D -- Enhancement of the NIST Optical Network Simulation Tool

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plans to enter into a sole source procurement with Towson University to continue supporting research on optical networks and software development for its Advanced Network Technologies Division. This decision is justified by the unique expertise of Professor Yangon Kim and a team of graduate students at Towson University, who previously designed the graphical user interface and its integration with the core simulation engine. Their prior work enables them to seamlessly carry out the required research and development without delay. The procurement will be executed as a firm-fixed-price purchase order under the authority of FAR Subsection 13.106-1(b). While no formal request for quotes will be issued, NIST invites interested parties to submit a written capability statement to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirement. However, the government holds sole discretion over whether to pursue competition based on any received responses. The contract, titled "Enhancement of the NIST Optical Network Simulation Tool," was posted as a presolicitation in April 2002, and the point of contact for this effort is Jo-Lynn S. Davis, Contract Specialist at NIST's Department of Commerce office in Gaithersburg, Maryland.