LVC-TE BCA

Solicitation Number:  M67854-20-R-7820Notice Type:  Special NoticeProject:  U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Live, Virtual, and Constructive – Training Environment (LVC-TE) Notice Type:  Request for Information / Market Research Introduction and Purpose:The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) is seeking information from industry regarding capabilities, lessons learned, and abilities to provide Contractor Owned-Contractor Operated (COCO) Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training as a service to inform a future acquisition strategy.Background:The Marine Corps defines the Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training Environment (LVC- TE) as a combination of any of the three training domains, live, virtual, or constructive to replicate a Contemporary Operational Environment (COE) and describes how units may interact across LVC domains as though they are physically located in the same operational environment (OE). The environment enables interoperability

between diverse training programs to meet individual, unit, collective, and staff warfighting requirements. LVC-TE will support standards-based training as well as enabling Large Scale Exercises (LSEs)/Marine Expeditionary Force Exercises (MEFEXs) for the Marine Corps and Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) partners training and exercises.LVC-TE is a system of systems (SoS) which features design, planning, preparation, exercise, and assessment capabilities in support of enhanced operational readiness. Live training can be optimized by leveraging the full range of virtual and constructive training tools to prepare for and execute training events. LVC-TE will also permit commanders to sustain training and maintain individual, unit, collective, and staff warfighting skills during times of limited assets, training areas, ranges, airspace, opposing forces, and resources to sufficiently replicate the complex nature of the OE. LVC-TE achieves these goals by implementing system compatibility standards and employing a Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) approved operating system and suite of software on existing simulation systems. LVC-TE will then establish interoperability between systems to form a training continuum that will allow them to share information between systems, on networks capable of operating within the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN). LVC-TE will enable functional systems, compliant with security protocols, to achieve baseline interoperability standards and share training and exercise information over designated networks with an on-demand capability.LVC-TE, as it is implemented over a series of increments, will expand training opportunities, reduce training costs, and improve safety. LVC-TE will provide an overarching construct for the employment of integrated diverse training programs to meet individual and unit warfighting requirements. It will facilitate the collaboration and integration of training systems with operational equipment systems and capabilities in a training environment, coupled with real-time feedback and debriefing. Additionally, LVC-TE establishes baseline standards for critical data, terrain and information exchanges for training systems and simulations interoperability. In summary, LVC-TE provides commanders with a persistent, easy to use distributed collective training capability to sustain combat readiness.The approved LVC-TE Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) are provided as part of this notice.  The LVC-TE Capability Development Document (CDD) is still being developed.Acquisition Strategy:In parallel with the CDD development, the Government is exploring ways to pursue the LVC-TE capability through a COCO simulation services contract where the Contractor is responsible for providing and maintaining all virtual training capabilities with the appropriate functionality and fidelity to conduct the full spectrum of LVC-TE activities. The Government does not intend to provide the vendor with any Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and will require the Contractor to develop or acquire, operate, maintain and sustain all simulator devices in conjunction with developing, staffing and delivering associated enterprise capabilities. These enterprise capabilities include exercise design, exercise control, simulation control, model and terrain generation, data services, parametric adjudication, post-event completion, and after-action review (AAR). In this COCO training as a service approach, the government will continue to own and operate the live training ranges and simulation facilities while the contractor owns and operates all of the training systems, integrating architecture, and supporting enterprise capabilities. Legacy USMC LVC-TE-constituent training systems will be retired when the new development COCO capability reaches full operational capability (FOC).The government intends to provide interoperability requirements and capability requirements documents relevant to LVC-TE and its associated legacy systems (CDDs; ICDs, etc.) to reflect the overarching capability requirements in support of the vendor designing, developing, fielding, and sustaining the comprehensive LVC-TE COCO solution.Capabilities:The following systems’ capabilities are part of the LVC-TE initiative.  These systems serve multiple training audiences from individual skills up to large scale, distributed, collective training exercises. SystemBrief System SummaryTraining AudienceCACCTUSCombined Arms Command and Control Training Upgrade System (CACCTUS) is a constructive training system providing a scenario-driven, simulated environment in which Marines can practice the teamwork required to command, control, and coordinate the use of supporting arms.Supports training from Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) elements up to and including Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Supports larger multi-echelon staff training events up to Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) level.ADVTEAdvanced Distributed Virtual Training Environment (ADVTE) is a network of Marine Corps flight simulators with multiple linked Marine Corps Aviation Training System Sites (MATTSS) located across the continental United States. Each MATTSS includes a Network Exercise Control Center to support planning, preparation, execution, control and after action review.Support virtual aircrew training system usersDVTEDeployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE) is a deployable laptop Personal Computer (PC)-based simulation system developed in order to sustain individual, team, and unit critical war fighting cognitive skills associated with the application of combined arms, platoon and squad level tactics, various Recognition of Combatants (ROC) packages and language/cultural training.The primary users of DVTE include:• Individuals• Teams• Units of a deployed MAGTF• Marines in garrison or schoolhouses• Reserve MarinesSAVTSupporting Arms Virtual Trainer (SAVT) system is the USMC’s only accredited Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Qualification Training system that simulates training scenarios that require the placement of simulated tactical ordnance on selected simulated targets using Joint and USMC approved Close Air Support (CAS) procedures and observed fire procedures.  