U.S. Trade and Development Agency, SA-16 Room 309, Washington, DC 20523-1602, or by courier:, 1621 N. Kent Street, Room 309, Rosslyn, VA 22209.

B -- TRANSPORTATION SECTOR ADVISORY SERVICES DUE 041296 POC Carol Stillwell, USTDA, Room 309, SA-16, Washington, D.C. 20523-1602, Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax No.: (703) 875-4009 TDA invites submission of expressions of interest and qualifications (collectively referred to as the ''Expressions of Interest'') from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to provide transportation sector advisory services to the countries of Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria. There are currently no funds available for these advisory services; TDA is publicizing this opportunity in anticipation of the transfer of funds in April 1996. When funds become available, TDA expects that the Bulgarian Minister of Transportation will issue the RFP and conduct the procurement, on behalf of the three countries, soliciting offers from some or all of the firms submitting their Expressions of Interest and qualifications. This project is part of the U.S. Government's South Balkan Development Initiative. The transportation advisors will provide expert technical assistance on specific projects in the road, rail, aviation and port sectors as well as on regional development of the transportation sector. The advisors will be attached to a newly established South Balkan Transportation Working Group. The advisors will provide assistance in the establishment of this group and help to set an action oriented work plan. The advisors will also administer a limited amount of funds for the group's first-year operations. Specific transportation sector advisory services include the following: provide design engineering and system costing; provide advisory services for construction supervision; regional transportation sector planning; coordination with the Ministries of Transportation in each country; oversight of ongoing SBDI projects; technical assistance on new projects for SBDI funding consideration; close contact with TDA and the economic and commercial sections of the three U.S. embassies to keep them abreast of new projects and U.S. export opportunities. The advisors will also help to identify potential U.S. industry participants for any projects in which U.S. companies have a comparative advantage. Specific assistance for the establishment of the Transportation Working Group will include the following: advice and assistance in arranging the structure of the group, including identification of group members; provide assistance in determining goals, objectives and work plan for the group; assist with schedule and agenda for meetings; provide partial funds for operation of the TWG including some funds for salary, travel and maintenance of a secretariat; work closely with all countries in providing this assistance. When funds become available, the U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $300,000 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA). Background information is available from TDA, at Room 309, SA-16, Washington, D.C. 20523-1621. Requests for this information should be faxed to the IRC, TDA at 703-875-4009. Please include your firms name, contact person, address, and telephone number. Some firms have found that materials sent by U.S. mail do not reach them in time for preparation of an adequate response. Firms that want TDA to use a courier delivery service should include the name of the courier company and your firm's account number in the request for the information. No telephone requests for the information will be honored. Only U.S. firms and individuals may respond to this TDA financed activity. Details of TDA's nationality requirements are included in the background information available on request. Interested U.S. firms should submit their Expressions of Interest and qualifications in English directly to TDA at the above address. TDA is not bound to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest. Expressions of Interest and qualifications are due April 12, 1996. (0082)

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