NIST doesn't know how to run their simulation??

Taking the lead from Aidan I've submitted my own foia asking for instructions to run the WTC 7 collapse simulation. So far the response is that there are no records, so I've submitted an appeal. I'm hoping the instructions will include some information about absurd initial parameters.

Complaint:

I want step by step instructions how to run the WTC 7 collapse simulation. Is this just a matter or rephrasing the request or does NIST not have step by step instructions? Are you seriously telling me that no one either in NIST nor outside is capable of reproducing the collapse simulation because the instructions do not exist?

Original request:

Freedom of Information Act Request

I respectfully request copies of the following NIST records:

Instructions for running the NIST simulation of the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 on my own hardware including required software, required hardware, and any parameters to the program.

Disclosure of the requested information to me is not in my commercial interest.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Walter Ritchey

RESPONSE (also attached):

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT DF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899•
JAN 15 2009
Dear Mr. Geoffrey W. Ritchey,
This letter serves as the final response to your January 14, 2009 Freedom ofInformation Act (FOIA) request to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in which you have requested copies of the following NIST records: '•~i1structions for running the NIST simulation of the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 0n my own hardware including required software, required hardware, and any parameters to the pn-'.!sram."
Your request was received at the FOIA Control Desk ,)n January 15,2009 and was assigned
FOIA Log #09-34.
NIST has no documents that are responsive to your request. You have the right to appeal a denial or partial denial of the FOIA request. An appeal must be received within 30 calendar days of the date of this response letter
Assistant General Counsel for Administration (Office) U.S. Department of Commerce 14th and Constitution Avenue Room 5898-C N.W. Washington, DC. 20230
Your appeal may also be sent bye-mail FOIAAppeals@doc.gov or by facsimile (fax) to 202482-2552. The appeal must include a copy of the original request, the response to the request and a statement of the reason why withheld records should be made ,wal~able and why denial of the records was in error. The submission (including e-mail and fax sul')missions) is not complete without the required attaclunents. The appeal letter, the envelope, the e-mail subject line, and the fax cover sheet should be clearly marked "Freedom of Information Act Appeal." The e-mail, fax machine, and Office are monitored only on working days during normal business hours (8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday). FOIA appeals posted to the e-mail box, fax machine or Office after normal business hours will be deemed received on the next nonnal business day.
Sincerely,
Catherine S. Fletcher
Freedom of Information Act Officer

More Specific?

Great job Geoff, keep after them. Maybe the appeal can have more specific requests in it other that just "instructions"? I'm thinking like what Software Application and Version number was used to produce the simulation. Documentation on inputs used to run the model such as calculations, any supporting data for such calculations, video evidence used in reaching conclusions, and transcripts of any interviews conducted. All of this should be released publicly by NIST for independent review of their conclusions.

Thanks much for your efforts.

Peace

Dan

This is certainly one of the

This is certainly one of the most pertinent questions you could have asked them. Though NIST did not provide information, their admission of not having these details is significant... Thank you so much for your effort .

Good work. Keep after them.

Good work. Keep after them. It is a startling admission.
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JFK on secrecy and the press