Merger between RAMS and FIE creates the largest electronic research administration company in the U.S.

GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1996--On Oct. 1, 1996, Research Administration Management Systems Inc. (RAMS) merged with Federal Information Exchange Inc. (FIE).

RAMS has been the leader in research administration software since 1985, while FIE designed the systems used by the federal government to announce research funding opportunities. John Rodman and Michael Mongan, the owners of the merged corporation, RAMS-FIE, expect more than $5.0 million in total revenue in 1997.

The merger produces the largest company solely dedicated to electronic research administration with 35 full-time professionals. According to Rodman, "Combining the expertise and products of each company makes a much more effective and efficient organization to better serve its academic and government customers."

In addition, RAMS-FIE now boasts the widest range of research administration products and services available from a single company, including:

-- FEDIX - An on-line World-Wide Web service to identify

federal funding opportunities (http://web.fie.com)

-- Federal Opportunity Alert - An on-line service that provides

updated e-mail announcements of funding opportunities

to over 18,000 subscribers.

-- MOLIS - An on-line database service to identify research

capabilities, faculty profiles, scholarships and

fellowships of minority institutions.

-- RMS - The most popular electronic research administration

software system in use.

-- NextERA - An SQL-based, Windows research administration

system that builds upon the RMS system.

-- ERA Education - Seminars, workshops and consulting services

for implementing electronic research administration.

By combining the resources of both companies, RAMS-FIE is at the forefront of electronic research administration. Mongan commented that, "By merging we are better able to facilitate the electronic exchange of grant/contract information between the federal government and research administrators throughout the nation's colleges, universities and private industry."

CONTACT: Federal Information Exchange Inc.

Adam Waugh, 301/975-0103