potential CLIN structure, and the potential evaluation criteria prior to 14 September 2019.

***Update as of 19 July 2019 ***

The ARCENT Team will host an on-site Industry Day at the ARCENT facilities in late September 2019. To register for the event please contact David Smith at david.a.smith144.civ@mail.mil no later than 19 August 2019. Late registrations are not authorized, and only registered participants can attend the meetings/PWS walk-through. Only (3) registered attendee's per company is authorized due to logistical constraints. Upon registration you will receive the required forms for entry. You must have a valid Passport with an expiration date after 1 November 2019 with available data pages. If you intend to drive on-site you must have "one" of the following: 1)a valid U.S. license; 2) an International Driver's Permit (IDP), 3) or a Kuwait/Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Driver's License.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command Orlando has a requirement to procure training support services (TSS) for the Program Executive Office for Simulation Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI), to support the U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) mission in Kuwait and other locations within the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR). The USARCENT TSS contract will provide technical expertise, system operators, maintenance and lifecycle support for the sustainment, operations and management of training ranges, equipment, facilities and numerous Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) Training Aids, Devices, Simulators and Simulations (TADSS).

The changing environment in the Middle East and the USCENTCOM AOR has brought new missions and an increased capacity for operational maneuver to USARCENT. The USARCENT G37 (Training and Exercises) intent is to maintain and expand the USARCENT ability of enhancing the warfighting skills of U.S. training units, via the use of LVC training environments, to become a trained and ready force capable of:

1) Executing Unified Land Operations (ULO) in the USCENTCOM AOR,
2) Supporting Theater Security Cooperation Exercises, and
3) Providing Contingency training as required.

The Contractor shall assist USARCENT in achieving defined training objectives by deploying, enabling, leveraging, and providing LVC training resources; and using these resources to support individual, crew, and collective training requirements.

The Contractor shall provide TSS for the deployed Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), Security Forces (SECFOR), Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), and other USARCENT specified units within the USCENTCOM AOR in order to prepare units, leaders and Soldiers for ULO. The contractor shall provide TSS across the following USARCENT established resource sets broadly described in the following (3) paragraphs:

1. USARCENT Training Readiness Center (ARTC). Located at Camp Buehring, Kuwait the ARTC provides: Training Support Team (TST). The TST provides a capability to support the continuum of U.S. military exercises, training events and Theater Security Cooperation events including: Situational Training Exercises (STX) and Field Training Exercises (FTX) for Theater Security Cooperation events; and Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises (EDRE).

The TST provides a Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training capability to include Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) individual and collective training. Aligned with this capability is the integration of any emerging technology, Tactic Technique Procedure (TTP) and new devices as they are fielded to the Army from the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) and Asymmetric Warfare Group in the Technology and Innovations Capability (TIC) Group.

The TST provides a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and small UAS (sUAS) training capability, using operational devices and incorporating TIC resourced technologies when fielded.

ARTC TADSS. The ARTC TADSS capability enables warfighter training readiness sustainment and enhancement of individual, crew and collective skill sets. This is accomplished through the Instruction/Operation/Maintenance (I/O/M) of TADSS, which provide: Small arms, M1/M2 gunnery, call for indirect fire, Close Air Support (CAS), medical, vehicle survivability, convoy ambush, intelligence, maneuver and virtual battlefield combat skills training. Virtual devices also support blended training and integration with constructive training exercises executed by another contract supporting USARCENT.

2. Udairi Range Complex (URC). The URC capability encompasses the operation, support and security of Live Fire ranges adjacent to Camp Buehring as well as a Deployable Range Capability (DRC). The URC ranges provide the capability to conduct range gunnery (main battle tank, infantry and amphibious fighting vehicles), artillery, mortars, air defense, naval gun fire, and fixed and rotary wing air gunnery. URC range capabilities also include demolitions, hand grenades, and anti-tank weapon firing. URC maneuver areas and associated tank trails provide additional live training capabilities maintained by the TSS contract.

The DRC provides support and operators for a variety of live fire range configuration requirements, up to a Company (CO) level with infantry and armor targets, throughout the CENTCOM AOR. This support requires up to two deployed live fire ranges operating simultaneously in addition to operations at URC. The support to the DRC cannot degrade URC operations.

3. Training Support Center (TSC). The TSC capability is comprised of three facilities, one inside the ARTC at Camp Buehring, a second in Camp Arifjan, west of Kuwait City and a third satellite (small) capability in Qatar. The overall TSC capability provides: TADSS support; range support operations; a training device fabrication shop; TSC maintenance; Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems/Tactical Engagement Systems (MILES/TESS) Services and Support; TSC Logistics Support Operations, Graphic Training Aides (GTA), Audio Visual (AV) support and a Visual Information (VI) support capability.

