Synopsis

A -- USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS SOLICITATION NO. 27-2006 - USPSC PROGRAM LIAISON MANAGER SOL 27-2006 DUE 102506 POP Personnel Office, USAID/CAR Almaty, 41 Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 050010 KAZAKHSTAN NAICS: 541990 ISSUANCE DATE: 09/28/2006 CLOSING DATE: 10/25/2006 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 27-2006 USPSC Program Liaison Manager, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Astana, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, PersonnelSpecialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 27/2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 27-2006 2.ISSUANCE DATE: 09/28/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 10/25/2006 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM LIAISON MANAGER 5. MARKET VALUE: $65,832 - $85,578 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Astana, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background USAID?s Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government?s assistance programs in the five Central Asian Republics. The USAID/CAR portfolio focuses on promoting more effective and democratic governance; advancing economic reforms and expanding economic opportunities?to include energy, water and agricultural activities; and supporting social sector reforms, improving access to quality health and education services, and addressing the threat of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Avian Flu). The USAID/CAR Mission is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Country Offices in Tashkent, Dushanbe, Bishkek and Ashgabat. The USAID/CAR office in Almaty plays the dual role of Regional Headquarters and Country Office for Kazakhstan. To facilitate this latter role, USAID has established a staff presence in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Note: The U.S. Embassy will transferto Astana, which has been the official capital of Kazakhstan since 1998, in September 2006. The US has three strategic interests in Kazakhstan: Security interests to achieve regional stability; economic, democracy, and social reforms to attract and sustain foreign investment and to improve opportunities for the citizens of Kazakhstan to participate openly and effectively in civic life (all of which establish long-term stability); and the development of Central Asia?s very significant energy resources. Within this overall USG strategy, USAID assistance will focus on the goal of advancing democratic and market economic reforms. This focus will promote the development of sustainable social services and work on solidifying Kazakhstan?s role as an economic reform leader in Central Asia in order to broaden the benefits of Kazakhstan?s economic growth and energy resources to the other countries of Central Asia. USAID?s $20 million/year assistance program in Kazakhstan is expected to comprise the following elements: 1) Economic Sector: Increase Trade and Investment ? Assistance to help Kazakhstan to come into compliance with the WTO and increase its trade and transit volumes. Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment ? Assistance for policy reforms to improve and increase transparency in government budget formulation, intergovernmental finance, and management of public expenditures. Assistance to broaden economicopportunities through improving the business environment and increasing access to business information, knowledge and skills. Assistance will also support development of electricity marketing mechanisms to facilitate regional power trade within Central Asia and specifically with South Asia power markets. Improve Private Sector Competitiveness ? Assistance will support small and medium enterprise development and growth, which is vital to diversification and broadening the benefits of economic growth. 2) Democracy Sector: Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom Of Information ? Encourage continued government respect for freedom ofassociation, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent, and providelegal and other assistance to promote a supportive environment for independent media and civil society organizations. Protect Human Rights ? Encourage continued government respect for freedom of association, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent. Strengthen Civil Society ? Cultivate local civic activism on key policy issues at the grassroots level; and facilitate coalition building among NGOs to become better advocates for national level policy reforms. Strengthen Democratic Political Parties ? Support Kazakhstan?s efforts to implement changes in the structure of its governing systems that increase accountability and transparency, such as direct elections for local government officials. 3) Social Sector: Address Other Health Vulnerabilities/Enhance Health Systems Capacity ? Ensure the institutionalization and sustainability of primary health care system reforms related to financing, family medicine, evidence-based medicine, and quality primary health care. Reduce Transmission and Impact of HIV/AIDS ? Technical assistance with implementation of HIV grants from the Global Fund (GFATM), strengthening HIV surveillance, and improving blood safety systems. Prevent and Control Infectious Diseases of Major Importance ? Assist the continued expansion of the DOTS program for TB control within the penitentiary system; maintain work to achieve global targets for treatment success and case detection in selected oblasts; continuation of the multi-drug resistant TB pilot program; improve surveillance systems; and strengthen Government?s ability to respond to emerging threats. Improve Child Survival, Health, and Nutrition ? Technical assistance to improve health services for integrated management of childhood illnesses, includingthe development of clinical practice guidelines based on international standards and provider training. Improve Maternal Health and Nutrition ? Pilot projects on safe motherhood to demonstrate WHO-recommended strategies for decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. Reduce Unintended Pregnancy And Improve Healthy Reproductive Behavior ? Pilot projects on improving access to family planning counseling and commodities to decrease abortion rates. B. Basic Functions The Program Liaison Manager will act as the Mission Program Office representative and senior USAID staff member in Astana. The Program Office?s principal functions include: (a) strategy and program development processes; (b) monitoring and evaluationof program performance; (c) management of program budgets; (d) coordination of Mission reporting requirements; (e) liaison and coordination with other USG agencies and donors; and (f) preparation and dissemination of public information material. The incumbent will lead or contribute to Kazakhstan-specific tasks related to the above functions. Additionally, the incumbent will act as USAID?s working-level representative on the Embassy Country Team, providing two-way liaison between Embassy sections and USAID technical and support staff based in Almaty. Likewise, the incumbent will be the day-to-day interlocutor between Embassy leadership and USAID Mission Management. Through this interaction, the incumbent will ensure the timely and effective engagement of USAID/CAR staff and mobilization of USAID resources to influence and respond to USG foreign policy priorities in Kazakhstan. The Program Liaison Manager will play a similar role vis-à-vis Astana-based other donors, Kazakhstani counterparts, and USAID implementing partners/organizations. C. Major Duties and Responsibilities The Program Liaison Manager will have primary responsibility for cross-sector analysis, monitoring and reporting for USAID assistance programs in Kazakhstan. S/he will also be the primary interlocutor between USAID staff based in Almaty and the U.S. Embassy, Government of Kazakhstan agencies, private sector, non-governmental organizations andother donors based in Astana. As such, s/he will have to develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic and social landscape in Kazakhstan, establish relations with non-USAID entities across sectors, and understand the objectives, mechanisms and status of all USAID-funded interventions in Kazakhstan,in order to influence program design, facilitate program implementation, and represent USAID with Embassy staff/leadership and in public forums. Work requirements will include: 1) Program Office Functions:  Conduct analysis and undertake consultations with stakeholders to advise Mission Management on development priorities and programmatic options in Kazakhstan.  Coordinate country-level program monitoring and evaluation.  Coordinate inputs and analyses of USAID?s Kazakhstan budgets for Mission and Agency annual budget planning submissions.  