Description
The RFI is modified to provide responses to the questions that have been submitted regarding Battle Stations, and to provide the Updated Architecture Plan for the Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, IL, as additional information. Please review the Updated Architecture Plan attached in Acrobat Reader Format. Question 1: Are we designing and building a complete new facility to house these 12 exercises? Response: Yes. While the exact contract strategy has not been finalized, the project will eventually result in the design and construction of a single facility to house the scenarios. Question 2: Can this facility compound be divided two, three or four different buildings? Response: Current Navy desire is to incorporate into a single building (driven by available real-estate at RTC). Question 3: Can we repurpose or utilize any of the existing infrastructure? Response: Unlikely. Most of the current infrastructure is either used for regular training, or is not desirable for incorporation. Question 4: Is the 6 mile run currently taking place considered part of the exercise or a by product of the current facility layout? i.e., do the recruits need to run 6 miles? Response: The running came about because of the need for the recruits to transit to each scenario and to allow for timing and sequencing of groups. However, it is desirable to eliminate the running due to injury rates that are incurred. The desired approach is to find other ways within the scenario to induce rigor and to provide sequencing/timing. Question 5: What is the previously-developed initial concept referred to in the RFI? Response: An initial concept for one potential approach was developed under an "Other Transaction Agreement" with a leading entertainment and attraction company. Question 6: Is an existing script or detailed concept available, or does this need to be added to the ROM? Response: There is no existing script at this time. Only a concept for an overall theme for the exercise. If an RFP is issued, it will probably include further development of concepts and the development of "scripts." Question 7: If the concept for each exercise is not available, can we at least get an idea of the duration time for each one of these exercises? Response: The overall exercise is 12 hours. Each scenario is roughly one hour long. Of course, in practice, different recruit teams finish scenarios in different amounts of time. The current approach is to use the running to makeup for the time (synchronization). Question 8: Our ROM will detail the design approach, including number and length of each of the design phases. Will you require a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)? A Site Acceptance Test (SAT)? Please state your preferences. Response: While the exact acquisition strategy has not been completely developed, the general approach at this time is to conduct Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, then on-site acceptance testing using a team-developed set of Test Procedures. Question 9: Does it matter if the order of the scenarios (exercises) change compared to the order of the powerpoint printout? Response: The order does not matter. With the possible exception of General Quarters, all of the scenarios are conducted in parallel. Right now, it's done as a modified shotgun start with teams in each scenario. In some cases the order is different for different teams. This is necessary to meet the throughput requirements of the exercise each night (approx 460 - 500 recruits). Question 10: Will you provide further background information where it references actual historical experiences upon which these scenarios are based? Will you have a consultant available to us? Response: Yes, that can be done. The Subject Matter Experts at RTC Great Lakes will be available and an integral member of the development team. Question 11: What part of the historical experiences are most critical to the present experience? Response: Hard to say. With recent events, scenarios with a 'force protection' flavor will probably be of highest interest. Question 12: Will you be providing actors for each of the scenarios? Will this castrequire directorial and stunt training from the turnkey vendor? Response: Yes. The 'actors' would be the Battle Stations 'facilitators' who fill the role now. Training for this staff would probably be a very beneficial addition to the contract. Question 13: Does the General Quarters scenario take place in the trainees normal barracks? Or will they be moved to the set for this experience? Response: Currently it is performed in the barracks. If possible, would probably be more effective if done as part of the exercise in tighter compartments. Question 14: Please provide a further description of the Marlinspike in the Emergency Sortie scene. Is this an existing ship and dock? How big is the facility? If we are to duplicate hurricane conditions, the facility would need to be evaluated for installation of wave machines, etc. Response: The "Marlinspike" is a mockup of a ship and pier in an existing, separate facility. Since the Marlinspike is currently used for recruit training in line-handling, implementation of a new Battle Stations would require the development, design and construction of another mockup. Question 15: Given that these exercises are more for assessment then training will you need to develop a system for acquiring performance data? Response: This is a topic of intense discussion within the Navy right now. While there is not a current plan to formally acquire performance data, it is seen by many as an essential part of measuring the benefit of Battle Stations.