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Electronic Commerce for the Procurement of Construction and Architect-Engineer Services Implementing the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (1997) / Chapter Skim
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Electronic Commerce Resource Centers and Value-Added Networks
Pages 36-45

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From page 36...
... In short, the mission of the ECRC network is simply to help businesses and government offices move into electronic commerce. The ECRC network has 11 centers around the country,6 sponsored and managed currently by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA)
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From page 37...
... First, the ECRC provides consultation and training to the enterprises and government offices. Second, we develop strategies for business process improvements; and Bird, we recommend and help implement enabling technologies.
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From page 38...
... Even those in remote locations, such as Fort Ritchie in northern Maryland, have now had vendor conferences, and they are excited about getting involved, even though they began with little knowledge about electronic data interchange (EDI)
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From page 39...
... A VAN provides trading partners a common environment through which to transmit, receive, and store EDI messages. DOD has a certification program that all VANs must go through; 26 VANs have now been certified.
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From page 40...
... Value-added service (VAS) adds significant value to the basic VAN function of storing and forwarding EDI data.
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From page 41...
... Does the VAN support your selected transaction sets and standards? Does the VAN provide a local access telephone number?
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From page 42...
... Again, you may want to be able to exchange data not only with DOD, but also with commercial trading partners. The simplest and least expensive way to do business is to use a standalone personal computer and EDI translation software, either bundled with a VAN or as third park software.
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From page 43...
... Other EDI software capabilities. It is also valuable to have built-in communications software included with the software package, so this software does not have to be bought separately.
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From page 44...
... It is important to ensure that the EDI communications software you choose allows multiple VAN connections in case you wish to do business with both government and commercial enterprises. In software system utilities, if you want security, you want to arrange for a password.
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From page 45...
... . The Dayton ECRC is building a valuable matrix with cost comparison charts, to help both vendors and government agencies to select VANs and software vendors.
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Key Terms

  • government offices
  • transaction set
  • transaction sets
  • business information
  • legacy data

  • van provide
  • van support
  • business process
  • trading partners
  • flat rate

  • commerce resource
  • fairfax ecrc
  • ecrc network
  • edi software
  • process improvements

  • data interchange
  • communications software
  • half offer
  • defense logistics
  • software vendors

  • edi transaction
  • logistics agency
  • volume discount
  • store edi
  • information goes

  • electronic data
  • bundled software
  • resource centers
  • outreach activities
  • personal computer


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