Modeling and Simulation Conference 1/30/03 - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q) I know of the FCS SIMulation Support Plan but is there more rigorous FCS Modeling & SIMulation Plan and does it have a M&S Framework that allows for the integration of disparate SIMulation Applications?
A. There is not a more rigorous plan. The current plan and the future plan allow for the integration of disparate SIMulations.
2. Q) Will FCS require a hybrid M&S capability to demonstrate scalability? I.e.. combination of virtual and live SIMulation and real subsystems and components?
A. Yes.
3. Q) What is the linkage between the M&S SOSIL in Anaheim with the Boeing Integration Lab (BIC) and SAIC's SEAMLESS?
A. The BIC is an immersive visualization facility supported by multiple labs. Its purpose is to model the effectiveness of network centric operations in scenarios in which it acts as a simulated command and control center for demonstrations involving many platforms and participants. The SOSIL activities can be displayed there. Seamless is a model that may or may not be used.
4. Q) Will you need any direct support conductivity development in support of scenarios vignettes that will support test strategy activities?
A. Yes, we will need this support for test and analysis.
5. Q) If we are to use current models for SIMulation, how can we ensure CMM Level 3 and Army Pamplet 5-11 exists within these models? Many of these models were produced years ago.
A. The M&S Processes and Standards will address accreditation of legacy SIMulations
6. Q) Will you be SIMulating space-based assets such as space based radar?
A. Space-based radar is not currently a component of the FCS.
7. Q) If we are not yet CMM level 3, will you assist a software engineering firm (small business) get there? Q) Must all software companies do development on-site in Anaheim? Or is local software development in Camarillo and Arlington, VA O.K.?
A. All services, provided in support of the team will be in Anaheim or Arlington. SIM development completed off-site must be by an SEI CMM level 3 teams. We will work with small-businesses on a case-by case basis.
8. Q)Will there be a common place (ACE?) to access 'ALL' of the requirements documents?
A. The requirements documents are marked folio. Qualified suppliers will receive them and they are currently available on the FCS ACE and on Army knowledge on line (FCS Knowledge center).
9. Q) You stated that you foresaw few new start M&S. Does this imply that you will embrace COTS M&S products? If so what will be your policy regarding delivery of source codes, licenses or run-time royalties, and will you require addition V&V of COTS tools?
A. All SIMs will require V&V to support accreditation. "Make-Buy" analyses will be applied to select COTS SIMs, Gov't SIMs, or develop/adapt SIMs.
10. Q) You stated a need to use only validated and accredited models, yet your constructive example included COTS and proprietary tools like EDO, ATCOM, SLAMEM, etc. Will these tools be validated and accredited to Army standards? Who pays?
A. The Army will provide accreditation guidance that will be imposed on all SIMs used to support SDD. V&V effort to deliver data for accreditation should be bid by individual Simulation developers. This will be a continuous effort.
11. Q) Does work at Anaheim or Arlington constitute being behind the firewall?
A. Yes; subcontractors working on the program will be "fire walled" by proprietary information agreements, non-disclosure agreement and other safeguards to protect the intellectual property of all FCS participants.
12. Q) What is URL to which the briefing will be posted and by when (date/time).
A. www.boeing.com/fcs. It will be posted within 10 days.
13. Q) Will your IPT procure prototype sensor or subsystem hardware to perform field test to feed data into Simulations for validation?
A. The IS&T IPT will not produce any prototypes of systems or sub-systems. These will be procured by the cognizant product IPTs, e.g C4ISR IPT for sensors, and delivered to the SOSIL by the product IPT.
14. Q) Is the HLA technical integration architecture defined and where can I get a copy of it?
A. Visit the Defense Modeling & Simulation Office (DMSO) website, which offers technical information on HLA.
15. Q) Has the integration technology "run time infrastructure", i.e., CORBA, JZWEE, Web Services, etc., been defined for the integration of the UA systems and the Simulation SoS and what is it? A. HLA is an IEEE standard; it applies CORBA technologies in the Run-Time Infrastructure software, which are COTS products. The SOSIL Test framework implements HLA and the JDEP; information is available on the Internet publicly.
16. Q) How will subcontracting opportunities be acquired to support LSI requirements.
A. Competitive RFP procurement process.
17. Q) What is FCS's strategy for transition to TENA from HLA? A. That strategy will evolve as we become more knowledgeable about TENA. We will continue to monitor this effort.
18. Q) What specific M&S are required and mentioned in RFPs beyond a CAD model and an OTB model? Who will determine these? M&S RFPs not out until August?
A. M&S Support contracts with the IS&T M&S team will be awarded in August. RFPs will be released this spring for the initial procurement.
