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WV technology Firm Develops Software for U.S. Census Bureau

PR Newswire - May 4, 2000

Millions of bits of information from millions of U.S. residents completing the 2000 Census will be translated into useable, managed data using a software encoding system developed by Wheeling, WV-based HGO Technology, Inc. and implemented
by the U.S. Bureau of the Census (BOC).

The HGO system, through efficient, low-error data encoding, potentially can save $12 million in taxpayer costs for training and staff processing. It will be used on data collected by the BOC from more than 30 million long-form census surveys. The
West Virginia firm's production-level software won out over competitive versions from Canada, France, Australia and other U.S. companies.

HGO, an information technology firm, has developed the Standard Occupation & Industry Coding (SOIC) system in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). The system classifies occupation and
industry responses from the census forms with a standardized coding scheme.

The BOC awarded HGO NIOSH a contract for a production-level AutoCoder in March, 1999. The AutoCoder exceeds BOC production standards for the system to code data at a low error-rate. Errors in coding require manual reprocessing. BOC estimates that every production percentage point achieved by the AutoCoder saves about $1 million in training and staffing taxpayer costs.

HGO's extensive experience in code-assignment software began in 1993 with a NIOSH contract to code cancer registry and death certificate vital records. The coded data is used to identify industries and occupations at risk for work-related injuries and
diseases. Researchers use the data to prioritize means of making safer work environments. It is used by 25 cancer registries, 26 states and 42 other government agencies.

"Such a coding system for critical census and vital statistics information has been a long standing need. This successful solution is a collaborative effort of government and private IT expertise," James O'Malley, HGO president, said.



Governor Underwood Visits HGO

Governor Lauds HGO Technology $7.9 Million CDC Contract

Wheeling, WV. September 9, 1998-----Gov.Cecil H. Underwood was in Wheeling today to congratulate HGO Technology, Inc. for winning a $7.9 million contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA.

Under the contract, HGO will provide computer systems analysts, programmers, and biostatisticians to support the CDC's Morgantown, WV research laboratory operated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contract will be managed from HGO's Morgantown, WV office.

NIOSH's mission, in general, is to be attentive to, involved with, and strive for elimination of anything that is potentially unsafe or hazardous in the work environment.

HGO's staff are currently working on projects that include developing new methods for measuring airborne contaminants; developing online electronic catalogs for records management; developing artificial intelligence systems to categorize nationwide occupational data, and creating internet and intranet systems for data assimilation to the public. This newly awarded contract will sustain approximately 26 existing positions and create 10 new positions. HGO currently employees a staff of 80 persons.

Governor Underwood, who has been an aggressive advocate of technology development in West Virginia, cited HGO Technology as a premier high tech
company that has expanded the skilled job base and is pushing technology creativity and quality in the state.

U.S. Senator Robert Byrd and U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan also conveyed personal best wishes to the computerization firm for securing the pact in a competitive process that lasted approximately six months and involved nationwide competition.

"We are particularly pleased to have won this contract in light of the procurement requirements for the past performance and value-added work that had to be
met," James O'Malley, HGO President said.

O'Malley credited the firm's entire staff for stellar work. He said the firm's greatest competitive advantage is the human asset and high tech expertise each HGO
employee brings to the team.

Since Governor Underwood's Platform cited technology development and transfer as a priority for his administration, it is only appropriate that he join in this function.

"In 1990, I attended HGO's first CDC contract award ceremony. With their many new contracts since then, HGO is proof that West Virginia high tech companies can grow and prosper by establishing a reputation from their past performance that enables them to participate and win highly competitive contracts nationwide," Underwood said.

In 1996, HGO was awarded a $5.5 million, five-year automated data processing support contract from CDC for support to their NIOSH laboratory in Cincinnati,
Ohio and in 1995 they were awarded a $2.5 million five-year subcontract with NIOSH for videoconferencing, networking and hardware support for their Morgantown and Cincinnati locations.

HGO is a computerization consulting, network engineering, and software development firm handling Government and private sector clients that include CDC, FAA, U.S. Bureau of Census, NASA, Miles Corp., Ormet Corporation, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, and NGK Sparkplug MFG.

The firm is an award-winning, high growth, technology company that has been honored as one of West Virginia's Ten Best Businesses - 1995; Ernst and Young
Technology Entrepreneur of the year - 1997; Inc/MCI Positive Performer of the Year finalist - 1996; and W.H. Blair Academy Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
awardee. HGO's president, James O'Malley, is also a member of the Governor's ten-member Science and Technology Advisory Council and chairs the information
technologies subcommittee.