title - sujet land vehicle crew training system retourner

1 1

RETURN BIDS TO:RETOURNER LES SOUMISSIONS À:Michael Rancourt11 Laurier StreetPlace du Portage, Phase III (8C2)GatineauQuebecK1A 0S5Bid Fax: (873) 353-8341

SOLICITATION AMENDMENTMODIFICATION DE L'INVITATION

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Issuing Office - Bureau de distributionDetection, Simulation and Optical Systems DivisionPlace du Portage III, 8C211 rue Laurier StreetGatineauQuebecK1A 0S5

CCC No./N° CCC - FMS No./N° VME

Instructions: Voir aux présentes

Instructions: See Herein

remain the same.

The referenced document is hereby revised; unless otherwiseindicated, all other terms and conditions of the Solicitation

les modalités de l'invitation demeurent les mêmes.Ce document est par la présente révisé; sauf indication contraire,

Vendor/Firm Name and Address

Comments - Commentaires

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Destination - des biens, services et construction:Destination - of Goods, Services, and Construction:

(873) 353-8341 ( )Telephone No. - N° de téléphoneMichael RancourtAddress Enquiries to: - Adresser toutes questions à:Plant-Usine:F.O.B. - F.A.B.

on - leat - àSolicitation Closes - L'invitation prend fin010qt.W8476-175579File No. - N° de dossierPW-$$QT-010-27734GETS Reference No. - N° de référence de SEAGW8476-175579Client Reference No. - N° de référence du clientW8476-175579/BSolicitation No. - N° de l'invitation

Land Vehicle Crew Training SystemTitle - Sujet

Delivery Required - Livraison exigée Delivery Offered - Livraison proposée

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DateSignature

2020-11-26Date 002Amendment No. - N° modif.

Raison sociale et adresse du fournisseur/de l'entrepreneur

Telephone No. - N° de téléphoneFacsimile No. - N° de télécopieur

02:00 PM2021-03-31 Heure Normale du l'Est HNE

Eastern Standard Time EST

of - de 1

Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) Request for Information (RFI) Amendment 2

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The purpose of Amendment 2 is to:

a) release new questions to industry for review and submission back to Canada;

b) inform industry about submitting unsolicited information;

c) extend the RFI process closing date; and

d) provide answers to questions submitted by industry. ______________________________________________________________________________

1. New Questions for Industry

Public Services and Procurement Canada is requesting Industry feedback regarding the Land Vehicle Crew Training System Project for the Department of National Defence and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Annex A “Technical, Infrastructure and Sustainment Questions for Industry,” and Annex B “LVCTS Industrial and Technological Benefits Questions for Industry” are attached to this RFI amendment. Industry is requested to review these documents and provide answers to the PSPC Contracting Authorities on or before December 18 2020.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on government operations and those of industry, please inform the Contracting Authorities if you intend to submit your response after Canada’s requested date.

2. Unsolicited Information

Industry can submit unsolicited information at any time throughout the LVCTS RFI process. Please send all unsolicited information to the PSPC Contracting Authorities.

3. Extending the RFI Process Closing Date

The RFI Process closing date has been extended to March 31, 2021.

4. Answers to Industry Questions

Question 1

One of the items required for each of the five (5) simulation centres is the LCSS simulators (software and hardware) for Combat net Radio, vehicle intercom and the Battle Management System. The old 2017 P&A suggested that bidders would need to provide these systems. Is this still the case?

Answer:

This question will be addressed at a later date.

Question 2

Will bidders be allowed to co-contract. For example we may want to co-contract for the civil works/building.

Answer:

It is Canada's intent to award two (2) LVCTS contracts (acquisition and in service support) to one prime contractor under a single solicitation process.

Please refer to the following link for Canada's current standard bid instructions, specifically article 4 "Definition of "Bidder," and Article 17, "Joint Venture."

https://buyandsell.gc.ca/policy-and-guidelines/standard-acquisition-clauses-and-conditions-manual/1/2003/25

Canada is open to receiving feedback on how to best received bids and award the resulting contracts while maintaining a turnkey solution. Please submit feedback to the PSPC Contracting Authorities.

Question 3

Can Canada confirm if the simulation of attached mine-plows/rollers or dozer blades will be required for the Leopard 2 Driving Stations?

Answer:

Yes, this will be required in the driving model. The physical mine-plows/rollers and dozer blades will not have to be simulated physically, with the exception of the controller inside the cabin to be replicated in the reconfigurable simulators.

Question 4

Can Canada identify any difference between the Land Command Support System (LCSS) suites in junior (e.g. LAV section) vehicles and command (e.g. Combat Team Commander’s LAV or Leopard) vehicles? If so, will all simulators require the ability to replicate the full range of LCSS systems?

Answer:

Most vehicles, with the exception of the command posts, use the same radios and communication suite. Exceptions and specific requirements will be provided at a later date with the detailed breakdown of variants to be simulated.

