JOINT VENTURE OPPORTUNITY POC Mr. Sandy Waters, Director of Strategic Planning, e-mail SWATERS@NTIS.FEDWORLD.GOV, Fax (703)486-4009. The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) is searching for a joint venture partner with the following capabilities: analytical, technical subject matter knowledge, editorial, production, publication, extensive marketing and worldwide distribution. This announcement covers the NTIS search for a joint venture partner to materially contribute to a specific opportunity to revise, develop, publish and assist NTIS with the distribution of the publication entitled the ``NOAA Diving Manual - Diving for Science and Technology-1997 Edition''. The publication was last revised and issued in October 1991 by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and requires a complete content overhaul and updates subject to NOAA acceptance. The joint venture partner must be willing to work with experts suggested by NOAA to provide technical subject matter expertise. The joint venture partner will provide production and editorial management skills, and support and collaborate as necessary with NOAA as final content approval authority, then publish the resulting product for marketing and distribution jointly with NTIS. Under terms of the joint venture, the partner and NTIS on NOAA's behalf, will share revenue produced by the venture for printed, electronic or on-line forms of the product. Copyright on the contents developed by the joint venture partner, excluding the government supplied information or contents, may be retained by the partner with a license being granted to NTIS representing the interests of the government for distribution, and maintenance in perpetuity. Please prepare a brief description of your company's recent financial status, editorial and production capabilities, and cite evidence of marketing capabilities and experience with the subject matter required to deliver this product. In return, NTIS will send to respondents a descriptive set of guidelines on the mechanics of joint venturing with NTIS, a short project description and proposal response form to be completed by each prospective partnering candidate for evaluation. Be advised that under the obligations of a joint venture this is not a procurement of product or services to produce the publication but an opportunity to participate in a revenue producing venture. NTIS will enter the joint venture partnership in accordance with the authority granted in the National Technical Information Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 3704b) and in accordance with the guidelines published in the June 13, 1989 Federal Register. Send the requested description of your capabilities as requested by COB October 25, 1996 to the attention of Mr. Sandy Waters, Director of Strategic Planning, (703)487-4009 FAX or e-mail at SWATERS@NTIS.FEDWORLD.GOV, or to NTIS, Suite 200 Attn: Mr. Sandy Waters, 8001 Forbes Place, Springfield, VA, 22161. No phone calls please.

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