National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Building 301, Room Bll7, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

U -- MEMERSHIP TO U.S. PRODUCT DATA ASSOCIATION SOL 52SBNB5C8725 POC Joan M. Smith (301) 975-6458/Pauline E. Mallgrave (301) 975-6330 The U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology Administration (DOC/TA) has a vested interest in the continued development and enhancement of product data exchange (PDE) standards. The U.S. Product Data Association (US PRO) provides several fora for senior policy-level information technology industrial executives to address common national problems and work together to advance PDE standards in the United States and internationally. US PRO is uniquely qualified to carry out the strategic and tactical planning necessary for the United States to maintain leadership in the PDE standards development arena. US PRO is the nationally accredited organization, by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), for PDE standards. In this capacity, US PRO is the sole United States voting member on behalf of ANSI for international PDE standards-development. DOC/TA through US PRO's Patron Directorate sponsorship will be contributing to the essential PDE standards development effort. This cooperative liaison is required for DOC/TA to ensure U.S. competitiveness in the manufacturing arena. As a member of US PRO, DOC/TA will receive: an appointment as Director of the US PRO Board of Directors; membership to the US PRO strategic planning committee; membership in US PRO for three years; participation for three at all US PRO sponsored events; publications; and recognition as a Patron Directorate Level Sponsor of US PRO. -- Period of Performance is from the Date of Award to twelve months thereafter. -- See Numbered Note 22 -- It is the Government's intent to negotiate with US PRO, Fairfax, VA, the only responsible source that can satisfy the agency's requirements. (0100)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0095 19950411\U-0001.SOL)