Question 5

Can Canada specify the largest Combat Team structure that the Contractor must be able to support, as the Primary Training Audience, at each planned center? Please note that Para. 3.1.1. of LVCTS W8476-175579 (Request for Price and Availability) dated 2017-01-18 indicates the need to provide armoured vehicle training up to the “full combat team.” The most current Canadian Army doctrine (Combat Team in Operations, B-GL-321-006/FP-001, dated 2017-08-21) uses the “square combat team”, comprising a full infantry company and a full tank squadron, as its doctrinal model. Is this the baseline requirement?

Answer:

Yes the square combat team is used as the default configuration for a level 5 combat team.

Question 6

Can Canada define the organization of the TAPV infantry platoon and company? Would it be possible to see this organization graphically as was done for the LAV and Leopard Combat Team in Figure 1?

Answer:


Question 7

Can Canada provide more details as to how the five LVCTS simulation centers will be implemented into their current training curriculum? Specifically can Canada provide the strategy for the commissioning and activation of the five LVCTS simulation centers? Does Canada plan to bring all of the five sites on line sequentially (one after the other potentially with some overlap), concurrently (i.e.: all five at the same time) or in a phased (i.e.: two larger sites at CFBs Gagetown and Edmonton in a first Phase; and the three smaller sites at CFBs Petawawa, Shilo, and Valcartier in a second Phase)?

Answer:

The plan at the moment is to deliver one site fully operational first (i.e.: Gagetown), in order to meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Once the first site is fully operational, the additional sites would be delivered sequentially potentially with some overlap. We are also open to receive other recommendations from industry with a clear list of benefits. Please submit feedback to the PSPC Contracting Authorities.

Question 8

Based on the Training Needs analysis, would Canada provide an indication of the anticipated LVCTS throughput at each location in terms of individual trainees and collective training events? Even a rough indication of this throughput would be useful in our in service support planning.

Answer:


Question 9

Would Canada indicate any specific Performance Measures required by DND/PSPC for in service support? Would these Performance Measures be reported across the program or per facility?

Answer:

Canada is currently undergoing analysis of performance options through a Sustainment Business Case Analysis. It is Canada's intent to provide further communication and draft Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation prior to the release of the formal RFP.

Question 10

Is Canada able to confirm the level of security clearance required for in service support staff? Does Canada expect the LVCTS facilities to be able to conduct classified training events?

Answer:

Canada is in the process of finalizing the security requirements for both the acquisition and support of the Land Vehicle Crew Training System. It is Canada's intent to publish the security requirements in a future RFI amendment. Once published, PSPC can sponsor companies who do not meet these requirements in order to prepare for the future formal Request for Proposal process.

Question 11

Is Canada able to identify the level of LVCTS training system availability (e.g. 95% availability) that will be required?

Answer:

Canada is currently undergoing analysis of performance options through a Sustainment Business Case Analysis. It is Canada's intent to provide further communication and draft Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation prior to the release of the formal RFP.

End of Questions

LAND VEHICLE CREW TRAINING SYSTEM (LVCTS)

FOR THE CANADIAN ARMY (CA)

Annex A

Technical, Infrastructure and Sustainment Questions for Industry

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LVCTS Project Team

Table of Content

Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 2: Virtual Environment...................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 3: Learning Management System & Tools ....................................................................... 6

Chapter 4: Network and Data Management.................................................................................... 7

Chapter 5: Training Simulators ....................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 6: Simulators Upgrades and Configuration Management ................................................. 9

Chapter 7: Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 10

Chapter 8: Sustainment ................................................................................................................. 11

Chapter 9: DRAFT RFP (Partial) - Network Architecture ........................................................... 12

Chapter 10: Requirement Exchange Format ................................................................................. 20

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Chapter 1: Introduction

The aim of the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project is to provide a virtual training system for the Canadian Army (CA).

The LVCTS project team, which has been fully staffed since the beginning of the year, is making good progress in the completion of the request for proposal (RFP) and sustainment business case analysis (SBCA), and has not been significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the RFP is progressing, it is important to gather Industry point-of-view around the core concepts of the project.

In May, 2020, the LVCTS team communicated a set of relevant questions to Industry and received detailed answers which will help define key areas of the solution. In this document, additional questions have been brought up regarding technical aspects of the project. In addition, the draft RFP section for the network architecture is also being published as part of the Request for Information (RFI), in order to solicit feedback on this important and fundamental section of the LVCTS RFP.

While the project team and the CA are not ready to publish a complete Training Needs Analysis, the section Training Context below was written to provide guidance to Industry to facilitate responding to this RFI amendment.

Training Context

The LVCTS will introduce a transformational virtual training system to the CA which will allow the crews of its principle armoured combat vehicles (the Light Armoured Vehicle 6.0, the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank, and the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle) to train as frequently and as realistically as possible in their home garrisons.

