Inside Track

The Interior Department's Minerals Management Service is looking for a contractor to modernize the source code of Montcrdk 7.52, the software used by the agency to analyze bids it receives for mineral rights. Known as the Monte Carol Simulation Program, the system has been used since the early 1970s and was last updated in 1996, but many versions and updates have not been documented. Bids are due Sept. 17. For more information contact, Terry Carroll at fax (703) 787-1009 or e-mail terry.carroll2@mms.gov. The agency does not want phone calls.The Software Information Industry Association and the Commerce Department are leading an information technology trade mission Nov. 4-7 to Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, Mexico. The mission is open to U.S. companies that develop computer software, produce hardware and telecommunications equipment and provide systems integration, Internet services and e-commerce applications. There is a fee to participate, and the application deadline is Sept. 15. For more information, contact Robin Gaines at (202) 482-3013, e-mail robin_gaines@ita.doc.gov or visit the SIIA Web site at www.siia.net/divisions/global/trademissions/
tmmexico.html.

In another trade mission, Commerce will lead information and communications technology firms to Russia Oct. 22-25. The mission is aimed at American companies interested in exploring opportunities in Russia's rapidly growing IT and communications markets and will coincide with Infocom 2002, a trade show and conference. One focus of the mission will be the export and partnership opportunities arising from two recently launched programs by the Russian federal government, "Electronic Russia" and "Unified IT Environment for Education." There is a fee to participate, and travel and lodging expenses are not included. For more information, contact Jon Boyens at (202) 482-0573 or e-mail jon_boyens@ita.doc.gov. The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.