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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Simulators Division (WNS) 1. Description The Air Force Life Cycle Mana... REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Simulators Division (WNS) 1. Description The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Agile Combat Support Directorate (AFLCMC/WN), Simulator Division (AFLCMC/WNS), in support of Department of the Air Force (DAF) Operational Imperative (OI)-7, is to identify an appropriate test and training infrastructure to conduct a High-End Advanced Training, Tactics, and Test (HEAT3) fight in a contested environment. The Air Force is seeking information from interested and qualified providers with potential test and training infrastructure solutions. OI-7 Problem Statement: Given current posture/readiness, identify gaps and vulnerabilities in the DAF’s ability to transition to and sustain current and projected operational plans in a contested environment against a near peer/pacing competitor. Level of Effort (LOE)-5 Problem Statement: Given current readiness levels, the DAF lacks the appropriate manpower, test and training infrastructure, and capability/capacity to conduct required preparedness for the high-end fight not experienced before. THIS NOTICE IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This is not a request for proposals and unsolicited proposals will not be accepted in response to this request. This notice is for information and planning purposes only. In accordance with Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Government is conducting market research to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources. This Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information herein is subject to change, and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract. Non-proprietary responses are preferred, however responders submitting proprietary information should mark any controlled information in a conspicuous fashion. The Government is not obligated to, and will not, reimburse the contractor for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. Please provide information at the unclassified level only. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov website: https://sam.gov. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. 2. Background The Air Force is seeking a relevant test, training, and experimentation capability that increases operational lethality and survivability. To attain this capability, the Air Force requires training capabilities across a spectrum of learning that includes flying fundamentals, combat mission employment, interoperability with dissimilar systems and joint/coalition forces, and High-End Advanced Training, Tactics and Test (HEAT3). The Air Force has identified gaps in capabilities to achieve learning objectives beyond flying fundamentals. The Air Force is addressing gaps in HEAT3 by investing in Threat Matrix Framework Level 4 open-air training capabilities, upgrading adversary air presentation at open-air ranges, and developing a government owned digital test and training range that provides a high-fidelity threat and electromagnetic operational environment to simulate scenarios against a peer adversary by integrating high fidelity models of blue capabilities and systems across multiple domains. In this RFI, WNS is seeking to identify solutions to adequately support test and training of 4th, 5th and next generation systems and capabilities against increasingly complex threats. Open-air range and simulation training capabilities lack sufficient threat representation with respect to system capability, density, safety and security constraints, and model fidelity. The resulting impacts include restrictions on exercising operational flight program capabilities, misrepresenting sensor capabilities and countermeasure effects, and inaccurate kill assessments that lead to degraded test and training. Current modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities are often proprietary and single platform focused. Integrating multiple proprietary models poses great challenges when attempting to test kill chains or train for integrated joint force employment. Ultimately, test and training infrastructures face many challenges. Each contend with legacy, stove-piped and proprietary solutions. Both face limitations presented by open-air range capacity and capability exposure. Some of the key Air Force identified capability gaps requiring analysis and a solution are: Unrealistic/inconsistent modeling of Electromagnetic Operating Environment (EMOE) Lack of Multi-Level Security (MLS) capabilities for real-time or post mission implementations Lack of model/training device interoperability with the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) Lack of high fidelity distributed virtual training Proprietary data and interfaces that preclude a fair fight Representation Lack simulator sensor model fidelity (effects based) Lack simulator concurrency with the platform Live fly Embedded training capabilities Realistic threats displayed in the cockpit High fidelity simulation requires large footprint devices Ability to plan, brief, execute, record, and debrief missions Distributed Local Multiple security levels Big data analytics Limitation: Not specified at this time. Security Requirements: Proposed solutions need to address DOD cyber standards up to TS/SCI/SAP. Responses to this RFI shall be unclassified. 3. Requested Information The requested information is to provide possible solutions to gaps listed above (Paragraph 2) and identify other potential gaps with their corresponding proposed solutions. Not all gaps need to be addressed by a single vendor. Responses should include cost estimate and product delivery schedule and/or service implementation timeline. 4. Responses Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a whitepaper. RFI Whitepaper. The RFI whitepaper should be in Microsoft Word 365 compatible format and due NLT 9 Dec 2022, 1700 EST. If you are addressing three gaps or less, the white paper response is limited to 10 single-sided pages. If you address more than three gaps, submission for each additional gap will be limited to an additional three pages per gap. RFI whitepaper should be submitted via e-mail only to the Government Point of Contact (POC): Diane Chen, Contracting Officer, Diane Chen, diane.chen@us.af.mil, and Program Manager, Capt Kelsey Aharon, kelsey.aharon@us.af.mil. The RFI whitepaper should address the following product and/or service offerings: Pricing structure Product delivery schedule and service implementation plan and schedule Proprietary information, if any, should be kept to minimum and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. The whitepaper needs to address the complete appropriate training infrastructure solution in this RFI. To aid the Government, segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Please note RFI whitepapers will be used by the Government to compile a market research report which will be marked for Government purposes only and not be shared with industry. The following is the list of government Point of contact (POC) for the evaluation of the RFI whitepaper: Paul Brand, paul.brand.2@us.af.mil Thomas