CARTS Pre-Solicitation Notice Comments Tracking

1. 3.3) Are we correct in thinking that as with ITSC the diagrams depicting a PD are for functional capability only and we are free to propose our own structure regarding the number of boxes and/or enclosures within a pit? Answer: Yes, within limits; in the course of time however we expect single subsystem boxes.

2. 3.3) Will primary power output 120 VAC only be required for PDs with 120/240 VAC input? Answer: Yes. AC output will be expected for AC input, and DC output will be expected for DC input.

3. Appendix B- Are diamond design with specified spacing, interlocking rails constructed out of material with the required clearances sufficient or are vendors required to implement a new more costly design? Answer: Yes, the diamond designs will be made of sufficient material with required clearances. No, vendors are not required to implement any new designs.

4. Dimensions of the rails do not appear to be adequate to support MAT. Can larger rails meeting the spacing and diamond shape be used? Answer: Please clarify larger.

5. Page 20, Section 3.4.1, Thermal Signatures- We suggest that the standard be further defined as follows:
*Infantry thermals replicate the actual thermal signature of humans; head approximately 20 degrees F above ambient and body approximately 10 degrees F above ambient.
*The target is capable of generating a thermal signature within specifications at ambient temperatures between -30 degrees and 120 degrees F.
*Be capable of generating a gradient thermal image that realistically replicates the actual gradient thermal temperatures of the representation. Answer: We will update the Specification for temperature range.

6. Page 13 Section 3.3 Presentation Devices, Paragraph 6: We suggest that the specification pertains specifically to the height and width dimensions only to allow for improved designs of the Ivan, specifically those that better accept overlays. We acknowledge all 3D targets would meet all other design/performance specifications (self healing, wind resistance, snow resistance, amount of lifts, etc.). Answer: Silhouette can be of any shape as long as it is able to be held by the standard bracket as defined by the drawings included in the Specifications.

7. Page 20, Section 3.4 Representation Devices:
Because round caliber is undefined within the performance specification and therefore left open to interpretation, we suggest the following be added: &expose to 1500 hits of 5.56mm, or 300 hits of 7.62mm or 100 hits of .50 Cal. Spread over the whole target. Answer: Noted; we will update the Specifications with revised requirements.

8. 2.2.2 Configure Hit Sensor Command Message: We suggest you allow for bits 184-N to be allow for programming the different types of zones on our programmable targets. Zones on contact based location of hit systems so that targets can be programmed to support dynamic Mortal, Non-Mortal, and Incapacitated zones by sending geometric patterns and associated mortality type information. Answer: This is not a current requirement. The ability to report hits by zone is covered by the Hit Record (Table XXII) within the Hit Status Message (Message 3115, Table VIII).

9. 2.2.7 Hit Sensor Configuration Status Message: We suggest that you assign bits 232-N for contact location of hit targets to return configuration data that will describe the location and type of zones currently programmed into target. Answer: The ability to report hits by zone is covered by the Hit Record (Table XXII) within the Hit Status Message (Message 3115, Table VIII).

10. 2.2.8 Hit Status Message: We suggest that you allow for X-Y location data sent from contact based location of hit targets to be displayed, in the form of a graphic dot, on the Command center display as well as the shooters portable display system. Answer: This is not a requirement of the PD ICD. It will be included in the ESD ICD.

11. 2.4.5 Hit Sensor Configuration Record: We suggest that you allow for multiple. For example a circular mortal zone 1 located in the head of contact based location of hit targets would be defined as Z1, C50, 84, 22, M1 where Z1 designates Zone 1, C designates Circle with center at 50, 84 and a radius of 22 assigned a mortality of 1 Mortal. Answer: The ability to report hits by zone is covered by the Hit Record (Table XXII) within the Hit Status Message (Message 3115, Table VIII.

12. 3.3 Performance Specifications: This is a very tight requirement for a power supply to service thermal targets. On battery powered ranges, the thermal will operate from unregulated battery voltage (12 -14.4 volts). What is the rationale for specifying an unnecessarily expensive and restrictive requirement here? Answer: The need for power conversion has been overcome by design events. Verbiage on regulation will likely be removed.

13. 3.3.1.9 Contact Hit Sensor: A contact hit sensor cannot satisfy the stated requirement. Does the government expect every SAT to be equipped with some sort of LOMAH device that can perform round discrimination? Answer: No; A basic SAT must be able to determine the relative size of the round for appropriate BDA, e.g. differentiation of .50 cal vice 120mm. LOMAH requirements will be part of the ESD ICD.

14. Are you planning on conducting an industry day? Answer: There is no planned Industry Day at this time.

15. Is this a new requirement or a re-competition? Answer: This is a new acquisition.

16. Will there be any Small Business provisions and/or goals? Answer: Yes, there will be 1 LOT set aside for Small Business.

17. In order to prepare for this proposal it is necessary to review the software, it protocols, and the source code. Can you be so kind to tell me how I can get a copy of the software, the protocols, and source code? Answer: The requested information is available through the Live Training Transformation (LT2) Information Portal (https://www.lt2portal.org/).

18. I understand the Governments desire to standardize and the benefits of standardization, however the current specification for diamonded rail is probably not in the best interest of the Government. Here is why. The Government training requirements have changed since PEO STRI (US Army TMO) made the decision to use diamond rail as the standard. While this specification may have been valid then, the Iraq war and evolving training requirements identified additional needs such as the check point movers. Check point movers require much tighter turns than what was required in the past for either amour or infantry movers. SPARTA procured some movers using diamond rail in the past at the direction of one of our customers. Our experience was this. The diamond rail simply could not be bent in a tight enough radius to meet the current training requirement. I realize that PEO STRI has the same specification in their CARTS solicitation; however I would urge you to consider a functional specification based on the training requirement instead requiring a product that cannot meet the current and evolving requirements. Answer: The contractor's concerns are noted, and while valid in certain regards, they ignore the greater efficiencies gained by standardization and the numerous instances of railed solutions currently deployed and being deployed. PEO STRI and TCM-L have agreed to the new rail specification for use on defined TC 25-8 ranges (TMO had nothing to do with the current standard). Emerging requirements always present a challenge; the choice is either to standardize where possible, or pay for divergent, unique, and generally proprietary solutions across the board. We choose the former.

In the Use Case of Check Point training ranges; the solution vector could be to consider alternate manufacturing methods to manufacture the rails to the desired radius of curvature vice trying to bend them into shape. The specification does not preclude greater radius of curvature of the rails. Second, in the Use Case of Check Point training ranges, the use of Trackless Movers is aptly the best long term solution; such solutions would more accurately reflect the various conditions associated with Escalation of Force; i.e., adaptive behaviors based on training conditions and trainee actions.

End of Questions/Answers. If the answers provided are not sufficient or you still have additional questions, please contact Jean Borowski, at jean.borowski@us.army.mil or call 407 380-4261. The draft RFP will be released sometime in November 2008.