It's the first play commissioned by South Coast Repertory for members of its acting company. It's a satirical comedy about the floundering U.S. defense industry. It's a world premiere, scheduled to open Jan. 24. It's BAFO, a new play by the author of Dog Logic, Tom Strelich.

In BAFO (an acronym for Best And Final Offer), four veteran employees of a military contractor prepare to present a new government project. The problem: Who needs weapons when there's no threat?

Strelich (pronounced stre'-litch), who began writing plays "on a dare," has written Water Memory, Embarcadero Fugue and Neon Psalms, the latter of which premiered at San Francisco's Magic Theatre. Dog Logic, which played Off-Broadway, world-premiered at South Coast Rep in 1988 and was also staged by BAFO director, Martin Benson.

Appearing in BAFO will be Ron Boussom, Richard Doyle, Art Koustik, Hal Landon Jr., Susan Patterson and Don Took. The designers are John Iacovelli (sets), Todd Roehrman (costumes), Lonnie Alcaraz (lighting) and Garth Hemphill (sound). Jerry Patch and John Glore will serve as dramaturgs.

For tickets ($18-$39) and information on BAFO, playing at South Coast Rep's Second Stage through Feb. 23, call (714) 957-4033, or refer to the South Coast Repertory regional listing on Playbill On-Line. --By David Lefkowitz