**IMPORTANT FIRST EMAIL**/Information on Missing Parts, Championship Wait List Regist

[miketwalker]

Greetings Teams:

We have some very important information to share with you below.

I Missing Parts

Thank you all for your patience as FIRST processes the missing parts checklists you submitted by the extended deadline of close of business, January 20, 2004.

FIRST has completed the assessment of the submitted missing parts checklists. For the parts that we have in inventory, we have completed individual team parts packing lists and will begin shipping out critical parts by 2-day Federal Express to teams starting today, January 23rd into Monday, January 26th. Due to the volume of requests, FIRST will focus on shipping only key, critical parts and whole bags. To expedite this process, smaller, non-critical parts (bolts, washers, connectors, and wire) will not be sent out and should be procured by the teams.

Based on the established competition schedule, FIRST has decided not to extend the robot ship date even though this may be inconvenient for a number of teams.

As FIRST grows, we are continually searching for new ways to meet the demand in the FIRST Robotics Competition and still provide the quality service to which you have all become accustomed. As a result of outsourcing the kit packing for the first time ever and late delivery of parts, FIRST experienced an unexpected volume of parts missing from team kits this year. We regret any inconvenience caused by the missing kit parts and welcome suggestions for improvement at future team forums.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

II Championship Wait List Opens

The registration system will open Wednesday, January 28 at 12:00 noon EST to allow teams to put themselves on a wait list for the Championship event. The close date is undetermined, but teams will be given sufficient notice prior to its closing. This wait list will be used to fill remaining slots not taken by teams that qualify at the regional events. Selection criteria will be by tier (as originally done) and then by the date the team went on the wait list.

III FRC Scholarships Information

As you all heard at the 2004 FRC Kickoff event, Dean Kamen has challenged you to complete an important assignment: apply for a FIRST scholarship. This year FIRST is proud to partner with close to 40 colleges and universities, several companies and professional associations to offer over 180 scholarship opportunities exclusively to FIRST participants.

You can answer Dean's call by visiting the FIRST website to view the details and application requirements for these scholarships. You will find the page has recently been updated to include our newest offering from the University of the Pacific.

Help FIRST show our scholarship partners how much we value their support by visiting the website and applying today!

http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2004...hipsummary.htm

If you have any questions, feel free to email Catherine Attardo at FIRST (Catherine@usfirst.org)

IV Reminder - Second and Remaining Events Payment Deadline

Please remember that all additional event payments are due to FIRST by January 30, 2004. A check or credit card payment must be in our office by this date. Please Note: Purchase orders will not be accepted as final payment. If payments are not received by the 30th, you risk loosing your spot in the competition.

Please send checks Attn: Finance, 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101 or call with credit card payment to 800-871-8326, ext. #414 or #415. You can confirm receipt of your event payment by checking the Team Information Management System at my.usfirst.org

Go Teams!