The Indirect-MRO group of the Institute for Supply Management is continuing its 2005 benchmarking survey. The group presented preliminary findings at its annual conference in Seattle in August and is looking for additional input from indirect or MRO buying professionals. The study covers a range of topics from national agreements and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) to use of e-purchasing systems and purchasing cards. To date, preliminary findings show participants expect buying authority to increase this year and continued growth in use of e-purchasing systems to place orders for MRO items. For more information on the study, or to participate, contact Joel Thomas, group chairman, by phone at (479) 527-9062 or email at mrogroup@sbcglobal.net. Participants will receive a copy of the study's results when available.