PROCUREMENT PRACTICES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES WITH REGARD TO ELECTRIC TYPEWRITERS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85-00988R000600180008-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 18, 1998
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: June 13, 1975
• Content Type: MF

-Approved For Release 1999/09/25: CIA-RDP85-00988R000600180008-0
1 JUN 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Officer, OL
SUBJECT Procurement Practices of Federal Agencies With
Regard to Electric Typewriters
REFERENCE Ltr dtd 23 May 75 fm Director, Federal Govern-
ment Operations (Olivetti) to D/L, same subj.
(DL 5 2538)
The original typewriter study (copy attached,
PLEASE RETURN TO OL/SD) was completed in March 1970, and it 25X1A9a
seems to have been quite extensive. Since Mr.
Plans and Programs Staff, OL (OL/P&PS), was a member of the
study group and has access to pertinent facts, I suggest that
he be tasked to respond to the letter in question.
The substance of the protest is their opinion
that we do not need dual capability, i.e., 10 and 12 pitch
selectivity in more than about 20 to 25 percent of our applica-
tions. Ten pitch is needed for optical character reading (OCR)
and 12 for general correspondence. I believe our need for such
selectivity is more like 50 to 60 percent considering both COMMO
and computer applications.
I would suggest that we respond to referenced
letter by stating that we are heavily involved in OCR processes and
have elected to replace less expensive typewriters with the 10/12
pitch Selectric for this purpose. In so doing, the replaced type-
writers are redistributed for other non-OCR requirements. Hence,
we are not in the market for low-cost electric typewriters at
present.
Subsequently, a new study group could be desig-
nated to review the 5-year-old study and update it. I would sug-
gest OL/P&PS because it will involve contact with other directorates.
The Offices of Communications, Security, and Joint Computer Support
could well be requested to provide a member for the study group.
Approved For Release 1999/09/25: CIA-RDP85-00988R0 60&1
ao o
 25X1X1
Approved For Release 1999/09/25: CIA-RDP85-00988R000600180008-0
SUBJECT: Procurement Practices of Federal Agencies With
Regard to Electric Typewriters
For your information, we have recently approved
the use of Olivetti electric typewriters overseas where optical
reading is not required and where IBM service is not available.
The Olivetti is approved for
overseas use. However, we cannot get into that subject with
Olivetti.
25X1A9a
Att: as stated F, original of
OL 5 2538
Approved For Release 1999/09/25: CIA-RDP85-00988R000600180008-0
'1 1