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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Two reports received here within the past 72 hours
have got me wondering if the new BEP equipment inventory has any chance of being
satisfactory to anyone who really cares. O</FONT><FONT size=2
face=Arial>ne report comes from a highway vending operator, the other from a
snack bar operator, but both have some striking similarities.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Both operators say that they were never
asked to open any vending machinesfor the inventory takers, a
problem because manufacturer's serial numbers are often accessible
only from inside the units, as well as the fact that additional items for
the inventory may be housed in the cabinet of a vending machine, including but
not limited to video and digital recording equipment used for site security
purposes.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>The other common detail is that the inventory
takers showed no interest in checking storage areas at the vending facilities,
even though storage rooms often contain refrigeration, soft drink service and
other items that may belong on the final inventory. The roadside operator
was told that their presence was not required at the designated time for the
inventory taker's visit. I well remember being asked by my PA for
equipment identification details and opening all store rooms and all
Agency-owned equipment for John McEntee, as he methodically documented the
equipment at the Comstitution Hall facility while I ran it. In fact John's
inventory was notable for its thoroughness in documenting what was present
in the locations and for his documentation of equipment that the BEP
had purchased but that could *Not be located, including various vending machines
and several security systems for highway facilities. John was driven out
of the BEP shortly before he would have completed his work on this
project.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>What kind of accuracy and completeness are we
likely to get under current conditions from two student interns with no
experience in the Program and who are being paid at bargain rates? My
guess is that we'll get what we paid for; and that's not likely to work very
well for anybody, especially those who insist that BS for Blind Persons is doing
everything right and should be held harmless.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Joe Sontag</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>