2.6Impact of Feature Usage on Service Performance (L.38.1.1(F))

2.6Impact of Feature Usage on Service Performance (L.38.1.1(f))

L.38.1.1(f) An assessment of the impact of various levels of feature usage on service performance.

Sprint will function without affecting performance at 10 percent, 25 percent, and 50 percent above projected feature utilization load. The increase in feature usage indicates network and service performance during estimated normal, 10 percent, 25 percent, and 50 percent above the estimated normal FTS2001 loads will be without impact to the Government.

The details of feature utilization on a per service basis are detailed in Section 2 of this volume under each individual service section.

2.7Network Control and Diagnostics (L.38.1.1(g))

L.38.1.1(g) A description of network control and diagnostic capabilities and systems, including equipment and procedures for monitoring and testing each of the services and associated features.

The Sprint network is managed by several management and control centers, located in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Back-up facilities exist for each control center. Figure 1.A.2-12 details the Sprint Control Center Locations.

Figure 1.A.2-12 Sprint Control Center Locations

Network Management Center

The Network Management Center (NMC) is responsible for real-time network and traffic management functions in the switching/signaling network. The NMC plays a proactive role in the surveillance and control of the SS7/C7 functionality. The NMC is also responsible for SONET transmission service delivery.

Transmission Control Center

The Transmission Control Center (TCC) handles all transmission services, including both asynchronous and SONET transmission surveillance and control.The TCC is also responsible for transmission restoration capabilities for SONET and DCS 3/1.

The TCC provides real-time maintenance surveillance of the network. The TCC has a computer-based surveillance systemXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Broadband Operations Service Delivery

The Broadband Operations Service Delivery (BBOSD) is responsible for all ATM service delivery and service assurance. The BBOSD is also responsible for strategic initiatives and developmental issues associated with broadband network management and support systems.

Scheduled Event Management

The Scheduled Event Management (SEM) group coordinates major network projects, maintenance window activities, and local exchange carrier (LEC)/ alternate access vendor (AAV) scheduled maintenance. The Call Before You Dig (CBYD) center is also managed by the SEM and is responsible for vendor management of individual state “One-Call” agencies, research of dig requests, and coordination of dig activities with Field Operations.Operational Support Systems Center

The Operational Support Systems Center (OSSC) is responsible for support system surveillance of Sprint’s internal administrative/control networks XXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX The OSSC is also responsible for the service management function for XXXXXXXXXXXXXVoice FONCARD, and Call Redirect.

2.8Network Transmission and Synchronization Plans (L.38.1.1(h))

L.38.1.1(h) Network transmission and synchronization plans for the various services.

Network synchronization, the communication timing within and between networks, plays a critical role as high-speed communication networks span the globe. Sprint is particularly well suited to handle the Government’s demand for worldwide data transmission because of our 100 percent digital, fiber-optic network in the U.S.—the ideal transmission medium for high-speed data transmission.

Digital network synchronization, as implemented on the Sprint network, assures that the network will transport data end-to-end and interconnect with other networks with no, or minimal, degradation. The benefits of Sprint synchronization include transmission clarity, virtually error-free operation, and survivability using Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) devices.

Sprint uses either a LORAN (long range navigation) or a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) Primary Reference Source at all of our nodes and switch sites to provide the Government with state of the art plesiochronous synchronization. Plesiochronous synchronization is a false synchronization that allows network independent synchronization at each location.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXAs the first U.S. carrier to provide 100 percent fiber-optic transport with plesiochronous synchronization, Sprint provides Stratum 1 timing sources at different network nodes rather than one centralized source. The plesiochronous technique does not experience the timing degradation of long timing distribution links. This synchronization method is also uniquely suitable to a total fiber-optic network because of the automatic reconfiguration capability provided by diverse fiber links from a node to different Stratum 1 clocks, which are provided via Loran-C systems. The Loran-C system, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a low-frequency terrestrial radio navigation system. It operates from 90 to 100 kHz, with a carrier frequency of 100 kHz. Because these low frequency radio waves follow the earth’s curvature, they are both stable and unaffected by the ionosphere. Loran-C transmissions are referenced to Cesium Beam frequency standards (Stratum 1) and are Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). The benefits of the Loran-C synchronization method are assured through multiple redundant Stratum 1 primary reference sources.

The GPS system uses atomic clocks mounted inside satellites for distributing UCT (Universal Coordinated Time) timing. These satellites then transmit timing beacons that cover broad areas of the earth. Originally developed for military use, GPS has recently been made available for commercial applications. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sprint will also provide timing to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) for digital User to Network Interfaces (UNIs) when the access is provided by Sprint. The Government should derive timing from these digital UNIs by setting the GFE to derive timing from the network. The GFE will synchronize the transmit path to the receive path, thus insuring integrity of synchronization across digital networks.