The LVCTS will enable soldiers to practice their own individual tasks within a vehicle (level 1), to work together with other soldiers as a complete vehicle crew (level 2), and to train collectively with other vehicle crews as a tactical unit, up to the combat team level (level 3 to 5). This training will be conducted in a synthetic environment that provides realistic simulation of terrain, weather conditions, enemy capabilities, and tactics.

Instructors will be able to customize each training scenario, monitor the progress of trainees and provide objective after action reviews of their performance using the results recorded during the simulation. It is also the intent for LVCTS to be capable of recording and storing metrics that can be used for historical trend analysis, as well as providing accessible training dashboards and usage reports.

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LVCTS is intended to be used in the following roles:

a) To provide virtual individual training for armoured vehicle students in accordance with applicable qualification standards and course training plans;

b) To provide virtual collective training for armoured vehicle crews for levels 2 through 5 in accordance with the CA Battle Task Standards (BTS); and

c) To support force development experimentation; d) In addition, in order to align with the CA simulation strategy, LVCTS should be

designed: i. To provide virtual collective training for the conduct of mission rehearsal and

theatre specific training; and ii. To support higher level collective training as a component of a distributed multi-

system simulation exercise.

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Chapter 2: Virtual Environment

A virtual environment allows the trainees to train in what resembles a real-world scenario. A well designed synthetic environment including terrain, environmental conditions, and Computer Generated Entities (CGE), representing the battle space is essential for the effectiveness of a virtual training solution like the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS).

Q. 2.1 For CGEs (i.e.: friendly forces, enemy forces, natural environments, etc.) several 3D models are required to produce a realistic representation of the training scenarios. It is likely that some of the entities will go through evolution as the need of the CA evolves. Using open standard of 3D models is likely one way to address future updates. What is your recommendation for 3D modelling solutions to support future updates?

Context: The topic of non-player crew or synthetic teammate deals with performing training of an individual team member without involving human role-players to form the rest of the team. In the context of CA combat vehicle crews, each member performs individual tasks that must be coordinated with the activities of other team members. The training of individual crew member tasks and skills therefore requires the participation of other crew members, who may not be readily available.

For example: the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank crew is composed of a Crew Commander (CC), a Gunner (GNR), a Loader (LDR), and Driver (DRV). The CC provides firing instructions to GNR through voice communication. Without the introduction of synthetic teammates, an individual gunnery training will also require human operator(s) acting as CC, LDR, etc.

To solve the above challenge, solutions can range from simplified user interface (such as preprogrammed voice commands) to a self-sufficient intelligent Artificial Intelligence (AI) entity, capable of performing actions dictated by training objective and CA doctrines.

Q. 2.2 In the context of the current state of technology, what would be your recommendation for a solution that can provide dependable outcome today and that can be scalable in the future with the advancement of innovative solutions and new technologies?

Q. 2.3 To build on question Q 2.2, we would like to explore the impact of the proposed solution on potentially required number of simulators of different fidelity and different vehicle types considering the spectrum of Army training within the LVCTS scope (from individual level 1 to a full combat team level 5). What are the restrictions in having a single crew member operating the vehicle with the help of virtual crews? In addition, could you provide us with a level of effort and risk associated to implementing this capability, and where, on the spectrum of training, does it become challenging to implement non-player crew?

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Chapter 3: Learning Management System & Tools

LVCTS is going to need an effective learning management system and tools to manage the training and progress of individual trainees or tactical units.

Context: LVCTS will accommodate different kind of users such as trainees, but also instructors which will need an interface to manage exercise and create new scenarios in synthetic environment.

Q.3.1 Describe your solution in terms of an end-user friendly interface to create additional/new training scenarios and other training content throughout the lifecycle of LVCTS.

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Chapter 4: Network and Data Management

In Land Vehicle Crew Training Systems (LVCTS) there exists immediate and future needs for interoperability with other networks. There is also an expectation of flexibility in how the data is managed, analyzed, and stored to allow for future changes in the Canadian Army (CA) training requirements.

Q. 4.1: Is your solution platform dependent or independent? For example, could the software and database run on standard equipment such as Windows (Desktop, Servers, and SQL Server)? How is this licensed?

Q. 4.2: Based on your experience or understanding of similar and recent defense simulation systems, and considering the latest trends in server room footprint reductions, were there any special or unique considerations made for networking equipment, including server room layout, size or configuration, used for databases and servers in a local area network setting?

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Chapter 5: Training Simulators

Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) requires a range of simulator fidelity to cover the spectrum of individual and collective training needs of the Canadian Army (CA).

Q.5.1 LVCTS will have real-time simulators of land vehicles. For instance, the action of the driver of the main battle tank needs to be simulated in real time. What are the main features of the architecture that supports such real-time response(s)? What is the guaranteed latency the system needs to consider to preserve the real-time aspect of the simulator?

