FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

This is a long one; sorry for that. On the other hand, it’s a one stop shop for pre-Kickoff information about the 2018 Kit of Parts (I promise that by writing that, I’m guaranteeing at least another few updates before Kickoff to the info below, FRC Team 4042 could explain).

The KOP is a term that’s evolved to mean “stuff we get from companies on behalf of, and provide to, FIRST Robotics Competition Teams.” These items then get to you, our customers, via three different methods:

• the Kickoff Kit: items that we pack in totes (mostly in totes, there are typically exceptions for late or big items) and distributed to Teams at local Kickoff sites. There are two permutations of this – one set of items that goes to all Teams and a second container that goes to 1^st year, aka “Rookie,” Teams
• FIRST Choice: FIRST Choice consists of an online menu of items available to 2018 FIRST Robotics Competition Teams, and it’s hosted by our friends at AndyMark (for free!). Its purpose is to make available a variety of goodies that Suppliers cannot provide in volumes to support all Kickoff Kits. Instead, Teams use a limited number of credits to pick and choose the items they prefer. Because of the limited inventory, we typically run out of popular items, but we’d rather make a variety of items in limited quantities available than none at all.
• the Virtual Kit: items donated by Suppliers, but don’t actually come to FIRST for redistribution. Custom orders (like Bimba cylinders), software downloads, and Product Donation Vouchers all fit this category.

New FRC Kit of Parts Webpage

We’re migrating the content surrounding the FRC Kit of Parts from its home as a Resource Library page (like the 2017 content here) to a Basic Page on the FIRST website. That doesn’t need to mean anything to you, but hopefully it results in an easier-to-use resource for new and seasoned users. It’ll go live tomorrow at noon (Eastern). Please share your feedback/suggestions via frcteamadvocate@firstinspires.org.

Virtual Kit – PreKickoff Release

There are various ways to acquire these resources, and details will be included in the Virtual Kit of Parts section of the new Kit of Parts site when it’s posted tomorrow at noon. Some vouchers/licenses will require your team’s code/key/password, which will be visible to your team’s Lead Mentors/Coaches 1 and 2 in their registration accounts at the same time (assuming your team has secured payment).

If you’re not secured by Thursday, don’t worry. As soon as your team’s paid up, the access codes/passwords will become live in your team’s registration account.

We’ll post additional items on Kickoff day, so make sure to check back then.

FIRST Choice

FIRST Choice is back with a very similar rollout to previous years. That detail is now posted in the FIRST Choice section of the Kit of Parts page, so check it out for all the nitty gritty. Based on our experience from previous seasons, we believe that what the Priority List process lacks in simplicity, it makes up for in user experience and satisfaction. The Priority List is optional, and the deadline for Round 1 Priority Lists is noon (Eastern Time) on Monday, December 4, 2017.

Astute lead 1 and 2 mentors/coaches may notice that their team’s FIRST Choice login credentials will be available before Round 1. We plan to include them with the Pre-Kickoff Voucher release on 11/16. So, while you won’t be able to start your priority lists, you’ll be able to use the credentials you see to login to AndyMark’s FIRST Choice site, enter a payment method for shipping only, and add your billing and shipping addresses so you are ready to hit the Round 1 ground running.

A little disclosure: Any motors you see available in Round 1; you can assume they’ll be legal on your robot.

So, the timeline for FIRST Choice is as follows:

Round 1

Traditional Ordering

Round 2

Traditional Ordering

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank AndyMark for their generosity and commitment to improving the FIRST Choice experience. They donate such a valuable service, and we’re so happy they’ve continued their support.  

If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to ask in the comments below. 

Our thanks to all our Suppliers who make the Kit of Parts happen each year!