USDA, Rural Development, Procurement Management Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-0700

E -- REPAIR, ACQUISITION OR OPERATION OF HYDROELECTRIC PLANT DUE 111497 POC Veronica Moss, Admin Contracting Officer, 202-690-9815 This is for information only and will not result in a solicitation/contract. This is to encourage interested parties to provide information on and make recommendations to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for the repair, acquisition and/or operation of the North Hartland Generating Project, a 12 year old 4MW conventional hydroelectric plant in Windsor County, Vermont, (North Hartland) and the purchase or lease of a 2.68 percent share of the Highgate Converter Station, located in Highgate, Vermont, that links Hydro-Quebec and Vermont Electric Power Company. RUS is requesting information on North Hartland for one or more of the following operations: 1) repair, 2) repair and operate, 3) operate after repairs, 4) purchase after repairs, or 5) purchase North Hartland in its present condition. Respondents who have an interest in repairing the plant should address what they would do to get the plant operational; the steps involved and the resources necessary to complete the task. Respondents who have an interest in operating the plant should address the cost of operation, method of operation, resources employed and whether the plant will be operated according to the original design specifications or some other criteria. Respondents who have an interest in purchasing the plant should base information on an all cash offer. Interested respondents should call the contact number to request a packet of information on these assets that includes the manner in which to respond to this request. RUS will allow interested respondents to view additional operating and maintenance, legal and engineering documents pertinent to these facilities at RUS headquarters in Washington, DC. RUS will also schedule a total of 3 days during November in which interested parties can visit the North Hartland facility. (0294)

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