Q.5.2 Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware, such as computers, displays, virtual reality headsets, gaming controllers, etc., evolve quickly and might have to be replaced every few years. How will your training system be designed to accommodate future COTS upgrades?

Q.5.3 Virtual reality can offer a lot of benefits to a training system. However, virtual reality headsets are known to cause cyber sickness under certain conditions. Known mitigation strategies that are being considered include limiting usage in both duration and application, and properly adjusting the interpupillary distance for each user. How would your company mitigate potential cyber sickness issues related to the use of virtual reality headsets?

Context: In addition to high-fidelity, Full Mission Simulators (FMS) and lower-fidelity Multi-Purpose Simulators (MPS), LVCTS requires medium-fidelity simulators, or Reconfigurable Simulators (RS), with the ability to be reconfigured between three different vehicle types – LEO 2, LAV 6.0, and TAPV. This will help to achieve a versatile solution. Controls requiring muscle memory training such as steering wheels will be physically replicated, but everything else has the potential to be virtually simulated, using interfaces such as touch screen displays.

Q.5.4 Are there other available options that would achieve the same goals and be as flexible?

If the proposed solution involves using hardware control assemblies, what amount of additional storage space would be needed to store reconfigurable simulator devices that are not in use during a particular training session?

What would be a reasonable amount of time to reconfigure a simulator to another vehicle type for your recommended solution?

Q.5.5 Driver training simulators, even in medium-fidelity simulators, can benefit greatly from the use of motion cuing systems. What would you recommend as an appropriate motion cuing system for a medium fidelity driver simulators to achieve a right balance between cost and training benefits?

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Chapter 6: Simulators Upgrades and Configuration Management

As mentioned in other sections, LVCTS will deliver simulators for various vehicle fleets such as the TAPV, LAV 6.0, Leopard 2 A4M and some of their variants (to be defined and shared in future Industry Engagements). The service life of the system is planned to be 25 years, which means that simulators will need to be upgraded throughout their lifecycles to maintain concurrency with vehicle fleets.

Regarding upgrades and vehicle/simulator concurrency, the LVCTS project has the following questions:

Q6.1 Considering the trend of replacing more and more analog instrumentation with user friendly digital counterparts (for example when upgrading to a new variant), what design considerations would you apply to facilitate cost effecting future updates of the simulators to keep them current with the vehicle upgrades?

Q6.2 Can you also provide high level cost drivers in terms of non-recurring and recurring engineering efforts for such updates?

Q6.3 Can you give a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate of the cost to make such an upgrade, with your stated assumptions, broken down in the following general categories:

o Non-recurring engineering costs; o Modifications to high fidelity simulators (per simulator); o Modifications to medium-fidelity simulators (per simulator); o Installation (per simulator); o Integrated Logistic Support (ILS); o Related Intellectual Property (IP) acquisition; and o Other (if required).

Q6.4 Can the cost of such an upgrade be defined in terms of a percentage of a brand new system?

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Chapter 7: Infrastructure

LVCTS will deliver purpose built infrastructure (simulator training centers) in multiple Canadian Army (CA) bases across Canada to house simulators, training space, etc.

Context: LVCTS will require dedicated large functional space in the training centers for performing collective mission oriented training sessions. There could be multiple sessions that can take place simultaneously and serving differing numbers of trainees. These sessions will require the use of simulators such as the MPS (Multi-Purpose Simulators), EXCON (exercise control) and AAR (After Action Review) support. This setup is intended to permit one team’s training without interfering with other teams’ activities.

Q7.1 What is your solution for such training room that is engaging and effective in providing training for a mission oriented training setup that allows flexibility in the area of the number of trainees participating in the training, modern and engaging classroom equipment, user oriented setup, etc.

Context: In August 2017, the Government of Canada released Build Smart – Canada’s Buildings Strategy,as a key driver of the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Canada’s national climate strategy. The Build Smart strategy seeks to dramatically increase the energy efficiency of Canadian buildings in pursuit of a net-zero carbon ready level of performance. It is the intent of Canada to have net-zero carbon ready training centers constructed for the LVCTS project, which would allow for simple conversion in contrast to extensive renovations to net-zero carbon buildings in the future. This requires at a minimum a building efficiency of 30% better than NECB 2017 as well as decentralized/integral electric heat sources.

Q7.2 Are you familiar with and experienced in meeting these requirements? Please describe the relevant experience.

Q7.3 Canadian Forces Bases (CFB) across Canada have established power grids. In order to evaluate if our current infrastructure can meet the additional power requirements of the new simulation training centers or if upgrades are required to the existing base power infrastructure, could you provide a ballpark estimate of the power requirements for a training center? If required, you can use the minimum number of simulators published in the 2017 P&A as your baseline number of simulators.

Q7.4 The goal for the new LVCTS infrastructure is to have an effective life of 40 years, with a mid-life of approximately 20-25 years. What information can Canada provide to allow proponents to be more precise in pricing the construction and facilities maintenance of the training centers?

