Redefining the Basic Analytical and Simulation Environment (REBASE)

Redefining the Basic Analytical and Simulation Environment (REBASE) Special Notice - Request for Information (RFI) RFI Number: FA8650-20-S-6003-RFI Agency: Department of the Air Force Office: Air Force Materiel Command Location: AFRL - Air Force Research Laboratory Purpose: This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for planning purposes in accordance with FAR 15.201(e): a) The Government is conducting initial market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to competently and competitively respond to requirements for the Redefining the Basic Analytical and Simulation Environment (REBASE) Program. b) Responses to this RFI notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Contractors/Institutions participating in this initial market research are advised their participation in this survey does not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. Moreover, the Government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with preparation for or participation in this survey. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Instructions: Please provide written answers to the following questions. The Government will use the answers to inform its acquisition strategy. The Government does not plan to further discuss questions and answers generated by this RFI with industry. Answers to these questions may include proprietary information, and if so, should use appropriate markings to keep the information For Official Use Only with distribution authorized to DoD Components only (Distribution Statement E). Written responses: The Government must receive all responses no later than 5PM, Eastern Daylight Time, on 24 April 2020. Encrypt or password protect all FOUO information IAW DoD Directive 5200.1-R: Information Security Program. Please email responses to Peter.Seiley@us.af.mil. Information: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is interested in advancing research and development related to the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM). AFRL had previously accomplished this research and development through the Research of Aerospace Systems Technology (RAST) Program (Broad Agency Announcement BAA-RQKP-2014-0003). The RAST program used a single-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with multiple task orders. AFRL had planned to address the requirement for AFSIM Framework Development through the Aerospace Systems Technology Research and Assessment (ASTRA) Program, as described in RFI Number: FA8650-20-S-6001-RFI. AFRL has since determined that AFSIM Framework Development is a unique requirement that warrants a separate solicitation from the ASTRA Program. AFRL is planning to solicit and accomplish AFSIM Framework Development through the REBASE Program. AFRL is planning to use an Advanced Research Announcement for the REBASE Program solicitation. This solicitation would feature the use of a multi-award IDIQ with well-scoped, short-duration task orders (i.e., 6-12 months) to expand industry participation. The Government would limit competition for future task order requirements to those prime contractors awarded an initial task order. The Government has provided the latest draft of the REBASE Program's vision, scope, business strategy, coordination strategy, and high-level objectives as Attachment 1 to this RFI. Questions: AFRL has described its aspirational AFSIM enterprise as one that enables seamless coordination among four key roles: the AFSIM Program Management Team, Framework Developers, Capability Providers and End-Users. What issues or risks, if any, can industry identify for required coordination: A. Between multiple Capability Providers and a primary Framework Developer? B. Between all performers and the AFSIM Program Management Team? C. Between all performers and other End-Users in the AFSIM community? 2. AFRL plans to make its Product Backlog visible to the AFSIM community and receptive to input from all stakeholders. While some requirements will fall under the scope of active task orders, other requirements will be incorporated into future REBASE task order solicitations. How should AFRL structure its backlog management process to address both cases and ensure sufficient transparency and opportunity for potential offerors? 3. AFRL intends for all task order requirements to show traceability to the high-level objectives and initiatives described under Section 3.0. Given the Government's acquisition approach (Section 2.4.1), does industry have any recommendations for the organization or scope of these initiatives to address anticipated AFSIM requirements? 4. AFRL intends for common infrastructure and development platforms (Section 2.6) to support most of its initiatives, particularly those described under Objective-3 (Section 3.3). What risks, if any, can industry identify regarding the use of such platforms and how can the Government best mitigate these risks? 5. AFRL would like to encourage flexible teaming arrangements that can readily adapt to the unique needs of each task order. How can AFRL facilitate teaming arrangements or structure its requirements to advance this objective? 6. What other issues, if any, related to this potential acquisition should AFRL address when planning this requirement? Please submit responses in accordance with the provided instructions for written responses. Attachment: Attachment 1 REBASE Overview (20 pages)