6.3 VIDEO TELECONFERENCING SERVICES (VTS) (L ; C.2.8.1) Satisfying the Service Requirements (L (c))

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1 6.3 VIDEO TELECONFERENCING SERVICES (VTS) (L ; C.2.8.1) The offeror shall describe each of the optional Management and Applications Services offered. Table L shows the Management and Applications Services that shall be optional to offer. Tables J (b) Technical Stipulated Requirements for Optional IP Based Services and J (b) Technical Narrative Requirements for Optional IP- Based Services identify the stipulated and narrative requirements, respectively, that shall apply exclusively to optional services. The offeror shall describe all optional Management and Applications Services offered to include: Satisfying the Service Requirements (L (c)) A technical description of how the service requirements (e.g., capabilities, features, interfaces) are satisfied for all proposed optional services. Sprint offers one of the most comprehensive videoconferencing product portfolios in the industry. With more than twenty years in the business, Sprint offers the Government experience, state-of-the art technology, and valueadded features to provide the Government with an outstanding Video Teleconferencing Service (VTS) experience. Sprint has been a leader in ISDN-based videoconference services since the first H.320 call launch in As technological improvements were made within the network and product sectors, Sprint put service and support structures in place to support those advancements. In 2001, Sprint launched a full service, IP Sprint Video Teleconferencing Services More than 20 years in the business Fast reservations online User training videoconference service that was the first in the industry to make provisions for the bridging, network, gateway, and Network Address Translation (NAT) necessary to enable IP and IP/ISDN integrated video-conferencing a feasible and necessary solution for the Government. As more and more Agencies migrate from the H.320 technology to H.323, these IP/ISDN integrated videoconferences will become an everyday occurrence. Sprint offers the Government a VTS service that will run over the transport choice of the Agency. Sprint leads the industry with its network technology for Page 641 March 5, 2007

2 bridging by using gateways and gatekeepers for videoconferencing. Sprint was the first carrier to offer carrier-independent conferencing services, allowing connections between sites that were unable to dial one another directly. Sprint gateways and gatekeepers eliminate the technology boundaries and connectivity issues that limit communication. The benefit is that the Sprint Video Bridging Service allows the Government to access a full spectrum of conference features for group and personal conferencing without investing in additional equipment or adding staff. VTS is an application service that consists of: Bridging and gateway services to provide point-to-point and multipoint video conferencing to and from H.320 and H.323 endpoints Reservation services VTS Bridging and Gateway Service. Sprint has been providing service that integrates bridging service to the Government since 2001 permitting all Government locations to remain visible during their video conferences. Sprint was the first in the industry to make provisions for the bridging, network, gateway, and Network Address Translation (NAT) necessary to enable IP and IP/ISDN integrated video-conferencing a feasible and necessary solution for the Government. As more and more Agencies migrate from the H.320 technology to H.323, these IP/ISDN integrated videoconferences will become an everyday occurrence. Figure illustrates the Sprint VTS ability to connect video conferences that are utilizing both H.320 and H.323 protocols. Page 642 March 5, 2007

3 Figure Multipoint Conferences for VTS Endpoints Each Government user remains in contact through the Sprint Video Bridge providing a gateway for Government users with H.320 and H.323 Endpoints. Sprint VTS provides both point-to-point and multipoint video conferencing utilizing the Sprint Video Bridge for both ISDN (H.320) and IP (H.323). This service differs from IPVTS in that it is intended to serve Agencies that utilize legacy H.320 services or are in transition to H.323 services. Sprint is prepared and experienced in delivering VTS service through transitional periods. Figure illustrates the capability of the Sprint Video Bridge. Page 643 March 5, 2007

4 Figure Sprint VTS Network XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX VTS Reservation System. Users can make VTS reservations through Toll Free 800 numbers, both in the US and internationally, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Sprint has an automated, web-based scheduling and resource control solution that allows users to schedule and launch video conference calls from any PC connected to the public Internet. It allows users the ability to manage and reserve video and non-video conference rooms, and launch ad hoc calls within 90 seconds. The VTS reservation system is a secure, online reservation service that provides Agencies an array of modules designed to simplify and enhance the VTS experience. The user will be directed to their home page upon logging in. From their home page, the user can quickly view all upcoming conferences. Figure provides a snapshot of where the user will be Page 644 March 5, 2007

