B -- Re-Engineering US Air Force Studies & Analysis Squadron (SAS)

As part of market research, The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is in the process of developing an acquisition strategy for exploring the option of re-engineering U.S. Air Force Studies and Analysis Squadron (SAS). The goal of this effort is to determine the possibility of a commercial agency absorbing the AETC SAS mission. This RFI is an attempt to locate businesses EXPERIENCED in formal studies and analytical efforts capable of providing valued analysis information to senior leadership. This RFI is not to be construed as a formal solicitation nor does it constitute a current or any future Government requirement. Any information provided to the Government is strictly voluntary and at no cost to the Government. Any formal solicitation will be announced separately. The Air Force is only interested at this point in determining industry capability for the contemplated services. Request responses be provided NLT 30 Jan 04. Requirement: Air Education and Training Command Studies and Analysis Squadron (SAS) Service Summary The AETC SAS Squadron individually tailors studies for the AETC Commander and unit project officers. The AETC SAS services enable AETC leadership to make fact-based decisions on pressing AETC issues impacting the Air Force training and education environment. AETC SAS has three separate functions, the Command POC operational test and evaluation of new and improved weapon systems, the commands think-tank, and evaluates new technology for application to education and training. The Studies and Analysis Squadron is organized into three flights. Command Studies Flight is composed of a team of Air Force Scientist holding advance degrees in Operations Research, who answer General Officer level questions pertaining to Flying Training, Technical Training, and Professional Military Education. Studies range from quick turn (a few hours) to multi-year efforts. Example of a multi-year effort is developing a capability model for enlisted initial skills training that fully captures resource and readiness impacts. An example of a quick turn study would be answering a congressional inquiry into does AETC treat minorities fairly. Study outcomes are typically briefed to General Officers and presented at research conferences. The Test and Evaluation (TE) flight-tests AETC aircrew training systems and communications and computer systems. The TE Flight conducts test and test-related studies for new and modified AETC aircrew training and information management systems. The Technology Innovation (TI) flight acts as a quasi-battle-lab for AETC determining the effectiveness and return on investment of new concepts and off-the-shelf technology in education and training. The TI services require analysts with diverse backgrounds: space operations, communications, computer science, maintenance, and engineering; this provides TI analyst a unique perspective to bear upon a wide range of technology projects spanning many Air Force specialties. Small Business Set-Aside: The Government reserves the right to consider a small or small disadvantaged business set aside based on responses to this notice. For purposes of this acquisition, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of 541611, Educational Support Services, will be used for this acquisition. The business size standard is $6M. ALL types of small business entities are encouraged to submit a response. Prospective Offerors must have the financial backing to defray operating costs for approximately sixty (60) to ninety (90) days. Registration in the Central Contract Registration (CCR) located at www.ccr.gov is mandatory. PLEASE IDENTIFY SIZE STANDARD IN THIS RFI SO YOU CAN APPROPRIATELY REPRESENT YOURSELF AS SMALL OR LARGE. NOTE: Dates appearing in the notification are subject to change. An electronic response is the accepted method. Future information on this acquisition (Small Business Set-aside determination, draft Statement of Work (SOW), milestones, etc), updates will be located under the Electronic Posting System at www.fedbizopps.gov. It is the responsibility of prospective offerors to check this site regularly for any changes. NOTE: An additional objective of this RFI is to seek information, questions, and concerns that will assist in the development of a potentially solicited RFP/statement of work. Although questions and/or concerns associated with this notice are desired they may not be formally responded to at this time.