SeaPort-e

Contract Number: N00178-14-D-7808
Engineering, Technical and Programmatic Support Services

Contract End Date: April 4, 2019

• Task Orders: None
• Technical Instructions: None
• Customer Satisfaction Point of Contact: Benito Loyola, (757) 498-6118 x101
• Point of Contact for Seaport e: Benito Loyola, (757) 498-6118 x101
• Loyola's Seaport-e Email Address:
  
• Applicable Zones: Zone 3 - Mid Atlantic, Zone 4 - Gulf Coast
• Quality Assurance:
  Loyola applies our Quality Assurance (QA) as a disciplined concept covering all activities and product deliverables, directly affecting the quality of our end product. Our QC procedures address specific and proven actions to be performed in order to monitor the effectiveness our support. Our QA system structure is compliant with all relevant quality standards, including ISO 9000 series and industry standard QA practices. Within our quality system, our work activities are described by written procedures and accomplished using proven planned methodologies. We will continue to apply our ISO-based quality policies, procedures, and practices on this SeaPort effort. In support of directly relevant past and present contacts, we have successfully applied our QC project development and quality management capability to repeatedly establish, implement, and maintain a quality system that focuses on effective technical support. Due to our successful track record, we are confident that, with the focus of our quality program toward continuous improvement, our QC process will improve the support services provided under this effort.
  
  Loyola will implement proven and reliable QC procedures, tailored to the SeaPort-e requirements. We will maintain and update our QC procedures, recommending changes to the plan, and obtaining Government approval prior to implementing such changes. Loyola has developed Quality Engineering Plans (QEPs) to maintain compliance with the thresholds established by Best Practices. We will tailor the process for this SeaPort-e project to match the evolving needs and changes over a changing future environment. We will also incorporate performance metrics and measurements into our support activities to ensure the quality of the services we provide, with regards to schedule and cost variance and requirements effectiveness. We will use the following metrics to determine our effectiveness:
  • Effort expended during each subtask of the project
  • Errors discovered and rework performed as a result of incomplete information
  • Ineffective system engineering activities
  • Action Item with negative impact over our period of performance
• Experience:
  Loyola has successfully supported several Information Systems and Information Technology initiatives involving the development of specialized technology for geospatial data and dissemination systems. We have provided Research and Development (R&D) support for engineering next-generation systems for laboratories supporting Modeling and Simulation at Joint Forces Command, including our support of various Army and Air Force programs under our GSA contract. Loyola has established direct contract vehicles with NAVAIR Orlando, as well as current subcontracts with Anteon, Cubic, and Northrop Grumman.
  • Loyola currently holds contract mechanisms and vehicles for:
    • PEO STRI STOC II: W900KK-09-D-0360 & W900KK-09-D-0524
    • GSA IT Schedule: GS-35F-0274L
    • GSA IT Schedule - Terrex : GS-35F-0274L
    • GSA STARS 8(a) Schedule: GS-06F-0146Z
  • Loyola's expertise ranges in the critical and current functional support areas, including:
    • Research and Development
      

      Loyola has supported numerous R&D efforts through our development and application of scientific and analytical activities utilizing our proven methods and practices. Based on this recent experience, Loyola will support scientific studies and related experimentation regarding state-of-the-art projects for this SeaPort-e effort. An example of one such R&D effort which Loyola currently supports is the Rapid Distributed Database (RD3) program which is being accomplished for NAVAIR Orlando. This research involves identifying and developing processes and tools that can quickly analyze and classify geospatial data, and to explore dissemination or "replication" methods utilized, based on techniques used in commercial Storage Area Network (SAN) environments.

      Loyola recognizes that R&D is a first phase objective that will define and evaluate alternative system design concepts to successfully fulfill mission needs and meet overall program objectives. During this phase, we will evaluate technological advances, concept feasibility, schedules, and costs in order to identify a viable solution to a stated requirement. We will also define and develop the merits of various concepts, including the most promising concepts, in broad terms of objectives regarding cost, schedule, performance, and overall acquisition strategy. We will also identify initial measures of effectiveness and performance. During the R&D process, since the product solution set is evolving as a result of discovery, testing, and optimization, we will utilize the Statement of Work in order to provide a general expression of the mission need objectives and goals. Due to Loyola's extensive experience with early stage research programs, including preliminary explorations and studies, we recognize that the work to be performed cannot be described precisely. In the event that we have completed our preliminary exploration and studies have indicated a high probability that the development is feasible, Loyola will assist in developing a more definitive scope of the work effort. Based on program needs, Loyola may also develop a system or subsystem specification that may be used for follow-on acquisition development.

    • Modeling, Simulation, Stimulation, and Analysis
      

      Loyola has successfully provided Modeling and Simulation (M&S) support as a tool to support a collaborative process for exchanging data, considering alternatives (such as operational concepts, conceptual designs, cost, and technology strategies), and viewing potential resulting capabilities.

      Loyola has supported Program Managers (PMs) in the conduct of rapid virtual prototyping, where all stakeholders participated in the development of a system as part of a family-of-systems or systems-of-systems. Loyola has extensive experience in distributed collaborative environments that support authoritative information exchange and rapid refinement of the design concepts, due to changing circumstances such as technological advancements and changing threats, tactics, or doctrine.

      Loyola realizes that simulation technology is a rapidly evolving process, with developments occurring with advanced composable simulation environments, large scale distributed computing, and scalable parallel processing. We understand that architectures such as the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) will require a high degree of granular control of live integration with virtual/constructive simulations, along with control over run-time infrastructures and C4I device integration. As such, Loyola will continue to stay current with new architecture standards development, as well as the latest modeling and simulation hardware/software solutions.

