62 -- FPI Production of Lightbars

“Under the terms of FPI's expansion guidelines, 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 has manufactured and sold to the Federal government vehicular lighting under Federal Supply Classification Code 6220, Electric Vehicular Lights and Fixtures. FPI last recorded sales in this FSC code in FY 2000 with the production of components for Remote Area Lighting System (RALS)at Lompoc. FSC code 6220 is listed in FPI’s “Schedule of Products”. An item’s FSC code is the primary determinant of what constitutes a “specific product” as defined by FPI’s expansion guidelines. Before initiating production of a new “specific product,” FPI must obtain approval from its Board of Directors. It is FPI’s belief that light bars, classified under FSC code 6220, are similar to the components for RALS which FPI produced at Lompoc, also classified under FSC code 6220. For this reason, FPI believes that light bars in FSC 6220 do not meet the definition of "new product" as set forth by FPI's expansion guidelines. FPI recognizes that a reasonable person may construe light bars (FSC 6220) to be a product separate and distinct from any other item supplied by FPI. Under the terms of FPI's expansion guidelines, interested parties may submit comments regarding this proposed production 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 items should be considered new products, 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 items should be defined as new products, comments related to market share and/or the impact resulting from 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 Branch, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., 320 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20534.