Chief, A&MMS (90), VA Outpatient Clinic, 543 Taylor Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203-1278

A -- TELEVIDEOCONFERENCING NETWORK CENTER SOL 757-6-97 POC Contracting Officer: Greg Hanks, 614.257.5522; Additional Contact: Don Anderson, 614.257.5524 The Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, 543 Taylor Avenue, Columbus, OH (VAOPC Columbus) has awarded a Research and Development contract to The Ohio State University Research Foundation (OSURF). OSURF is being tasked to review available technology and determine which hardware/software components will provide the most efficient personal computer operated/based videoconferencing solution to reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 (VISN 10), Veterans Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA [VISTA was formerly known as DHCP -- Decentralized Hospital Computer Program]). Person computer based videoconferencing hardware and software is readily available as a commercial item, but VA's VISN 10 is seeking to determine which vendor solution or combination of components will fully meet and exceed the need and expectations of VISN 10. In addition to PC-based videoconferencing, VISN 10 fully intends to introduce numerous other video document imaging applications and software components to this initiative, e.g., desktop telemedicine and distant learning as well as a conference room videoconferencing unit for VISN headquarters office. Videoconferencing vendors wanting to offer their PC-based videoconferencing hardware and software components for testing, assessing and evaluation in this research and development contract MUST contact the Contracting Office (90) at VAOPC Columbus or call 614/257-5520 and speak to Richard T. Hardy or Donald J. Anderson. It must be noted that involvement in this research and development project is voluntary, does not bind VISN 10 facilities to acquire tested products, and all expenses related to shipping and handling of hardware/software components shall be borne by the vendor. PLEASE DO NOT SHIP ANY COMPONENTS UNTIL YOU HAVE SPOKEN WITH EITHER REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICE. (0049)

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