Q 7.5 To ensure competitive pricing for the design and construction of the five training centers, what is be the ideal situation for the design and construction of the facilities? Is a simultaneous or sequential timeline for the design and/or construction preferred? Please explain.

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Chapter 8: Sustainment

The Canadian Army (CA) plans to train using the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) for a several decades. Therefore, the procured solution will require a customized sustainment plan. Canada is currently undergoing analysis of the available options through the Sustainment Business Case Analysis. Further communication, including the Concept of Support (COS), and Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation will be provided prior to the release of the RFP.

Context DND is in the process of adopting the S-Series of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) standards for all new projects. These standards enable opportunities and cost savings for maintenance of master data through the lifecycle of equipment. However, they require a certain level of expertise and additional cost at the acquisition stage.

Q8.1 What advantages and inconveniences do you foresee if LVCTS were to implement delivering Integrated Logistic Support products using the S-Series of standards (S1000D, S3000L, etc.) both in acquisition and in-service support?

Context Maintaining and sustaining simulators and purpose built-infrastructures for LVCTS will require clarity in communication and transparency in data exchange between the Contractor and the Government for deliverables and reports.

Q8.2 What difficulties do you foresee in developing, integrating and operating a centralized collaborative data sharing environment accessible from the Defense Wide Area Network (DWAN) for the LVCTS Sustainment Enterprise both for acquisition and in-service support?

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Chapter 9: DRAFT RFP (Partial) - Network Architecture

Please find below the network architecture draft specification. We anticipate your feedback and comments, on any aspect of the requirement.

Context There is a design goal for the network architecture to initially deploy a Local Area Network (LAN) at the first site. Once that initial site is functional and validated, future connected LAN sites should be established within a Wide Area Network (WAN) using a private cloud design. Each additional LAN could therefore leverage networked resources as they are established.

More specifically, it is expected that options and upfront network design will be provided by the Contractor to accommodate the transformation from a single LAN to a private cloud solution within a WAN. As new sites are implemented, the delivery of data, applications, and computing power should be available from anywhere in the Cloud, by making use of centralized networked resources such as databases, servers, and services when appropriate.

If the network bandwidth is not available or established at the time of connectivity, each site should be designed for standalone operation.

Canada will also seek advice from the Contractor about network connectivity options between future sites within the WAN. Although each LAN would be provided and maintained by the Contractor, it is Canada's intent to consider using existing Government of Canada networks and resources to establish the connectivity between sites within the WAN in order to align with Canada's Strategy, maintain security, and minimize risk and additional cost.

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NETWORK ARCHITECTURE - DRAFT

Requirement Unique ID

LVCTS Network Architecture Requirement Text

Requirement Type (Draft Classification)

LVCTS-Network-1 1 Background Heading LVCTS-Network-4 This document includes high-level Network

Architecture requirements. Specific, detailed requirements will be defined and published at a later date, in the following planned sections:

· Local Area Network (LAN);

· Databases;

· Cybersecurity;

· Servers;

· Future Multi-Site Connectivity / Wide Area Network (WAN); and

· Data Management.

Information

LVCTS-Network-92 2 General Requirements Heading LVCTS-Network-12 The Contractor must design, develop, construct,

integrate, test, validate, deliver, and install a full LVCTS network infrastructure solution.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-13 The Contractor must develop and implement a common network architecture with the flexibility to support each LVCTS site.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-14 Each LVCTS site must function as a standalone Local Area Network (LAN) supporting future Wide Area Network (WAN) and cloud connectivity.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-15 The LVCTS network architecture must accommodate both future WAN and cloud based architectures.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-16 The Contractor must design, develop, construct, integrate, test, validate, deliver, and install physical and virtual computer networks that can support the overall site infrastructure of the LVCTS systems, software, servers, and databases.

Mandatory

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LVCTS-Network-17 The Contractor must be able to configure, implement, integrate and manage various databases as part of the LVCTS Network.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-18 The Contractor must implement a network design that will accommodate future integration with other external databases and networks, including cloud databases, cloud-based systems and services.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-19 The network architecture design must allow each LVCTS site to function as a standalone LAN.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-20 The network architecture must allow future centralization of databases to one location or site, and support future Cloud Computing.

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-21 The Contractor must demonstrate that the network architecture is designed to integrate and/or implement site-to-site connectivity within a future WAN or Cloud environment while maintaining access to all LAN site locations.

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-22 The Contractor must recommend the design and/or implementation of Central Databases that may be either:

· Relocated to another location to optimize performance or support;

· Backed up to another location to offer remote database backups; or

· Replicated and synced to another location or site so that database access is always available from potentially more than one location to improve redundancy and performance.

