JHESS%usc-eclb@sri-unix.UUCP (12/15/83)
Two pieces of paper have crossed my desk this week concerning the
Zenith Z-100:
1. Air Force Systems Command (ACDT) letter, dated 8 Nov 1983,
subject: Information, Small Computer Contract states in part:
"1. This letter is intended for information only and should not be
construed as a solicitation for requirements.. The Air Force standard
small computer contract was awarded to Zenith Data Systems on 3 Oct 83.
It becomes a mandatory source for microcomputers, although if sufficient
justification exists, other sources are allowed.
2. Since this equipment is managed under the 300-Series regulations,
the DAR process, via AFSC Form 380, is mandatory ..."
2. An undated and unsigned paper entitled " Z-100 Contract Guidelines and
Items of Interest" states:
"1. Air Force policy is: If the products on this contract can
satisfy the user's requirement, we must use this contract."
"4. Zenith plans to offer the following packages with an amendment
to the contract:
a. Multiplan (spreadsheet)
b. Lotus 1-2-3 (INTEGRATED SPREADSHEET, dbms, AND graphics)
c. Concurrent CP/M
d. Wordstar (word processing)
e. "C" compiler"
"9. AFSCOASO and AFLANSPO are jointly developing communications
interface software."
"10. Government employees, including military, may acquire a Z-100
microcomputer, peripherals, and related software by joining the
Government Employees Association, GEA, for a modest fee of $10. This
lifetime membership allows an employee to buy products at the same
price as the Government contract. The employee is limited to one
system per year and a maximum of $5000.00 total purchases on this
contract. The buyer must pay shipping cost and the equipment must
be shipped to the buyer's home address."
NOTE - The contract number is "F19630-83-D-0005" and the purchase prices
are fantastic --- approx 40-60% off list. The Navy apparently has some
joint arrangement with the Air Force, but I have not been able to get any
details. I don't bthink the Army has a piece of the action. I called
GEA yesterday and they confirmed the info in the notice quoted above. They
are sending me additional info and I will post the net when I receive it.