5 directed upon logging into the reservation service. This home page provides a quick view of all upcoming conferences upon logging into the system. Figure VTS Home Page Upon logging in, an Agency user is directed to the VTS home page which provides a clear list of all upcoming conferences. The VTS web-based scheduling and resource control solution provides tools to Agency users to simplify scheduling, reporting, trouble ticketing, and launching a conference. Table lists the VTS Web Reservation System s features. Table VTS Web Reservation System Features VTS Web Reservation System Features Online scheduling for video and audio conference events Microsoft Outlook integration Review, modify or cancel existing audio and video conferences reservations Conference room management and scheduling Page 645 March 5, 2007

6 VTS Web Reservation System Features Create site and participant directories Automatic call launch for on-demand and/or scheduled ISDN (H.320) and IP-based (H.323) videoconference calls Notification to participants of conference dates and times via , fax and Outlook attachment Trouble-ticket review With the point-and-click of a mouse a videoconference call can be launched in less than 2 minutes Capabilities (L (c)) Sprint offers the Government a unique Videoconferencing experience. As a service provider, Sprint is proposing an end-to-end solution that will connect all of the Government locations by utilizing the most advanced Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) technology, gateways, and Network Address Translation (NAT) hardware. Figure illustrates the Sprint VTS end-to-end solution. Figure End-to-End Video Solution The Sprint end-to-end solution provides the Agency with a one-stop-shop. Page 646 March 5, 2007

7 Maximum Conferencing Capacity. Sprint will provide access to a secure central reservation system to permit only authorized VTS users to schedule multi-point video teleconferences. For point-to-point conferences, it will require reservations only when coding conversion, format conversion, or rate adaptation features are needed or locations on a private network need connectivity. Sprint Multipoint bridging services offer the Government a maximum of up to 217 endpoints on a single call running at 384kbps (J.9 ID 32548). Verify Firewall Compatibility. Sprint meets and exceeds the requirement to verify with the Agency that their firewall is compatible with Sprint s VTS Service. (J.9 ID 32567) Sprint will go above and beyond this requirement to offer a solution for firewalls that normally wouldn t be compatible with VTS Services. Sprint has implemented a solution that provides simple, secure, and potentially ubiquitous connectivity between video endpoints behind firewalls using Network Address Translation (NAT). XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXX XXXX Usage Reports. Sprint offers the Government usage reports to show daily, weekly, and monthly reoccurring conferences, as well as to compile tickets of various problems that were recorded. The number and identification of video teleconferences scheduled using the reservation feature for the calendar month is part of each report. Sprint Conference technicians are assigned to each event and enter a ticket for each call affecting issue. These tickets are available through our reporting system and can be compiled according to the customer s requirements. Table lists the reporting capabilities of the reservation service. Page 647 March 5, 2007

8 Table Usage Report Capabilities Usage Report Capabilities Video teleconferences that did not start at the scheduled time, the cause of which was attributable to Sprint actions. Video teleconferences that were started but then failed or suffered degraded quality due to the fault of Sprint. A directory of all locations authorized to use the VTS reservation system A history of reservation confirmation and cancellation notices within the reporting period. Cause of unexpected VTS disconnects or non-connects Provide Gateways, Gatekeepers, and Bridges for Dissimilar Interfaces or Networks. Sprint will provide a service that offers gateways, gatekeepers, multi-point bridges, or other interfaces necessary to enable VTS between dissimilar interfaces or networks. (J.9 ID 32525) Sprint can provide VTS connections over various carriers or dedicated VPN circuits. The Federal Government desires a high quality communications solution that allows the fastest, most flexible, and most efficient way to exchange information, access applications, and provide PSTN and Internet connectivity within their network of national and international offices and affiliated agencies. Technical considerations that affect the Federal Government include: security, network reliability and redundancy, managed resource solution, and utilization reports that allow the Federal Government to make proactive decisions for their managed data network. Provide Bridge Capabilities for Multiple IP VTS Devices. Sprint works with Polycom, Tandberg, VCON, SONY and other standards based IP video units. Sprint can connect to any and all of these devices from its Multi Point Control Units (MCUs) (J.9 ID 32526). NTSC and SECAM Conversion. Sprint will comply with the requirement outlined in RFP Section C (14)(b) and provide the conversion Page 648 March 5, 2007