Coordinate processes and prepare materials for cross-sectoranalyses, reporting and correspondence, to include materials required for USAID/CAR, USAID/Washington and State Department program reviews.  Based on development expertise and country perspective, contribute to Central Asian regional and Kazakhstan-specific project designs.  Prepare, compile and/or edit public information materials, and plan/coordinate the utilization of communications tools to influence policy and change behavior in support of USAID?s overarching and sectoral objectives in Kazakhstan.  Brief senior USG officialsand external audiences on USAID programs.  Identify issues, share information and provide analysis related to Kazakhstan that impact on USAID?s regional interests in Central Asia and/or other-country programs. 2) Program Implementation Support  In coordination with technical offices, engage Astana-based counterparts and implementers to assist in program monitoring, impact assessment, and consideration of programmatic options.  Represent technical offices at public events/meetings taking place in Astana or other convenient locations.  As requested, review and comment on project work plans, monitoring plans and reports for USAID activities in Kazakhstan.  Provide regular reports to the relevant technical office staff on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed programs in Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on Astana-based implementing partners. 3) Embassy Country Team Based on an understanding of current political/economic analyses and day-to-dayengagement with Embassy staff, coordinate with USAID/CAR staff to maximize the contribution of USAID?s assistance programs to the USG?s policy priorities in Kazakhstan.  In consultation with relevant technical offices, keep the Embassy informed of the status of USAID programs, and identify opportunities for Embassy leadership to participate in USAID events.  Contribute to Embassy analytic/reporting requirements, and coordinate related taskings with Mission staff.  Represent USAID/CAR within the Embassy Country Team, providing analysis and recommendations on matters relevant to USAID, apprising Mission Management of emerging Embassy priorities and issues, and coordinating consultations and joint action of Mission staff?to include the Mission Director/Deputy Director?and the Embassy Front Office and Section Heads.  Act as the day-to-day point-of-contact between Embassy and Almaty-based staff for taskings/correspondence relevant to USAID/CAR.  Coordinate USAID involvement in official VIPvisits to Kazakhstan.  In coordination with the Public Affairs Section,identify and act on opportunities to provide greater awareness of USG assistance programs and promote USG policy priorities among targeted Kazakh audiences (including both the general public and government officials).  Participate on Embassy review and selection committees, to include for the Kazakhstan element of the regional Community Connections Program ($500K/year) 4) External Relationships  Establish and maintain relationships with GOK, other-donor, NGO,private sector organizations based on Astana.  Provide liaison between these organizations and relevant Almaty-based USAID staff for the purposes of information sharing, political and technical analysis, priority-setting, program coordination, and resource leveraging.  Specific to cross-sectoral dealings with the GOK, play a lead role in representing USAID (or arranging the involvement of the Front Office or other Almaty-based staff), preparing reports, drafting/clearing correspondence, clarifying/negotiating /facilitating compliance with GOK legal requirements, etc. (in coordination with the Regional Legal Advisor,and other appropriate Mission offices). 5) Miscellaneous  In consultation with Support Offices, coordinate USAID?s administrative and logistical requirements in Astana. D. POSITION ELEMENTS 1) Supervision Exercised Project Management Specialist FSN 9 Secretary/Administrative Assistant FSN-7 2) Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the Program Office Director, an FEOC position. S/he will coordinate directly with technical and support office directors and staff, and frequently consult with and receive guidance from the Mission Front Office. 3) Exercise of Judgment: While supervised by the Program Office Director, s/he will generally operate in Astana, 800 miles removed from the Mission headquarters, and therefore will be required to independently exercise informed judgment within the programmatic, procedural and policy frameworks establishedfor the USAID/CAR Mission. The incumbent will not have the authority to commit USAID resources, but s/he will have the responsibility of ensuring that staff and financial resources are mobilized to respond to the Embassy?s priorities and Kazakhstan?s development needs in a timely and effective manner. 4) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:  USAID/CAR Mission Management and Technical/Support Office directors/staff  U.S. Embassy: Ambassador, DCM, Section Heads and staff  Government of Kazakhstan Officials, primarily at the Ministerial, Vice-Ministerial and working levels  Other Donor Agency Heads/staf  Local private sector and NGO representatives  Chiefs-of-Party and staff of USAID implementing organizations Contacts will be established and maintained through personal, telephonic and written interactions, as required to provide liaison between relevant USAID/CAR units/staff and Astana-based stakeholders, as well as to represent USAID in meetings and public events. E. MinimumQualification Requirements 1) Education and Experience: Bachelor?s in one of the social sciences, economics, business, management or other field relevant to international development. Relevant Masters degree is preferred. Minimum six yearsrelevant work experience. Relevant experience includes working on internationaldevelopment programs and issues, and establishing and maintaining contacts withsenior level host government officials. The incumbent?s work profile should reflect an ability to work in complex organizations, coordinating staff and resources within and across units. Prior experience with USAID is preferred; experiencewith other USG agencies and/or other development agencies would also be helpful. 2) Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of Russian and/or Kazakh languages is also desirable. 3) Knowledge: An understanding of development issues in economic, social, and democracy sectors is essential. Knowledge of the political, social and economic environment inKazakhstan is important. Must have a comprehensive knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of the following: USG legislation relating to political and economic development assistance; USAID programming policies; regulations,procedures, and documentation; USAID management and administrative policies andprocedures. 4) Abilities and Skills: The incumbent must have ability to: obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present it in concise written and oral form; work as a team member to plan, develop, manage and evaluate complex programs; and, gather and disseminate useful information and advice in assigned areas. The incumbent must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the Kazakhstani Government and representatives of non-governmental organizations/private enterprises, in order to explain USAID programs and policies, and to interpret and transmit host-country government, non-governmental, and private sector perspectives to senior USAIDofficials. Computer skills and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheetprograms are required. F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as requested. G. SELECTION CRITERIA: Development Knowledge/Experience 30 points Managerial and Leadership Experience 20 points Communications Skills 20 points Kazakhstan/Regional Knowledge/Experience 20 points Language Skills 10 points Total: 100 points References are required. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time October 25, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist PersonnelOffice USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than November 3, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about December 17, 2006. The contract will be signed by November 10, 2006. No later than on/about December 17, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Astana, Kazakhstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Astana, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1843 Form). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86). **4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 4 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 4 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CITE: http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/27%2D2006/listing.html Posted 09/28/06 (W-SN01156710). (0271)

