DOT, FED HWY ADMN, Office of Acquisition Management, 400 7TH ST, SW, Room 4410, Washington, DC 20590

38 -- MANUFACTURE, EVALUATE, AND DELIVER SUPERPAVE DIRECT TENSION TE STER SOL DTFH61-97-B-00005 DUE 121695 POC Kathleen S. Sharp, Contracting Officer, (202)366-4215. This is a modification to a previously announced requirement. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) intends to issue on or about November 15, 1996, a request for technical proposals in accordance with the Two-Step Sealed Bidding procedures as described in FAR 14.5. The due date identified above is the APPROXIMATE due date for receipt of technical proposals; proposals are due 30 days after release of the Request for Technical Proposals. FHWA is seeking qualified offerors that can demonstrate conformance with the Government specifications for the manufacture of a Superpave Direct Tension Tester (DTT). FHWA will evaluate the Step-One technical proposals in order to determine the offeror's ability to conform with Government specifications, and to determine whether the offeror is qualified to perform the work. The request for technical proposals will require that each offeror supply specific information addressing qualifications and capabilities. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) will subsequently be issued to only those sources who have submitted acceptable technical proposals under Step-One. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by FHWA. Full and Open Competition procedures are in effect. To receive a copy of the solicitation, submit a written request to the address above, please include two self-addressed gummed labels. NOTE: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has a program to assist minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP, please call the OSDBU at (800)532-1169. (0305)

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