59 -- FPI's FSC Code Change for AM Amplifiers

“Under the provisions of FPI’s guidelines process, published March 12, 1997, in the Federal Register and March 25, 1997 in the Commerce Business Daily, FPI submits the following “good faith” announcement for public notice and comment. FPI manufactures amplifier units for sale to the Federal government. These items fall within Federal Supply Classification (FSC) Code 5895 - Miscellaneous Communication Equipment. The customer has assigned a different classification code to the AM amplifier and it has been transferred to FSC code 5996 - Amplifiers. At the present time, FPI does not provide products in this FSC code. The AM amplifier that will be produced by FPI is the same as the item previously produced, with slight modifications to replace obsolete parts. Therefore, it is not different in function from the previous amplifier classified in FSC 5895. For these reasons, FPI believes the AM amplifier classified in FSC 5996, does not meet the definition of “new product” set forth by FPI’s expansion guidelines. Under the terms of FPI’s expansion guidelines, interested parities may submit comments regarding the production of this item by FPI. In submitting comments to FPI, the following guidelines will apply: 1) Comments will be due within 21 days of the date of this notice; 2) Relevant comments will focus on and address why the item should be considered a new product, separate and distinct from a similar item currently produced by FPI; 3) While the primary purpose of the comments will be to determine if the item should be defined as a new product, comments related to market share and/or the impact that such a production decision may also be considered relevant. All comments received in response to this announcement will be considered by the FPI Board of Directors. All commenters will be advised whether FPI decides to initiate the public involvement guidelines process. Any interested party has a right to raise any question with FPI’s Board of Directors. All comments should be addressed to: Chief Administrative Officer, Research, Activation and Corporate Support, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. , 320 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20534.