      Loyola personnel are current with new architecture standards, the latest modeling and simulation techniques, high performance computing, scalable parallel processing, and other technology areas required to support all modeling and simulation requirements associated with this SeaPorte effort. Loyola will provide the experienced personnel required for resolving issues with the system federations, including High Level Architecture (HLA) and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) federations. We will leverage our position and knowledge to identify and define the current state of modeling, simulation, and simulation mapping support technologies applicable to both SeaPort-e customers, including Navy and Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) systems and architectures.

      Loyola utilizes our proven, established methods and procedures in identifying conceptual enhancements in support of Legacy simulations. During our simulation evaluations, we analyze prototype and operational forms/models for our clients regarding utility, performance, and manmachine interface. Our participation in system and program level IPTs has resulted in extensive experience in focusing and developing well-defined parameters. Our IPT experience includes the development of study objectives, definitions of concepts to be considered, systems definitions, capability assessments requirements, and plans for laboratory and field testing.

      Loyola will use these proven methodologies to capitalize on emerging technologies for this SeaPort-e initiative.

    • Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
      

      Independent of the development environment, Loyola's staff has produced high-quality, modular, structured programs that guarantee reliability throughout program life cycles. Our formal process involves methods from Total Quality Management, ISO-9000 practices, and CMM. The continuous involvement of quality peer reviews and incremental testing ensures productivity and performance.

      Loyola has applied spiral development methodologies to rapid development projects where innovation in technology and operational concepts occurred simultaneously and continuously, at several levels, and across all functional lines. The result was operational requirements that evolve in parallel with system capabilities through an iterative process of idea generation, rapid prototyping, technology insertion, and operational testing.

      For this SeaPort-e effort, Loyola will capture all deficiencies, needs, and ideas from operational exercises, industry sources, and testing processes. We will then analyze, prototype (if necessary), evaluate, experiment, validate and test, and finally, exercise and release the component or system. This process will allow the requirements to be more fully defined, the design to be more robust and suitable, and ultimately, the product best suited to the needs of the mission. The Loyola software spiral development process is described as follows:

      1. Analyze/Develop Requirements: Loyola will research and document the initial requirements through interaction with the direct users. We will utilize UML diagrams, primarily use cases, to document the requirements. Loyola analyst support and field teams will also validate and enhance the requirements.
      2. Requirements Review: Loyola will review requirements with any designated key stakeholders to ensure correctness.
      3. Test Plan: Loyola will develop a test plan and the associated requirements. We will work with the developing agency of the NDI product, as well as from the derived requirements, to ensure that a thorough test plan is developed.
      4. Design: Loyola recognizes that constructing interfaces to net-centric systems is a design priority. We understand that building interfaces for extensible solutions involves a detailed and diligent design effort in the selection of transport and application protocols. We will use established standards (XML, SOAP, TADIL, SIMPLE, HLA, DIS), as appropriate, and identify or recommend other standards in the event they are not established. The design effort will conclude with the design review.
      5. Design Review: Key stakeholders will be invited to attend all design reviews. Loyola will ensure that several senior system engineers and senior software engineers are available for each review to ensure that the appropriate level of expertise is available to address any issues that may arise.
      6. Build: Loyola will conduct or participate in status meetings to gauge progress. We will use the appropriate software engineering tools and integrated development environments, including Rational Rose, Eclipse, the Visual Studio .Net, MagicDraw, JBuilder, or NetBeans. All management and stakeholders will be kept advised of the progress build during this phase.
      7. Test: Loyola will provide support for testing of the completed functionality and, if required, unit testing of the developed items. We will support independent testing by individuals who were not involved with the development of the functional interface to ensure that the requirements are thoroughly tested prior to release to an interoperability testing. Loyola test and evaluation engineers will ensure that the tests are properly designed, administered, and completed.
      8. Deployment: Loyola will conduct a release readiness review of the component with management and the stakeholders. We will develop and use an SOP, in the form of a checklist, to ensure that all steps including documentation, required training, and announcements are accomplished for the release.

      Network Support

      Loyola has extensive experience supporting local and remote services for electronic mail, office and specialized automation, web services, network maintenance and monitoring, server and workstation configuration and management, peripheral services (e.g., printing, scanning, and faxing), and real-time collaboration on similar contracts. We attribute our success to our proper and timely preparation and presentation of standard procedures, guidance for classified environments, and user documentation and technical support.

      Loyola has successfully implemented complex unclassified and classified environments, providing operations, maintenance, and administrative support, utilizing our functionallyorganized processes, as described below:

      1. Loyola network and systems engineers will support Internetworking/WAN Engineering, including the design, configuration, and monitoring of local and wide-area networks and their associated hardware, software, and peripherals. Our technical personnel will provide network and server management, migration and modernization actions with Gigabit Ethernet and Windows 2003 Server, security requirements, and the myriad of implied tasks associated with maintaining maximum availability of all IT equipment capabilities.
      2. Loyola will support the development of an Automation Management Plan, ADPE, and Software Configuration and Inventory Support elements that support configuration management across the environment, as well as tracking of ADPE inventory and recommending new ADPE and upgrades in support of the environment. We will also prepare and maintain action and project plans, as well as service documentation.
      3. Loyola will support Network Operations and Maintenance Services including operation, maintenance, and administrative support of the classified and unclassified networks. We will provide administration and maintenance for all servers within a Windows 2003 Server network operating system, integrating periodic vendor-provided upgrades to the NOS. We will also staff and manage all Help Desk functions, using automated tracking to ensure prompt response and an accurate service archive.

      Loyola's Email Services for the classified and unclassified networks will include administration, operation, and maintenance of all Microsoft Exchange servers, as well as the presentation of technical classes for users, supervisors, and managers. We will also provide technical support for DMS server configurations and verify compliance with all applicable STIG guidance and regulations concerning Network Email Services.

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