R&D Contracting Directorate, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7607

A -- AVIONICS COLLABORATIVE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SOL PRDA No. 97-06-AAK POC Contact Kimberly K. Atkinson, Contract Negotiator, (937) 255-5252, or Cynthia Hollingsworth, Contracting Officer, (937) 255-5252 INTRODUCTION: Wright Laboratory (WL/AAKD) is interested in receiving proposals (technical and cost) on the research effort described below. Proposals in response to this PRDA must be received by 19 May 97, 1500 hours Eastern Time, addressed to Wright Laboratory, Directorate of R&D Contracting, Building 7, Area B, Attn: Ms. Kimberly K. Atkinson, WL/AAKD, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. Proposal receipt after the cutoff date and time specified herein shall be treated in accordance with the restrictions of FAR 52.215-10; a copy of this provision may be obtained from the contracting point of contact. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any PRDA amendments that may permit subsequent submission of proposal dates. Offerors should request a copy of the WL Guide entitled "PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry" dated November 1992. This guide was specifically designed to assist offerors in understanding the PRDA/BAA proposal process. Copies may be requested from the contracting point of contact stated herein. The guide is also available on the internet at www.wl.wpafb.af.mil/contract. B -- REQUIREMENTS: (1) BACKGROUND: Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has been used for a number of years within industry and DoD as an integral part of the acquisition process. In recent years, DoD has placed an increasing emphasis on M&S as a way to reduce acquisition costs, shorten the acquisition cycle, and improve the quality of the systems produced. A number of joint M&S standards such as the Joint Modeling and Simulation System (JMASS), Joint Simulation System (JSIMS), Joint Warfighting Simulation (JWARS), High Level Architecture (HLA), and Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) are under development. In addition, many commercial products also exist which are applicable to avionics M&S applications. The Avionics Collaborative Engineering Technology program is an initiative to exploit these and other emerging M&S technologies to further the acquisition process within Wright Laboratory and DoD. The Wright Laboratory Avionics Directorate consists of six technology divisions (Radio Frequency, Electro-Optics, Combat Information, Mission Applications, System Concepts & Simulation, and Electronic Devices) and one technology management division. The concept of collaborative engineering is a key enabling technology, where a common set of tools and interfaces are shared across the domains so that each team member can contribute to the total solution. (2) TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Wright Laboratory intends to award a Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity, Delivery Order Contract to address Avionics Collaborative Engineering Technology issues. For convenience, the effort can be subdivided into a number of technology areas. The numbers in parentheses are an estimate of the percentage of the overall effort for each technology area. Although a single award for this program is anticipated, in the event of multiple awards these numbers will be used in determining contract ceiling amounts. (a) Collaborative Avionics Engineering (10%). The contractor shall develop and implement technologies and methodologies to bring multi-disciplinary engineering to a laboratory environment in support of avionics technology development. The tools and standards needed to permit sharing of data in a multi-user development environment shall be developed. The contractor shall consider the problems associated with allowing various existing engineering design tools, real-time and non real-time simulations, software development tools, and visualization packages to interoperate within an intranet across PCs, workstations, servers, supercomputers, and massive parallel processors. (b) Environment Integration (20%). A number of software development and engineering environments are currently in use within Wright Laboratory. Examples include VHDL design tools,visual programming environments such as Khoros, commercial modeling systems such as Matlab, and Government owned systems such as JMASS, JTA, and DARPA's Simulation Based Design (SBD) program. The contractor shall develop the necessary middleware or perform the required integration to allow different engineering environments to share information. (c) Collaborative Virtual Prototyping (10%). Collaborative Virtual Prototyping can be defined as the application of distributed modeling and simulation in an integrated information system and engineering environment to support trade-off analyses throughout the product life cycle (requirements definition, design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, logistics). Collaborative Virtual Prototyping is an important technology because it enables team members to continuously and electronically interact through modeling and data exchange. It increases insight into life cycle concerns, permits earlier testing through virtual test ranges, and permits detailed knowledge earlier in conceptual and preliminary design phases to most influence life cycle cost. The contractor shall develop methodologies to implement collaborative virtual prototyping across the engineering disciplines within the Avionics Directorate and in the context of the collaborative engineering environment. (d) JMASS Technology (35%). The contractor shall perform modeling and simulation research in support of JMASS. The contractor shall conduct research into technology issues including, but not limited to, the impact of advanced languages such as Ada 95, Object Oriented Software Technologies and Database systems, and the application of the DoD High Level Architecture (HLA) to JMASS. Technologies resulting from this research shall be made available to the JMASS Program Office (ASC/SMJ) for incorporation into their baseline product. (e) Advanced Distributed Simulation (10%). The contractor shall conduct research into advanced distributed simulation concepts. The contractor shall propose solutions that allow geographicallydispersed, remotely located simulations to interoperate. The goal of the research shall be platform and language independence. Real-time and non real-time simulations, Hardware In-The-Loop (HITL), and Man In-The-Loop (MITL) simulation shall also