Picking Mark IV Optics -- Buying option

["Griffing, Dan" <DAN.GRIFFING@kla-tencor.com>]

Tom

As I understand it, the Mark IV goal is
to the following system requirements:

1.	a large number of systems - 40
2.	undistorted field of view 4degrees
3.	limiting magnitude - 15 or whatever.
4.	optical resolution 7.2 arc-seconds per pixel (assuming 2k sq.
CCD)
5.	cost

Even if the Mark IV requirements are different from above, we should
know what they are for the sake of comparing alternatives.

It seems to me that TASS should issue an RFQ to all the competing
scope manufacturers foreign and domestic for a specialized quote of
whatever will meet the Mark IV needs.  In the request TASS should 
request an evaluation unit to prove the quoted optics will meet TASS 
needs. The quote would also offer the winner of the bid all of the 
exclusive and free advertising that would come from having their 
optics used in so significant a project especially when it will be 
agreed to that their names will be used in all articles that result 
from the Mark IV survey.

With the quantity of business TASS will be offering and the winning
selection and the new business they will get as a result of their
mention
in TASS articles, there should be a lot of motivation by competing 
companies to give TASS exactly what it needs at a reasonable cost.

This is a standard practice for the businesses I've worked for get 
the best products and prices from their suppliers.  Its no different
for the competitive amateur astronomy industry.

Dan Griffing