19. Q) Do you have a process to make "everybody" to use common framework's for Modeling and Simulation and System Integration and Test?
A. The LSI will use the frameworks to perform SoS M&S. The frameworks may become available via the ACE to qualified suppliers to use at their facilities.
20. Q) Is it true that work that we might do to support SOSIL or other Mod & SIM activities need not necessarily occur co-located in Anaheim.
A. Simulation support services provided to the M&S team will be Anaheim or at the eventual SOSIL location. Products used by the M&S team can be developed at supplier locations.
21. Q) If the SSP is not current or public until April, how do we have the knowledge to propose our SSP approach in our response to the February 14 RFPS?
A. "Applicable documents" available to the bidders qualified to respond to the 14 Feb. RFPS will provide this guidance. These include Rev C of the SSP and an M&S strategy document.
22. Q) Will the embedded software Simulation components in the Training RFPs still be released or is the LSI taking responsibility for those components as a part of the system of system Simulation framework?
A. The Training Sys IPT will provide embedded SIMs to weapon system suppliers. Configuration of the released components will be managed by the LSI across the IPTs.
23. Q) How will M&S development support for Anaheim - Arlington be procured? By separate RFP or other?
A. We will release a separate RFP early this spring to procure M&S support services and products. Additional RFP's will be released as needed.
24. Q) At what level of security will the Simulation development occur? Will measures be provided to protect company proprietary data while on-site @ Boeing in Anaheim?
A. Some elements will be classified. Boeing and the government will enforce appropriate non-disclosure agreement and multiple levels of access control to data.
25. Q) Your schedule for contract award and start dates appears to the schedule for other solicitations (all RFPs out on 14 Feb). Is that correct? Put another way: are your anticipated contract award and start dates also applicable to (Aug) other SDD contracts to be solicited 14 Feb 2003?
A. The M&S contracts in support of the IS&T IPT are independent of the schedule leading to the 14 Feb release of RFPs. The M&S support contracts will be awarded in August 03 or later.
26. Q) You expect M&S items from vehicle developers. Are these contractual deliverables included in their SOW? (None that the cost props are already underway)
A. The RFPs being released on 14 Feb to weapon system suppliers specify delivery of Simulations as discussed in the briefing. Proposals that exclude this effort will be worked during negotiation.
27. Q) it is a requirement that source code to proprietary Simulation models be provided to Boeing as a part of the integrators or sensors contracts?
A. Yes, because the government accreditation agent will require that source code. Boeing has experience protecting proprietary source code from suppliers.
28. Q) CASTFOREM and JANUS are not generally available to industry. If a supplier is selected will they have access to these Simulations, and if so how? Will these eventually be replaced by our SAF?
A. LSI teams will not have access to CASTFOREM& JANUS source code but can get executables. The Army will continue CASTFOREM & JANUS development to support FCS in coordination with LSI teams. One SAF will be used along with these SIMs.
29. Q) As a Tier I supplier providing product information and input to the DPD, what will the LSI do to assure us that the data posted as "available to everyone on ACE is protected from viewing by our competitors?
A. The ACE provides multiple layers of access control and security to ensure that proprietary data is appropriately protected from competitors. FCS suppliers will also be subject to non-disclosure agreements and proprietary information agreements.
30. Q) With respect to SEI Level III…. Do M/S suppliers need to be at Level III or can they be on a path to Level III at a time in the near future.
A. Suppliers can demonstrate a plan to achieve Level III in a reasonable time period.
31. Q) Clarify discussion of SEI-5 for M&S team
A. All CS software developers will be assessed by an LSI software engineering oversight team for SEI 5W-CMM Level 3 capability.
32. Q) The RPR-FOM will have to be extended for new platform capabilities and new issues such as improved representation of comms and networking. What is the procedure for suppliers to participate in updating the FOM?
A. Requirements for HLA federations will drive FOM evolution. A configuration control board will be the medium by which change will be managed. HLA tools will also be used to update federates quickly when the FOM changes.
33. Q) Will the LSI or Army make scenarios, terrain, and environment models to the system suppliers?
A. Yes; to ensure consistency, scenarios, threat data synthetic environments and other models and data will be available through the Distributed Product Description on ACE.
34. Q) Must the developer provide object code or source code of the models?
A. Source code must be provided to support Army accreditation assessments. Boeing will protect the intellectual property of suppliers through proprietary information and non-disclosure agreements.
35. Q) Are these any issues relating to the supply of products from foreign owned companies?
A. No issues as export approval and license is obtained through the LSI and government to government approval for classified subcontracting.