Hi Friend,

 
Program Updates, Deadlines & Reminders 
 
FIRST® Robotics Competition presented by Novelis Kickoff: ICYMI, we launched the CHARGED UPSM presented by Haas game, part of the FIRST® ENERGIZESM presented by Qualcomm season, over the weekend! Check out the broadcast and the energizing game details before you start designing, prototyping, and building on the Game & Season page. 
 
Important! Missing or Damaged parts: The Kickoff Kit replacement parts process closes Friday, January 13, at 12 Noon Eastern Time. If you’re a “MySite” team who received your kit after January 10, please email us at frcparts@firstinspires.org within two (2) business days of receipt of your Kickoff Kit with any missing/damaged items. For more information about this process please check the Kit of Parts page.
 
Official Q&A is Open: The official FIRST Robotics Competition Q&A opened Wednesday, January 11, at 12 Noon Eastern Time. The Q&A is the place to ask your questions about the game and event rules, awards, drawings, inspection, and get official answers. For more information check the blog.
 
Team Updates: The first Team Update has been posted! We would also like to remind teams to check the Season Materials page often for Team Updates released throughout the build season, or sign up to receive email notifications when new Team Updates are posted.
 
Deadline approaching! FIRST Choice: Round 2 of FIRST Choice opened Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 12 Noon Eastern Time and will close on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 12 Noon Eastern Time.  More information is available on the Kit of Parts page.
 
Deadline approaching! Digital Animation Award sponsored by AutomationDirect.com: Submissions for the Digital Animation Award are open through January 19, 2023. Submission requirements and details can be found on the Digital Animation Award webpage.
 
 
FIRST Updates
 
Holiday Hours:  FIRST Headquarters will close at 3PM Eastern Time on Friday, January 13, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 8:30AM Eastern Time.
2023 FIRST Championship Team Housing: Team housing for the 2023 FIRST Championship is now available. Explore more than 30 hotel locations to find guaranteed low rates at FIRST-reviewed and sanctioned hotels close to the convention center. When you book with FIRST, you and your team will also enjoy special amenities at most hotels including complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking.
 
 
Community Engagement  
 
Scholarship Reminder: The Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship for students pursuing biomedical engineering or medicine application closes on February 1 at 11:59PM Eastern Time. Learn more about this and other available scholarship opportunities on the FIRST Scholarship page.  
 
 
As always, we are here to help. Please contact our Customer Support Team with any questions.   
 
 
Sincerely,  
 
FIRST® Robotics Competition Team Support