9 between NTSC and SECAM formats. Sprint will work with the Government to provide VTS should the Government require these formats be converted during a videoconference Features (L (c)) VTS Features are described in Table ID Name of Number Feature 1. Attended Service Table Sprint VTS Features Sprint Feature Description Sprint will provide the following services as part of the Attended Service Feature: Sprint will provide monitoring, Roll Call, and Coordination of VTS Conferences Sprint will greet and introduce each VTS participant Sprint will take 5 minutes per site to verify the success of the VTS set up and check the audio and video quality with each site taking part in the VTS. This is done prior to the conference start time to allow for any necessary troubleshooting to take place prior to the conference start time. 2. Certification Sprint offers the Government a certification process where all sites are registered with the video service bureau and tested to ensure all sites are certified prior to the first video conference taking place. The certification process is as follows: Site Certification ProceduresXX Scheduled site certifications will take place within 24-hours of receiving the necessary site information All internal conference room sites are implemented within 24- hours and will be certified within 48-hours Certifications can be conducted 24 x 7 For existing rooms that are upgraded, changes are made the same day Any sites that experience network issues during a video conference event are called for re-certifications All information is updated in the online reservation system when the information is received XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 649 March 5, 2007

10 ID Name of Number Feature 3. Coding Conversion (Transcoding) 4. Rate Adaptation 5. Security Sensitive But Unclassified 6. Security Classified XXXXX Sprint Feature Description Sprint understands that video works differently depending on the network platform in use. Therefore, the industry is defining standards for each network type. These standards will not be directly interoperable between network platforms, so Sprint will provide the transcoding necessary to connect the different sites. For example, a site running in H.320 can connect to a site running H.323. Sprint can support CODECs that operate in the NTSC video format while supporting CODECs that operate in the Phase Alternation by Line format on the same call. As the industry embraces new standards, Sprint will expand our Video Bridging Service features to support them. Sprint supports the use of transcoding via the standards based approach of the ITU ( Sprint understand that the speed at which a Video Conference takes place can be influenced by many factors, including CODEC design, budget constraints, participant preference, transmission method, etc. Sprint s rate adaptation feature permits systems operating at different speeds to communicate without modification to their systems. For example, a location dialing in at 384 kbps requires a speed conversion (rate adaptation) to conference with a room operating at 768 kbps. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Certification Sprint will provide pre-testing, registration, and certification to ensure Agency owned equipment is compatible with Sprint s VTS. Sprint s Certification Process is described in Table (J.9 ID 32577) Page 650 March 5, 2007

11 Table Sprint Video Certification Process Sprint Video Certification Process Scheduled site certifications will take place within 24-hours of receiving the necessary site information All internal conference room sites are implemented within 24-hours and will be certified within 48-hours Certifications can be conducted 24 x 7 For existing rooms that are upgraded, changes are made the same day Any sites that experience network issues during a video conference event are called for re-certifications All information is updated in the online reservation system when the information is received Interfaces (L (c)) X XXX XXXXX XXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXX X XXXXXXX Page 651 March 5, 2007

12 Sprint is compliant and will provide interfaces and UNIs as described in RFP Section C If the Agency provides the CODEC and the inverse multiplexer, then Sprint will provide the reservation service, features (including ITU, EIA RS, and RJ), and the following data interfaces (any combination of which will support the Government VTS). EIA RS-232 EIA RS-449 ITU-TSS V.35 EIA RS Quality of Services (L (d)) A description of the quality of the services with respect to the performance metrics specified in Section C.2 Technical Requirements for each proposed optional service, and other performance metrics used by the offeror. Sprint recognizes that the success of Agency videoconferences depends on the ability of Sprint to provide a superior service. Sprint offers the Government the AQLs listed in Table for VTS service. Table Sprint Proposed AQLs Key Performance Indicator (KPI) User Type Government Requested Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Sprint Proposed Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Availability Routine 99.5% XXXXX Without Time to Restore Dispatch 4 hours XXXXXX With Dispatch 8 hours XXXXX Grade of Service (Completed Service Requests) Routine 95% XXXXX Availability. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Page 652 March 5, 2007

13 XXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Table The Sprint VTS Certification Process Sprint VTS Certification Process Scheduled site certifications will take place within 24-hours of receiving the necessary site information All internal conference room sites are implemented within 24-hours and will be certified within 48-hours Certifications can be conducted 24 x 7 For existing rooms that are upgraded, changes are made the same day Any sites that experience network issues during a video conference event are called for re-certifications All information is updated in the online reservation system when the information is received Video Operation Center. Sprint is fully supported and serviced by a dedicated Video Operations Center. This Video Operations Center will be responsible for providing the Government with the desired performance metrics of Time to Restore and Grade of Service utilizing the support listed in Table Table Video Operation Center Escalation Process Level Offerings Tier 1 Support Real-time support escalation Prompt and accurate service Tier 2 Support Subject matter expert Track helpdesk tickets/top issues Leader/participant callbacks Tier 3 Support Qualify software issues Track defect/enhancement list Software and System Engineering Provide overall support for all Tiers Page 653 March 5, 2007

