IN ADDITION The Texas Register is required by statute to publish certain documents, including applications to purchase control of state banks, notices of rate ceilings, changes in interest rate and applications to install remote service units, and consultant proposal requests and awards. To aid agencies in communicating information quickly and effectively, other information of general interest to the public is published as space allows. Coastal Coordination Council Notice and Opportunity to Comment on Requests for Consistency Agreement/Concurrence Under the Texas Coastal Management Program On January 10, 1997, the State of Texas received federal approval of the Coastal Management Program (CMP) (62 Federal Register pp. 1439-1440). Under federal law, federal agency activities and actions affecting the Texas coastal zone must be consistent with the CMP goals and policies identified in 31 TAC 501. Requests for federal consistency review were received for the following projects(s) during the period of March 7, 1997, through March 11, 1997: FEDERAL ACTIONS: Applicant: James Wade Location: Colorado River, Lot 20, Hubert Watson Subdivision, Matagorda, Matagorda County, Texas Project No.: 97-0042-F1 Description of Proposed Action: The applicant proposes to retain a 57-foot bulkhead constructed 8 feet into the waterway, and a 14 x 31 foot deck. He also proposes to add a pier and boat lift. Type of Application: U.S.C.O.E. After-the-fact permit application #20812(Revised) under sec.10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C.A. 403), and sec.404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. sec.sec.125-1387). Applicant: Department of the Navy Location: Confluence of the Jewell Fulton Canal and La Quinta Channel west of Ingleside, Texas Project No.: 97-0043-F1 Description of Proposed Action: The applicant proposes to dredge 400,000 cubic yards of material for the construction of an entrance channel, turning basin and slip for Avenger and Osprey Class Naval Vessels. Dredging will facilitate the construction of a Magnetic Silencing Facility for use by the Mine Warfare Center of Excellence at Ingleside. Type of Application: U.S.C.O.E. permit application #20486(01) under sec.10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C.A. 403), and sec.404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. sec.sec.125-1387). Applicant: American Exploration Company Location: Brazos, Block 474, Lease OCS-G 17107, OCS Federal Offshore Waters, Gulf of Mexico. Project No.: 97-0044-F1 Type of Application: Initial Plan of Exploration, Title 30 CFR 250.33 (f) and (h). Applicant: Barrett Resources Corporation Location: High Island, Block A-364, Lease OCS-G 17218, OCS Federal Offshore Waters, Gulf of Mexico. Project No.: 97-0045-F1 Type of Application: Initial Plan of Exploration, Title 30 CFR 250.33 (f) and (h). Applicant: Vastar Resources, Inc. Location: High Island, Block 117, Lease OCS-G 17147, OCS Federal Offshore Waters, Gulf of Mexico. Project No.: 97-0046-F1 Type of Application: Initial Plan of Exploration, Title 30 CFR 250.33 (f) and (h). Applicant: BP Chemicals, Inc. Location: Victoria Barge Canal, 6.5 miles south of Bloomington, Texas, Highway 185, Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas Project No.: 97-0047-F1 Description of Proposed Action: The applicant proposes to conduct maintenance dredging of barge facility slip. Type of Application: U.S.C.O.E. permit application #12980(02) under sec.404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. sec.sec.125-1387). Applicant: U.S. Coast Guard Location: Coast Guard Station, Sabine Pass Channel, at the intersection of Highway 3322 and First Avenue, Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas Project No.: 97-0048-F1 Description of Proposed Action: The applicant proposes to demolish existing piers, dredge a slip basin for vessel mooring and construct new piers with a mooring cover. Perform maintenance dredging as required for a ten-year period. Type of Application: U.S.C.O.E. permit application under sec.10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C.A. 403), and sec.404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. sec.sec.125-1387). FEDERAL AGENCY ACTIVITIES: Applicant: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Project No.: 97-0049-F2 Description of Proposed Activity: The applicant proposes to amend the regulations governing the Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) fisheries (50 CFR Parts 285 and 630) to provide authority for NMFS to close and/or reopen all or part of the Angling category in order to effect distribution of fishing opportunities throughout the species' range, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 971 of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act. Pursuant to sec.306(d)(14) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 .S.C.A. sec.1451- 1464), as amended, interested parties are invited to submit comments on whether a proposed action should be referred to the Coastal Coordination Council for review and whether the action is or is not consistent with the Texas Coastal Management Program goals and policies. All comments must be received within 30 days of publication of this notice and addressed to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Council Secretary, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Room 617, Austin, Texas 78701-1495. