USDA Forest Service, PO Box 25017, Lakewood CO 80225

U -- NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM, OPERATION OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT SOL RFP RMAST-97-116 DUE 052397 POC Contact J.B. Hite, 303-275-5274, Contracting Officer Christine O'Guin The USDA Forest Service intends to negotiate a contract with the following organization: International Union of Operating Engineers, 1125 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC. The contract is to instruct and supervise classroom, shop and actual on-site project training to corps members based upon nationally approved core training curriculum that is open entry, open exit, competency based and self-paced in the operation of heavy equipment and related skills. Each contractor must also provide for a nationwide placement service system for trainees. On site contractor personnel must have the capability of pro- viding technical assistance and craft expertise in the development, design, coordination, and implementation of the center's annual vocational skills project plan. The training shall be provided at the Departments of Agri- culture and Interior Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs) and according to the techniques and standards developed by the contractors. The training program shall be established for a 52 week period and is to include a minimum of 1,000 hours of vocational training. Period of performance shall be from July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1998, with an option to extend performance for an additional four, one-year periods. Interested parties are invited to identify their interest and capability to respond to these requirements. Firms having the experience, training and placement capabilities described are invited to submit written information to this office. Such information should include the total number of employees and professional qualifications of personnel specifically qualified in the craft outlined, and a resume of past and current experience in providing training and placement in the specific craft area. The outline shall include a clients list, client contact person, telephone number, brief description of service provided and dollar amount. Responding firms are also requested to identify all subcontractors and their responsibilities. Response to this notice will be used to determine whethera bona fide competition exists. If no affirmative responses are received within 45 days after the date of this notice, a contract will be placed with the above named firm. No solicitation document exists. A request for solicitation will not be considered an affirmative response, however, if issuance of a solicitation is determined to be appropriate, requesting firms will be included on the mailing list. See Numbered Note 22. (0100)

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