How often is the CFR text updated in GavindexTM CFR? 
 
  We are announcing Release 2.1 which makes daily updates (dufr™) from the Federal Register a reality. GavindexTM CFR is an accurate electronically enhanced republication of the official CFR, printed annaully. The Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration updates (codifies) the CFR as follows: "...Each book of the Code shall be updated at least once each calendar year..." (1CFR Part 8). This great combination (official codified CFR text and Federal Register updates) can save hours of research every week. 
 
  How important is update frequency? 
 
  The issue is not update frequency by itself, it is having accurate electronic regulations which are easy to use. It may surprise you that several of the over 200 CFR volumes do not change at all in a year's time, and many more have very few changes. For example, from 1994 to 1995 only 1 paragraph out of 6,168 total paragraphs (less than 0.02%) in a whole volume of important drug regulations was changed by the Federal Register. With today's dufr TM file for a given CFR volume, you have at your fingertips the very latest regulatory text available. Competitive products claim to modify the CFR text based on Federal Register updates. You should verify the accuracy before you trust your business to unofficial codification.  
 
  What is dufr TM? 
 
  Update data files from the Daily Federal Register. Gavin Research has announced the next release of Gavindex TM CFR, Release 2.1! A major enhancement over Release 1.07, Release 2.1 features exclusive daily updates from the Federal Register, called dufrTM. This new update technology is fast, easy to use, and provides the actual official Federal Register article for every CFR update. 
 
  Isn't the CFR available for free on the Internet? 
 
  The US House of Representatives, through its Chief Administrative Officer, has made the CFR text available on the Internet's World Wide Web. Please be aware that as of our last analysis, there is no warning as to how far out of date the text is. Around mid 1996, it was at least two years out of date. It is an Internet version of a computer mainframe "pseudo CFR". In late 1996, the U. S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has added limited titles and volumes of the CFR. Unlike the House site, the GPO Access site contains official electronic CFR text in the form of Portable Document Format (PDF) files. This site does not allow browsing of the text. We prefer to characterize it as an offical electronic article server, and we use it to obtain the official Federal Register articles included in dufr™ update files. 
 
  What is "pseudo CFR"? 
 
  "Pseudo CFR" is a version of the CFR which contains changes to the text (deliberately inserted) or errors in the CFR text. Reasons include the lack of capability to handle CFR complexities like tables and special characters, or limitations of computer technology (for example, DOS cannot provide accurate CFR for lack of special characters). 
 
  Is GavindexTM CFR a "pseudo CFR product"? 
 
  No. GavindexTM CFR is the only Accurate Text electronically enhanced CFR. Other CFR products (for example, Counterpoint, and OSHA regulations on CD-ROM from the US Government Printing Office) contain alterations or errors. At least one Internet site warns users about data corruption. 
 
  Other products contain errors in official CFR text? 
 
  Yes. For example, the OSHA regulations on CD-ROM sold by the Government Printing Office includes an error in an important formula. The same formula in GavindexTM CFR is accurate. 
 
  How do you do it? 
 
  Our superior technology is the result of years of smart planning and development. For example, GavindexTM CFR includes two special Windows font sets containing special characters not otherwise available. Without these special characters, an electronic CFR cannot be accurate. 
 
  What does GavindexTM CFR offer that the Internet does not? 
 
  Speed, accuracy, ease of use, and our exclusive CodeLink technology for Cross Reference Hypertext. Also, GavindexTM CFR is up to date with the latest published CFR volumes. Gavindex TM CFR includes bookmarks, an outline with total outline control, CFR locator bar, screen and print font control, laptop portability, much more. Think of Gavindex TM CFR as your personal electronically enhanced CFR. 
 
  So why buy GavindexTM CFR instead of using the Internet? 
 
  If understanding, using and complying with federal regulations is important to your success, you should invest in the professional, accurate, up-to-date choice, GavindexTM CFR. If compliance is not important, if your need is only occasional, or if accuracy of the regulatory text is not important, you should consider using the Internet. 
 
