Air University (AUiX), in collaboration with MGMWERX, seeks to pilot a collaborative and immersive learning environment at MGMWERX, Montgomery, AL, for use by Air University, the local public school system, and local colleges and universities – Project Praxium: Classroom of the Future (PPCotF). This initiative produces a model 21st century classroom as a prototype that may be implemented nation-wide between Air Force installations and their partner local communities based on the teaching and learning needs of the different schools. For Air University and its host city and partners, this initiative offers many opportunities in the areas of: 

• Leveraging stakeholder diversity towards capturing holistic learning requirements  
• Offering novel and relevant ways of learning through collaboration 
• Utilization and demonstration of new learning technologies and methods 
• Demonstrating multi-faceted and immersive collaborative learning environment methods (e.g., AR/VR, simulators, modeling & simulation, etc.) 

The PPCotF will focus on the learning environment. The PPCotF will be equipped with technology and provide an environment allowing Air University and Montgomery Public schools, the opportunity to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for both residential and distance-learning programs through collaboration that creates distinctive and effective learning experiences.   

The ideal classroom will include equipment, software, scheduling considerations, and aesthetics/palate design conducive to learning. For example, auto-tracking cameras allow teachers to move around the classroom while students follow along at home. Perhaps the space will have high definition microphones and audio to augment the at-home experience. Students in class and those attending with are able to engage in live instruction. They can ask questions in real-time and take part in discussions with the teacher and their classmates. Students may learn in virtual and augmented reality with students and instructors across the world. The PPCotF leverages technology that move education forward. 

Capabilities Sought 

Designs are not limited to just these technologies/capabilities. Feel free to offer other technologies/capabilities in your design submission that are not listed below. 

• Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
• Audio and Video Production
• Distance Learning
• Flight Simulator Training
• Modeling and Wargame Simulation
• Digital Storytelling
• Advanced Scheduling Procedures and Processes
• Furniture that allows easy rearrangement of the space and can accommodate to different teaching styles
• Aesthetics conducive to learning, innovation, brainstorming, etc. (e.g., paint scheme, hydroponic wall, olfactory considerations, etc)
• All aspects of the space should be considered when creating your design

Factors To Consider

• Minor modifications are welcome – construction on the MGMWERX building is not allowed, but all other upgrades and additions can be considered for the space
• Bandwidth Information – 1-Gbps unthrottled / non-capped fiber connection one hop away from the Montgomery Internet Exchange. The fiber provided to MGMWERX is privately owned and easily expandable to 10-Gbps or more. Through the private fiber, MGMWERX also has direct access to collocated clustered server infrastructure
• Portions of the second floor, third floor, and the court yard are available options for your design
  • Link to second floor plan with rough estimates
  • Link to video of available spaces
• Proposal selected for award will be required to:
  • Design, acquire, deliver, and train the Air Force on the classroom of the future and conduct the initial setup/troubleshooting of equipment as required  
  • Coordinate with Air Force lead personnel to develop a project schedule 
  • Upon funding approval, the selected vendor will acquire equipment and services and deliver to designated Air Force personnel at project site 
  • The selected vendor will acquire necessary data plans, software, licenses, etc., in support of a fully functional learning space and transition them to the government as directed
• Design must accommodate for 4 instructors and 12 students at minimum.
• Full installation must be complete and ready to showcase by January 2023

Phase 1A – [01 June – 12 July 2022] Submissions Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of Air University (AUiX) are encouraged to submit their solutions for review. To submit your technology for consideration, please follow the submission instructions that are near the bottom of this webpage. 

Phase 1B – [14 June 2022] Q&A Session: Interested submitters may participate in a Q&A session, in-person or virtually, to better understand the intent of the event by Air University (AUiX). The telecon will take place on 14 June from 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT.? Click here to register.

Phase 2 – [12 – 13 July 2022] Government Review & Downselect: Air University (AUiX) will downselect submissions to technologies that they deem to have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. 

Phase 3 – [13 July] Selection Made: MGMWERX will reach out to all submitters and let them know whether they have been selected by EOD.

Phase 4 – Path Forward:?Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories: 

• Other Transaction Agreements under 10 U.S. Code, Section 2371 or 2371b* (prototyping/production follow-on)
• Procurement contract for experimental purposes 10 U. S. Code, Section 2373
• Business to business research and development agreement as a sub-award (15 U.S. Code, Section 3715)
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S. Code, Section 3710a)
• *An award under 10 U. S. Code, Section 2371b may result in the further award of a follow-on production agreement without additional competition based on successful prototype completion. The Government may make this follow-on production award even if all successful prototype criteria are not fully met during the prototype project.
• Note: Final selections will be made on 09 August 2022