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-26 Industry standard Ethernet network protocols and devices must be used to connect between servers, clients, and modules.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-27 The Contractor must provide the necessary, scalable network capacity to support the simulation technologies, training, database requirements, including database transactions, video, audio, and data transfers.

Point Rated

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LVCTS-Network-28 The Contractor must implement a network that supports the LVCTS simulation systems, software, and databases, in terms of network speed, bandwidth, throughput, latency, and Quality of Service (QOS) capabilities in order to meet the LVCTS system performance, capacity, and scalability requirements.

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-29 The Contractor must provide the necessary, scalable network system to support the following minimum bandwidth requirements:

· LAN: 2 Gbps, scalable to 10 Gbps;

· WAN or Cloud: 20 Mbps, scalable to 100 Mbps; and

· Latency: 30 ms or better.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-33 The Contractor must insure that all networking devices including cabling supports the Industry standard Ethernet protocols:

· LAN: Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.3z;

· WAN or Cloud: Fast Ethernet IEEE 802.3u.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-36 The Contractor must be capable to address the overall Network performance requirements when designing, implementing, or maintaining the network system at different levels including:

· Simulators;

· Network devices;

· Network infrastructure;

· Databases;

· Servers;

· Applications; and

· Workstations and Desktops.

Mandatory

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LVCTS-Network-45 The Contractor must provide virtualization design and implementation options for software and hardware in order to reduce the amount of servers and space, and to potentially facilitate the usage of reconfigurable systems.

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-47 The Contractor must implement Cyber Security Controls and adhere to the IT Security Guidelines established by the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Canada when designing, building, implementing, maintaining, managing, and documenting the LVCTS network infrastructure.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-48 The Contractor must include preventive Cybersecurity and IT security measures and considerations such as Network Security Zoning, in the design, and placement of network resources.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-93 3 Network Management Requirements Heading LVCTS-Network-50 The Contractor must ensure the applications and

network services are integrated in one service offering.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-51 The Contractor must manage and control the underlying network infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, applications, and provide Canada with the capability to configure settings of user-specific applications.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-52 The Contractor must implement Cybersecurity and IT Security Risk Management processes to identify risks and vulnerabilities and take administrative and technical actions to insure that the LVCTS network is protected.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-53 The Contractor must establish and maintain a service desk and provide standard IT services including change management, configuration management, incident management, and problem management.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-54 The Contractor must use Network Monitoring software to optimize network traffic and bandwidth utilization, to facilitate the troubleshooting of network and server problems, and to provide related reports.

Mandatory

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LVCTS-Network-55 The Contractor must design, configure, and implement the network infrastructure and services such that it will facilitate compliance to Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) processes and approvals.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-56 The Contractor must provide requested information, assessments, and written documentation to support the Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) processes and approvals.

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-94 4 Network Infrastructure Requirements Heading LVCTS-Network-68 The Network Infrastructure must support the

following Network performance and support requirements:

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-69 · Support for simultaneous operation of all applications, modules, and workstations required to meet worst case site operating conditions to handle present and future training scenarios such as described by the Concept of Operations (CONOP);

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-70 · The LVCTS system must be capable at a minimum to operate with the total entity count required for combat level Collective Training (Level 5) scenarios while maintaining required system performance for the exercises, and without LVCTS network saturation;

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-71 · To execute a single exercise or multiple exercises for the LVCTS system sites and must be provided with no restrictions to real time training or cause abnormal visual effects or delays;

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-72 · The network system must provide configurable Quality of Service (QOS) and data prioritization capabilities to manage bandwidth and ensure a graceful degradation of capability in the event of network saturation;

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-73 · Support software installation from the central local server to the entire LVCTS site, enabling a complete upgrade of all LVCTS software within 48 hours; and

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-74 · A full cold start software installation must be possible within five (5) working days.

Mandatory

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LVCTS-Network-75 The Network Infrastructure must support the following Network connectivity and functionality:

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-76 · The network system must have a long-haul expansion capability without requiring any hardware modifications to the simulators or the network;

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-77 · The network system must also include any specialized network connections required by the centralized data storage system.

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-78 · The systems LAN must be able to support a module being removed or added to the network during training without affecting the remaining modules on the system LAN;

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-79 · Site connectivity between modules, workstations, and storage devices;

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-80 · Virtual machine interfaces between modules, workstations, and storage devices;

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-81 · Access to centralized storage and software provisioning for all workstations and module subsystems, including the Image Generator (IG);

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-82 · Interoperability support for connections to external training systems;

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-83 · Interoperability support for connections to external network systems and databases;

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-84 · A module, console, or workstation processor which becomes incapable of accepting operator, or network inputs (i.e. 'hung') must not affect the operation of the network;

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-85 · The network system must provide data transfer for both voice simulation data and digital communications data;

Mandatory

LVCTS-Network-86 · The network interface adapter must provide the capability to selectively control the generation of host interrupts;

Point Rated

LVCTS-Network-87 · The network system must be easily expandable and should not be limited in the number of physical connections;

