THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or issuance thereof.

Issued By: USU, Bethesda, Maryland.

Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS): 334310, Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing

Proposed Product and Service Code (PSC): 5895, Miscellaneous Communication Equipment

USU is issuing this RFI to obtain information regarding the availability and capability to support the requirements delineated herein. Please refer to the “Scope” and “Information Requested” sections of this RFI for specific information that should be detailed in any capability statement submission.

Background

The mission of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is to educate, train, and comprehensively prepare uniformed services health professionals, scientists, and leaders to support the Military and Public Health Systems, the National Security and National Defense Strategies of the United States, and the readiness of our Uniformed Services.

The Val G. Hemming Simulation Center (SimCen) operates the Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE). The WAVE is a 10,000 sq. ft. immersive virtual reality training facility. It is the largest in the world. It consists of 24 back-projected screens arranged in a dual pod configuration connected by a corridor. In addition to visual imagery, the WAVE combines interactive 3D virtual reality, theatrical effects, human patient simulators, and part task trainers to provide an unprecedented level of realism for medical team instruction. The WAVE is designed to support medical education and training applications through scenarios that can run continuously for several hours.

First constructed in 2010, the WAVE became fully operational in 2012. Since that time, prolonged usage has degraded its projection screens. The WAVE has been in operation for over 10 years. Parts of the system, such as the projection screens, are approaching end of life. The upgrade will extend the life of the WAVE, and greatly enhance its utility.

Scope

USU seeks to upgrade the projection system currently used in the WAVE. This RFI seeks to identify alternatives that can improve upon the current image display used on the WAVE. Specifically, information is sought regarding technologies that would allow for larger and brighter images to be deployed within the WAVE.

The WAVE’s current display screens have experienced significant degradation since installation. The degradation is age related. In addition, the current system does not use space as efficiently as newer display systems. The current configuration offers limited expansion possibilities, and further upgrades to the WAVE’s capabilities will be challenging. By harnessing new display screens, greater space efficiency is possible. Continued improvement and expansion of the WAVE’s training capabilities remain possible for the foreseeable future. By upgrading the WAVE display USU seeks to increase reliability, lower operating costs, and extend the operating life of the WAVE.

Please see attached RFI for full detail.

Attachments/Links