J -- CONTRACTOR LOGISTICS SUPPORT FOR THE SIMULATION NETWORKING (SIMNET) SYSTEM) The Government intends to negotiate and award to AAI Engineering Support Inc., 100 Industry Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030 an extension to a five-year procurement, which will consist of a 6 months Basic period and 2(two) 3-month options, in order to provide a bridge contract to a competitively awarded follow-on contract for Contractor Logistic Support for the Simulation Networking (SIMNET) system. The SIMNET training system is comprised of simulators that replicate combat vehicles, weapon systems, and command/control elements, which are networked together so that fully interactive collective task training in real time, on computer generated terrain, can be conducted. Weapons and communications systems within a task force will be outfitted with digital systems known as "appliques," which are added to existing communications equipment. Information is passed digitally, horizontally and vertically, rather than by voice, over a reduced number of networks. This information will include exact location of friendly elements through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS). This is designed to reduce transmission time and increase the accuracy of the information, which will compress the commander's decision making time and enhance both combat effectiveness and friendly force protection. A firm fixed price service contract is to be awarded to support 236 simulators at nine sites and one research facility in the United States, Germany and Korea. This effort shall entail site administration, training, and maintenance of SIMNET hardware to ensure a 90% availability rate within a specified turn around time. There is also a requirement from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) for using SIMNET in a mandated training program for both armor and infantry officers, and non-commissioned officer's in accordance with the U.S. Army's Program of Instruction (POI). This training is required for all units prior to attending their annual maneuver training exercises at established training centers. These six months of basic services will be required from 1 April 1997 through 1 October 1997. This activity contemplates issuance of this contract pursuant to a justification and authorization which will cites AAI/ESI as a unique source in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). AAI/ESI has supported the SIMNET program for the past six plus years and they alone possess the unique capability to provide the necessary services for continued support of the SIMNET program. Award of any other source would result in substantial duplication of costs to the Government that would not be recovered through competition for such a short period of time. In addition, award to any other source would result in unacceptable delay in fulfilling the Army's requirements.

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