How to Win the BEST-MAC: A Guide for Government Contractors

Introduction

The U.S. Army is looking for innovative solutions to upgrade and procure its Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS), a key component of its live training capabilities. The Bridge to Evolutionary STE TESS Multiple Award Contract (BEST-MAC) is a $500 million, 10-year contract vehicle that will provide the Army with the flexibility and agility to meet its current and future TESS needs. The BEST-MAC is a highly competitive and complex opportunity that requires a deep understanding of the Army’s requirements, challenges, and vision. In this article, we will provide an overview of the BEST-MAC, its historical background, its RFP description, who should participate, and the challenges that potential bidders may face. We will also share some tips and insights from our experience as a leading provider of capture and proposal services for government contractors.

Historical Background

The TESS is a system that provides realistic and accurate feedback on the effects of direct fire, indirect fire, and mines on soldiers, vehicles, and structures during live training exercises. The TESS consists of laser transmitters and receivers that are mounted on weapons, vehicles, and personnel, as well as a central control system that collects and processes the data from the sensors. The TESS enables the Army to conduct force-on-force and force-on-target training scenarios that enhance the readiness and proficiency of its warfighters.

The TESS was first developed in the late 1980s as part of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) program. Since then, the TESS has undergone several upgrades and enhancements to keep pace with the evolving needs and technologies of the Army. Some of the major milestones in the TESS history are:

• In 1992, the Army awarded a contract to Cubic Corporation to develop and produce the MILES 2000 system, which was the first generation of TESS.
• In 2002, the Army awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to develop and produce the Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES), which was an improved version of MILES 2000 that incorporated wireless communications, GPS positioning, and enhanced realism.
• In 2012, the Army awarded a contract to Saab Defense and Security USA to develop and produce the I-MILES Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System (I-MILES VTESS), which was a modular and scalable system that could be integrated with various vehicle platforms.
• In 2017, the Army awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to develop and produce the I-MILES Soldier Tactical Engagement Simulation System (I-MILES STES), which was a lightweight and wearable system that could be used by individual soldiers and small units.

The BEST-MAC is the latest initiative by the Army to modernize and procure its TESS capabilities. The BEST-MAC is intended to bridge the gap between the existing I-MILES systems and the future Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Devices (STE LTD) systems, which are expected to be fielded in 2026. The STE LTD systems will be part of the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment (STE), which is a holistic framework that aims to integrate live, virtual, constructive, and gaming domains into a single training environment.

RFP Description

The BEST-MAC is a multiple award contract (MAC) with multiple full and open competitive lots for the overall contract. The MAC is planned to be an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle with a 10-year ordering period. The estimated value of the contract is $500 million.

The work to be performed under this contract will consist of:

• Procurement of new TESS to support new vehicle platforms and any requirements resulting from Army stationing decisions
• Support service life extension for TESS product lines
• Provide engineering services for TESS product lines
• Provide logistics support for TESS product lines
• Provide training support for TESS product lines

The solicitation number for this opportunity is W900KK-23-R-BEST-MAC. The response date for this opportunity is October 24, 2023. The RFP documents can be accessed through SAM.gov.

Who Should Participate

The BEST-MAC is a highly competitive opportunity that requires extensive experience and expertise in developing, producing, integrating, testing, maintaining, and supporting TESS systems. The potential bidders should have:

• A proven track record of delivering high-quality TESS solutions to the Army or other military branches
• A deep understanding of the Army’s live training requirements, challenges, and vision
• A strong teaming strategy that leverages the capabilities and strengths of various partners
• A robust technical approach that demonstrates innovation, scalability, modularity, interoperability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness
• A sound management approach that ensures effective communication, coordination, risk mitigation, quality control, schedule adherence, and performance measurement
• A competitive pricing strategy that reflects best value for the government

The BEST-MAC is not a suitable opportunity for inexperienced or unqualified bidders. The potential bidders should carefully assess their eligibility, capabilities, resources, and readiness before pursuing this opportunity.

Challenges

The BEST-MAC is a complex and challenging opportunity that poses several risks and uncertainties for the potential bidders. Some of the major challenges are:

• The BEST-MAC is a bridge contract that will transition to the STE LTD systems in 2026. The potential bidders will have to balance the trade-offs between meeting the current TESS needs and preparing for the future STE requirements.
• The BEST-MAC is a multiple award contract with multiple lots. The potential bidders will have to compete with multiple competitors across different lots and demonstrate their differentiation and value proposition.
• The BEST-MAC is a performance-based contract that will require the potential bidders to meet stringent technical, schedule, and cost requirements. The potential bidders will have to provide evidence of their past performance and quality assurance processes.
• The BEST-MAC is a dynamic contract that will require the potential bidders to adapt to changing requirements, technologies, and environments. The potential bidders will have to demonstrate their flexibility, agility, and responsiveness.

Conclusion

The BEST-MAC is a strategic opportunity for government contractors who have the experience and expertise in providing TESS solutions to the Army. The BEST-MAC will provide the Army with the flexibility and agility to meet its current and future TESS needs. The BEST-MAC will also provide the potential bidders with the opportunity to establish or enhance their relationship with the Army and position themselves for the future STE opportunities.

However, the BEST-MAC is not an easy opportunity to win. The potential bidders will have to overcome several challenges and risks that may affect their chances of success. The potential bidders will have to conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, technical assessment, teaming strategy, proposal development, and pricing strategy to prepare a winning proposal.

If you are interested in pursuing the BEST-MAC opportunity, contact us today at www.gdicwins.com. We will also provide you with a customized capture and proposal plan that will guide you through every step of the process. We will help you win the BEST-MAC and grow your business in the federal market.