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. Tel: (703) 875-4357, Fax:703- 875-4009

B -- MACEDONIAN RAILWAY ECONOMIC VIABILITY STUDY 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 undertake an economic viability study of Macedonia's rail system. 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 Macedonian Minister of Transportation will issue the RFP and solicit 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 study will assess the economic viability of Macedonia's railways and will develop a five year business plan for the sector. The business plan will include new rail sector development and investment requirements, and specific mechanisms for restructuring the rail sector institutions in order to efficiently implement the identified investments. The study will involve a review of existing and ongoing rail sector studies, modification of rail sector forecasts, review of Macedonian Railway's current system, structure, and operations, the development of specific technical systems requirements, the development of requirements for structural changes in Macedonian Railway, and the preparation of a five-year business and investment plan. 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 specify by complete project name. 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 will be accepted until noon on April 12, 1996. (0082)

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