Casey, thomas.casey.7@us.af.mil 5. Company Information. The RFI whitepaper should provide the following information: POC information and location CAGE/DUNS Proposed NAICS code Socioeconomic status (8a, HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.) If a large business, please discuss any subcontracting opportunities you are able to provide Vendor’s Technical Capability Provide a statement of technical capability relevant to one or more categories of interest Commercial opportunities offered to the general public by your company that the government should take into consideration regarding the categories referenced in this RFI Vendor’s Experience Provide a summary of experience relevant to the category of interest including contract number for any Government or DOD work Date range of project/work Industry Standards, professional societies, or process guides relevant to any of the categories of interest that may be of interest with regard to the categories Technology trends and insertion opportunities Discuss any technology trends, limitations, obsolescence concerns, etc. which would be of value to any of the categories of interest. 6. Meetings and Discussions The Government intends to host an initial industry day on 7 Nov 2022 virtually using zoom.gov allowing potential vendors to obtain clarification on the RFI, please contact POC listed below in Paragraph 7 to request participation in virtual meeting. In addition, the Government intends to host in-person reverse industry days on 21 Nov 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and during I/ITSEC on 29 Nov 2022 in Orlando Florida. Please contact POC listed below in Paragraph 7 before 1700 on 9 Nov 2022 for setting up 30-minutes one-on-one meetings. Please note RFI submission should be unclassified; however, if you intend to have classified discussions, please provide level of classification and name/clearance level of attendees and note that classified discussions are limited to reverse industry day on 21 Nov 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Potential Government representatives attending reverse industry day could include representatives from WNS, HAF/A3TI, A3 and A5 MAJCOM (with representatives from ACC, AMC, AFGSC), and AFRL. During reverse industry day, the Government recommends potential vendors to bring and present draft whitepaper. However, participation of reverse industry days is not required for submission. 7. Questions Questions and the whitepaper regarding this RFI should be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer, Diane Chen at diane.chen@us.af.mil, and Program Manager, Capt Kelsey Aharon, kelsey.aharon@us.af.mil. 8. Summary This RFI is only intended for the Government to identify sources that can provide complete appropriate test and training infrastructure solution in support of Operational Imperative 7. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the RFI requirements discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Summary of Virtual Industry Day (7 Nov 2022) Discussions 1. Are the reverse industry days going to be one-on-one discussions or group discussion? Answer: WNS intent is for one-on-one discussions. Please reach out to our POC soonest to notify which meeting time is preferred so that we can schedule appropriately. Solutions which implement teaming arrangements are acceptable. 2. How is this RFI related to SCARS, MLS, and other ongoing AFLCMC/XA efforts? Does this effort replace or enhance the existing efforts? Answer: This RFI is a separate effort but heavily related to Simulator Common Architecture Requirements Standards (SCARS). The focus of this RFI is to address a peer adversary and ensure our forces are ready. This RFI is issued with the intent to educate various requirements bodies with regards to industry capability to fill identified capability gaps and provide informed feedback to SECAF to influence the Fiscal Year (FY) 25 Program Objective Memorandum (POM). 3. Is the RFI seeking only Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) or already developed solutions? Answer: No, the RFI has no limitation towards the type of solution. Existing COTS solutions may be viewed more favorably than solutions which require development because the USAF is looking for quick capability improvements; however, please do not limit your RFI submission to COTS. 4. What is the intended timeframe for the utilization of any RFI response solutions? Answer: The intent is to influence the FY25 POM and be able to implement the solutions NLT FY26/FY27. 5. Does the USG have facilities with a representative environment for contractors to demonstrate capabilities? Answer: Currently WNS does not have a mature demonstration facility; however, if needed, WNS can reach out to other USAF organizations with such capabilities. 6. Is the RFI limited to a particular format of solutions, especially with regards to cost? Answer: No, the RFI is not targeting a particular format for RFI responses. 7. Is there a shift in the direction of Mobility Distributed Mission Operations (MAF DMO) or Combat Air Force Distributed Mission operations (CAF DMO) based on Operational Imperative 7? Answer: Although there is no shift in the current direction for DMO, the USAF is open to solutions which may improve or replace current DMO. 8. What is WNSK’s gut feel for future funding for these initiatives? Who is lead MAJCOM for funding? Answer: DoD as a whole is facing funding limitations. We need to be judicious with new programs, and are looking for cost efficiencies for future training. ACC is lead MAJCOM for training funding. 9. Is there a possibility for classified discussion during Reverse Industry Days? Answer: If a company wishes to have classified discussion, the only opportunity would be for the Reverse Industry Days at WPAFB and would need to let USG know soonest to schedule facilities. 10. RFI references a lack of model/training device interoperability with JSE. Is the defined JSE environment available? Answer: A Government Simulation Interface (GSI) has been documented. If you need a copy of the GSI, please contact the POC in RFI Paragraph 7, and the WNS team will provide POC information. The Government is focused on having a Government-owned single high-fidelity test and training range environment but still sees opportunity for industry to provide interface interoperability for blue capabilities. 11. Industry Day discussion has heavy emphasis on High-End Advanced Training and Tactics (HEAT2) ; however, High-End Advanced Training, Tactics, and Test (HEAT3) is being referenced in the RFI. Is this RFI addressing the operational needs of HEAT3 or HEAT2? Answer: Solutions that address either HEAT 2 or HEAT 3 are welcome. 12. RFI listed lack of multi-level security (MLS). Is this referring to having multiple data environments interfacing with each other? Answer: The preference is to have a mature single data environment providing real time and post-mission support, currently there are not sufficient analytic tools available for trend analysis over multiple training events. 13. Does WNS have a single point Authorizing Official (AO) for approval of classified systems? Answer: No, AOs vary from system to system. WNS has to obtain classified system approvals from outside organizations.