DOT, FED HWY ADMN, Office of Acquisition Management, 400 7th St. SW, Room 4410, Washington, DC 20590

24 -- TRUCK TRACTOR FOR TRANSPORT OF FHWA DEMO PROJECT TRAILER DUE 110195 POC Jodi Condes, (202) 366-6991. The FHWA Office of Technology Applications is seeking expressions of interest by potential sources in a proposed activity of mutual benefit to FHWA and the vendor. This is NOT a solicitation or notice of availability of a solicitation. FHWA will be conducting a demonstration project beginning in 1996 which is intended to showcase advanced technologies related to motor carrier safety and productivity in a classroom and mobile demonstration laboratory environment. The fabrication of a 48 foot-long double-expandable 22 foot-wide trailer to house the technology displays is being carried out under a separate contract. For purposes of structuring a possible future solicitation, FHWA would like to determine whether there is interest by any source in loaning a truck tractor for use by FHWA in transporting the trailer between demonstration sites at various locations within the US over a 2-3 year period. The trailer will be set up at truck shows and trucking association and other industry meetings around the country and will also visit State meetings of enforcement personnel. The purpose of the demonstration is to promote the use of the latest off-the-shelf technologies by the industry and by enforcement agencies to increase the productivity and the safety of the motor carrier industry. It is envisioned that the tractor itself would be part of the demonstration by displaying on-board safety monitoring, communication and computerized fleet management devices. The vendor would retain title to the vehicle. FHWA would use the tractor on a loan basis and would furnish a qualified driver and cover all operating costs and costs for service and detailing involved in preparing the vehicle for show at the various demonstration sites. The vehicle would be returned to the vendor at the conclusion of the award. The vendor will be able to demonstrate their truck tractor to a broad audience of potential customers, and they will also benefit by association of their product with FHWA. Because of the envisioned benefits that are expected to accrue to the successful vendor, FHWA would expect offerors to share all or part of the cost of providing the tractor. If a request for quotations isissued, FHWA anticipates that a best value award decision process, weighing both technical and cost factors, would be used. Expressions of interest in such a program, and specifically in the cost sharing aspects described herein, should be FAXED to (202)366-3705 or mailed to Ms. Condes at the above address within 15 business days after publication of this notice. This is not a request for proposals, and the requested expressions of interest do not constitute offers or a commitment of any kind by either FHWA or the responding party. Information received will be used by FHWA to determine the viability of proceeding with this project. A list of draft specifications for the tractor may be obtained by FAX from Ms. Condes. This request for expressions of interest does not commit the Government to a subsequent solicitation and award. (0279)

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