International Logistics

Metrica, Inc. has developed a very strong capability for assisting Americans in new overseas assignments, particularly in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union where the logistical environment is difficult. The Company provides support through a coordinating staff located in Arlington, Virginia, and a well established network of affiliates throughout Asia and Eastern Europe.

Services

Metrica supports resident American technical advisors and representatives from government agencies, businesses, and international organizations. Metrica also offers its logistical services to prospective clients in other international locations throughout the world, and has supported clients with short-term missions in Panama and Western Europe. The Company's services include:

Shipping of Household Goods – Metrica's subcontractor in the United States arranges for door-to-door shipment of household goods to and from assignment countries.

Customs – Metrica's clients are assisted in getting household effects and other items through the customs of the host country.

Housing – Apartments or single family residences are found. Metrica's affiliates manage the leases, carry out renovations and maintain the residences, assist in purchasing furniture, and serve as a channel through which all housing services can be obtained.

Translation and Interpretation – Qualified translators and interpreters are provided upon request.

Transportation – Cars and drivers are provided upon request, including full-time drivers with vehicles.

Health Information – Information on hospitals, doctors, medivacs, and health problems such as quality of water is available through the affiliate.

Communication –- Metrica has a contract with an international mail service for packages and letters to be sent overseas. The Company maintains a Post Office box to receive mail from U.S. origins, which is then forwarded to clients by the mail service once per week. Mail coming from the client to U.S. recipients is received from the mail service and put into the U.S. mail system. Metrica also arranges for e-mail service and for "international" telephone lines in host countries.

Office Space – Assistance is provided in locating office space and renovating and furnishing it to the satisfaction of the client.

Office Equipment – Computers, fax machines, copiers, telecommunication equipment, and other equipment such as answering machines are found through local sources or are imported. Equipment is stored and/or shipped for the client when he leaves the country.

Equipment Servicing –- Repair and maintenance of computers and other office equipment through local sources are provided.

Personnel – Metrica's affiliates provide personnel at all levels for the clients. The personnel take their day-to-day instructions from the client but remain employees of the affiliate. The affiliate is responsible for questions of labor laws, taxation, promotion, pay, and discipline.

Security – Arrangements are made for bars on windows, security audits, alarm systems, and strong doors on residences when such is needed. The affiliate is a 24-hour contact for problems such as accidents, police confrontations, or other security and safety questions.

Conference Services – Arrangements can be made for conferences and meetings. Meeting places are found for the client; simultaneous translation equipment rented; reception, food, and beverage services; and other services such as temporary secretarial support can be provided.

Meeting and Conference Support

Metrica's experience with formal meetings and conferences can be divided into: 1) management and administrative support of a formal research policy committee over a long period of time, 2) administrative support for the scientific review of proposals in large international research programs, and 3) logistic support and management of international conferences and meetings in Europe and the United States. Over a period of 12 years, the Company has developed very significant capabilities in providing administrative support to this broad range of international committees. Metrica's involvement with the AID Research Advisory Committee lasted for seven years. For a period of six years, research review panels organized by Metrica staff examined proposals and selected research to be funded in large international research program funded by AID. Because of its emphasis on assisting resident advisors in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Metrica started slowly in its work with conferences and committees in 1991; but by the year 2001, 33 conference "events" were organized in Europe, Washington, New York, and Philadelphia for just one U.S. Government agency alone. The capabilities developed in each case are discussed more fully below to illustrate the depth of Metrica's strength in this field.

Grants Management and International Research Programs

Metrica offers excellent services in managing grants, especially those with an international component. For eight years, Metrica has provided support for research programs that involve collaboration of U.S. scientists and researchers in developing countries. Metrica staff receive proposals, arrange for peer review of proposals, communicate review decisions to the researchers, keep track of financial outlays for funded research projects, and monitor reporting requirements for each proposal. Metrica has a data base of more than 1,000 scientists from which reviewers are selected. Other data bases are maintained to manage the proposal review process. Metrica also has developed capabilities in the management of scientific committees. For several years, the Company provided management support for a large research advisory committee for one government agency. Agendas were set, meeting places were found, guest scientists were invited to participate in the meeting, subcommittee meetings were organized, and all logistical arrangements were made. This service is still available through the international staff in Arlington, Virginia.

Metrica's International Logistics Services are under LOGWORLD on GSA FSS Consolidated Schedule.

Metrica's Supply and Value Chain Management Logistics.

Metrica's Move Management Services are under the Employee Relocation Services of GSA FSS Schedule 48.

Logistics Support Services.