USDA, Forest Service, 1755 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, GA 30501

B -- INCREASING MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES OF LESSER KNOWN WOOD SPECIES AND SECONDARY WOOD PRODUCTS IN TROPICAL CENTRAL AMERICA AND MEXICO SOL RFP 8-3-99-28 DUE 063099 POC Marcia O'Connor 770-536-0541 WEB: click here to download a copy of the RFP, http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/contracts/rfq8_3_99_28.htm. E-MAIL: click here to contact the contracting officer via, moconnor/r8_chattoconee@fs.fed.us. ANNOUNCEMENT FOR COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY Contract for Increasing Marketing Opportunities of Lesser Known Wood Species and Secondary Wood Products in Tropical Central America and Mexico. In an attempt to reduce the logging pressure on traditional tree species, such as mahogany and Spanish cedar, in natural forests of Latin America, and to promote the efficient and sustainable management of these forests, the US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry is seeking to contract for a study to be performed in identified countries of the region. An emphasis is placed on improving marketing of lesser-known species (LKS) timber, and secondary products made from the 'waste' pieces of the well known species. This project requires four general activities: (1) gather and compile existing, and identify lacking, information on lesser known species, products, volumes and market dynamics, (2) conduct personal interviews with timber producers and wood manufacturers in the identified countries, and, if appropriate, international distributors and manufacturers, (3) interview suppliers of LKS wood products, (4) determine the feasibility and process for establishing ouput channels, and (5) publish a report with specific, prioritized recommendations for improved marketing linkages. An important component of activity #1 is the identification of the volume of LKS wood and 'waste' pieces of the primary species available for sale in the forest management units visited. The performance period for this project is eight months, beginning August 1, 1999 and will include approximately 55 days of travel in the forest areas of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and possibly Nicaragua. This contract may be performed by a single individual or a group of individuals who together meet the qualifications. The Forest Service anticipates awarding a firm-fixed price contract utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Selection will be based on the most advantageous combination of price, technical proposal, and qualifications: tropical timber and/or wood products marketing expert with speciality in tropical forestry; fluency in Spanish and English; familiarity with the tropical forests of Central America and Mexico; ability to effectively interview a variety of individuals regarding their particular role in the chain of custody of harvested timber from these tropical forests. The Request for Proposals is scheduled for release June 1, 1999. Document can be downloaded at http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/contracts/rfq8_3_99_28.htm Proposal responses are due June 30, 1999. Contracting support for this procurement is being provided by the Chattahoochee- Oconee National Forest. Posted 05/12/99 (W-SN330750). (0132)

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