14 Time to Restore. Escalation Severity Definitions and Response Times. The Video Operations Center has defined severity with a maximum response time. This dedicated group of people will provide the Government with the desired Time to Restore utilizing the definitions listed in Table Table Sprint VTS Response Times Severity XXX XXX XXX XXX Severity Definition XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX Maximum Response Time XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX Grade of Service. Video conferences can fail for several reasons. Sprint monitors the percent of calls that fail, disconnect, or do not start on time. Sprint offers the Government a Grade of Service measurement stating 99% of failed conferences are recovered within 5 minutes. The reason for those failed calls can be either Sprint related or Customer related troubles. XX Page 654 March 5, 2007

15 XXXX XXXXXXXXX. Table Grade of Service Measurements XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX Grade of Service Measurements XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Exceeding the Specified Service Requirements (L (e)) If the offeror proposes to exceed the specified service requirements (e.g., capabilities, features, interfaces), a description of the attributes and value of the proposed service enhancements Capabilities (L (c)) Sprint exceeds the requirement of providing 20 minutes notice to extend the VTS timeframe to avoid termination. Sprint does not require authorization for the call to proceed past its scheduled time. Sprint will never disconnect a videoconference call that runs past the time period for which the conference was scheduled. Sprint s automated web based reservation system exceeds this requirement for a user to schedule a multi-point or point-to-point VTS conference within 30 minutes. Sprint will allow users to schedule and launch ad hoc calls within 90 seconds of the reservation request and also allow them to schedule reoccurring meetings in advance of one year Features (L (c)) Table describes additional bridging features that Sprint offers. Page 655 March 5, 2007

16 ASAP/Ad-hoc conferences Table Additional VTS Features Sprint Additional VTS Features Automatic call extension with no authorization Multiple continuous presence options and voice activated calls Click and View Tandberg Duo Video Polycom People and Content Site Name Display Background Color Layout Border Speaker Indication Entry Tone Exit Tone Interfaces (L (c)) Sprint is not proposing additional interfaces at this time Experience Delivering Services (L (f)) A description of the offeror s experience (including major subcontractors) with delivering each proposed optional service. Sprint has historically been, and continues to be, a leader in the videoconferencing industry as shown in Table Sprint adopts new videoconferencing technology earlier than other providers to offer its customers enhancements to the existing end-to-end services available in the portfolio. Sprint has been providing videoconferencing services since 1982 in the U.S. and 1984 globally. Sprint has been offering H.320 multipoint bridging since 1995 and offers the service with the FTS2001 contract to several Government Agencies. Sprint implemented over 80 video locations for an Agency under the FTS2001 contract. Sprint introduced H.323 Videoconferencing in 2001 and has been success-fully delivering IP Video Service to the Government since early 2002 through a modification to the FTS2001 Contract. Page 656 March 5, 2007

17 Table Sprint s Videoconferencing Accomplishments Sprint s Videoconferencing Accomplishments 1982 United Telecom purchases ISACOMM. ISACOMM was a satellite communications company, primarily for insurance companies United Telecom begins providing videoconferencing service. First ever service over CLI s CODECs 1984 United Telecom s first international videoconferences in Canada and England Public rooms inaugurated United Telecom and GTE Sprint merge to create Sprint. CODEC Conversion Gateway introduced Migration to fiber optics and digital cross-connect switches underway. First videoconference in Japan Gateways for sites on other carriers switched videoconferencing networks First videoconference from U.S. to Russia First videoconferencing for congressional testimony. Opening of 1,000th Sprint Meeting Channel Room Special recognition award at TeleCon XI for offering connectivity between different carriers networks 1992 Sprint offers bandwidth-on-demand via switched network services and inverse multiplexers. Sprint introduces conference connections for switched sites via its Video Service Bureau 1993 Sprint receives a special recognition award at TeleCon for its advanced conference level support help desk. Sprint releases Meeting Manager, a less expensive DACs-based service that provides on-demand conferencing and remote site scheduling and management capabilities. Sprint and Kinko s create the nation s largest public retail videoconferencing network Sprint announces complete video solutions starting at less than $1,000 a month. Sprint receives the TeleSpan Pace Award for ten years of service to the teleconferencing field Sprint introduces personal conferencing services. Sprint offers H.320 standards-based multi-point bridging Sprint introduces IP (H.323) videoconferencing Sprint introduces Sprint evideoconferencing SM, an unattended on-demand web-based videoconferencing service. Page 657 March 5, 2007

