PARTNERS IN QUALITY CONTRACTING PROGRAM (PQC) The Department of Commerce (DOC) officially announces its second annual Partners in Quality Contracting Program (PQC) and requests eligible contractors to submit requests for the application package. PQC affords an opportunity for contractors whose performance is deemed to be outstanding to prepare and submit a nomination package for consideration by an independent, cross functional team. Finalists will be invited to a luncheon ceremony in Washington, D.C. in June 1996 where they and the government acquisition team will be formally recognized by the Department's Deputy Secretary. The selection criteria are as follows: Thrill Factor (customer satisfaction), Product Service Quality, Delivery Performance, Initiatives to Improve Performance, Commitment to Diversity, Training and Development. Only US firms who performed under contract for the Department of Commerce or its bureaus in Fiscal Year 1995 are eligible to apply. The application package will be available for release on or about February 12, 1996. Applicant's nomination packages are due in late-March. Interested firms may request a copy of the application package by submitting a written request to: Department of Commerce, Office of Acquisition Management, Attn: PQC Coordinator, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 6422, Washington, D.C. 20277-9017. Point of Contact is Stephen C. Willett; Voice: (202) 482-5781, Fax: (202) 482-1711, E-mail: scwillett@doc.gov.

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