RECENTLY, YOUR TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE DISCUSSED WITH US THE FEASIBILITY OF DESIGNING AND PREPARING A SPECIALIZED POCKET-SIZE, ADJUSTABLE DOOR LATCH.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03642A001500030028-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 13, 2012
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: November 19, 1958
• Content Type: LETTER

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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
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Dear Sir:
November 19, 1958
Recently, your technical representative discussed with us
the feasibility of designing and preparing a specialized pocket-size,
adjustable door latch. The purpose of such a device would be to
secure, from within, the door of a temporarily occupied room (for
example, a hotel room) against casual entry of unauthorized
personnel. It is often convenient to be able to temporarily and
securely store papers in a closet; consequently, it would be
desirable for the same blocking device to be capable of securing a
closet door and of providing a suitable site for a lock to be
affixed, so that the closet door could be locked to prevent easy,
entry by unauthorized personnel. It was emphasized that the device
of interest would be used as a short-term nonpermanent installation
and should be .inconspicuous.
In order to be practicable, this type of latch should be
cheap and simple. It should be reliable and should consist of as
few parts as possible. Since many types and sizes of doors would
be encountered under service conditions, the device must be
adjustable. It should be small enough to be carried easily, and
should be designed and prepared so that none of the component parts
could be lost.
ILLEGIB
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
November 19, 1958
It is of interest that the latch device be capable of
securing a door in a manner such that a person trying to enter a
room through that door (with the latch device in position) might
think that the door was stuck and would not be able to ascertain
that the door was blocked by some device. This type of securing
action could probably be accomplished with an adjustable toggle
mechanism or a device which utilized a screw.
At this time, many ideas come to mind relative to possible
designs of interest, but some of these involve relatively complic.ated
and cumbersome devices. It is recognized that, in the thinking with
regard to the device of interest, emphasis should be placed on
simplicity, reliability, and low cost. Members of our engineering
staff have had a great deal of experience with research leading
toward the development of simple mechanisms of this general type.
Therefore, it is hereby. proposed that a program of research
directed toward the design and preparation of an experimental door-
latch type of device, as generally described above, be conducted.
The proposed method of procedure, as currently contemplated, is
outlined in the following.
To initiate the proposed activity, idea conferences would
be held and the ideas generated would be screened and integrated.
Subsequently, designs of potential interest would be sketched and
laid out. After appropriate consideration, the design which
appeared to be the most promising would be selected; the experimental
parts would be prepared in our laboratories and assembled. The
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
-3- November 19, 1958
experimental unit would then be evaluated in the laboratory. Any
modifications which appeared to merit consideration would be
investigated, within the limits of the time and funds provided.
Then three models of the resulting experimental unit would be
prepared, and evaluated, and subsequently submitted to your technical
representative for further evaluation.
Informal monthly letter reports would be submitted describing
the progress of the activity on the proposed program. These reports
would be supplemented by discussions during periodic visits by your
technical representative. At the end of the proposed research period,
a summary report would be submitted describing. the activity performed
under the proposed program.
It is proposed that the contract provide for a three-month
period of research, with an estimated appropriation of $4,330,
including the fixed fee. A general breakdown of the estimated costs
is attached.
The proposed contract would be a period-basis research
agreement, consistent with our current contractual arrangements and
providing only for a fixed period of research leading toward the
objectives outlined above.
If you should have any questions regarding our proposal,
please let us know. Any inquiries of a contractual nature may be
directed to at Extension 159.
Very truly yours,
EES:th
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01500030028-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642A001500030028-2
proposal ofl to the U. S. Government.
the Development of a Specialized Door Latch.
Based upon a period-basis Contract for a research period of three months.
(Including time for submission of all reports. The proposed contract will not provide for earlier conclusion
of the research.)
We expect that the cost of this research for the period indicated above may be distributed approximately as
set forth hereon, subject to the understanding that this allocation is merely an estimate, and actual costs incurred
ma va from the categories shown. We have determined that these estimates are reasonable and consistent with
established policies in its research for the various Government agencies, which policies are briefly dis-
cussed below and will be followed in determination of out actual costs hereunder.
Materials & Supplies, etc.
(including any equipment which may be purchased as necessary in performance
of the research. Charges of $25 or less are excluded from this item.)
Use of Equipment and Technical Services, Travel, and Misc.
(Including applicable costs of technical research and service divisions, and
use of technical equipment, except that any undistributed balances of these
accounts will be included in overhead. Cost of travel includes reasonable
actual subsistence expenses and the actual cost of transportation. An allow-
ance of up to 8? per mile for all necessary travel by privately owned convey-
ance is included in lieu of the cost of such travel.)
Salaries & Wages
(Including our predetermined accrual for vacation, holiday, and sick-leave pay,
pensions, and social security.)
Type of Employee No. of Man-Months
Supervision 1/3
Research Engineers 1-112
Lab. Assistants 1-112
Steno., Clerical,
Shop & Photo., etc. 113
Total Salaries & Wages
Overhead
60 per cent of salaries and wages, as they are defined above. Provisional
monthly reimbursement will be at the rate of bOper cent of salaries and wages,
as so defined, or at such other provisional rate as may from time to time be
mutually agreed upon with the Government's audit representatives. This is a
provisional rate for current reimbursement, which we have arrived at by negoti-
ation with Government representatives, and it will be subject to retroactive
revision to the `actual? rate agreed upon with them for each calendar year
following a detailed audit for that year. The item of overhead includes general
research, charges of $25 or less for materials and supplies, and other cate-
gories of costs we customarily include in our overhead account. Cash dis-
counts on all purchases will be credited to overhead, instead of to the amount
of the purchase. Scrap of appreciable value will be credited directly to the
project. All other scrap will be credited to the overhead account, in which the
Government participates.)
Price
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Unless we extend the time, your acceptance after tha(date will be subject to agreement.
$4,330
ILLEGIB
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP78-03642A001500030028-2