Software maker GenuOne has released a set of programs designed to help manufacturers crack down on knockoffs for sale in online auctions. This new version of the company's "brand security" software can help identify counterfeit and "gray-market" versions of merchandise and monitors auction sites such as eBay and those on Yahoo for items it suspects are fake. It also detects so-called gray-market sales, or the sale of unused merchandise through unauthorized channels.  The software is aimed at companies that want to protect their brand. In addition to buying the software, customers must pay a monthly subscription fee. The Web-based system is tied to eBay's auction listings database through an interface-licensing agreement with the Web auctioneer, allowing GenuNet to more efficiently comb through thousands of items.  E-mail alerts notify GenuNet subscribers of suspicious listings and prompt them to file a complaint to eBay through Vero, eBay's system for deterring copyright infringement on its site. When the site gets a complaint, it cancels the auction and notifies the seller of the objection; it is then up to the seller to prove that the sale is legitimate for it to be relisted. GenuOne's system can detect the telltale signs of brand infringement for each subscriber, factoring in minimum reserve prices, the quantity of items up for bid, information about the seller, and the use of trademarks and warrantees.  eBay, already the target of a lawsuit related to the sale of knockoffs, has been eager to cooperate with GenuOne, according to company spokepersons.  Rolex filed a suit against eBay's German subsidiary two years ago, alleging that the site's customers sold fake Rolex watches. The suit, which eBay later won, sought an order to ban sales of Rolex watches on the site as well as financial damages. 

Two federal agencies are targeting sites and spammers that promote SARS cures and prevention products, saying they must remove the misleading information or risk penalties. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are warning that people who hawk products related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) could be subject to fines because their claims are not backed up by scientific evidence. The commission said it found 48 sites touting merchandise that claim to protect people against the disease, by offering products such as oregano oil dietary supplements or SARS prevention kits that include things like disinfectant wipes, gloves and masks. The FTC and FDA said such claims are not supported by scientific proof. The FTC said it's found seven types of SARS-related spam in the in-box it's set up for people to report unwanted bulk e-mail. Both agencies said they sent warnings to the sites promoting SARS products and, if these sites ignore the warnings, they  could face penalties including criminal charges, civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation or a requirement that they repay customers.

Internet payment firm Paycom Billing Services has filed a lawsuit against MasterCard, alleging the credit card issuer committed fraud when processing merchants' online transactions. Paycom claims that MasterCard used its "monopolistic...power to illegally impose fines and penalties in the millions of dollars" when processing merchants' online sales and is seeking more than $23 million in damages. Paycom's lawsuit comes on the heels of a $1 billion settlement MasterCard reached earlier this month with Wal-Mart and Sears over allegations the credit card giant added excessive fees to debit card transactions. In the lawsuit, Paycom said MasterCard charges Internet merchants transaction fees much higher than those charged to traditional retailers, where customers pay with cash or checks.  MasterCard said that the suit is without merit and the company's rules are meant to "protect merchants by requiring that the (customer) promptly pay its merchant for all MasterCard transactions and by affording certain protections against bogus cardholder complaints." Meanwhile, Paycom has received inquiries from more than 24 online merchants and attorneys about filing their own lawsuits or joining Paycom for a class-action suit.

PROCUREMENT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The following is a listing of recently published technology procurement or Federally funded opportunities with various governmental entities.  We hope our readers take the opportunity to investigate these postings and increase their business:

GSA - Federal Supply Service (FSS)
Information Technology Acquisition Center  (FCI)
70 -- Multiple Award Schedule 70 General Purpose Commercial Information Technology Equipment, Software and Services Solicitation 01, Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/GSA/FSS/FCI/FCIS%2DJB%2D980001B/listing.html

HHS
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Acquisition and Assistance Field Branch (Pittsburgh)
A--System Safety Approach to Information Management Systems for Rescue/Recovery/ and Restoration Operations Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/CDCP/CMBP/200%2D2002%2D00527/listing.html

DON - Naval Sea Systems Command
NUWC Division Newport
R -- Engineering and technical services for environmental, safety and occupational health, operational security, and facility-related programs. Solicitation 01 http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N66604/N66604%2D03%2DR%2D3701/listing.html

DON - Naval Sea Systems Command
NUWC Division Newport
D -- Automated Information Service Maintenance and Repair
Solicitation 01
http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N66604/N66604%2D03%2DR%2D0972/listing.html

DON - Naval Sea Systems Command
NUWC Keyport Division
70--Configuration Management Database
Solicitation 01
http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N00253/N0025303R0021/listing.html

DON - Naval Sea Systems Command
NSWC Carderock Division
R--Training Development Support Services|
Solicitation 01
http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N00167/N6554003R0060/listing.html

DHS-DR - United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Commanding Officer (a-3), Headquarters Support Command
99 -- Equipment and the associated installation for an integrated audio/video teleconference and computer system Solicitation 01, Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DHS%2DDR/USCG/COA3HSC/
DTCGG8%2D03%2DQ%2DHCB007/listing.html

USA - U. S. Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center R--Market Survey for HUBZone Sources to Provide Various System/Data Base Management/Support Services Synopsis
http://www.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAB07/DAAB07%2D03%2DR%2DD446/listing.html

GSA - Federal Technology Service (FTS)
Acquisition Services Division (3TS)
70 -- VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT CAPABILITY IN SUPPORT OF DEFENSE SECURITY SERVICE Modification 01 http://www.eps.gov/spg/GSA/FTS/ASD3TS/Reference%2DNumber
%2DGS%2D03%2DT%2D02%2DR%2D0010/listing.html

HUD - Office of Procurement and Contracts (OPC)
Administrative Support Division, NCA
R -- Motion Video Tape Production Services
Solicitation 01
http://www.eps.gov/spg/HUD/OPC/ASDNCA/R%2DOPC%2D22355/listing.html

USAF - Direct Reporting Units
11th CONS
T -- Video Services
Synopsis
http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/DRU/11CONS/F6015131040100/listing.html