National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C121, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

A -- MANUFACTURING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE NETWORK SOLICITATION SOL Q- DUE 083096 POC Diane Henderson (301)975-5105, fax (301)926-3787, email dhenderson@mep.nist.gov REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is soliciting proposals under its focused program competition, Information Infrastructure. An estimated $500,000 in multi-year MEP funding is available under this focus project competition. The MEP reserves the right to utilize for this competition more or less funding than the amount stated above, depending on the quality of the proposals received. It is anticipated that only one proposal will be funded. The MEP operates under program procedures in Part 292, Title 15, of the Code of Federal Regulations published in the August 29, 1995, Federal Register. The MEP Proposal Preparation Kit, dated July 1996, (containing required forms, background material and instructions for submission of proposals) and the focused program paper entitled ''Manufacturing Information Technology Resource Network'' may be obtained by phone (301-975-5105), fax, (301-926-3787), email (dhenderson@mep.nist.gov), or written request at the address shown below. Proposals submitted by facsimile or electronic mail WILL NOT be accepted. The due date for submission of proposals is 5 p.m. eastern time on August 30, 1996. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered. Proposals should be no more than 25 pages excluding the title page and all forms. Decisions on the award for this competition should be made within one month after proposals are received. Send proposals to: Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C-121, I-270 at Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. Mark envelope Information Infrastructure Project. The Manufacturing Information Technology (IT) Resource Network project is intended to enhance the capabilities of the MEP extension centers to provide client manufacturers with information and assistance in the application of computer-based solutions to manufacturing problems. The Manufacturing IT Resource Center also will be a resource to the MEP extension centers in addressing their own manufacturing-related software needs. Manufacturing-related software includes, but is not limited to, simulation packages, material resource planning, CAD, electronic commerce and electronic data interchange as well as enterprise software integration. Assistance for evaluating office automation (i.e., word processing, client tracking, etc.) software will not be considered in this solicitation. The goals are to: establish a manufacturing information technology resource network with a system for the flow of information and delivery of services throughout the geographically disperse MEP system of extension centers; serve as a resource to MEP centers by providing assistance in addressing client form's manufacturing-related software needs (non office automation) as well as those of the centers themselves; provide technical outreach to the MEP centers by disseminating information on the latest manufacturing information technologies and tools and facilitate the sharing of knowledge among center staff; perform various services including software profiling and evaluation - customized to meet the client firm's needs through the MEP service delivery system; maintain a repository of knowledge in state-of-the-art information technology applications relating to manufacturing, electronic commerce and electronic data interchange; address system integration issues; establish a marketing strategy for offering their services throughout the MEP system; and evaluate the viability and cost effectiveness of maintaining an information technology resource network. The solicitation is open only to MEP- affiliated centers as the project lead, with preference being given to proposals submitted jointly by multiple centers. Applicant may partner with other organizations (nonMEP-affiliated) provided they possess a demonstrated technical expertise in manufacturing information technology and are commonly viewed within the manufacturing community as an impartial resource (relating to specific software products). PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING: Demonstration that the proposed project will meet the needs of the target customer base (15 percent); Development plans and delivery/implementation mechanisms (25 percent); Coordination with other relevant organizations (20 percent); Management and organizational experience (20 percent); Financial Plan (10 percent); and Evaluation (10 percent). Matching funds are not required for this project. However, availability of matching funds will be considered in the Financial Plan factor of the evaluation. (0208)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0001 19960729\A-0001.SOL)