Live, Virtual & Constructive Synthetic Training Research and Development

Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Orlando, Florida has a requirement to procure a broad range of research and development and contractor services to facilitate the customization and application of Live Virtual & Constructive (LVC) technologies (to include Virtual Environment (VE) technologies) to satisfy Navy mission training requirements. It is anticipated that an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract (ID/IQC) will be issued for AIR-46T Live, Virtual, & Constructive Synthetic Training (LVCST) Research and Development. The challenges associated with establishing large-scale LVC distributed networks can be broken down into overlapping broad categories as follows: 1) the live training architecture, 2) the virtual technologies training architecture, 3) the constructive training architecture 4) distributed training, and 5) human computer interaction. The challenges are increasing as larger, more complex simulation and simulation environments are developed and used in live (i.e., real people using real equipment), virtual (i.e., real people using simulated equipment), and constructive (i.e., simulated people using simulated equipment) environments. VEs can augment warfighter preparedness by providing training opportunities that might not be available due to factors such as cost, safety, and available resources. Specific technology challenges associated with VEs include: 1) Develop comprehensive, mixed reality immersive training and mission rehearsal environments, 2) Methods and standards for VE integrated, synchronized environments, 3) Multisensory presentation - visually rich, high-fidelity display augmented with aural, tactile, vestibular, and proprioception cues, 4) Modeling to support realistic, natural interaction among VE participants, 5) Validated methodologies for collaborative training and rehearsal VEs, 6) Web-based VE Training Systems and Develop accepted standards for VE Verification, Validation and Accreditation (VV&A) The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks: requirements analysis, engineering design, development and fabrication of government and/or commercial "LVC and VE" technologies, integration of "LVC" data with government displays, and integration of other "Information Technology" (IT) to include computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, etc., to meet customer requirements. The tasks will entail a broad range of LVC and VE research in the areas of human factors engineering, systems engineering, and computer hardware/software integration. The tasks will be focused on the development of improved LVC and VE training technologies and methodologies, and the assessment of the degree to which new LVC and VE training and integration technologies may be applied. Detailed requirements for the LVC & VE Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract (ID/IQC) orders will be defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) for each specific Delivery Order/Task Order (DO/TO). The work will primarily be completed at the contractor's facilities and NAWCTSD. The highest level of classification that may be encountered while performing DO/TO tasks is SECRET. The Government estimate for this projected 5 year contract currently does not exceed $9.5 Million. DO/TO may be issued as either Cost Reimbursable or Firm Fixed Price. Interested and qualified concerns are invited to submit written responses to this notice by close of business, 30 July 2009. Electronic responses should be sent to Metrissianne.Rivera@navy.mil. Responses should include, as a minimum, the following information: (1) Narrative description of current and previous research programs and tasks performed that relate to the research and development areas mentioned above; (2) Specific technical expertise in the research and development areas mentioned above; (3) Technical and managerial qualifications (experience, facilities, staffing, etc.) to include experience in research and development related to Live Virtual & Constructive (LVC) technologies (including Virtual Environment (VE) technologies; (4) Past Performance and experience on Government contracts of like or similar nature; (5) Proposed teaming arrangements; (6) Whether your company intends to bid as a prime or subcontractor (discuss work that will be subcontracted and indicate prospective subcontractors that will be utilized); and (7) The size or status of your company or team based on NAICS Code 541712 and the related small business size standard of 500 employees. This announcement does not constitute a request for proposal, but is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to procure any services, or for the Government to pay for the information received. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS AT THIS TIME. Questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Contract Specialist, Metrissianne D. Rivera, via email at Metrissianne.Rivera@navy.mil or by telephone at (407) 380-4424.