Bid guide
How to bid on Ansys LS-DYNA System Core software licenses for NIST
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plans to acquire 35 Ansys LS-DYNA Large System Core software licenses. These licenses will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The purchase includes technical support, electronic manuals, machine changes, and software upgrades.
NIST requires this specific software for ongoing projects within Divisions 642 and 731. The key reason for this specific software is its full compatibility with a large number of existing finite element model input and output files, which are crucial for current research efforts. Using different software would disrupt these projects and potentially cause a loss of research.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract, not a request for quotation. However, interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements must submit a capability statement by August 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
After this deadline, NIST will review any submitted capability statements. If no other qualified sources are identified, NIST intends to proceed with a sole-source award to Ansys Inc.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for businesses that can provide the exact Ansys LS-DYNA Large System Core software licenses, including all specified support and compatibility requirements. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 513210 – Software Publishers, with a small business size standard of $47 Million.
Given NIST's stated need for full compatibility with existing project files and their intent for a sole-source award to Ansys, this is a highly specific requirement. Only firms that can unambiguously demonstrate they can meet these precise compatibility and software requirements should respond.
How to respond
To respond, you must submit a capability statement via email to Brian Jamieson, Contract Specialist, at [email protected]. Your response must be received no later than August 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Your email response should include your Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact Name, Phone Number, Email address, Contractor DUNS, and Contractor Business Classification (e.g., small business, 8(a), woman-owned, HUBZone, veteran-owned) as validated in the System for Award Management (SAM). An active SAM.gov registration is required.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even for a notice of intent to sole source, a well-crafted capability statement is important. Clearly and unambiguously describe how your firm can meet all the specified requirements, especially the critical need for full compatibility with existing LS-DYNA input and output files. Focus on demonstrating that you can provide the exact software and support NIST needs.
Ensure all your business information, including your DUNS and SAM registration details, is current and accurate. Double-check that your SAM registration is active and reflects your correct business classifications. Submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Institute of Standards and Technology; the original posting controls.