Point Rated

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LVCTS-Network-88 · The network system should be capable for future interfacing with live Mission Command (MC) systems;

Design Goal

LVCTS-Network-89 · The network system must provide bandwidth for data transfer of video distribution if required of the visual system,

Mandatory

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Chapter 10: Requirement Exchange Format

Context The Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) requires rigorous organization around managing requirements which leads to the utilization of tools such as IBM Rational DOORS (9.6). We intend to achieve efficient tracking of end-user needs against the product and services being procured throughout the lifecycle of the product. Throughout the life of the project, LVCTS requirements will need to be shared with Industry and Industry will exchange information and comments on those requirements. A lossless methodology for communicating this data is beneficial to both parties.

It is helpful when the exchange of requirements and relevant metadata is performed using a standard format. Object Management Group (OMG) produced a standard of requirement exchange format called ReqIF (https://www.omg.org/reqif/) allowing the possibility of different tools and multiple supported versions of the same tool to be able to exchange information without losing relevant metadata associated with the requirements.

Q10. Do you foresee any challenge using ReqIF (XML file format) as packages exported from DOORS database for the purpose of Bid and Evaluation and more?

Annex B

LVCTS Industrial and Technological Benefits Questions for Industry

Application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy

The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including Value Proposition, may be applied on the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project. Engagement with industry through the Request for Information (RFI) will help determine the application of the ITB Policy and how Canada could leverage opportunities for economic benefit through this procurement.

The ITB Policy including Value Proposition

The ITB Policy is a powerful investment attraction tool and companies awarded defence procurement contracts are required to undertake business activities in Canada equal to the value of the contract. The ITB Policy encourages companies to establish or grow their presence in Canada, strengthen Canada’s supply chains, and develop Canadian industrial capabilities.

The goal of the ITB Policy is to support the long-term sustainability and growth of Canada’s defence sector, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) in all regions of the country, to enhance innovation through research and development (R&D) in Canada, to support skills development and training, and to increase the export potential of Canadian-based firms. The ITB Policy includes the Value Proposition (VP), which requires bidders to compete on the basis of the economic benefits to Canada associated with their bid. Winning bidders are selected on the basis of price, technical merit and their VP. VP commitments made by the winning bidders become contractual obligations in the ensuing contract.

For more information about the ITB Policy, please visit www.canada.ca/itb.

Key Industrial Capabilities:

To maximize the economic impact that can be leveraged through the VP, Canada will look to use the ITB Policy to motivate defence contractors to invest in Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs). KICs align with Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and the Innovation and Skills Plan by supporting the development of skills and fostering innovation in Canada’s defence sector. The KICs represent areas of emerging technology with the potential for rapid growth and significant opportunities, established capabilities where Canada is globally competitive, and areas where domestic capacity is essential to national security.

Based on initial analysis of the LVCTS project, this procurement encompasses the KICs of Training and Simulation, In-Service Support, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Resiliencewhere Canada has world leading capabilities. Canada will be seeking to motivate high value economic opportunities and partnerships to support the growth of Canada’s defence sector, as well as enhance supply chain participation and skills development opportunities for Canadian industry.

The definitions for the relevant KICs for this project are:

Training and Simulation

End-to-end training and simulation capabilities that span the full breadth of live, virtual and constructive training solutions. These include simulator design, manufacture, integration and modification, training courseware development, design and integration of targets and training aids, and the provision of live, virtual, and classroom-based training services.In-Service Support This represents a set of capabilities needed to operate and sustain a range of military platforms and systems operating in all domains across their lifespans. In this context, the phrase "operate and sustain" includes a wide array of activities, including maintenance, repair and overhaul; diagnostic, prognostic and health management; spares and supply chain management; configuration management; system and software modification and upgrade for both capability enhancement and life extension; and overall product support integration (PSI).

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) spans a range of technologies that allow machines to execute tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as pattern and speech recognition, translation, visual perception, and decision-making. AI develops or draws on disciplines such as search and mathematical optimization, machine learning, deep learning, self-learning, and neural networks. AI can reduce operator workload and automate easily repeatable tasks that otherwise require significant human involvement. AI promises enhanced efficiency in the use of trained personnel, less exposure of humans to dangerous environments, and more rapid responses to changes in the military operating environment. It can also permit the analysis of large volumes of data in support of intelligence analysis, mission planning and rehearsal, logistics and business management, cyber security and resilience, and many other activities. AI is relevant across a broad set of both defence and non-defence domains.

