Program Update Briefing - 10/24/02 - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q) Will components for FCS be mil spec type or COTS?
A. Yes, and we plan to use performance requirements.
2. Q) Is Boeing going to do the system integration for the unmanned ground vehicles?
A.No, SoS integration.
3. Q) Why wasn't COMMS part of C4ISR Buy? Is it assumed the various cluster (JTRS) programs will supply all COMMS from sensor to shooter to command?
A. JTRS/WIN-T and associated programs will form the communications backbone. Changes in requirements/capabilities may be required.
4. Q) Will the LSI select only a single supplier for the common computing system or will an industry team be considered more favorably?
A. We are looking for the best solution from Industry, single or Industry teams will be evaluated.
5. Q) The number of manned systems appeared to have gone from 15 to 8. What happened to the 7 systems, such as the WBC, missile, re-supply, etc systems?
A. ORD - ie MIB goes on a truck. Re-supply is a truck.
6. Q) Will the dollar target on the RFP be issued with the RFP in January?
A. Yes.
7. Q) Can you provide details on limitations ITAR or otherwise, that may limit foreign/allied ability to review specs and/or draft RFP?
A. ITAR controlled technical data will only be released to Foreign Persons pursuant to appropriate Export Licensing or applicable exemptions.
8. Q) Will the specs be classified/controlled documents?
A. Both classified and controlled unclassified information.
9. Q) What is the appropriate channel for interactions?
A. FCS website and Supplier Management and Procurement.
10. Q) Will draft RFP in early November contain all documents including such information as SDD Terms and Conditions, contract type, delivery schedules and proposal instructions?
A. Yes, that is our intent.
11. Q) Is there a place on your website where there is a description of the various FCS suppliers involvement and task? To achieve commonality there may be a need to get other FCS participants involved in our task.
A. The website contains the suppliers participating in the program and the BIA description.
12. Q) Is there a required percentage of work that has to be set aside for small business, service disabled business, etc?
A. Not presently, but we expect to establish diversity business goals.
13. Q) You made no mention of a European and Asian partner. What happened to that strategy of using a European and Asian partner?
A. We have both Asian and European participation on current BIAs. The LSI will not be forming partnerships. The solicitation process will determine the sources.
14. Q) As a small business who has not participated in previous BIAs, who do I contact at Boeing to discuss specific technical innovations for applicability for FCS, a TPOC who could point us to the right system integrator and/or government agency?
A. Submit through the question box on the website.
15. Q) Some BIA #2 awards were targeted to Diversity businesses (i.e. SUGV). Do you anticipate that the SDD programs for these systems will also be targeted to diversity businesses?
A. Yes. We anticipate our diversity program will include some specific packages for disadvantage businesses.
16. Q) Please provide URL for Web Page.
A.http://www.boeing.com/fcs
17. Q) It was mentioned that government agencies are also participants in BIAs. Do government agencies use the same response form that is very much contractor oriented or is there a different response mechanism? If it is the same form, then we need directions on how to fill in the form.
A. Yes, the form is the same.
18. Q) I have the understanding that there were BIAs not awarded during Round 2 because of funding issues. Is there any chance those BIAs will be awarded in the near future? Specifically, the Test and Evaluation BIA for planning and coordination.
A. It depends on program funding.
19. Q) When will the SDD RFP be released?
A. January 2003
20. Q) Please provide a list of topics for the SDD RFPs.
A. This will be posted on the website next week.
21. Q) How many RFPs does Boeing plan to release?
A. 25 to 35
22. Q) What is envisioned in the survivability suite as regards to capabilities, E.G.: RF/Laser/EO and etc?
A. SOS Survivability ie Comms, UAV, MGV, etc.
On MGV's - Integrated Survivability Suite
- Suite depends on platform
- Armor;LO;Cmeasures;APS
- Review Specs
23. Q) There was a BIA solicitation and award for a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV. Was this new?
A. Yes.
24. Q) Is HALE in the FCS ORD?
A. Yes.
25. Q) Is HALE in the O&O plan?
A. Yes.
26. Q) Will the Army field a Division/Corp (big) UAV in concert with FCS? (high altitude/long endurance)
A. HALE is U of A.
27. Q) What is the plan for Block II acquisition? Is its tech insertion into Block I or new/additional capability?
A. Block II CTD starts at Block I SDD. Technical Insertion maybe a major Block upgrade.
28. Q) The UE looks similar in design to the current Division Organization. Please explain the envisioned differences. RE: Army Draft Conop
A. Organization TBD. Architecture/Approach will be different as U of A is different from current Brigades.
29. Q) What will be the scope of the autonomous navigation system for ground vehicles? Will it be common for MULE? ARV? Manned Vehicles?
A. Conducting trades. Different Conops.
30. Q) Will the designated platform integrators select the mission packages? What will the LSI role be in this process?
A. In some cases LSI and Government participation over site and approval.
31. Q) Who's going to integrate the four elements of the TUAV together and be responsible for performance?
A. Whoever is selected.
32. Q) Will there be an RFP for TUAV Systems Integrator?
A. Yes.
33. Q) 120 or 105? LOS/NLOS
A. Completed Trades. Decision has not been made.
34. Q) Will you put the ORD and it's updates on the website?
A. No current plan to do this because of release restrictions.