Synopsis

The sponsor provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources including diadromous fish. Projects funded through the MDP have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the removal of marine debris and derelict fishing gear that will provide educational and social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources.

Synopsis

The sponsor provides support to allow scientists employed at designated Japanese research institutions and laboratories to invite fellow researchers from the U.S. to Japan to participate in cooperative activities. Candidates must have arranged in advance a research plan for their stay in Japan with their host researcher. Host researchers in Japan must be employed full-time at an institution of one of the types listed below: Universities; Inter-university research institutes; Research institutes or scientific research corporations under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT); Other research institutes and scientific research corporations listed in Table 1 (see: http://web.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/table_01.htm).

Deadline Note

Applications should be submitted at least six months prior to the intended start date of the fellowship. In order to accommodate the fellowship start date requirements, applications are accepted during the following period for each fiscal year: 1 March to 30 September. Applications received after 30 September will be held for consideration for the following fiscal year.

Synopsis

The sponsor provides support to allow scientists employed at designated Japanese research institutions and laboratories to invite fellow researchers from the U.S. to Japan to participate in cooperative activities. Candidates must have arranged in advance a research plan for their stay in Japan with their host researcher. Host researchers in Japan must be employed full-time at an institution of one of the types listed below: Universities; Inter-university research institutes; Research institutes or scientific research corporations under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT); Other research institutes and scientific research corporations listed in Table 1 (see: http://web.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/table_01.htm).