Cyber Resilience

Cyber resilience spans every element of the domestic commercial, civil and national security sectors and addresses the vulnerabilities created by the expansion of information technology and the knowledge economy. Activities in this segment include design, integration and implementation of solutions that secure information and communications networks. These and other technologies should focus on achieving effective development of the following cyber capabilities:

Information security

The practice of defending electronic and digital data and information from unauthorized access/intrusion, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction;

IT security

Secure content and threat management (endpoint, messaging, network, web, cloud), security, vulnerability and risk management, identity and access management and other

products (e.g. encryption/tokenization toolkits and security product verification testing), and education, training services and situational awareness;

Operational technology (OT) security

Monitoring, measuring and protecting industrial automation, industrial process control and related systems. Cyber resilience may involve the development of tools and the integration of systems and processes that permit hardening of tactical systems or broader networks, encryption, cyber forensics, incident response, and others. Capabilities developed in this domain may increasingly draw on AI as an enabling technology; for example, networks may autonomously and dynamically defend against intrusions and repair themselves if disrupted.

LVCTS ITB and VP Industry Questions

Defence Sector

The ITB Policy seeks to promote economic development and long-term sustainment of Canadian businesses engaged in the manufacturing and delivery of products and services used in government defence and security applications.

1. Please describe the production activities or services your company performs in the KICs of a) Training and Simulation, b) In-Service Support, c) Artificial Intelligence, and d) Cyber Resilience? Please detail which activities are currently performed in Canada.

2. Based on the technical documentation published by the Department of National Defence, how much direct work, as a percentage of bid price, do you expect to undertake in Canada? What work activities would your company foresee undertaking in Canada for the production and the maintenance of the LVCTS system? What opportunities and constraints are there to performing this work in Canada?

Supplier Development

The ITB Policy seeks to improve the competitiveness of Canadian industry by encouraging Canadian industrial participation and the scaling up of Canadian companies including small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) in the supply chains of bidders and tier-one suppliers for the LVCTS project.

3. What are the opportunities and constraints for Canadian companies to be integrated into your company’s existing and developing supply chains?

4. What are the opportunities and constraints to integrating Canadian SMBs (less than 250 full time equivalents) into these supply chains?

5. The ITB Policy requires that at least 15 percent of the contractor’s ITB obligation (equal to the value of the contract) be represented by work with Canadian SMBs with less than 250

employees. To what extent can you commit to a SMB requirement of over 15 percent in order to nurture the development of Canadian SMBs (includes both work on this procurement (Direct) and work in other business areas (Indirect))?

Skills Development and Training

The ITB Policy fosters the development and sustainment of a diverse, talented, and innovative Canadian workforce through access to training, education, opportunities and programs.

Examples of Skills Development and Training activities: i. Work integrated learning programs (e.g., co-operative education; work

placements); ii. Apprenticeship programs;

iii. A new or existing skills development program at or through a post-secondary institution;

iv. Support for security certifications (e.g.: Secret; U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations - ITAR) or cybersecurity compliance certifications for Canadian companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses;

6. What Skills Development and Training activities does your company currently provide? How do these activities support skills development and training in the KICs of a) Training and Simulation, b) In-Service Support, c) Artificial Intelligence, and d) Cyber Resilience?

7. What Skills Development and Training challenges does your company anticipate within the KICs of a) Training and Simulation, b) In-Service Support, c) Artificial Intelligence, and d) Cyber Resilience and how is your company seeking to overcome them?

Research and Development (R&D)

The ITB Policy promotes scientific investigation that explores the development of new goods and services, new inputs into production, new methods of producing goods and services, or new ways of operating and managing organizations.

8. Please describe your company’s priority areas for R&D investment? As part of your answer, please identify to what extent these priority areas align with the KICs of a) Training and Simulation, b) In-Service Support, c) Artificial Intelligence, and d) Cyber Resilience?

9. Recognizing the role that post-secondary institutions and public research institutes play in fostering innovation in Canada, please describe what potential opportunities your company foresees undertaking in Canada with these organizations and what specific research areas you would pursue.

10. What should the minimum R&D requirement be (as a percentage of anticipated bid price) in order to motivate bidders to invest in high-value innovation within Canada’s KICs?

Export

The ITB Policy promotes the ability of Canadian companies, including SMBs, to successfully tap into export markets, thereby increasing their productivity, and competitiveness in the global market.

11. What export opportunities will be available to your company as a result of this procurement? How would this procurement assist your company to further develop capabilities and access new markets in Canada and abroad?

12. Which components of the LVCTS solution are potentially the most exportable and why?

Other Questions

13. Comparatively to price and technical merit, Value Proposition typically has a weight of 10-20% of the overall bid evaluation. What is your view on the weighting of the Value Proposition for the LVCTS project?

14. Within the Value Proposition, what are your recommended minimum percentages of weighting for each of the Value Proposition pillars (i.e. Defence Sector, Supplier Development, Skills and Training, R&D, and Exports)?

15. Are there other relevant KICs which align with the work to be conducted for the LVCTS project? If yes, please indicate which KICs should be considered and why. As part of your response, please describe how the proposed KICs would enhance the opportunities that could be leveraged through the Value Proposition for Canadian industry.

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