18 Sprint s Videoconferencing Accomplishments 2003 Sprint enhances its existing managed public retail videoconferencing network by partnering with HQ Global Workplaces Sprint conducts a videoconference over the Peerless IP network, providing a Government Agency with secure H.323 videoconferencing that does not traverse the Internet. Sprint doubles its videoconferencing portfolio by partnering with InterCall Testing and Verifying Services (L (g)) A description of the offeror s approach to perform verification of individual services delivered under the contract, in particular the testing procedures to verify acceptable performance and Key Performance Indicator (KPI)/Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) compliance. Verification Sprint uses its extensive reporting capabilities to verify the performance standards. These reports can be customized to provide more pertinent information to the Government. Weekly trouble reports with description of problems, actions, resolution and time frames for Network, technical, end user, reservations and vendor problems Monthly usage reports broken down by location, region, department, division, type of service Graphically depicted trends for usage, problems, etc. Location listing with all current site information Monthly usage reports to include number of minutes/hours, number of calls, number of cancellations, percent successful calls vs. percent unsuccessful. Operations Centers Sprint supports operations centers around the globe to monitor video conferences, provide operational support, and provide international and domestic dial in and dial out services. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX Page 658 March 5, 2007

19 X XX XXXXXXX Testing Procedures - Monitoring Through Information Tickets XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX X XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. XXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Impact of Delivery of Optional Services on the Network Architecture (L (h)) A description of how the delivery of any optional services would impact the network architecture (e.g., security, quality and reliability, performance). The Sprint network is a robust and reliable service delivery platform using leading edge technology in support of VTS. Sprint can deliver VTS services that satisfy Agency requirements without any impact to the network architecture. Sprint considers the areas of security, quality and reliability, and Page 659 March 5, 2007

20 performance when delivering VTS to an Agency. These considerations are described in the following subparagraphs Security (L (h)) Sprint VTS utilizes both H.320 and H.323 video conferences. There is security inherently built into the H.320 (ISDN) type of video conferencing through the ISDN circuit switched network the VTS rides over. Sprint realizes, however, with H.323 there are security considerations because of the IP network the VTS traverses. Sprint can offer the Government choices when it comes to this IP transport and can offer the Government the ability to create tunnels to conduct their H.323 Video conferences by using either NB IP-VPN or PB IP-VPN service. This will allow Agencies to conduct their IP Video conferences through tunnels across the network. Both of these options will provide the Agency with a private and secure way to conduct their video conferences Quality and Reliability (L (h)) To ensure quality and reliability are minimally impacted by adding VTS to an Agency s network architecture, Sprint recommends the Agency s network administrator work with Sprint to discuss the LAN side for the Agency as well as the WAN side for Sprint in order to ensure a smooth delivery of the VTS service. Sprint will work with the Agency to ensure both the LAN and WAN areas are ready and upgraded accordingly to provide the Agency with the best quality VTS and to ensure the network reliability and performance measures remain consistent Performance (L (h)) Sprint has a video operations center in place to monitor how the VTS application is performing. This group is working 24x7x365 to ensure the VTS application performs to the highest level. Since an application is only as good Page 660 March 5, 2007

21 as the transport it rides over, it is important that Sprint mentions the quality of the IP backbone it offers the Government. As with any other Internet service, the quality of user experience depends on the QoS of the ISP provider and the network bandwidth available. Sprint offers the Government a unique situation in that it provides both the Management and Application Service of Video Conferencing and unites it with the necessary transport via the Sprint award winning IP Backbone to provide the Government with the best experience in reliable Video Conferencing Satisfying NS/EP Basic Functional Requirements (L (i)) A description of the offeror s approach to satisfy each NS/EP basic functional requirement listed in Section C Today, Sprint satisfies the critical user community s National Security/ Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) needs by being a provider of the Government Emergency Telephone Service (GETS) and soon, with completion of on-going development efforts, Wireless Priority Service (WPS). Both of these NS/EP services have been addressed through special development efforts paid for by the NCS. Between these two services Sprint is able to accommodate the 14 basic functional requirements listed in Section C for voice band use. VTS is not one of the services the Government stipulates that the 14 basic functional requirements should be met at contract award for the COTS services, however, as standards are approved that support these requirements, and vendors produce compliant hardware, Sprint will strive to meet these 14 basic functional requirements. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 661 March 5, 2007

