PUBLIC NOTICE The Iowa Department of Human Services is releasing it's Request for Proposals for a statewide Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) System. The initial EBT System will issue Food Stamp and Family Investment Program Benefits. DHS anticipates a two year phase in period with full statewide participation completed by March 2000. The contract period is anticipated to begin, May 1998, and continue for five years with a potential of 2 one year extensions. A resource room will be available January 5 through January 20, 1998. A mandatory bidders conference will be held January 21, 1998. Bid proposals must be received by 4:30 CST, February 26, 1998. The anticipated date of award notice is April 1998. To obtain a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP), write or call Edith Pruismann, Division of Economic Assistance, Iowa Department of Human Services, Fifth Floor, Hoover Building, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515281-5688. This RFP is also available on the inter-net at www.state.ia.us/. The DHS home page is located under Government -- Executive Branch -- Human Services. WEB: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) System, http://www.state.ia.us. E-MAIL: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) System, epruism@dhs.state.ia.us.

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