AWACS Mission Simulator (AMS) Support/Services
This is not a Request for proposal (RFP). The purpose of this Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is to conduct market research for a new service contract that will be awarded to support the 705th Combat Training Squadron (CTS) and their Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Mission Simulators (AMS) at the Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC), Kirtland AFB, NM.
AMS is used to provide vital training to AWACS crew members via realistic simulated missions occurring in conjunction with live virtual training events. Thus, in order to meet mission needs, the AMS contractor is required to ensure the continued operability and effectiveness of AWACS simulators in the DMOC Battlespace. Contract requirements are for full time support related to the hardware and software needs of the simulators. Such support includes proactive upgrades to hardware/software, simulator integration (with the network and other systems in the Battlespace), testing and monitoring activities, cybersecurity compliance, and troubleshooting various issues as needed. The contract requires direct trainee support, which includes one-on-one instruction. Importantly, the AMS contractor must be involved in the planning, preparation, rehearsal, etc. for virtual training events.
Due to the critical nature of the DMOC's mission, which ensures Air Force wartime readiness, a realistic training environment is mandatory; for mission simulations to be effective, AWACS simulators must maintain concurrency with the actual aircraft and its various systems. In other words, any changes (e.g. upgrades, new designs, modifications, etc.) that occur to the aircraft must be accurately accounted for in the AMS. This includes changes to AWACS sensor systems, real and simulated data-links, voice communication and navigation systems, constructive entities, common malfunctions, and databases.
Currently AMS support is provided via contract FA9401-14-C-8001 (expires 30 June 2019); the incumbent contractor is PLEXSYS Interface Products, Inc. In accordance with FAR 6.302-1, the Air Force anticipates award of a sole source contract to the incumbent, who owns all data rights for the AWACS Block 32 AMS software. This SSS has been issued to (a) gain a broader understanding of industry capabilities and to (b) explore possible options that can address the DMOC's needs.
Respondants should submit their company's general Statement of Capability (SOC), line card, or other general marketing material to demonstrate capabilities. For details, refer to the applicable response requirements outlined in the SSS.
James A. Melancon, Contracting Officer, Phone 5058532581, Email james.melancon.2@us.af.mil - TSgt. Steven Slosser, Contracting Officer, Phone 5058534263, Email steven.slosser@us.af.mil
