Scott Luckett opened the meeting with a description of the problem we are trying to solve with an Industry Data Repository. Delays in the distribution of catalog and product information are costing billions in sales, billions in error management and driving customers to OE Dealers.

Bob Moore reviewed the meetings and presentations that have taken place so far this year regarding the IDW. Bob distributed the Scope and Requirements document synthesized from the input of MEMA, AAIA and SEMA representatives.

Several questions and observations were raised during discussion of the document:
Q- Will the RFP require a cost analysis?
A- Yes

Q- How will the study be funded and who will own the results?
A- MEMA, AAIA and SEMA have agreed to fund the study in thirds, upon acceptance of a proposal, and will own the results.

Q- Who will own the data in the IDW?
A- It was reaffirmed that manufacturers retain ownership of the data and control access to the data.

The two principal functions of the solution are to provide a centralized source of valid catalog and product data and to manage security and control access. Ed Wolff observed that we should be able to complete the requirements study for $30-40,000.
Al Jones offered to survey the MIS Council for recommendations of consultants to compete on performing the study. AAIA and SEMA should also poll their leadership for nominees.

Q- At what point do we define how broad and inclusive the solution is?
A- Those that pay for the study have the right to define the scope.

Consultants have to disclose if they have ever recommended a specific solution provider.
The ethics of this process must be squeaky clean. The consultants must reply with a description of their methodology. Industry Assessment will involve describing the function and benefits and testing the pricing model. Find out "if the dog will eat the dog food."

Discussion of the IDW was closed, and the Task Force was tasked with developing an RFQ for the Scope and Requirements Study and reporting back progress regularly at ACEC meetings and other industry functions.

Other Business

Fred Iantorno said it is important for the ACEC to become a legal entity since it is about to perform a significant procurement. He was disappointed that the topic of incorporation of the Council would not be discussed due to time constraints. Further, if CIECA was going to continue its participation in the Council, this matter would have to be addressed.

Through unanimous consent, it was agreed that CIECA would host and chair the next ACEC meeting. Since January 2005 was the target date, Al Jones graciously offered to conduct the meeting at the headquarters of MEMA in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The exact date and time will be announced shortly.

There being no further business, the Council adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Luckett, AAIA