be considered. The contractor shall consider the High Level Architecture (HLA) as a means for distributed communication. (f) Scientific Visualization (5%). The contractor shall conduct research into advanced multi-media User Interface technology to provide a window-based, point-and-click and keyboard entry interface to allow a user to perform collaborative engineering functions/operations. Visual assembly of model components and configuration of simulations shall be a major goal of the research. Where appropriate, the contractor shall investigate technologies that support context sensitive help, hypertext/hypermedia, and error handling including meaningful error messages and graceful termination/processing. The contractor shall also conduct research into visualization technologies such as 2-D and 3-D graphics, 2-D and 3-D animation, and virtual reality. (g) Avionics Model Development (5%). The contractor shall develop (or assist in the development of avionics technology, engineering, and phenomenological models. The models may be designed from scratch, assembled from existing lower-level objects, or adapted from existing legacy codes. In some cases, the contractor shall be required to take models developed by another agency (i.e., intelligence community) and interface them into a simulation to address a specific need. The contractor shall develop models at varying levels of granularity and fidelity (analytic, dynamic, emulative) and investigate methodologies for switching between levels of resolution. (h) Special Projects (5%). New technological breakthroughs may occur during the period-of-performance of this effort. The contractor shall propose a flexible methodology that can take advantage of new technologies, and apply them to the engineering problems described above.(3) INITIAL DELIVERY ORDER: The following is the initial Delivery Order (DO). It is intended to be representative of the type of research that might be requested by the government under this program. The offeror is asked to prepare a separate proposal for this initial DO to assist the government in its evaluation. The objective of this initial DO is to further the implementation of Collaborative Engineering technology within the Wright Laboratory Avionics Directorate. In order to meet this objective, the contractor shall perform the following sub-tasks: (a) Investigation of Avionics Facilities. The contractor shall conduct research to determine the current state of M&S and Collaborative Engineering (CE) within the Avionics Directorate. The contractor shall consider the facilities that exist, the missions that are performed, and current and planned exploratory and advanced development programs. The contractor shall make recommendations to the existing CEE Integrated Product Team (IPT) facility and M&Ssurveys. (b) Requirements Definition. The contractor shall conduct research to determine the specific M&S and CE requirements within the Avionics Directorate. The contractor shall pay particular attention to the interfaces between facilities/simulations. Data requirements, formats, bandwidths, compatibility across different platforms, and compatibility across different Operating Systems shall all be considered. The contractor shall also consider the interaction between the engineer/analyst and the CE environment. Requirements for User Interfaces, visual assembly of models/scenarios, and data visualization technologies shall be developed. The contractor shall approach CE requirements definition in the context of ongoing exploratory and advanced development programs within the Avionics Directorate. The contractor shall also consider the impact of the USAF Laboratory consolidation initiative on Collaborative Engineering requirements. The Collaborative Engineering concept becomes even more crucial to the acquisition process if avionics functions are located at different Air Force installations. (c) Collaborative Engineering Methodology and Process. Given a clear understanding of the Avionics CE requirements, the contractor shall then develop a methodology and proposed process for implementing collaborative engineering within the Wright Laboratory Avionics Directorate. The contractor shall design an experiment which addresses a "sensor-to-user" application. The experiment shall clearly demonstrate the CE process and provide a focusing application for the technology. The proposed methodology shall address existing facilities, upgrades to existing facilities, and new facilities and/or interfaces as required. The methodology shall be as non-intrusive as possible, so that current programs and schedules will not be perturbed. The methodology shall support the sharing of technologies and the collaborative development of avionics systems. The contractor shall estimate the Level of effort and resources required to implement the CE methodology. (d) Documentation. The contractor shall document all results of this research task in a final report and provide recommendations to update current CE Requirements Document and electronic versions of facilities and M&S surveys. (4) DELIVERABLE ITEMS: The following deliverable items shall be required on an as needed basis for each individual delivery order. Software, hardware and the following Data Items: (a) Project Planning Chart, DI-MGMT-80507A/T, monthly; (b) Status Report, DI-MGMT-80368/T, monthly; (c) Presentation Material, DI-ADMN-81373/T, as required; (d) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, draft and reproducible final; (e) Contract Funds Status Report, DI-MGMT-81468/T, quarterly; (f) Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, DI-FNCL-80331/T, monthly; (g) Scientific and Technical Reports -- Contractor's Billing Voucher, DI-MISC-80711/T, monthly; (h) Software Requirements Specification (SRS), DI-IPSC-81433/T, as required; (i) Interface Requirements Specification(IRS), DI-IPSC-81434/T, as required; (j) System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD), DI-IPSC-81432/T, as required; (k) Software Design Description (SDD), DI-IPSC-8145/T, as required; (l) Interface Design Description (IDD), DI-IPSC-81436/T, as required; (m) Software Version Description (SVD), DI-IPSC-81442/T, as required; (n) Software User Manual (SUM), DI-IPSC-81443/T, as required; (o) Computer Programming Manual (CPM), DI-IPSC-81447/T, as required; (p) Software Product Specification (SPS), DI-IPSC-81441/T, as required; (q) Software Test Plan (STP), DI-IPSC-81438/T, as required; (r) Software Test Report (STR), DI-IPSC-81440/T, as required. For delivery order 0001, data items (a), (b), (d), (f), and (g) are