ITAA wants delay on identifiers

A new Defense Department rule could require contractors to develop a government-only line of business at significant cost to the government, according to the Information Technology Association of America, an Arlington, Va., industry group.

The interim rule, which applies to all Defense Department solicitations issued this year, requires contractors to mark with unique identifiers, such as bar codes, items that cost $5,000 or more. The requirement was instituted to improve management of assets, officials said.

ITAA officials asked for implementation to be delayed until March 1, 2005.