[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

April 29, 1999

The Honorable Bill Richardson
Secretary of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20585-1000

Dear Secretary Richardson:

I am enclosing a copy of my recent letter to the Program Manager for the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) in which I commend the efforts of GIDEP to provide for an exchange amongst government agencies of information on suspect/counterfeit parts. It was with great pleasure that I learned that the Department of Energy (DOE) was selected by the Program Manager for GIDEP to be the recipient of the 1998 GIDEP Failure Data Experience Award for Government. The award is presented each year by the GIDEP Program Manager to the top government activity that has exhibited overall excellence in participation and management of the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program. Through the efforts of your GIDEP representative, Mr. Thomas Rotella, information provided by other government agencies concerning suspect/counterfeit parts has been effectively disseminated throughout the Department of Energy and has significantly contributed to public and worker safety at defense nuclear facilities and has contributed to the success of vital national security missions.

Receipt of the 1998 GIDEP Failure Data Experience Award for Government marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve programs within the Department of Energy to prevent the introduction of suspect/counterfeit parts into safety-related or mission-sensitive applications. Mr. Rotella's award is also high praise for the Department of Energy and we congratulate you accordingly. Our hope is that this recognition of exemplary performance will serve to encourage Mr. Rotella's colleagues within DOE to expand their efforts to ensure the vitality of DOE programs to prevent the introduction of suspect/counterfeit parts into safety-related and mission- sensitive applications.

Sincerely,

John T. Conway
Chairman

Enclosure

c:
Mark B. Whitaker, Jr

[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

April 29, 1999

Captain R.S. Collins, U.S.N.
Program Manager
Government-Industry Data Exchange Program
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Research, Development and Acquisition)
Washington, D.C. 20360-5000

Dear Captain Collins:

It was with great pleasure that I recently learned that you have selected the Department of Energy as the recipient of the 1998 Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) Failure Data Experience Award for Government. As you explained in your March 29, 1999, letter, the award is presented each year to the top government activity that has exhibited overall excellence in participation and management of the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program. The award recognizes achievements realized through the initiative, leadership and imagination of the GIDEP representative and the organization's utilization and contributions of technical data in the best interest of government and industry participants.

The activities and suspect/counterfeit parts information exchange program administered by GIDEP have significantly contributed to public and worker safety at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities and have also contributed to the success of important national security programs administered by the Department of Energy. The efforts of your program are to be commended.

Sincerely,

John T. Conway
Chairman