SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- The Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) and the RDECOM STTC are researching immersive capabilities / enhancements to improve Joint Fires & Effects Trainer System (JFETS).
- Notice Date
- 6/4/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541330
— Engineering Services
- Contracting Office
- RDECOM Contracting Center - Aberdeen (RDECOM-CC), ATTN: AMSSB-ACC-A, 4118 Susquehanna Avenue, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-3013
- ZIP Code
- 21005-3013
- Solicitation Number
- RDECOM-BAA-10-035
- Response Due
- 6/18/2010
- Archive Date
- 8/17/2010
- Point of Contact
- Richard Boast, 407-208-3290
- E-Mail Address
-
RDECOM Contracting Center - Aberdeen (RDECOM-CC)
(richard.boast1@us.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W91CRB-08-R-0073 was publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities on 11 August 2008 by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Simulation and Training Technology Center (RDECOM STTC). This notice calls for White Paper Submissions in reference to the research interest entitled, Topic 3. Dismounted Soldier Training Systems. Technical Points of Contact for this specific white paper submission: Mr. Pat Garrity, RDECOM STTC, (407)384-3663, pat.garrity@us.army.mil (email contact preferred). Contractual Points of Contact: Mr. Richard Boast, Contract Specialist US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, 12423 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 208-3290, Richard.Boast1@us.army.mil (email contact preferred). or Ms. Vanessa T. Dobson, Procuring Contracting Officer, 12423 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 208-3015. OBJECTIVE: The Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) and the RDECOM STTC are researching immersive capabilities / enhancements to improve Joint Fires & Effects Trainer System (JFETS). BACKGROUND. The Joint Fires and Effects Trainer System (JFETS) will transition into Call For Fire Trainer Increment II Plus (CFFT II Plus)which is a virtual training system that provides an immersive, simulated battlefield to train Field Artillery officers, MOS 13F Fire Support Specialists, and Joint Fires Observers at the generating force level. JFETS represents a significant opportunity for sustainment training supporting all types of Close Air Support (CAS) terminal control. This immersive capability removes the student from a traditional classroom setting and places him into an operational environment. However, JFETS, currently configured with multiple modules and cutting-edge environmental displays, is a static trainer housed in a permanent, fixed facility located only at Fort Sill. The FCOE in its role as supporting operational Field Artillery units and Special Operation Forces is researching possibilities for exporting this immersive capability. Constraints with respect to the large dimensions, associated transportation/set up costs, and the complexity of the system architecture have forced the FCOE to examine other alternatives. PROBLEM STATEMENT. How do we reasonably duplicate the positive attributes and capabilities of JFETS and make them available to our Operational, Joint, and (authorized) Coalition users? The FCOE must establish a means to provide a JFETS-like immersive training capability to the field. The immersive environment is limited in the current generation of simulators. Potential visualization options are screens/computer displays or Head/Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD). Screens and computer displays tend to be bulky and/or inadequate. The current generation of head mounted displays force the student to go in and out of the environment every time he needs to look at an actual map or piece of equipment. SPECIFIC RESEARCH AREAS. Development in the HMD has advanced beyond the standard limited virtual capability by providing a completely lightless enclosure, allowing the video to wrap around the student. Some HMDs utilizing Augmented Virtuality techniques allow the insertion of real-world view into the computer generated image (CGI). This optical see-through capability would enable the Soldier to view map, compass, and other devices without leaving the virtual environment. Constructing a more complete virtual environment, while at the same time placing the required tools in that environment, will allow the student to correctly perform critical tasks in a high stress situation. This exportable immersive capability represents a potential solution for operation unit sustainment training for controlling CAS. Fielded observed fire trainers, using computer monitors or display screens do not have this level of fidelity nor can they achieve the desired training end state. While there is a head mounted display which can support the CFFT, it provides a minimal virtual capability, forcing the student move in and out of the training environment. This training gap must be resolved to progress from artificial classroom to a realistic operational environment. The advanced HMD capability integrated into the existing call-for-fire training systems would accomplish the FCOEs mission to export the JFETS immersive training capability to both generating and operational forces. At this time, it is anticipated that this effort will be a 12-month effort with funding of approximately $2M subject to budgeting constraints. Reference Documents to include White paper Submissions are provided at http://www.rdecom.army.mil/STTC/baa.html THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION FOR THIS EFFORT. DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL AT THIS TIME. WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION: Any responsible offeror capable of satisfying the objectives identified in this announcement may submit a white paper. White Paper submissions are encouraged as early as possible but must be received at RDECOM STTC no later than 1600 EDT 18 June 2010. No extensions will be granted. Only unclassified white papers will be accepted. The White Paper must include the anticipated period of