GOOD FAITH ANNOUNCEMENT GOOD FAITH ANNOUNCEMENT, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. (FPI) 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 proposes to manufacture mini-blinds for sale to the Federal government. This item falls within Federal Supply Class (FSC) code 7230, Draperies, Awnings, and Shades. FPI already manufactures other window coverings, including draperies and curtains, within FSC 7230. It is FPI's belief that the proposed mini-blinds are not substantially different in function from the other window coverings already produced by FPI. As such, mini-blinds would be included in the existing FPI product "Draperies, awnings, and shades, FSC 7230." For the reason above, FPI believes that mini-blinds do not meet the definition of "new product" set forth by FPI's expansion guidelines. However, FPI recognizes that a reasonable person may construe this item 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 the proposed 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 resulting from such a production decision may also be considered relevant. All comments received in response to this announcement will be considered by FPI. 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 at any time with FPI's Board of Directors. All comments should be addressed to: Manager, Planning, Research, and Activation, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., 320 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20534.

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