Synopsis

B -- EGYPT: FEASIBILITY STUDY: AROMATICS COMPLEX PROJECT SOL Reference-Number-0621009B DUE 103106 NAICS: 541690 POC Evangela Kunene, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax: (703) 875-4009. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CONTRACTS OFFICE; PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PLACE: Mr. Ahmed El-Kharashy, Business Development Assistant General Manager, 3 El Mokhayem El Dayem Street, El Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, Phone: +(202) 263-4000, Fax:+(202) 263-6060, E-mail: akharashy@echem-eg.com Egypt Aromatics Complex ProjectFeasibility Study. The Grantee invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to conduct a Feasibility Study on the establishment of a world scale aromatics complex capable of producing petrochemicals for use as feedstock for downstream manufacturing activities in the Arab Republic of Egypt. In February 2002, the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (Echem) was created by the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum to manage existing publicly held assets and equities in the Egyptian chemical and petrochemical industries and to develop the country's Petrochemical Master Plan. Echem is mandated to identify and develop new petrochemical and chemical production opportunities in cooperation with its sister organizations the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the Egyptian Gas Holding Company (EGAS), as well as private companies and investors. Given the current pace of petrochemicaldevelopment in Egypt, the proposed Aromatics Complex Project will complete Echem's hydrocarbon value chain and necessary back integration into aromatics feedstock and refinery forward integration. The Aromatics Complex Project is a key component of Echem's Petrochemical Master Plan. Echem's objective is to build a greenfield petrochemical plant capable of producing 530,000 MTA of pXylene (PX) and450,000 MTA of Benzene (BZ) in Egypt. This project would leverage Egypt's favorable position in feedstock, energy, and geographical location, to establish an aromatics chemicals industry. The creation of the industry will add to the country's hydrocarbon value chain by establishing downstream petrochemical and specialty chemical opportunities to attract further investments from the private sector. The Project represents the last link in the value chain from crude oil to the production of polyester and polystyrene. The objectives of the Feasibility Studyare to analyze the technical, financial, and economic aspects of developing a greenfield petrochemical plant to produce PX and BZ using Naphtha (light gasoline) feedstock from local Egyptian refineries. PX and BZ are saleable intermediate petrochemical products used as feedstock to manufacture polyester and styrene monomer, respectively. Polyester is used as a synthetic fiber in the manufacture of bottles and polystyrene is a polymer used in the manufacture of many householditems and electrical appliances. The establishment of an aromatics complex in Egypt would expand the country's burgeoning petrochemicals industry, which is a high priority for the Government of Egypt because of its ability to reduce the country's foreign currency expenditures, and generate foreign currency income as well as employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled labor. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $860,000 grant to the Grantee from USTDA. A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes requirements forthe Proposal, the Terms of Reference, and a background desk study report are available from USTDA, at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901. Requests for the RFP should be faxed to the IRC, USTDA at 703-875-4009. In the fax, please include your firm's name, contact person, address, and telephone number. Some firms have found that RFP materials sent by U.S. mail do not reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that want USTDA to use an overnight delivery service should include the name of the delivery serviceand your firm's account number in the request for the RFP. Firms that want to send a courier to USTDA to retrieve the RFP should allow one hour after faxing the request to USTDA before scheduling a pick-up. Please note that no telephone requests for the RFP will be honored. Please check your internal fax verification receipt. Because of the large number of RFP requests, USTDA cannot respond to requests for fax verification. Requests for RFPs received before 4:00 PM will be mailed the same day. Requests received after 4:00 PM will be mailed the followingday. Please check with your courier and/or mail room before calling USTDA. OnlyU.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify underUSTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors from the host country for up to 20 percent of the USTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP. Interested U.S. firms should submit their Proposal in English directly to the Grantee by 12:00 noon LOCAL TIME, OCTOBER 31, 2006 at the above address. Evaluation criteria for the Proposal are included in the RFP. Price will not be a factor in contractor selection, and therefore, cost proposals should NOT be submitted. The Grantee reserves the right to reject any and/or all Proposals. The Grantee also reserves the right to contract with the selected firm for subsequent work related to the project. The Grantee is not bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission ofProposals. CITE: http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/TDA/TDA1/TDA1/Reference%2DNumber%2D0621009B/listing.html Posted 09/14/06 (W-SN01144279). (0257)

Synopsis

An estimated thirty awards, averaging $74,000 each, will support overseas projects in training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies for groups of teachers, students, and faculty engaged in a common endeavor. Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, state departments of education, nonprofit, private educational organizations, or a consortium of these entities.

