It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to procurepre-existing Algorithm and System Interface Development and Data for Distribution for the Visible Human Project Insight Toolkit (ITK) in its effort to promote and extend ITK, its open-source software initiative in image processing tools. The NLM application programmers interface (API), known as ITK, is the core of this software development project. Proposals meeting the following mandatory requirements may be submitted for review and approval: (a) the porting of existing algorithms into the ITK framework, and through software interface construction; (b) algorithm validation data collection and data processing; and/or (c) the integration of the ITK foundation into existing software and hardware platforms for medical segmentation, visualization, surgical planning, and computer assisted intervention. Project proposals are must be submitted as algorithms to be included in ITK and must comply with style, documentation, and coding conventions for Insight software, or the software deliverable must adapt ITK as part of the foundation of the data processing elements of an existing product. Alternately, test data for algorithm validation, including implementation of existing statistical methods and generation of ground truth segmentations, are also included in the request for proposals, provided that all examples, data, and software tools are compatible with the existing Insight software base. NLM is specifically seeking contractors with the discipline necessary to work on an open-source software project, adhering to high standards of quality and consistency with the existing project code. Contractors will be required to make commitment for up to one year for programmers and systems integrators to assist in the implementation of their algorithm. This requirement will be procured in accordance with FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisitions Procedures. ITK software development projects shall not exceed a one year duration. Offerors may submit multiple project proposals for different deliverables and having a separate and discrete design. Multiple awards will be made during the anticipated 12 month of period of performance from the date of award with an additional 12 month option period. Beta releases of the ITK open source API are available at www.itk.org. Request for Quotations (RFQ) Number NLM 02-148/KDR will be available on or about June 30, 2002. Request for RFQ NLM 02-148/KDR may be obtained by writing to the National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions Management, 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Room B1N20, Bethesda, Maryland 20894; Attention: Karen D. Riggs, Contracting Officer or by email request to
[email protected]. Facsimiles WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE. The purchase orders are anticipated to be awarded on or about September 15, 2002. All responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the NLM.