John Wolz

The General Accounting Office is seeking public comment on the small lot exemption to the U.S. Fastener Quality Act to determine if the industry would use it as a loophole to circumvent the law�s requirements. The deadline is November 30, 2000.
The 1999 amendments to Public Law 101-592 require the GAO to conduct a study of the exemption of fasteners ordered for use as spare, substitute, service or replacement parts in packages containing 75 or fewer pieces and parts contained in assemblies.
The GAO must submit a report to Congress by June 2001 �describing any changes in industry practice� resulting from the enactment of the small lot exemption.
Comments should include a description of the practice before implementation, why there is a change, information on how widespread changes are and contact information for additional information or clarification.
GAO is seeking broad input from any interested party, including those in government procurement, the fastener industry, and large and small buyers of fasteners.
� Comments may be sent via e-mail to: fasteners@gao.gov or by mail to Theresa Roberson, General Accounting Office, General Government Division, Room 2908, 441 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20548.
� For additional information contact Al Stapleton at 202 512-3418 or e-mail: stapletona.ggd@gao.gov or Theresa Roberson at 202 512-3431. E-mail: robersont.ggd@gao.gov Web: www.gao.gov
� To report violations of the FQA call the Bureau of Export Enforcement FQA hotline at 800 424-2980 or 202 482-1208.
� For general information on the FQA contact the National Institute of Standards & Technology. Tel: 301 975-5155. E-mail: fqa@nist.gov. Web: www.nist.gov/fqa \