Synopsis

B -- HONDURAS - PORT OF CORTES DRY BULK UNLOADING TERMINAL PROJECT SOL Reference-Number-0651024A DUE 110306 NAICS: 541690 POC , USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax: (703) 875-4009. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CONTRACTS OFFICE; PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PLACE: Carlos Rene Flores, Division de Planificacion, 2do Piso, Edificio Administrativo, Empresa Nacional Portuaria, 1era Avenida, 1era. Calle Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Central America Tel: (504) 665 - 0110 Fax: (504) 665 - 1402 Port ofCortes Dry Bulk Unloading Terminal Project. The Grantee invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to develop a feasibility study for the Port of Cortes Dry Bulk Unloading Terminal Project. The Port of Cortes is the premier Caribbean port for the Central American region, handling the majority of trade from Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador that is bound for the eastern U.S. and European markets. In recent years the Port of Cortes has seen substantial growth in cargo volume. Although the Port of Cortes is controlled by Empresa Nacional Portuaria de Honduras (ENP), operations are a mixture of port personnel and private stevedores. ENPrecently entered a contract with an American firm for the implementation and operation of an aggregate export facility but the Port lacks the infrastructure and space for an import, or unloading facility. The export berth operations are operating at 65% capacity, which is generally the economic limit allowing time fordelays in ship arrival or other operations. Therefore, there is not enough "free time" for other operations, such as imports. In 2005 alone, dry bulk imports grew by 19%. ENP currently controls the importation of these commodities in the port, using ships' gear, portable hoppers and many trucks from the export terminal. Private companies execute the stevedoring operations using their own equipment and ships' gear. Hauling the cargo away by truck creates serious congestion and numerous delays. Furthermore, open or closed storage for unloaded dry bulk commodities is not available. The construction of a dry bulk unloading terminal is the number one priority for ENP. The feasibility study is needed to establish realistic performance criteria for the terminal operation, with contractual arrangements that are in the long-term best interest of Honduras. The objective of this feasibility study is to provide operational guidance and performance criteria to establish an effective working relationship between the ENP and private groups interested in developing the dry bulk unloading terminal. Implementation of this Project would expand and modernize dry bulk unloading infrastructure, lessen congestion and improve the overall efficiency of port operations. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $470,000 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes requirements for the Proposal, the Terms of Reference, anda background definitional mission report are available from USTDA, at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901. Requests for the RFP should be faxed to the IRC, USTDA at 703-875-4009. In the fax, please include your firm's name, contact person, address, and telephone number. Some firms have found that RFP materials sent by U.S. mail do not reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that want USTDA to use an overnight delivery serviceshould include the name of the delivery service and your firm's account number in the request for the RFP. Firms that want to send a courier to USTDA to retrieve the RFP should allow one hour after faxing the request to USTDA before scheduling a pick-up. Please note that no telephone requests for the RFP will be honored. Please check your internal fax verification receipt. Because of the large number of RFP requests, USTDA cannot respond to requests for fax verification. Requests for RFPs received before 4:00 PM will be mailed the same day. Requests received after 4:00 PM will be mailed the following day. Please check with your courier and/or mail room before calling USTDA. Only U.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify under USTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors fromthe host country for up to 20 percent of the USTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP. Interested U.S. firms should submit one original in English and one (1) copy and one original in Spanish and six (6) copies in Spanish of the Proposal directly to the Grantee by 4:00 PM LOCAL TIME, November 3, 2006 at the above address. Evaluation criteria for the Proposal are included in the RFP. Price willnot be a factor in contractor selection, and therefore, cost proposals should NOT be submitted. The Grantee reserves the right to reject any and/or all Proposals. The Grantee also reserves the right to contract with the selected firm for subsequent work related to the project. The Grantee is not bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of Proposals. CITE: http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/TDA/TDA1/TDA1/Reference%2DNumber%2D0651024A/listing.html Posted 09/26/06 (W-SN01155154). (0269)

Synopsis

B -- MOROCCO: FEASIBILITY STUDY: HYDROELECTRIC AND SEAWATER USE OPTIMIZATION (PRESOL) SOL Reference-Number-0621018A DUE 110606 NAICS: 541690 POC Evangela Kunene, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax: (703) 875-4009. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CONTRACTS OFFICE; PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PLACE: Mr. Abderrahim Bouziyane, Coordination Groupe Extraction et Traitement, Development and Strategy Direction, Office Cherifien des Phosphates, 2, rue Al Abtal ? Hay Erraha, Casablanca, Morocco, 20200 Phone: (212) 2 99 8031, Fax: (212) 22 99 80 31, E-mail: a.bouziyane@ocpgroup.ma Morocco Hydroelectric and Seawater Use Optimization Project Feasibility Study. The Grantee, the Moroccan Office Cherifien des Phosphates (OCP) invites submission of qualificationsand proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to conduct a Feasibility Study on two independent, yet interrelated projects that are integral to OCP's phosphate production operations. OCP, a state-owned agency formed in 1920, is solely responsible for managing and controlling all aspects of phosphate mining and beneficiation in Morocco. With more than 50% of the world's known phosphate deposits, phosphate mining and fertilizer production is Morocco'smajor industry. The projects to be evaluated in the Study are a hydroelectric power project at OCP's chemical complex in Jorf Lasfar and a seawater use optimization project at OCP's chemical complex in Safi, Morocco. Both projects are intended to maximize the benefits of OCP's cooling and phosphate washing processes, by recovering the heat and electricity that is currently lost and harnessing it for power supply purposes. The Grant Agreement is attached at Annex 4 for reference. The Grantee is soliciting technical proposals from qualified U.S. firms to provide expert consulting services to carry out the Feasibility Study. The export of phosphates and its derivatives account for more than a quarter of Morocco'sexports and one-third of the country's manufacturing sector. The fertilizer production sector is among the largest foreign exchange earners for Morocco and employs more than 30,000 citizens for both skilled and semi-skilled jobs. As such, OCP is the world leader in the phosphate market and is Morocco's largest company(employing approximately 20,000 Moroccans). It is also the world's number one phosphates exporter, with market share of twenty-eight percent. OCP moved into downstream processing in 1965, converting lower-grade rock to phosphoric acid and fertilizers at its plants along the coast. Jorf Lasfar Hydroelectric Project Theprocessing of phosphates requires significant amounts of seawater to be used for cooling purposes. At its chemical complex in Jorf Lasfar, Morocco, OCP utilizes seawater from the Atlantic Ocean for this process. OCP would like to increase the benefits of this cooling water system by more effectively utilizing it to recover the hydrokinetic energy created during the down slope fall of the seawater(to the ocean outfall) by installing a hydroelectric turbine in order to generate electricity. The electricity generated could then be used on-site and/or soldback into the Moroccan electricity grid. Safi Seawater Use Optimization At OCP's chemical complex in Safi, Morocco, a seawater system is also used to provide water for phosphate production processes, such as for sulphuric acid process cooling, phosphoric acid and rock phosphate washing, and fertilizers manufacturing. The current system in Safi was constructed in three separate phases: Maroc Chimie in 1965; Maroc Phosphore I in 1976; and Maroc Phosphore II in 1981, and is currently showing significant signs of age. System issues which OCP seeks to address are capacity, quality, intake, flexibility and optimization. The objectives ofthe Feasibility Study are to conduct an analysis of the existing seawater pumping and cooling distribution network in order to optimize flows (efficiency, flexibility and redundancy), recover heat from the sulphuric acid cooling system, reduce global pumping and distribution costs, decrease overall energy consumption,and update the system to meet the company's expansion requirements. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $375,000 grant to the Grantee from USTDA. A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes requirements for the Proposal, the Terms of Reference, and a background definitional mission report are available from USTDA, at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901. Requests for the RFP should be faxed to the IRC, USTDA at 703-875-4009. In the fax, please include your firm's name, contact person, address, andtelephone number. Some firms have found that RFP materials sent by U.S. mail donot reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that wantUSTDA to use an overnight delivery service should include the name of the delivery service and your firm's account number in the request for the RFP. Firms that want to send a courier to USTDA to retrieve the RFP should allow one hour after faxing the request to USTDA before scheduling a pick-up. Please note that no telephone requests for the RFP will be honored. Please check your internal fax verification receipt. Because of the large number of RFP requests, USTDA cannot respond to requests for fax verification. Requests for RFPs received before 4:00 PM will be mailed the same day. Requests received after 4:00 PM will be mailed the following day. Please check with your courier and/or mail room before calling USTDA. Only U.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify under USTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of theUSTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors from the host country for up to 20 percent of the USTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP. Interested U.S. firms should submit their Proposal in English directly to the Grantee by 12:00 noon LOCAL TIME, NOVEMBER 6, 2006 at the above address. Evaluation criteria for the Proposal are included in the RFP. Price will not be a factor in contractor selection, and therefore, cost proposals should NOT be submitted. The Grantee reserves the right to reject any and/or all Proposals. The Grantee also reserves the right to contract with the selected firm for subsequent work related to the project. The Grantee is not bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of Proposals. CITE: http://www2.fbo.gov/spg/TDA/TDA1/TDA1/Reference%2DNumber%2D0621018A/listing.html Posted 09/25/06 (W-SN01154166). (0268)