The Government may adjust the training programs of instruction, training devices, locations, or student throughput requirements according to mission demand during the execution of requirement.

This acquisition is a follow-on effort to the ARCENT training support services delivery order issued on the U.S. Army Warfighter Field Operation Customer Support (FOCUS) Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) single award contract. This acquisition includes the additional requirement for the DRC.

This effort is anticipating one standard contract for Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services, with ancillary material to support the USARCENT mission, with 100% of contract performance within the USARCENT AO. The anticipated contract will have (1) twelve month period of performance at award with (2) potential twelve month period of performance priced options. The Government intends to include FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services in the solicitation and resulting contract.

A hybrid contract is anticipated with primarily Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS), Cost CLINS for travel and the potential for limited use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) CLINS.

The contract effective date will be 1 July 2020 to account for Phase-In requirements (i.e. ensure compliance with host nation visas, labor laws, etc.).

Estimated contract award date is late 2d quarter 2020.

The USARCENT TSS effort is expected to be a full and open competition. The source selection decision will be made on a best-value subjective tradeoff basis; the source selection authority will consider non-price factors, as well as cost/price in selecting a single Contractor for award.

The Government intends to schedule an Industry day and a Pre-Proposal Conference prior to receipt of proposals. The Government will provide a detailed schedule of all events as soon as possible. Pending any changes to the acquisition schedule, the Government anticipates a site visit to a USARCENT location within US Central Command in September 2019. Coordination for the site visit will be conducted after the industry day.

To assist with market research please provide the following information:

1. Identify whether you intend to participate in this acquisition as a Prime or Subcontractor
2. Do know of a commercial solution for the requested services.
3. Provide the anticipated level of Small Business Participation for the requirement.
4. What are the major risks Industry has identified for this acquisition, and how can the Government assist in mitigation.
5. What information should the Government include in the PWS to assist with proposal preparation.
6. Any rationale why Past Performance would not be a discriminator for evaluation purposes.
7. Provide a NAICS recommendation with supporting rationale.

The Government has identified that a Distribution Agreement is required for release of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and all PWS attachments. Once the PWS is releasable, a FBO notice will explain the procedures and documents to request access. The Government intends to allow access to a draft PWS prior to the industry day in order to allow industry to provide input and conduct one-on-one sessions.

The Government requests any additional information that will assist in the acquisition process.

*** Update 1 July 2019 ***

ACC Orlando and PEO STRI will be hosting an Industry Day on 15 July 2019 (0900 - 1500) at 12211 Science Drive, Orlando, FL 32826 - Partnership III room 320. The industry day will allow the Government to discuss the requirement, acquisition strategy and estimated time-lines. One-on-one sessions will be available for discussion with industry as well as group discussions if needed. A draft PWS will be available for distribution prior to the event. To register for the event please contact the Contract Specialist listed below prior to 12 July 2019. After the Industry Day the Government will post a releasable version of the presentation and an updated PWS.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command Orlando has a requirement to procure training support services (TSS) for the Program Executive Office for Simulation Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI), to support the U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) mission in Kuwait and other locations within the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR). The USARCENT TSS contract will provide technical expertise, system operators, maintenance and lifecycle support for the sustainment, operations and management of training ranges, equipment, facilities and numerous Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) Training Aids, Devices, Simulators and Simulations (TADSS).

The changing environment in the Middle East and the USCENTCOM AOR has brought new missions and an increased capacity for operational maneuver to USARCENT. The USARCENT G37 (Training and Exercises) intent is to maintain and expand the USARCENT ability of enhancing the warfighting skills of U.S. training units, via the use of LVC training environments, to become a trained and ready force capable of:

1) Executing Unified Land Operations (ULO) in the USCENTCOM AOR,
2) Supporting Theater Security Cooperation Exercises, and
3) Providing Contingency training as required.

The Contractor shall assist USARCENT in achieving defined training objectives by deploying, enabling, leveraging, and providing LVC training resources; and using these resources to support individual, crew, and collective training requirements.

The Contractor shall provide TSS for the deployed Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), Security Forces (SECFOR), Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), and other USARCENT specified units within the USCENTCOM AOR in order to prepare units, leaders and Soldiers for ULO. The contractor shall provide TSS across the following USARCENT established resource sets broadly described in the following (3) paragraphs:

1. USARCENT Training Readiness Center (ARTC). Located at Camp Buehring, Kuwait the ARTC provides: Training Support Team (TST). The TST provides a capability to support the continuum of U.S. military exercises, training events and Theater Security Cooperation events including: Situational Training Exercises (STX) and Field Training Exercises (FTX) for Theater Security Cooperation events; and Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises (EDRE).