  Can I get training for my staff in how to use GavindexTM CFR? 
 
  Yes, but nearly all our customers find they do not need it, because it is so easy to use. Gavin Research , Inc. offers three options for in-house training of your staff. They are Basic User Training, a 2 hour group lecture with live demonstration; Standard User Training, a 2 hour small group training in a hands-on computer laboratory situation, and Advanced User Training, a 4 hour, small group, hands-on computer training including advanced techniques. In addition, customized training programs are available. 
 
  Does GavindexTM CFR include a manual? 
 
  Yes. Our 300 page manual was carefully designed and written for the non-expert computer user. Extensive review by Gavin Research, Inc. staff included technical review by the development staff, and page by page validation testing by a third party. A manual is not included with GavindexTM CFR LT, but one may be special ordered. 
 
  Does GavindexTM CFR require a CD-ROM? 
 
  No. The program itself ships on two disks. Individual CFR volumes ship on 1-4 disks, depending on the volume. If your computer does not have a CD-ROM, GavindexTM CFR is perfect for you. For larger CFR Title Sets, CD-ROM is available as an alternate media. 
New for 1998: By special request, you can obtain ZIP compatible and LS-120 Super Drive compatible installation media. 
 
  Why the hype about CodeLink CFR Cross References? 
 
  The CFR contains extensive cross references. They make the regulations extremely hard to use and understand. For example, a one paragraph in the drug regulations contains a single sentence with 15 cross references to regulations which determine if the product could be seized by the federal government for criminal non-compliance with regulatory requirements. In that case, it is very important to understand the meaning of the text. 

There are 13 levels in the CFR outline structure. A cross reference can be to any of the 13 levels, and finding one by hand in the printed book can take several minutes or more of tedious work. With GavindexTM CFR, simply double click on the cross reference, and CodeLink does all the work for you. The difference is amazing. 
 
  Do other CFR products have Cross References? 
 
  We have seen a product which is pre-linked for one cross reference style at one outline level out of the many possible styles. It is a little better than nothing. GavindexTM CFR handles 48 styles of cross references. 
 
  What are GavindexTM CFR Bytes? 
 
  GavindexTM CFR Bytes are custom selected portions of individual CFR volumes, available separately. CFR Bytes can be selected to meet special regulatory needs. If your company is in the cosmetic business, the pertinent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations are in the CFR volume containing Biologics. You may order just the cosmetics regulations as a CFR Byte. 
 
  Are Agency Guidelines available with GavindexTM CFR? 
 
  Yes. All GavindexTM CFR software now supports Agency Guidelines. Agency Guidelines are documents issued directly by individual agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration. Guideline documents may be as short as a few pages, or much longer. They enhance regulatory understanding by elaborating on or clarifying the regulatory text. In some cases, guidelines are more current and more pertinent than the regulatory text because they reflect the latest agency enforcement initiative. 
 
  Can I Cross Reference from Agency Guidelines directly to the CFR? 
 
  Yes. The powerful CodeLink CFR Cross Reference Hypertext feature works great in the text of a guideline. Most guidelines refer frequently to the regulatory text. Simply double click on a CFR reference in an Agency Guideline, and GavindexTM CFR will launch a Hypertext Cross Reference window showing the precise cross referenced CFR text .This is a major advantage of GavindexTM CFR that is not available on the Internet or in any other commercial product. 
 
  Is there a light version of GavindexTM CFR? 
 
  Yes. We are currently shipping a new version called GavindexTM CFR LT, an economy version. It uses the same CFR volumes, features many of the capabilities of GavindexTM CFR, but at a lower cost of ownership. GavindexTM CFR LT sells for $149. 
 
  Call 1-800-700-5147 for more details. 

Documented last updated: 3/98. 
 
 
Copyright © 1998, Gavin Research, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GRI is prohibited. GavindexTM CFR and dufrTM are trademarks of Gavin Research, Inc.