National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Bldg. 301, Room B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

U -- MEMBERSHIP TO U.S. PRODUCT DATA ASSOCIATION SOL 52SBNB5C8725 POC Joan Smith (301) 975-6458 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 to 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; participation for three at all US PRO sponsored events; publications; and recognition as a Patron Directorate Level Sponsor of US PRO. -- It should be noted that this is a continuation of an existing contract, with US PRO, Charleston, SC. -- The period of performance is from the date of award through twelve months thereafter, with an option to renew for an additional twelve month period. See Numbered Note 22 & 26. (0194)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0105 19960715\U-0001.SOL)