For analog UNIs, Sprint can not provide timing to GFE. Analog UNIs do not require digital timing. Examples of analog UNI applications are telephones served by a 4kHz UNI and analog modems of speeds to 33.6 kbps.

For any type of Switched Circuit access originating or terminating through the PSTN, including PRI and BRI, the Government should derive timing on digital interfaces from their access provider. This is the best commercial practice, and is fully supported by Interexchange Carriers, Local Exchange Carriers, foreign Postal Telephone & Telegraph companies, and most Competitive Local Exchange Carriers.

If the Government orders Class 1 dedicated access from a provider other than Sprint, the Government must derive timing from that access provider. LECs and CLECs do not synchronize their networks from Sprint. Generally, they provide their own synchronization within their network, similar to Sprint’s synchronization plan. The Government should assess the synchronization plan for these access providers to ensure they are properly synchronized and capable of supplying digital timing. In addition, the Government will be responsible for resolving timing errors at Sprint’s POPs where Class 1 access terminates. The Government should understand Sprint is not responsible for timing problems on end-to-end service where the access facilities are not ordered through Sprint.

Sprint, through its account teams, will assist the Government in devising a synchronization plan for Agency networks. In complex networks, a logical plan to ensure digital integrity takes planning and dialog between Sprint and the Government.

2.9Approach for Incorporating Services (L.38.1.1(i))

L.38.1.1(i) Approach for incorporating into the Offeror’s Network, at some future time, the emerging services listed in Section C.2.8 that the offeror believes are likely to become commercially available in the time frame covered by this acquisition including discussion of potential problems and proposed solutions.

Increased demand for communications services is converging from three sources: radio/ TV, data, and telephony. To meet the associated demand on network resources of these emerging services, Sprint’s forward-thinking engineers are working with their customers to meet their current and projected needs for transmission facilities. XXXXXXXXXXXX

These worlds are also highly dynamic. Services appear overnight and ramp up at astronomical rates, new technologies create new services with unpredictable demands on specific network resources. Since Sprint maintains its leadership position in planning for and implementing emerging services, we are well positioned to customize these services for the Government and provide the network resources to support them as well.

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SONET enables the Sprint network to transport large amounts of bandwidth at unprecedented speeds, while providing a flexible platform for expanding services. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Sprint will ensure all emerging services will interoperate seamlessly with FTS2001 services. Sprint will partner with the Government to test interoperability of emerging services and features. This testing will incorporate all aspects of the service, from service ordering to billing.

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Sprint has a long history of successfully migrating customers, including Government customers, to new technologies, systems, and services. In 1987, Sprint laid the cornerstone of its advanced broadband network strategy with the migration of traffic from an analog microwave transmission system to a digital fiber based backbone. In 1988, Sprint successfully implemented Signaling System 7 on its network. The company went on to introduce SONET transmission, then SONET rings, the DINA platform for toll-free services, and the migration to a commercial billing platform (IPS) for its commercial accounts. Sprint also has introduced numerous back-office systems for customer support. These industry-leading changes have been acknowledged by telecommunications experts, including significant accolades such as the naming of Sprint Chief Technology Officer Marty Kaplan as 1997 Technologist of the Year, and Sprint as Data Communications magazine’s 1998 data leader.

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2.10Approach for Adapting to meet Government’s Service Requirements (L.38.1.1(j))

L.38.1.1(j) Approach for adapting the offeror’s network and services to meet the Government’s evolving service requirements.

Sprint serves an extremely diverse client base. Customers range from large Federal agencies with complex telecommunications requirements to plain old telephone service (POTS) to individual citizens. The common denominators among these customers are that each has unique requirements and demands the latest technology. As a result, customers’ requirements frequently drive the direction of our telecommunications resource development. For example, the international ATM market continues to expand due to the demands for high-speed bandwidth by the

The interaction with our customers inherently required in the development and execution of complex transport services provides Sprint a valuable, unique opportunity to understand and anticipate Government customers’ telecommunications needs. Members of the Program Life Cycle Teams (LCT), led by the Program and Account managers, are the key participants in this ongoing interaction.

To maintain our sharp customer focus, Sprint personnel pursue effective opportunities to interact with, provide resources to, listen to and understand our customers. We participate in industry trade shows, consortium special interest groups, associations, discussion panels and seminars, encouraging customers to share needs and ideas, asking questions, presenting our solutions, and building relationships. Additionally, Sprint frequently polls its customer base to determine its overall customer satisfaction.