The TST provides a Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training capability to include Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) individual and collective training. Aligned with this capability is the integration of any emerging technology, Tactic Technique Procedure (TTP) and new devices as they are fielded to the Army from the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) and Asymmetric Warfare Group in the Technology and Innovations Capability (TIC) Group.

The TST provides a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and small UAS (sUAS) training capability, using operational devices and incorporating TIC resourced technologies when fielded.

ARTC TADSS. The ARTC TADSS capability enables warfighter training readiness sustainment and enhancement of individual, crew and collective skill sets. This is accomplished through the Instruction/Operation/Maintenance (I/O/M) of TADSS, which provide: Small arms, M1/M2 gunnery, call for indirect fire, Close Air Support (CAS), medical, vehicle survivability, convoy ambush, intelligence, maneuver and virtual battlefield combat skills training. Virtual devices also support blended training and integration with constructive training exercises executed by another contract supporting USARCENT.

2. Udairi Range Complex (URC). The URC capability encompasses the operation, support and security of Live Fire ranges adjacent to Camp Buehring as well as a Deployable Range Capability (DRC). The URC ranges provide the capability to conduct range gunnery (main battle tank, infantry and amphibious fighting vehicles), artillery, mortars, air defense, naval gun fire, and fixed and rotary wing air gunnery. URC range capabilities also include demolitions, hand grenades, and anti-tank weapon firing. URC maneuver areas and associated tank trails provide additional live training capabilities maintained by the TSS contract.

The DRC provides support and operators for a variety of live fire range configuration requirements, up to a Company (CO) level with infantry and armor targets, throughout the CENTCOM AOR. This support requires up to two deployed live fire ranges operating simultaneously in addition to operations at URC. The support to the DRC cannot degrade URC operations.

3. Training Support Center (TSC). The TSC capability is comprised of three facilities, one inside the ARTC at Camp Buehring, a second in Camp Arifjan, west of Kuwait City and a third satellite (small) capability in Qatar. The overall TSC capability provides: TADSS support; range support operations; a training device fabrication shop; TSC maintenance; Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems/Tactical Engagement Systems (MILES/TESS) Services and Support; TSC Logistics Support Operations, Graphic Training Aides (GTA), Audio Visual (AV) support and a Visual Information (VI) support capability.

The Government may adjust the training programs of instruction, training devices, locations, or student throughput requirements according to mission demand during the execution of requirement.

This acquisition is a follow-on effort to the ARCENT training support services delivery order issued on the U.S. Army Warfighter Field Operation Customer Support (FOCUS) Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) single award contract. This acquisition includes the additional requirement for the DRC.

This effort is anticipating one standard contract for Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services, with ancillary material to support the USARCENT mission, with 100% of contract performance within the USARCENT AO. The anticipated contract will have (1) twelve month period of performance at award with (2) potential twelve month period of performance priced options. The Government intends to include FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services in the solicitation and resulting contract.

A hybrid contract is anticipated with primarily Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS), Cost CLINS for travel and the potential for limited use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) CLINS.

The contract effective date will be 1 July 2020 to account for Phase-In requirements (i.e. ensure compliance with host nation visas, labor laws, etc.).

Estimated contract award date is late 2d quarter 2020.

The USARCENT TSS effort is expected to be a full and open competition. The source selection decision will be made on a best-value subjective tradeoff basis; the source selection authority will consider non-price factors, as well as cost/price in selecting a single Contractor for award.

The Government intends to schedule an Industry day and a Pre-Proposal Conference prior to receipt of proposals. The Government will provide a detailed schedule of all events as soon as possible. Pending any changes to the acquisition schedule, the Government anticipates a site visit to a USARCENT location within US Central Command in September 2019. Coordination for the site visit will be conducted after the industry day.

To assist with market research please provide the following information:

1. Identify whether you intend to participate in this acquisition as a Prime or Subcontractor
2. Do know of a commercial solution for the requested services.
3. Provide the anticipated level of Small Business Participation for the requirement.
4. What are the major risks Industry has identified for this acquisition, and how can the Government assist in mitigation.
5. What information should the Government include in the PWS to assist with proposal preparation.
6. Any rationale why Past Performance would not be a discriminator for evaluation purposes.
7. Provide a NAICS recommendation with supporting rationale.

The Government has identified that a Distribution Agreement is required for release of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and all PWS attachments. Once the PWS is releasable, a FBO notice will explain the procedures and documents to request access. The Government intends to allow access to a draft PWS prior to the industry day in order to allow industry to provide input and conduct one-on-one sessions.

The Government requests any additional information that will assist in the acquisition process.