The SAVT advances the training capability, operational readiness, and tactical proficiency of JTACs, Joint Fires Observers (JFOs), and Forward Air Controllers (FACs). The SAVT advances the training capability, operational readiness, and tactical proficiency of JTACsJFOs, and FACs. MTWSMAGTF Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS) is the Marine Corps' only constructive, aggregate-level simulation system used to support the training of Marine commanders and their battle staffs in MAGTF warfighting principles, concepts and associated command and control procedures. The system supports all levels of command throughout the MEF and Joint Task Force. MTWS in the Operating Forces today supports Service Title 10 and joint staff training. The system supports tactical exercises in both unclassified and classified training environments.Supports training and education for all MAGTF staff elements across all warfighting functions.CCSThe Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS) is an immersive training environment that develops and sustains individual, crew, and collective convoy skills for driver, gunner, and passengers.  CCS simulates combat conditions to include terrain, road features, weather, visibility, vehicle operating conditions, and opposing forces. Meets Operating Forces and Reserve Forces requirements for garrison training of Marines in tactical convoy exercises.Force on Force Training Systems (FoFTS) The Instrumented-Tactical Engagement Simulation System (I-TESS) is a laser-based individual engagement system and consists of no less than the following type components: Small Arms Transmitter (SAT), Man-worn Detection System (MDS), Command and Control (C2 - mobile & portable versions), Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) Building Instrumentation, and Simulated Battlefield Weapons.Infantry unitsFoFTS (MFST)Mobile Fire Support Trainer (MFST) is an augmented reality training system that integrates with the U.S. Marine Corps’ ground combat team training instrumentation system, I-TESS to display virtual indirect fire effects, aircraft, vehicles, and/or role players onto actual terrain.Forward Observers, Forward Air Controllers and Fire Support TeamsRESPONSES REQUESTED:Contractors shall submit RFI responses to the Technical and Contracts POC not later than  4:00 PM EST, Dec 12, 2019 indicating their capabilities. Contractors shall submit a capability statement that provides the information requested below (20 pages maximum). Responses must not include any classified information. Respondents must prominently mark their submission to this RFI with the following statement: “Request for Information – M67854-20-R-7820.” The Marine Corps is conducting market research pursuant to FAR Part 10. The Government may use the information obtained through this RFI to inform the Marine Corps requirements for LVC-TE or any other lawful purpose pertaining to the prospective acquisition of training capabilities. Respondents are solely responsible for specifying any restrictions on the disclosure and use of data submitted with their response. Moreover, Respondents must identify any data that must not be disclosed outside the Government and/or that must not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than for the purposes set forth herein.Contractors shall describe their capabilities and similar experience on contract vehicles providing the same type of capabilities at similar magnitude to the USMC’s LVC-TE mission.  Provide contract details (to include contract number, contracting representative and contact information) for any past performance cited.  Contractors shall describe their experience (not just knowledge of the process) of the following areas:Providing and maintaining ground and aviation simulation devicesMaintaining configuration management throughout multiple technical upgrades over the course of a DoD materiel solution / productManaging concurrency with systems/platforms, operational equipment used by simulation centers and training audiences (Combat/Weapons/C2 systems, munitions, etc.)Providing enterprise capabilities in support of simulations (exercise design, control, AAR, terrain, etc.), especially in a demand-based support modelProviding “As A Service” capability to DoD, including the combination of both traditional services with included contractor-owned hardware, software or infrastructure elementsManaging subcontractors, industry partners, and vendors Contractors are invited to provide ideas, describe what investments, information and contractual conditions they will require to be able to deliver a newly developed COCO solution to efficiently enable training programs to meet individual, unit, collective, and staff warfighting requirements. The following should be addressed, at a minimum:Feasibility:Are there any known limiting factors associated with USMC LVC-TE and/or simulation-based training that would limit the success of a COCO acquisition approach?What are the fielding and implementation considerations of a SoS of this scale?If you don't already have simulation capabilities, what would you require in order to obtain them?Are there technological advantages you can provide or gaps/considerations you will need to address to be successful?Contracting Approach:What period of performance do you recommend in order to recoup any start-up, design, and development costs?What is your capital investment strategy?What is the pricing/chargeback model that you recommend (e.g., cost per training event)?What is the recommended contract type for a COCO approach?  What performance incentive structures would you recommend?What are the primary risks and suggested mitigation strategies to consider with a COCO acquisition approach?What capabilities do or do not lend themselves to a COCO acquisition approach?What recommendations do you have to ensure the contract is flexible to meet emerging requirements, new training capabilities, new technologies, system modernization, and/or concurrency with system platforms after fielding.How would intellectual property and data rights be addressed? Capacity:Are there capacity issues with supporting multiple training audiences leveraging the same simulation systems/services at the same locations? What are the typical lead times required to support both large scale exercises and small-unit/individual training events?How would you accommodate uncertain training demand?All additional comments or concerns not mentioned are welcome. Contractors are invited to send brochures, briefings, multi-media presentations, catalogs or other information describing capabilities. This does not count against the page count total. All responses to this notice shall include the following: Company Name, address, contracting and technical Points of Contact to include telephone numbers and email addresses; DUNS number, CAGE code, TIN and Small Business Size Status with any applicable socio-economic status such as Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), 8(a), etc. as it relates to the NAICS code 561990, for this effort. Small businesses are asked to indicate interest in participating as the prime contractor or as a subcontractor. Each page should have a header containing the company name, page number and date. Respondents are reminded to properly mark any proprietary information. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contracting Officer’s email address. DISCLAIMER: THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION is for Market Research purposes only and is being used as an instrument to identify potential sources that can provide the capabilities described within this notice. The information provided in this notice is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not a commitment by the U.S. Government to procure subject services. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this notification. The Government will use the information received to determine its acquisition strategy. Additionally, all submissions become government property and will not be returned. No basis for a claim against the Government shall arise as a result from a response to this RFI.