performance, a technical description of the proposed concepts, the technical objectives and a planned approach to accomplish the stated objectives as well as a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost. The ROM cost consists of the total cost plus profit/fee, if any. The white papers will be reviewed to determine that the proposed effort is within the scope and interest of this solicitation. A proposal will only be solicited from white papers deemed to best meet the program objectives. White papers will be evaluated by a technical review board using the following criteria listed in descending order of importance: (1) Scientific and Technical Merit: Proposed efforts should create new, or apply existing technology in a new way, that is advantageous to the proposed research topic. The overall scientific and technical merit of the proposal must be clearly identifiable. The technical concept should be clearly defined and developed. Emphasis should be placed on the offeror's technical approach through a comprehensive, logical, orderly, concise plan that indicates major milestones, critical paths, key events, capabilities that can be spun off, demonstration articles, etc. Consideration should be given to the extent which current State-of-the-Art technology is expanded. Offeror should discuss how their concept will be documented, demonstrated, or evaluated, and this discussion should be indicative of the understanding of what is required in this program. (2) Potential Contribution to Military Services Needs and Transition to other Programs: The offeror must adequately address how the proposed solution will meet the goal of the research topic. The proposal must show understanding of the potential approach and make a compelling case for the viability of the proposed effort. The relevance is further indicated by the offeror's understanding of the operating environment of the product or demonstration (current Military or Industrial technical problems/issues, limitations, etc.). The relationships of the proposed effort with other ongoing or anticipated initiatives (military or civilian) that are focused on improving JFETS should be considered. Offeror should recognize and identify potential strategies for transitioning technology within the DoD. Plans on how offeror intends to get developed technology, and information on these developments, to the user community should be considered. (3) Personnel: The qualifications, experience, capabilities, and demonstrated achievements of the proposed principal investigators and other key personnel for the primary and subcontractor organizations should be examined and assessed for the proposal objectives. (4) Corporate Capabilities and Facilities: Offerors are required to describe their relevant capabilities and accomplishments. The offeror must have a demonstrated capability to conceptualize, develop theories, identify concept deficiencies, analyze, and develop mature concepts for rapid application/ demonstration. Consider the offerors history of related work. Also consider any unique facilities or equipment that the offeror possesses. (5) Cost: The overall estimated cost to accomplish the effort should be considered as well as the substantiation of the costs for the technical complexity described. Evaluation should consider the extent to which the proposed management plan will effectively allocate and provide accounting of funds, equipment, and personnel, select subprojects, monitor and evaluate the program to achieve the proposed objectives, and respond to contingencies created by unanticipated technical barriers or breakthroughs. Cost reasonableness and realism will be assessed, but this assessment is of a lower priority than the technical evaluation. White Papers found to be consistent with the requirements of this announcement and deemed to best meet the program objectives may be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. To be eligible for award a white paper must be submitted. Upon completion of white paper evaluations, the Government may issue a request for proposal letter to the qualified offeror(s), who best meet the program objectives. If proposals are solicited, proposals are due NLT 1600 16 Aug 2010. The requirements for proposal preparation and submission can be found at http://www.rdecom.army.mil/STTC/baa.html This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the government to reimburse any proposal preparation cost for responding. The cost of proposal preparation in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18. Any request for white paper or submission of a full proposal does not guarantee award. The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement at any time and shall not be liable for any cost of proposal preparation or submission. Within the meaning of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 6.102 and 35.016, this announcement constitutes the Government's solicitation for this effort. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may be published. WHITE PAPER FORMAT: White Papers shall not exceed 8 pages of computerized text at 12 pitch (excluding resumes) Contractor format is acceptable. The white papers should be provided in hardcopy and CD electronic form no later than1600 EDT 18 June 2010. NOTE: Both the hardcopy as well as the electronic (CD) copy MUST BE received together, by the due date and time. NO HAND CARRY SUBMISSIONS. MAIL WHITE PAPERS TO: US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Attn: Mr. Richard Boast, Contract Specialist, 12423 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826 no later than 1600 EDT 18 June 2010.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/95cf10e2eb68c88326ff34ba64120e0c)
- Place of Performance
- Address: RDECOM US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center Attn: Mr. Richard Boast, Contract Specialist Orlando FL
- Zip Code: 32826-3274
- Zip Code: 32826-3274
- Record
- SN02168893-W 20100606/100604234930-95cf10e2eb68c88326ff34ba64120e0c (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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