CLOSE-IN WEAPON SYSTEM (CIWS) MAINTENANCE TRAINER

The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Orlando, FL, is seeking potential Small Business sources with the ability to perform computer software rehost and training capability upgrades for the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Maintenance Trainer. The CIWS Trainer is a robust high fidelity panel trainer that provides physical simulation of the Phalanx CIWS components necessary for training the maintenance tasks of fault detection, isolation, and correction. The anticipated contract effort will require the conversion of the existing CIWS Maintenance Trainer software into an interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) presentation, the addition of Surface Engagement Operator Training capabilities, and rehosting of the software product on existing Electronic Classroom computer systems. The new training capabilities will require replication of the Phalanx Block 1A, Block 1B Baseline 0 and Block 1B Baseline 1 system functionalities. Responses should clearly describe the contractors capabilities to satisfy the following high-level requirements: - Convert the existing CIWS Maintenance Trainer software from Pascal to a higher order object oriented programming language. - Deliver a re-hosted CIWS Maintenance Training capability that is Windows-based capable of execution on a high fidelity graphics computer within 12 months after contract award. - Develop Graphical User Interface (GUI) to provide detailed functional emulation of all existing CIWS Maintenance Trainer maintenance panels and their physics based functions using real-time display modeling. - Develop software that is capable of execution on existing Navy Schoolhouse Learning Center computers that also execute other applications (i.e., Visual Interactive Simulation Training Application (VISTA)). - Provide the capability to analyze undocumented government commented software and implement interface requirements with supporting updated documentation. - Complete development of WinPASS integration from a partially completed Government software development effort. - Provide system operation, maintenance and training documentation required by government Data Item Descriptions. - Provide detailed software documentation required by government Data Item Descriptions. - Conduct an Information Assurance program in accordance with the Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) to include testing and obtaining Platform IT certification. - Conduct user training courses. - Conduct a system test and evaluation program to include the use of contractor developed test procedures. The Government intends to set aside 100% of this requirement to a Small Business entity through a competitive solicitation in accordance with FAR Part 19. Firms that believe they can demonstrate the capabilities required based on the requirements described in this Sources Sought posting shall provide a written response to this announcement consisting of the following: 1) A submission of your firm's detailed capabilities to meet the requirements listed above, 2) Your firm's degree of familiarity with: a) the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, b) system maintenance and training documentation to include Instructions manuals, c) experience with conversion of Pascal software to a higher-ordered object oriented language, d) experience with developing GUI interface representations from pictorial (i.e., photographs, etc.) sources. 3) Past and/or current performance on similar contracts (include contract number, dollar value, brief description of scope, and point of contact name, job title, phone number, and email address). Please limit past and/or current performance to the last 5 years; and 4) A statement identifying all socioeconomic categories for the NAICS code 333319 that pertains to the product being offered. A set aside decision will be made based on submission of this data. This announcement is published for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Responses in any form are not offers and the Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. It is requested that written responses be submitted in Microsoft Word 2003 (or earlier version). Recommended length for responses is five pages or less. Information should be sent via e-mail to mark.muniz@navy.mil and copy to roxy.campos@navy.mil. Alternative submittal methods are via facsimile to (407) 380-4164 or by mail to: Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, ATTN: Code 25331 (M. Mu'iz), 12350 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826-3224. Responses are requested on 8 January 2010. There are no other prescribed format requirements for the response to this announcement. Questions concerning this requirement should be directed to the Contract Specialist, Mark Mu'iz (mark.muniz@navy.mil or 407-380-4808) or the Contracting Officer, Roxy Campos (roxy.campos@navy.mil or 407-380-4784).