Maintaining attentive relationships with our customers enables Sprint to pro-actively and efficiently adapt our network and services to meet the Government’s evolving service requirements. Thorough understanding of the scope and range of the Government’s evolving requirements allows the maximum leverage of economies of scale and optimization and customization of resources.An example is Sprint’s XXXXXXAccount Team, which assessed the rapidly increasing demand for satellite services, enlisted a subcontractor to provide cost-effective service to multiple accounts, optimized the required capital investment, and provided XXXXXXXXXXX customers with the flexible, reasonably priced, high quality satellite service they required.

Additionally, Account Teams participate in and influence corporate-wide initiatives to ensure that Sprint will provide specific solutions for the Government’s future requirements. Sprint’s National Integrated Services organization is assessing future Government requirements for bundled local and long distance service in an effort to ensure that Sprint is maintaining our position of leadership in the expanding telecommunications industry and supporting legislation allowing open competition.

New products and services are introduced to customer and potential Government customers via pilot programs and field trials, the results of which are linked back to business and market development groups, shaping Sprint’s strategic direction. Sprint emphasizes Government customer participation in leading edge focus groups both internal and external to the organization. Additionally, Sprint account and Life Cycle teams engage in program reviews with the Government, encouraging their input and sharing of ideas. All of these techniques are used by Sprint to listen and learn from the Government, and to develop Government-specific applications.

The importance and value of key products and service features to our Government customers is specifically documented in their Requests for Proposal (RFPs). Life Cycle Teams (LCTs) monitor, compare and evaluate RFPs to identify specific demand trends.

Additionally, LCTs and account managers maintain attentive relationships with the Government. For example, we are providing our Government customers with training on the new Federal Telecommunications legislation, encouraging discussion on strategies to optimize the Government customers’ benefit from the changing market.Sprint continually assesses the Government’s evolving service requirements and develops plans to integrate these needs with our strategic product and business goals. Sprint’s pro-active approach to adapting our network is evidenced by our role in driving Sprint’s ATM, Internet, Frame Relay, and Managed Network Services, all of which were direct results of evolving Government requirements.

2.11Domestic and International Service Coverage (L.38.1.1(k))

L.38.1.1(k) Discussion of the offeror’s ability to meet the domestic and international service coverage requirements including limitations in current coverage (especially non-domestic dedicated access) and the offeror’s plans for increasing this coverage after contract award and during the term of the contract, including explicit lists of where and when services and features will be offered.

Domestic Coverage

Sprint’s coverage of the mandatory services far exceeds the requirements. Sprint delivers a variety of services over its all-fiber backbone network, including:

• DCS-based services

• Circuit Switched-based services

• Cell/Packet-based services

Sprint has XXXPOPs in all 196 LATAs. These POPs are connected by Sprint’s 26,000 route miles of fiber-optic network. Sprint is adding additional mileage, additional POPs, and route diversity. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX All mandatory services required under FTS2001 will be provided at allXXXSprint POPs.Digital Cross-Connect Switch (DCS) Service Delivery

The DCS is used in the Sprint network for DTS service as well as for the integration of all Sprint services.

XTrunking of the DCS is provided in a non-hierarchical manner. InterMachine Trunk (IMT) groups interconnect each switch with all other equivalent switches within the network and provide monitoring for all DS0 and DS1 services.

Circuit Switch Service Delivery

Digital switching architecture is based on a redundant design concept. Each common component of the digital switching equipment, including the centralized processor units, is fully duplicated. If a hardware or software failure occurs, the system automatically switches from the active to hot standby components.

XWhile circuit switched services have typically been perceived as supporting voice traffic, switched data is also supported on the Sprint network. Dial-up voice grade data transmission is currently provided as a permissive service or function on Sprint’s network. The network is compatible with all modems that are designed for voiceband telephone networks.

XFunctionally, Sprint’s switched network is neither a voice nor a data network, but rather a digital transport platform for transmission of switched data services.No distinction is made at the network level between voice, voice band data, and data transport.

Customers with T1 or channelized T-3 access extend the basic digital capability of the fiber-optic network to their service locations. X

Signaling System 7 (SS7)

Sprint was the first long-distance carrier to implement Signaling System 7 (SS7) nationwide and the first to connect with a local exchange carrier (BellSouth in May, 1991). SS7 provides immediate benefits in terms of network performance, operational efficiencies, call processing, and the ability to develop advanced features for our customersXXXXXXXXXX