Commandant (G-ACS), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001

99 -- SHIPBORNE AUTOMATIC INDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS) TRANSPONDERS SOL DTCG23-98-B-AVT021 DUE 121997 POC Mr. Dan McCusker, Contracting Officer, (202)267-2483 WEB: Click here for additional information., http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-a/pawss/home.htm. E-MAIL: Click here to request to be added to the bidders list, dmccusker@comdt.uscg.mil. The Coast Guard has a requirement to lease 50 ITU-R-M.825.2 type transponders for testing the VTS system capability and for the Ports and Waterways Safety System (PAWSS) project. The transponder configurations shall be designed for quick and easy mounting, for installation and connecting the ship's power to all three subsystems where applicable. All equipment, subsystems, and completed configurations of the AIS equipment shall meet the requirements of ITU-R-M.825-2, provide a VHF/DSC radio that complies with FCC 47CFR-80, meet all the requirements of Draft Revision of Recommendation ITU-R-M.1084-1, including 12.5 kHz channel capability, provide a 12.5 kHz emission that complies with FCC 47CFR 90.210, provide transceivers that are tunable over the VHF marine radio band and capable of operation on simplex and duplex channels and be capable of displaying electronic chart formats. The carry-on transponders shall be in hard shelled containers and not weigh more than 20 pounds. A firm fixed price, IndefiniteDelivery Indefinite Quantity type contract is contemplated. Requests for solicitation shall be made in writing within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of this notice. The Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization has programs to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital and bonding assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates up to $500,000 per contract to provide accounts receivable financing. The DOT Bonding Assistance Program enables firms to apply for bid, performance and payment bonds up to $500,000 per contract. DOT provides an 80 percent guaranty on the bond amount to a surety against losses. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP and Bonding Assistance Program, please call (800) 532-1169. However, small business sources should submit information listed in numbered Note 25.***** (0338)

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