Synopsis

B -- RWANDA - BURUNDI PIPELINE CAPACITY MARKET ANALYSIS PHASE I SOL Reference-Number-0611043B DUE 110606 NAICS: 541690 POC Evangela Kunene, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, Tel: (703) 875-4357,Fax: (703) 875-4009. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CONTRACTS OFFICE; PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PLACE: Mr. Albert Butare, Minister of State in Charge of Energy and Communications, Ministry of Infrastructure, Boulevard de l'Umuganda, P.O. Box 24, Kigali, Rwanda, Phone: +250 582 619, Fax: +250 585 755 "Rwanda - Burundi Pipeline Capacity Market Analysis Phase I" The Grantee (the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Government of Rwanda) invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to conduct a feasibility study that would form the first part of a possible two-phase feasibility study with the ultimate objective to establish the feasibility of extending an oil pipeline from Kampala, Uganda to Kigali, Rwanda and Bujumbura, Burundi. This first phase will focus on a market analysis of oil products in Rwanda and Burundi. It will also include an assessment of the required size of the pipeline extension. Should the first phase suggest the project is feasible, funding for a second phase maybe requested that would focus on the technical aspects of extending the pipeline. This phased Feasibility Study is critical for the Government of Rwanda and the Government of Burundi as the rise in use and cost of imported oil products is quickly becoming a key issue for the economic well-being of both countries. Oil is imported from Kenya and Tanzania by tanker trucks, which is very expensive. In addition, trucking transport can sometimes experience significant delays due to poor road conditions. This oil pipeline extension would reduce the high cost of oil transportation. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Rwanda-Burundi Pipeline Capacity Market Analysis Phase I include: (1)Project Kick-Off Meeting (2)Review Existing Kenya (3)Uganda Pipeline and Uganda Oil Exploration (4)Pipeline Capacity Determination (5)Proposed Equipment and Services (6)Development Impact (7)Dissemination Workshop (8)Final Report The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $150,603 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes requirements for the Proposal, the TOR, and a background desk study report are available from USTDA, at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901. Requests for the RFP should be faxed to the IRC, USTDA at 703-875-4009. In the fax, please include your firm's name, contact person, address, and telephone number. Some firms have found that RFP materials sent by U.S. mail do not reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that want USTDA to use an overnight delivery service should include the name of the delivery service and your firm's account number in the request for the RFP. Firms that want to send a courierto USTDA to retrieve the RFP should allow one hour after faxing the request to USTDA before scheduling a pick-up. Please note that no telephone requests for the RFP will be honored. Please check your internal fax verification receipt. Because of the large number of RFP requests, USTDA cannot respond to requests for fax verification. Requests for RFPs received before 4:00 PM will be mailed the same day. Requests received after 4:00 PM will be mailed the following day. Please check with your courier and/or mail room before calling USTDA. Only U.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify under USTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors from the host country for up to 20 percent of the USTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP. Interested U.S. firms should submit their Proposalin English directly to the Grantee by 4:00PM (Local Time), November 6, 2006 at the above address. Evaluation criteria for the Proposal are included in the RFP.Price will not be a factor in contractor selection, and therefore, cost proposals should NOT be submitted. The Grantee reserves the right to reject any and/or all Proposals. The Grantee also reserves the right to contract with the selectedfirm for subsequent work related to the project. The Grantee is not bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of Proposals. CITE: http://www2.fbo.gov/spg/TDA/TDA1/TDA1/Reference%2DNumber%2D0611043B/listing.html Posted 10/04/06 (W-SN01161437). (0277)