required. (5) SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: It is expected that work performed under this contract(s) will be classified up to the SECRET level. The contractor must possess the personnel and facilities to support this level of classification. (6) OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: ITAR requirements apply to this effort.PL 98-94 applies. Offerors must submit DD Form 2345, Export-Controlled DoD Technical Data Agreement with their proposal. C ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (1) ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The total length of the technical effort is estimated to be 60 months. The contractor(s) shall also provide for an additional 4 months for processing/completion of the final report. (2) EXPECTED AWARD DATE: The expected award date is 30 June 1997. (3) GOVERNMENT ESTIMATE: The government funding profile for the overall program is estimated to be as follows: FY97 -- $2.2M, FY98 -- $3.4M, FY99 -- $3.4M, FY00 -- $3.4M, FY01 -- $3.4M, FY02 -- $3.4M. The government funding profile for Delivery Order 0001 is $160K. This funding profile is an estimate only and is not a promise for funding as all funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability. (4) TYPE OF CONTRACT: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity, Cost Sharing or Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Delivery Order. Any grants awarded will be cost (no fee). (5) GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY: The government will furnish the required digital models, modeling systems, and associated documentation. In addition, the government will supply on-base work space for up to four contractor personnel. (6) SIZE STATUS: For the purpose of this acquisition, the size standard is 500 employees (SIC 8731). (7) NOTICE TO FOREIGN-OWNED FIRMS: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Air Force point cited below upon deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors are not permitted to participate in this procurement as primes. D -- PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: (1) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in the provision at FAR 52.215-12, Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, to trade secrets or privileged commercial and financial information contained in their proposals. Proposal questions should be directed to one of the points of contact listed elsewhere herein. Offerors should consider instructions contained in the WL PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry referenced in section A of this announcement. Technical and cost proposals, submitted in separate volumes, are required and must be valid for 180 days. Proposals must reference the above PRDA number. Proposals shall be submitted in an original and five copies. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered against the criteria set forth herein. In addition, select reports and documents relevant to this effort will be made available for review at Wright Patterson Air Force Base during the proposal period. These documents will not be available for release. Potential offerors are advised to make appointments to review the documents. The point of contact for review of these documents is Carolyn F. May, WL/AASE/EW TIRC, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, (937) 255-7261. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government. (2) COST PROPOSAL: Offerors will be required to submit a cost proposal for the initial delivery order only. A formal cost proposal for the basic effort is not required. However, the offeror will be required to provide rate information on the basic effort. A suggested format for submission of the rate information for the basic effort is available from the contracting point-of-contract and must be requested in writing. Contractors are urged to use this format (which may be tailored as needed) in submission of their rate information concerning the basic effort. (3) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: The offeror shall propose on the overall technical program separately from the initial delivery order. The overall technical proposal shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. The technical proposal for both the basic contract and the initial delivery order shall include a Statement of Work (SOW) detailing the technical tasks to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Offerors should refer to the WL Guide referenced in Section A to assist in SOW preparation. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical Point of Contact cited in this announcement. (4) PAGE LIMITATIONS: The basic technical proposal shall be limited to 50 pages (12 point or larger type), double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11 inches. The page limitation applies to all information including the Statement of Work, but excluding indexes, photographs, foldouts, appendices, attachments, descriptions of equipment and facilities, resumes, etc. Pages in excess of this limitation will not be considered by the government. The initial delivery order technical proposal shall be limited to 10 pages. There is no requirement for an overall cost proposal. The initial delivery order cost proposal shall be submitted in SF 1411 format, tailored as needed, and shall not exceed 10 pages in length as a goal. (5) PROPOSAL ON DISK: It is requested, but not required, that the offeror(s) also submit the technical proposal on DOS 3 " floppy disk(s) in Microsoft Word 6.0 format. (6) PREPARATION COST: If selected for negotiations, qualifying offerors will be required to submit a subcontracting plan. This announcement does not commit the government to pay for any response preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this PRDA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract. However, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: A single award is anticipated and will be based on an evaluation of an offeror's response (both technical and cost aspects) to determine the overall merit of the proposal and value to the government in response to the announcement. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be evaluated based on the following criteria which are of equal importance: (a) new and creative solutions; (b) the offeror's understanding of the problem and the scope of the technical effort; (c) the soundness of the offeror's technical and management approach; (d) the availability of qualified technical personnel and the bala (0094)

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