22 Table Sprint Approach to VTS NS/EP NS/EP Requirement XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX Sprint Approach to Satisfy Requirement XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 662 March 5, 2007

23 NS/EP Requirement XXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXX Sprint Approach to Satisfy Requirement XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXX X XX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX Page 663 March 5, 2007

24 NS/EP Requirement XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX Sprint Approach to Satisfy Requirement XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XX X XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 664 March 5, 2007

25 6.3.8 Assuring Service to the National Capital Region (L (j)) A description of how the network architecture will satisfy the requirements in Section C for assured service in the National Capital Region, if applicable. Sprint has provided assured service features within our network since the original FTS2000 contract. Today, the following conditions are met: Users experience two percent or less blocking for access and one-half percent or less blocking for transport under PSN overload conditions. This assumes that the Sprint network is not damaged; it is understood that appropriate adjustments in the requirements must be made in areas where damage has occurred. With the exception of the network switches serving Washington, DC, the loss of a single network switch will not result in a disruption of more than 15 percent of network traffic. Because of the high concentration of traffic in and out of the Washington, DC area, Sprint uses two network switches. One switch is within the District and the other approximately 30 miles north at Elkridge, MD. Assured service involves an end-to-end management and design process. Components include customer premises equipment, access and egress arrangements, inter-exchange network, and network management and control. These components, i.e., access, network and egress, which Sprint can control to achieve the stated requirements will be discussed in detail in Part B of our NS/EP Functional Requirements Plan (FRIP) and will constitute the Sprint Assured Service Plan Meeting Section 508 Provisions (L (k)) A description of the offeror s approach for providing the capabilities needed to meet Section 508 provisions identified in Section C.6.4 for the proposed optional services. C.6.4. There are no Section 508 Provisions for VTS identified in RFP Section Page 665 March 5, 2007

26 Incorporating Future Technological Enhancements and Improvements (L (l)) A description of the approach for incorporating into the proposed optional services, technological enhancements and improvements that the offeror believes are likely to become commercially available in the timeframe covered by this acquisition, including a discussion of potential problems and solutions. New Technology and Improvements Sprint is constantly monitoring commercial offerings and updating service offerings with new features and functionality as technological improvements and enhancements become commercially available. As these features and capabilities are made available, Sprint will work with the Government to understand what Government-specific requirements should be added or subtracted from the commercial offerings to make these new features and capabilities beneficial to the Government sector. As technological enhancements and improvements become commercially available, Sprint will work with the Government to incorporate and stabilize new product offerings with the Government s best interest in mind. Sprint will offer access to the newest technologies, features, and functionalities giving the Government the opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Potential Problems and Solutions Table provides a discussion of considerations the Government should make before implementing a VTS solution. With the years of experience in delivering VTS to the Government, Sprint has seen some problems arise and can offer solutions and preventative measures in the areas of bandwidth recommendations, security concerns, and Class of Service. Page 666 March 5, 2007

27 Table Sprint approach to VTS NS/EP Potential Sprint Solution Problem Bandwidth Bandwidth Recommendations X XXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Security Concerns Class of Service Security Measures XXXXXX X XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX Quality of Service / Class of Service / Contention in Network XX X XXX XXXX XXX XXXXX XXX XX XXXXXX XX XXXXX XXXX X XX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 667 March 5, 2007

28 Summary Sprint offers a video conferencing service that is reliable and interoperable in a heterogeneous environment consisting of networks and equipment operating at different speeds. Sprint has been a leader in ISDN-based videoconference services since the first H.320 call launch in As technological improvements were made within the network and product sectors, Sprint put service and support structures in place to support those advancements. In 2001, Sprint launched a full service, IP videoconference service that was the first in the industry to make provisions for the bridging, network, gateway, and Network Address Translation (NAT) necessary to enable IP and IP/ISDN integrated videoconferencing a feasible and necessary solution for the Government. Since this time, Sprint has been success-fully assisting Agencies in their migration from the H.320 technology to H.323. Page 668 March 5, 2007