Panama Canal Commission, Contracting Division, Purchasing & Contracts Branch, Unit 2300, APO, AA 34011-2300

R -- SOURCES SOUGHT -- -CORPORATE PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS DUE 053098 POC TACT. Berta Hollenberger, Contract Specialist, (507) 272-4687 The Panama Canal Commission, Contracting Division, is interested in identifying potential sources to acquire consultant services to present an analytical survey of current "best practices" among leading private corporations in the United States, similar in size and operation to the Panama Canal with respect to their: (1) Internal purchasing or procurement systems for obtaining supplies and services and construction; and (2) Mechanisms, formal and informal, for the resolution of contract disputes directed against the corporation by (a) disappointed candidates for the corporation's contracts and (b) the corporation's contractors or suppliers arising from contract performance. Description of the Service: In addition to presenting the aforementioned survey, the contractor will be required to evaluate and present an opinion concerning the feasibility and advisability of applying all, or any parts, of the surveyed "best practices" to the procurment and contract dispute resolution sytems of the Panama Canal. The analysis will consider their respective advantages/disadvantages compared to the Canal's existing systems, and compared to the dispute resolution systems presently available in the Republic of Panama. Point of Reference: Until Noon, December 31, 1999, the Panama Canal is operated by the Panama Canal Commission, an agency of the United States Government subject to Federal legislation and regulations. The contractor shall become familiar with current procurement and contract dispute resolution systems of the Canal organization, as well as the contract dispute resolution systems available in the Republic of Panama, and with the provisions of United States and Panamanian legislation pertinent to the transfer of these systems to the Government of Panama and their administration after 1999. For these purposes, the contractor will travel to Panama for meetings and information, and will be assisted by the Panama Canal Commission. Estimated time frame: The contractor shall complete the project and submit a final written report within 120 days from date of contract award, followed shortly by an oral presentation of same to Canal executives. Expresion of interest: If you are a potential source interested in participating in this procurement, let us know by fax at (507) 272-7661, Attn.: Berta Hollenberger, or e-mail at fmcc-c2g@pancanal.com, and refer to "Sources Sought -- -Corporate Procurement Systems". Please give your name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, and if available, e-mail address. Provide a budgetary quotation of your fee per hour or per day, as well as a brief description of your company and the services it renders, including your professional credentials. (0107)

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