[Federal Register: July 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 130)] [Notices] [Page 36886-36887] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr08jy98-56] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Proposed Implementation of the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD) for Passenger Transportation and Travel Services AGENCY: Military Traffic Management Command, DoD. ACTION: Notice (Request for Comments). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC), as the Program Director for the Department of Defense (DoD), intends to utilize a new automated distance calculation product known as the Defense Table of Distances (DTOD) as part of the Groups Operational Passenger System (GOPAX). The DTOD will replace existing distance calculation products used within the DoD, such as DoD Official Table of Distances. The DTOD will become the DoD standard source for distance information worldwide. Commercially, DTOD is known as PC*MILER by ALK Associates, Inc. Carriers may continue to use other mileage sources for preparation of Offers of Service, and for their own business purposes. However, the DTOD/PC*MILER will be the DoD Standard for all distance calculations, analysis or audits for transportation services billed on a per mile (mileage) basis. Carriers and passenger service providers participating in the DoD passenger transportation and travel services programs must agree to be bound by the DTOD/PC*MILER distance calculations for payment and audit purposes. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before September 8, 1998. ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Headquarters, Military Traffic Management Command, ATTN: MTOP-T, Room 617, 5611 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-5050. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information concerning the DTOD for MTMC Passenger Transportation and Travel Services Programs can be provided by contacting Ms. Beverly Cox at (703) 681-9444. Information regarding DTOD compliant commercial software and other technical information can be provided by contacting ALK Associates, Inc. at 1 (800) 377-MILE or on the Internet at www.pcmiler.com. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. The proposed effective date for use of the DTOD in DoD Passenger Transportation and Travel Services programs is 1 June 1999. 2. Existing Groups Operational Passenger System (GOPAX) mileage tables will be replaced by DTOD/PC*MILER software. 3. ALK Associates, Inc., will provide all interested parties the capability to license PC*MILER, to ensure the ability to consistently determine the exact mileage that the DOD uses for entitlement determination and audit purposes. [[Page 36887]] 4. It is anticipated that transition to DTOD will have no significant impact upon passenger carriers since rates are not obtained or paid on a mileage basis, but rather on a per seat or per trip basis. While per seat cost and trip costs must consider distance, offerors will be free to establish their costs based on the distance calculation methods of their choice. 5. The DTOD/PC*MILER products will calculate both ``shortest'' and ``practical'' mileage. It will contain Standford Point Location Codes, military locations and other worldwide locations required by DoD. Updates and version control DTOD and PC*MILER will be consistent with industry practices. Carriers and/or other parties who choose to use PC*MILER will have opportunities to provide feedback to ALK Associates, Inc., the provider of DTOD software, regarding routings, database suggestions such as distance differences, road preference suggestions, road re-classifications, new locations, etc. 6. Interested parties are invited to provide comments concerning the use of the DTOD to the address provided above. Comments will be accepted for a period of 60 days from the publication date of this notice. 7. Regulatory Flexibility Act. This change is related to public contracts and is designed to standardize distance calculation for line- haul transportation. This change is not considered rule making within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. 8. Paperwork Reduction Act. The Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3051 et seq., does not apply because no information collection requirement or recordskeeping responsibilities are imposed on offerors, contractors, or members of the public. Francis A. Galluzzo, ADCSOPS Transportation Services. [FR Doc. 98-18021 Filed 7-7-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M