**FIRST EMAIL**/Seeking Teams for Beta Testing

[Mark McLeod]

Greetings Teams,

As FRC prepares for the 2011 season we are seeking a limited number of teams to assist us by beta testing new software. A very limited number of teams will also be asked to test hardware elements of the control system. Interested teams should complete the Beta Test Application available here https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FVDR9FY by Friday, September 3, 2010 at noon ET.

Beta Test Goals

• Test the features and functions of new elements of the control system to uncover problems and generate solutions
• Develop/refine software libraries, supporting documentation and training materials
• Allow teams to become experts and serve as area leaders to mentor other teams


Team Selection Criteria

* Community - Teams must demonstrate consistent involvement within the FIRST community. A team’s communication network should be in place and will be utilized in this project.

* Vision - Teams must prove they ‘get’ the bigger picture and vision of FIRST and must be prepared to work collaboratively for the betterment of the FRC program.

* Geographical location - FIRST will consider the locations of all teams that apply in an effort to gather diverse feedback and to create experts in as many locations as possible for future mentoring.

Required Beta Test Tasks

* Complete beta test tasks as assigned
* Post findings on the FIRST Forums on a bi-weekly basis
• Be available to answer questions from area teams and the broader FRC community
• Release every piece of code developed
• Agree to return beta test hardware to FIRST immediately upon request.


Selected teams will be notified by September 17, 2010 and beta testing will begin after FIRST receives a signed Disclosure Agreement from the beta test team. Please direct questions regarding submissions to FRCbetatest@usfirst.org.


Go Teams!