Social Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21207-0696

58 -- TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT SOL NONE DUE 112895 POC Edwin G. Casswell, Jr. Tel: 410-965-9490 The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking sources for an Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) network solution for the Social Security Administration (SSA) that will allow live IDL training sessions simultaneous broadcast via digital satellite transmission to a minimum of 220 downlinks (remote sites) to be installed during the first contract year. The proposed contract would require a one year warranty with 4 one-year option periods for addition downlinks (with a maximum of 600), maintenance and support. The integrated network shall include equipment (hardware/software/firmware) installation, integration, maintenance and support service. It should allow for one-way video, two-way audio training sessions to be broadcast from a custom-designed and engineered Instructor Training Facility (host site) at SSA Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. It will effect simultaneous communications with a widely dispersed geographical area which includes the 50 States and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam and Pago Pago. Communications shall be established between the host and remote sites through the use of keypad-based viewer response systems to allow audio and data interaction between instructor and student even when geographically separated, as well as, broadcast quality video output to allow viewers to clearly see and respond to questions. The network solution shall be fully compatible and successfully integrate with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) digital satellite uplink currently being shared by SSA for the digital service required to support IDL. Additional requirements are as follows: The IDL network solution shall provide for simultaneous broadcast of live interactive training sessions to a minimum of 220 geographically dispersed remote sites (downlinks), 25 participants per site, via digital satellite transmission from an SSA-Headquarters based Instructor Presentation Training Facility. Satellite transmission service shall be provided through FAA's digital satellite uplink in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which is currently shared by SSA, to satellite downlinks established under the FTS2000 contract. The Instructor Training Fcility shall be custom-designed to include an automated Instructor Podium and Control Classroom equipped with a high-resolution color TV monitor on a stand in front of the presenter and a high-resolution color TV monitor to be placed in front of the seating area for the subject matter ''experts'' that may assist during broadcasts. Both monitors must be able to display the actual video source being sent to the downlink sites at any time. A minimum of eight (8) 3-inch black/white video preview monitors shall be provided on the instructor podium to provide preview of each video source to the instructor. Incoming calls from remote sites to the host site shall be managed by a telecommunications control device that will eliminate the need for switchboards and/or operators. The equipment shall allow an instructor to issue questions and exams to students and display the results in real time. The equipment shall allow for full audio and data communications using X.25 protocol between presenter and audience during an IDL broadcast even when geographically dispersed. The equipment shall include a keypad option to allow the student to ''flag'' the instructor to anonymously communicate questions. A microphone shall be built into each keypad to enable the student to speak to the instructor with the push of a button. The equipment shall allow for storage of results to questions and exams, as well as, student attendance for future analysis and grading. The capability shall be provided for the presenter to ask impromptu questions or issue exams. Broadcast quality video shall allow viewers to clearly see questions and responses. The capability shall exist for the gathering of data such as test results for later analysis. Creation and editing of presentation scripts and visual aids shall be made available through the use of software authoring tools. Two-way access shall be provided between presenter and viewer to allow the presenter to manage incoming questions, call on specific audience members and assess overall classroom comprehension. Visual aids in icon form shall identify the viewing size of the audience, as well as, monitor audience feedback. The information furnished by potential respondents for IDL must include number and qualification of employees, an outline of previous relevent experience and projects, a description of the facilities and equipment and other available pertinent descriptive literature The information respondents provide must pertain to this synopsis only. No cost or pricing data is required or requested. This is not a request for proposal, and the Government does not intend to pay for the information solicited or received. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation of the source data received. Any interested organization must submit appropriate data in duplicat within fifteen (15) days of the date of this announcement. See not #22. (0312)

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