Synopsis

B -- RWANDA - TRANSACTION ADVISOR FOR NYABORONGO AND RUKARARA HYDROPOWER PROJECTS SOL Reference-Number-0611026B DUE 110606 NAICS: 541690 POC Evangela Kunene, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax: (703) 875-4009. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CONTRACTS OFFICE; PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PLACE: Mr. Albert Butare, Minister of State in Charge of Energy and Communications, Ministry of Infrastructure, Boulevard de l'Umuganda, P.O. Box 24, Kigali, Rwanda, Phone: +250 582 619, Fax: +250 585 755 "Transaction Advisor for Nyaborongo and Rukarara Hydropower Projects." The Grantee (the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Government of Rwanda) invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capable to assist the Government of Rwanda (GOR) to determine how the Nyaborongo and Rukarara hydropower projects should be implemented and financed. Detailed feasibility studies have been prepared for each project (Nyaborongo and Rukarara) and firm quotations for EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracts have beendelivered. These hydropower projects are already technically prepared for implementation and are anticipated be brought on line by 2010. In order to successfully implement the projects, it is critical for the GOR to match the East African Community (EAC) pricing on generated hydropower. The purpose of this pricing goal is to ensure that energy intensive industries in Rwanda like sugar, tea and cement, will not be at a competitive disadvantage against those from neighboring countries in the EAC. The project grant supports a Transaction Advisor to work with the GOR to arrive at the best ownership and financing structure specifically to meet this pricing goal. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Transaction Advisor for the Nyaborongo and Rukarara Hydropower Projects include: Task 1: Background Research and Kick-Off Meeting Task 2: Prepare Detailed Financial Models Task3: Macro-Economic Analysis Task 4: Regulatory Analysis Task 5: Analyze Project Structure Task 6: Advise on Underlying Agreements Task 7: Investment Memorandum Task 8: Marketing of the Transaction Task 9: Ongoing Transaction Support Task 10: Development Impacts Task 11: Final Report The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $364,740 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes requirements for the Proposal, the TOR, and a background definitional mission report areavailable from USTDA, at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209-3901. Requests for the RFP should be faxed to the IRC, USTDA at 703-875-4009. In the fax, please include your firm's name, contact person, address, and telephone number. Some firms have found that RFP materials sent by U.S. mail do not reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that want USTDA to use an overnight delivery service should include the name of the delivery service and your firm's account number in the request for the RFP. Firms that want to send a courier to USTDA to retrieve the RFP should allow one hour after faxingthe request to USTDA before scheduling a pick-up. Please note that no telephonerequests for the RFP will be honored. Please check your internal fax verification receipt. Because of the large number of RFP requests, USTDA cannot respond torequests for fax verification. Requests for RFPs received before 4:00 PM will be mailed the same day. Requests received after 4:00 PM will be mailed the following day. Please check with your courier and/or mail room before calling USTDA. Only U.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify under USTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors from the host country for up to 20 percent of theUSTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP. Interested U.S. firms should submit their Proposal in English directly to the Grantee by 4:00PM (Local Time), November 6, 2006 at the above address. Evaluation criteria for the Proposal are included in the RFP. Price will not be a factor in contractor selection, and therefore, cost proposals should NOT be submitted. The Grantee reserves the right to reject any and/or all Proposals. The Grantee also reserves the right to contract with the selected firm for subsequent work related to the project. The Grantee isnot bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of Proposals. CITE: http://www2.fbo.gov/spg/TDA/TDA1/TDA1/Reference%2DNumber%2D0611026B/listing.htmlPosted 10/04/06 (W-SN01161438). (0277)

Synopsis

The sponsor requests start-up proposals from U.S. land-grant institutions to strengthen agricultural extension and training at select Iraqi agricultural universities so as to revitalize the agriculture sector in Iraq. The Iraq Agricultural Extension Revitalization Project (IAER) will be implemented by providing extension training programs for Iraqi nationals in the U.S. and at third country sites in ways that enhance agricultural management, production, and marketing related to small and medium-sized production enterprises. Training will be provided through partnerships that are built between U.S. land-grant institutions and Iraqi agricultural universities in each of five governorates of Iraq. In FY 2007, approximately $5.3 million is available for support of this program.

