NIST ParaView/VTK Software for Immersive Scientific Visualization Support
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Special Notice / Notice of Intent to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a sole source basis to Kitware, Inc. for ParaView/VTK Software for Immersive Scientific Visualization Support. This 12-month effort aims to enhance ParaView's virtual reality capabilities and move towards the OpenXR standard for NIST's high-performance computing and visualization research. Responses from interested parties are due by May 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
NIST's High Performance Computing and Visualization Group (HPCVG) requires specialized support to transition its Immersive Visualization Environment (IVE) to the ParaView open-source framework. Key technical objectives include:
- Adding the open-source Slang Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) shading language for the next-generation WebGPU rendering backend in VTK.
- Implementing a scenegraph capability within ParaView to align with NIST’s existing internal frameworks.
- Developing support for interfacing ParaView to external tools to ensure minimal disruption to diverse research projects.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Notice of Intent (Sole Source, Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order)
- Duration: 12-month period of performance
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS: 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services (Size Standard: $34 Million)
- Response Due: May 20, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Published: May 5, 2026
Sole Source Justification
This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Subpart 13.106(b)(1). Kitware, Inc. is deemed the only capable contractor because they developed and manage the ParaView and Visualization Toolkit (VTK) software. This requirement is a logical follow-on to a previous contract with Kitware, Inc. (1333ND25PNB770188) for Phase II, with this effort being Phase IV. Their unique expertise and control over the software are critical for ensuring the integrity and continuity of NIST's scientific research.
Information for Interested Parties
This is not a solicitation. However, interested parties who believe they can satisfy these requirements may submit a written statement of capability. Responses must include:
- Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone, and Email
- Contractor DUNS
- Contractor Business Classification (as validated in SAM)
- Capability Statement
All responses must be submitted via email to Hing Pan Wong (hnw6@nist.gov).