Notice of Intent, ANSYS, Inc., LS-DYNA Software and Maintenance Renewal

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. This is a notice of intent to negotiate an award on sole source basis, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with ANSYS, Inc., of Canonsburg, PA, for the renewal of a 35-core annual LS-DYNA software license and maintenance, for the period of 10/01/2020 - 09/30/2021. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 511210- Software Publishers, with a small business size standard of $41.5 million. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory (EL) has a requirement to purchase LS-DYNA software licenses and maintenance to perform analyses necessary for continuation of multiple projects across NIST. The LS-DYNA software is required for analysis of finite element models, including pre- and post-processing capabilities. Full compatibility with a large number of existing LS-DYNA input and output files is required. ANSYS, Inc. is the only developer of LS-DYNA, and the company has proprietary rights. The software license, which includes software upgrades, machine changes, electronic manuals, and technical support, is required for continuation of multiple projects across NIST. LS-DYNA is the only software package that offers full compatibility with the following items developed for these projects: (1) a large number of existing finite element model input files and (2) a large number of output files containing results of finite element analyses. Project staff also have extensive experience and training in using the LS-DYNA software. Therefore, if unable to purchase this specific software, multiple NIST projects would be delayed not only due to compatibility issues, but also time spent adjusting the projects and training staff. This software maintenance is only available directly through ANSYS, Inc. There are no authorized resellers/distributors for this maintenance. A determination to compete this procurement based on a response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to karen.armstrong@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at karen.armstrong@nist.gov by no later than August 19, 2020 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. NOTHING HEREIN SHOULD BE MISCONSTRUED AS A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS, QUOTES OR BIDS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE NOR IS ONE INTENDED TO BE ISSUED.