Synopsis

B -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT: MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT & RESEARCH (TA&R) PROGRAM, SAFETY AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH (OSER)SOL M07PC13000 DUE 111006 WEB: Please click here to view more details. http://ideasec.nbc.gov/j2ee/announcementdetail.jsp?serverId=MM143501&objId=339085 Description: The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), Minerals Management Service (MMS),solicits White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, for specific topics of interest to the MMS Technology Assessment and Research (TA&R) Program, Operational Safety and Engineering Research (OSER). For your information, the MMS web site has descriptions of OSER activities, the scope of MMS interests, and past projects. The web site address is: http://www.mms.gov/tarphome/index.htm. BACKGROUND: Research sponsored by MMS through the TA&R Program is used to acquire basic engineering information needed to oversee the orderly development of offshore oil and gas operations. New challenges and informational needs arise as operations expand into new or different environments such as the deep water areas of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Artic environments such as offshore Alaska. The objective of this request for White Papers is to solicit for additional Hurricanes Katrina and Rita research and Artic research. As a result of the White Papers submitted in accordance with the terms of this announcement, selected proposals shall be requested. The MMS estimates that a total of $1,125,000 in FY2007 supplemental funding will be made available for research identified through this announcement with $1,000,000 of this amount earmarked for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita research, and the remaining $125,000 for Artic research. NOTICE: MMS may share the White Papers with other Federal government employees for review. Potential contractors should let MMS know if they do not want the White Papers/proposals shared. OBJECTIVES: The topics for this 2007 OSER solicitation include ONLY research on the following: 1) Evaluate top and bottom tendon connectors for Tension Leg Platforms to determine weak points, likely failure mechanisms, and design issues that may lead to premature failure. Provide recommendations on how to minimize potential failures through design criteria and monitor and inspect critical areas within the connectors. Provide guidelines for possible use in updating Federal regulations and industry standards. 2) Evaluate accuracy of polyester subrope damage detection performed by ROVs following hurricanes and other events (i.e., loop current) that exceed the 100 year design criteria. ROV inspections are used to detect damage to polyester mooring systems and estimate remaining fatigue life if damage exists. A quantitative evaluation is needed to determine if ROV survey results and resulting life damage estimates are accurate. Identify non-invasive inspection methods other than ROV surveys and compare ROV inspections to physical insert testing to determine the level of accuracy that can be expected. Identify the most reliable insert tests to verify that the mooring system is fit for purpose. Emphasis should be placed on fatigue life predictions. 3) Develop pre-hurricane riser inspection and monitoring program to determine in-situ condition of riser with particular attention to corrosion, preventative maintenance, and repair practices. Develop recommendations for a long term maintenance program to minimize or eliminate conditions that may lead to riser/pipeline damage during hurricanes and major storms events. 4) Evaluate superstructure icing of bothdrilling and production vessels and platforms as it relates to conducting activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The MMS is interested in research initiatives relative to safety, technology and pollution practices for offshore operations. As a result of the White Papers, proposals may be sought and evaluated for funding. Efforts to be considered should address the above stated issues. HOW TO RESPOND: White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, an ORGINAL PLUS three (3) copies and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format, on a CD shall be submitted to the address below. WHITE PAPERS SENT THROUGH EMAIL AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. White Papers should define the proposed research scope and include the level of effort. NOTE THAT COST ESTIMATES ARE NOT TO BE INCLUDED. The White Papers shall be evaluated only on technical merit. Ifyour white paper is selected for further evaluation, a proposal will be requested and you must also submit a cost proposal at that time. Projects shall be selected from all or part of the technical issues listed depending on the interest and scope of White Papers received. The MMS will evaluate the responses, and those deemed to have merit will be furnished information to assist in the preparation of a complete proposal. This announcement constitutes a solicitation for WhitePapers, but does not obligate the Government to consummate award. Respondents WILL NOT be notified of the results of the evaluation on the information submitted. WHITE PAPERS SHALL BE EVALUATED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (1) feasibilityof the approach or solution; (2) the offeror's understanding of the technical issues; (3) the offeror's perceived ability to implement the proposed approach; and (4) innovative or creative approaches or solutions including the participation and/or funding by the oil and gas industry or other groups in the research industry, and (5) past performance. A separate White Paper shall be submitted for each topic on which the offeror wishes to propose. The White Paper shall clearly identify the offeror's company/organization, point of contact, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, as well as the solicitation number (13000) and topic for which the White Paper applies. Responses will ONLY be accepted until Friday, November 10, 2006, 4:00 PM EDT. ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTAL: NOTE: It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure/verify the Government receives their submission on or before the time specified. Submit White Paper to: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service Procurement Operations Branch, MS 2101, 381 Elden Street Herndon, VA 20170 Attn: Debra M. Bridge, Phone: 703-787-1814, Email: debra.bridge@mms.gov. For any questions, include your full name, the solicitation number 13000, and title, your organization name, complete address, and phone and fax numbers. Questions must be submitted via email or fax to Debra Bridge on or beforeOctober 18, 2006 [debra.bridge@mms.gov or Fax 703-787-1041]. The solicitation number 13000 must be in the subject line of the email or fax. Telephone inquiriesWILL NOT be accepted. If the offeror desires to hand deliver their responses, they are informed that MMS is a secure building and they must not enter the building beyond the lobby. Contact Debra Bridge at (703) 787-1814, and set up an appointment 24 hours in advance of dropping off your submission. A staff member will meet the courier to receive the submittal. PHONE CALLS ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.ISCOURAGED. CITE: http://www2.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/MMS/PO/M07PC13000/listing.html Posted 10/04/06 (W-SN01161299). (0277)