New GSA CD-ROM Provides Both Federal Assistance and Award Information

GSA#9430

July 30, 1997
Contact: Bill Bearden (202) 501-1231
or Jerry Varner (202) 401-8135

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. General Services Administration has released a single CD-ROM containing both the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) published by GSA and the Federal Assistance Award Data System (FAADS) database from the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The two databases are complementary and both are searchable using the powerful, self-contained search engine included on the CD-ROM.

Now, using the software browser, you can move from one database to the other. You can locate a program in the Catalog, then check out recipients and assistance information in the FAADS.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is the government's official guide to federal assistance programs. It contains detailed information on more than 1,300 programs administered by 57 agencies Programs include grants, loans, loan guarantees, direct payments, insurance, surplus property and goods, technical assistance, and information services. You can find information on everything from AIDS research to community development, flood control, job training, clean water programs, small business development, and student support services. Virtually all of the appendices and indices in the Catalog are available on the new CD-ROM.

The FAADS database is a central source of information on domestic financial assistance programs of the federal government. FAADS provides award information on financial assistance programs published in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The CD-ROM is searchable by State, town, congressional district, Catalog program number, and recipient. Information on each entry includes federal funds, other funds, period and place of performance, and project description.

This is the first time the Catalog and FAADS databases have been merged into a single, searchable CD-ROM. The cost for the Catalog CD-ROM, which is issued in June and updated in December, is $60.00 for a single issue and $100.00 for an annual subscription. The FAADS database has been included at no additional cost.

The CD-ROM requires an IBM-compatible computer, 386 or better, with at least 8 megabytes of RAM, 10 megabytes of available disk space and a Windows operating environment. For information, or to place an order, call GSA's Governmentwide Information Systems Division at (202) 708-5126.

The Catalog is available in print by annual subscription from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. To place telephone orders, call (202) 512-1800. The current price is $69. Catalog program information is available on GSA's Web site (http://www.gsa.gov/fdac). It is also available on diskettes and 9-track magnetic tape from the Governmentwide Information Systems Division at (202) 708-5126.

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