From: Patrick Jankowiak (recycler@swbell.net)
Date: Sat Feb 05 2005 - 18:31:18 PST
That's a comment. I will try once again to explain it.
The model of computing machinery is no longer made and despite
its def phat numerical capacity, is considered obsolete. Most
have been scrapped out for parts.
If that model was specified as part of a system, then
substituting a similar or upgrade model would require revisiting
the "exhaustive, tedious specifications that run ten pages to
describe a screw used to hold a bathroom stall together", or,
more likely certifying/recertifying any substituted hardware
model including putting it through the scrutiny of the/an onsite
IASO, who has better things to do.
Nothing about any of this is unbelievable or at all unusual if
you consider that there are certain very special purpose
softwares and custom made hardwares and interfaces out there in
the world of gummint R&D which are certified to operate with very
specific other hardwares and softwares. (as specified..) Toss
this into the blender with a project having billions invested,
and no one dares to substitute a screw in the toilet, much less a
different model of computer.
In the same manner, and to illustrate, I once traded a stack of
15 functional DEC RA-80 disk drives (450 megabytes of storage in
a 190 lb rackmount box -basically worthless and long past
scrapping time) to a reseller for a brand new DEC Alpha worth
$6000 because they had a standing order from a gummint contractor
for those parts, which were 15 years old, and no subs were
allowed per the specs for the system in the contract. You have
possibly seen wording like, "The disk drive shall be xxxx". I
tried to give them RA-90's, much newer, more reliable, and 1GB
each, but no dice. the contract called for RA-80's and that was that.
Same deal, they wanted that model and my company had the best
deal at the time. Don't know what it will be used for, don't want
to know.
Peace through light.
Patrick
Ron wrote:
> OK, so the USAF, OUR cost is no object USAF, the one and the same USAF
> that buys thousand dollar toilet seats and $500 hammers, is buying
> equipment from a contractor who is buying stuff on Ebay to fulfill the
> specifications of some contract for a program of unknown purpose. The
> same type of exhaustive, tedious specifications that run ten pages to
> describe a screw used to hold a bathroom stall together? I must not be
> reading those specification sheets close enough. I must be missing where
> it says the item must be manufactured in the USA OR CAN be purchased
> from an unknown, uncertified US Ebayer supplying a product that is
> guaranteed to not be DOA on arrival as long as it is covered by the
> PayPal Buyer Protection Plan. And not a soap dispenser, or drinking
> glasses, but " cetain (sp) piece of advanced computer equipment."
> And the USAF is good to go with this and has complete knowledge and
> confidence in both the source and quality of the equipment and the
> ability of the contractor to guarantee the equipment and the performance
> of it?
> What next, contract fulfillment by Big Lots and All for A Dollar
> stores? How about Big Louie and 'It fell off a Truck' Bargain Outlets.
> Maybe GL can start selling surplus from one service to fill RFPs and
> IFBs for other branches, and start saving us big bucks while making big
> profits...
>
> Please, I was born at night, but it wasn't last night....
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Patrick Jankowiak"
> <recycler@swbell.net>
> To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List" <mil-veh@mil-veh.org>
> Sent: 04 February, 2005 19:05
> Subject: Re: [MV] Ebay seller
>
>
>> Simple, A contractor in charge of the project did the deal.
>>
>> Ron wrote:
>>
>>> Huhhhhh? HELLO!!! Am I the only one who caught this????
>>> USAF buys stuff on Ebay?
>>> What does the USAF use as an ID? ZOOMIEGUYS or B1rdMen? I'd like to
>>> put them on my favorite sellers search.
>>> What is their feedback rating look like?
>>> Any Negatives? Bet they don't give negatives, just get even?
>>> Do they get pissy about shipping charges?
>>> Do they ever lose an auction?
>>> They have an Ebay store?
>>> Do they bid or prefer 'Buy it now'?
>>> Do they use Pay Pal?
>>>
>>> How about the Army, Navy or USMC?
>>> USCG offer seized dope under 'Buy It Now'?
>>> The possibilities boggle the mind!
>>> Inquiring minds want to know.....
>>>
>>> Ronzo
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Patrick Jankowiak"
>>> <recycler@swbell.net>
>>> To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List" <mil-veh@mil-veh.org>
>>> Sent: 31 January, 2005 23:38
>>> Subject: Re: [MV] Ebay seller
>>>
>>>
>>>> I had some guy from France jerk me around on a cetain piece of
>>>> advanced computer equipment. The auction said ship to USA only (item
>>>> was not exportable) and he failed to provide a USA receiving address
>>>> and got all bent, left complaints in French. I looked the jerk up,
>>>> and he's on a government list of unacceptable trading partners
>>>> because he is apparently a front for those to whom exports of such
>>>> items are not allowed. heh. I am pleased to say that I relisted them
>>>> and it went to a certain USAF program. No, I am not anti-Francois
>>>> (as his comment said), I am anti-evil-empire.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Patrick
>>
>> ===Mil-Veh is a member-supported mailing list===
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>>
>
>
>
> ===Mil-Veh is a member-supported mailing list===
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> To switch to the DIGEST mode, send e-mail to <mil-veh-digest@mil-veh.org>
> To reach a human, contact <ack@mil-veh.org>
>
--Best regards,
Patrick
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