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703415 Gary Mauro Chairman, Coastal Coordination Council Coastal Coordination Council Filed: March 12, 1997 Comptroller of Public Accounts Notice of Consultant Contract Award In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2254, Subchapter B of the Texas Government Code, the Comptroller of Public Accounts announces this notice of consultant contract award. The consultant proposal request was published in the January 21, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 925). The consultant will assist the Comptroller in conducting a management and performance review of the Corpus Christi Independent School District, and will produce periodic progress reports and assist in producing a final report. These reports shall include analyses and recommendations to contain costs, improve management strategies, and to promote better education through school administration efficiency. The successful proposer will be expected to begin performance of the contract on or about March 17, 1997. The contract is awarded to Neal & Gibson, 101 West 6th Street, Suite 702, Austin, Texas 78701. The total dollar value of the contract is not to exceed $249,760.00 in the aggregate. The contract was executed March 7, 1997, and extends through December 31, 1997. Neal & Gibson is to assist the Comptroller in preparing a final report which will be made public on or about September 23, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703417 Arthur F. Lorton Senior Legal Counsel Comptroller of Public Accounts Filed: March 12, 1997 Employees Retirement System of Texas Request for Proposals In accordance with Texas Insurance Code, Article 3.50-2, sec.4, as amended, the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide a flexible benefits ("Cafeteria") plan for claim administration services. Firms wishing to respond to the request must have demonstrated prior work experience in flexible benefits claim administration. In addition, firms should have a working knowledge of the State of Texas policies and procedures which may affect the delivery of a flexible benefits program. The RFP instructions which detail information regarding the project are available upon request from the ERS. The deadline for receipt of the proposals in response to this request will be 5:00 p.m., central standard time, on April 14, 1997. The ERS reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted. The ERS is under no legal requirement to execute a contract on the basis of this advertisement. The ERS will base its choice on cost, demonstrated competence, superior qualifications, and evidence of conformance with the RFP criteria. This RFP does not commit the ERS to pay any costs incurred prior to execution of a contract. Issuance of this material in no way obligates the ERS to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response. The ERS specifically reserves the right to vary all provisions set forth at any time prior to execution of a contract where the ERS deems it to be in the best interest of the State of Texas. For further information regarding this notice please contact Marianne Woods Wiley, Director, Deferred Compensation and Flexible Benefits, Employees Retirement System of Texas, P. O. Box 13207, Austin, Texas 78711-3207, (512) 867-3295. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703422 Sheila W. Beckett Executive DIrector Employees Retirement System of Texas Filed: March 12, 1997 Texas Department of Health Notice of Request for Proposal for Put Prevention Into Practice INTRODUCTION: The Texas Department of Health (TDH) requests proposals for two- year implementation grants for Put Prevention Into Practice (PPIP). The main objective of the PPIP grant for year one is to facilitate a systems change so that preventive care becomes routine and barriers to receiving preventive care are reduced. Year two of the grant will focus on the integration of PPIP with existing clinical and quality assurance/improvement programs, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the risk reduction component. Funds will be awarded to as many as eight applicants. The final total will depend upon the number of applicants who can demonstrate the highest potential for successful integration of the PPIP system into existing health care services and upon the availability of funds. A presentation for potential applicants regarding project goals will be provided by staff of the Adult Health Program on March 31, 1997, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room M-652 of the Moreton Building at the Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. Attendance at this presentation is optional. PROJECT DATES: Funds are available for the period beginning September 1, 1997 through August 31, 1999. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Eligible entities are community health centers, primary care residency training programs (e.g., family practice, internal medicine), local health departments, and not-for-profit organizations that currently provide primary health care services on-site and are located within the state of Texas. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The original and four copies must be received by the request for proposal (RFP) Evaluation Committee, Adult Health Program, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756 on or before 5:00 p.m., C.D.T., May 1, 1997. REVIEW AND AWARD CRITERIA: Each application will be screened for minimum eligibility and completeness, as well as satisfactory fiscal and administrative history. Applications which are deemed ineligible or incomplete, or which arrive after the deadline will not be reviewed. Eligible, complete applications will be reviewed and scored independently by evaluators, according to the quality and thoroughness of the application, and the illustrated potential of the applicant to implement the PPIP system. Staff of the Adult Health Program will then conduct on-site assessment visits to as many as eight of the sites scoring highest on the written portion of the evaluation. If the results of these on-site visits are not satisfactory, the staff of the Adult Health Program will conduct on-site visits to the applicant(s) scoring next highest on the written portion of the evaluation. This process will continue until the appropriate number of sites have been selected. FOR INFORMATION: For information regarding the presentation or for a copy of the RFP, please contact the Adult Health Program, phone number (512)-458-7534. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703421 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: March 12, 1997 Request for Proposal for Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Purpose: The Texas Department of Health (department), Bureau of Children's Health is issuing this request for proposal (RFP) in two areas under the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant: Part A: MCH Genetic Services and Part B: Population-based Essential (Core) Public Health Genetic Projects to improve the health status of women and children. Description: The department is seeking contractors to provide MCH genetic services and to conduct priority topic core public health projects. The department will use a competitive application process to select contractors for projects. Eligible Applicants: Any applicant capable of meeting the minimum requirements in the RFP is eligible to apply for a contract. Limitations: Funding for selected applications will depend upon available federal funds and state appropriations. The department reserves the right to reject any and all offers received in response to the RFP and to cancel the RFP if it is deemed in the best interest of the department. Term: Applicants may apply for one fiscal year (FY) of funding beginning September 1, 1997 through August 31, 1998 only. Funding for FY99 will be renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance, submission of acceptable interim applications, and the availability of funds. Deadlines: Interested parties should call Terranette West at (512) 458-7111 ext. 2193 to request the RFP kit. All applications should be sent to the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Children's Health, Room T-608, Attention: Dixie G. Camp, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. (512) 458-7111 ext. 6221. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 16, 1997, to be considered "on time". Applicants should request a legible dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. Evaluation and Selection: Applications will be reviewed by department central office review teams. The evaluation of the application will be based upon review criteria listed in the RFP. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703420 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: March 12, 1997 Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Notification of Extension of Contract The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announces the extension of the contract end date for the Hunter Company, Inc. to complete the Statewide Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Due to revisions and additions to the draft report requested by TDHCA staff, this extension of time is necessary to allow Hunter Company, Inc. to complete the report. The end date will change from February 28, 1997 to April 15, 1997. (This extension notice is being submitted in accordance with the Government Code, sec.2254.031). Written comment or questions should be sent to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Housing Resource Center, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 78711-3941, (512) 475-3972. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703426 Larry Paul Manley Executive Director Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Filed: March 12, 1997 Request for Proposals - Statewide Architectural Barrier Removal (SABR) Program The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Statewide Architectural Barrier Removal (SABR) Program. This program is aimed at removing barriers to accessibility in the homes of very low and low income Texans with disabilities. Department funds have been allocated by the Department's governing Board of Directors to create pilot projects to serve the target populations in the Lufkin, Lubbock, and McAllen areas. A total of $260,000 has been allocated to each of the target areas. Qualified recipient will serve individuals and families whose income is less than 80 percent of Area Median Family Income and who live in or near the cities listed previously listed. Qualified recipient will serve both renters and owners. Proposals must be received at TDHCA headquarters no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 15, 1997. Please contact Tara O'Neill in the Department's Housing Resource Center at 512-475-3975 to request an RFP packet or for more information. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703427 Larry Paul Manley Executive Director Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Filed: March 12, 1997 Public Utility Commission Notice of Application to Amend Certificate of Convenience and Necessity Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas of an application on February 28, 1997, to amend a certificate of convenience and necessity pursuant to sec.sec.1.101(a), 2.201, 2.101(e), 2.252, and 2.255, of the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995. A summary of the application follows. Docket Title and Number: Application of South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. to Amend Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for Proposed Substation in Victoria County, Docket Number 17139 before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Application: In Docket Number 17139, South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. requests approval to construct the Loop 463 substation at the request of Victoria Electric Cooperative, Inc., a distribution cooperative member of South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120 within 15 days of this notice. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703360 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: March 11, 1997 Notices of Intent to File Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27 for a new PLEXAR-custom service for The Prudential in Houston, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for a new PLEXAR- Custom Service for The Prudential in Houston, Texas, Pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27. Tariff Control Number 17171. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval for a new PLEXAR- custom service for The Prudential in Houston, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Houston local access and transport area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703380 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: March 11, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27 for a 190 station addition to the existing PLEXAR-custom service for Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for a 190 Station Addition to the Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas, Pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27. Tariff Control Number 17172. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval for a 190 station addition to the existing PLEXAR-custom service for Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Dallas local access and transport area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703381 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: March 11, 1997 Public Notice of Workshop and Request for Comments In adopting substantive rules regulating competitive resource acquisition, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC or commission) expressed concern about the potential for anti-competitive conduct by monopoly electric utilities during the transition period to a competitive industry. The commission is interested in preventing the use of ratepayers' money to fund in part or whole marketing- oriented demand-side management (DSM) programs that promote the increased use of electricity in competition with providers of other energy sources. On the supply side, the commission is concerned that utilities' plans to refurbish and repower existing power plants may have undesirable economic or environmental consequences. Such activities may be uneconomical if the production cost of these plants is above the market price as determined through a competitive solicitation for resources, or as otherwise available in the bulk power market. Further, the commission is interested in activities undertaken by regulated electric utilities to improve the operating efficiency of existing power plants, while such plants are operating under a cost-of-service regime. Project Number 16577 is intended to address the existing energy efficiency reporting requirement (PUC SUBSTANTIVE RULE sec.23.22), and to provide the commission with the information necessary to revise the rule in an effective manner. Topics for discussion: 1. What is the proper definition of an anti-competitive DSM program and what are its characteristics? 2. Do all DSM rebate programs have the potential to be used for anti-competitive activities? Participants may provide a list of programs with such potential and explain how each program may be used for anti-competitive purposes. 3. Is there a need for utility affiliate rebate reporting, or for the reporting of marketing activities of utilities that are funded below the line (with stockholder moneys)? 4. Should the PUC take action to safeguard against the use of ratepayer-funded DSM programs for marketing purposes? What specific actions are recommended? (For example, should the PUC require that all DSM programs be contracted out through a solicitation process?) 5. Desirable characteristics of DSM activities include increased end-use energy efficiency, cost reduction, and/or environmental impact mitigation. What evaluation requirements are necessary to assess the value of a DSM program to a utility's customers? 6. For each DSM program, what data and information should be reported annually to the PUC as a basis for a review of possible anti-competitive activities? 7. What are the characteristics of an anti-competitive utility pricing, rate, or tariff incentive? What are examples of anti-competitive rate incentives? 8. Public utilities are required to report the revenue losses associated with flexible pricing as part of their earnings monitoring report. Should utilities be required to report any other information to the PUC about their special rate incentives? What information should be reported, and in what context? 9. What are the characteristics of anti-competitive utility incentives to third parties (e.g., developers)? What are examples of anti-competitive utility incentives to third parties? 10. Should utilities be required to report annually to the PUC information about incentives given to third parties? What information should be reported? 11. What is the proper definition of an electrotechnology, and what are its characteristics? 12. Should utilities promote electrotechnologies? How should they be promoted (information dissemination? rebates? low interest loans? rate incentives?) Should the promotion of electrotechnologies be funded with ratepayers' money? 13. What information should be reported to the PUC regarding the promotion of electrotechnologies? 14. In addition to the reporting requirements of the integrated resource planning (IRP) rule, should utilities be required to report information about mothballed power plants they intend to repower in the future? What information should be reported? 15. Should utilities be required to report annually their activities to improve the efficiency of power plant operations? Transmission systems? Distribution systems? What information should be provided? 16. Should the commission adopt rules clarifying the rights of utilities to claim confidentiality as a means of protecting power plant operating data-heat rates, fuel costs, and operating efficiencies-as long as such power plants are operating under traditional cost-of-service ratemaking mechanisms? 17. Which public utilities should be required to report on DSM activities? (PUC SUBSTANATIVE RULE sec.23.22 currently requires reporting by utilities with 20,000 or more customers.) The workshop will be held on March 31, 1997 at the PUC, in the commissioners' hearing room, Seventh floor, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop participants should come prepared to discuss the topics listed above. Participants and interested persons who are unable to attend the workshop are invited to submit 16 copies of their responses and comments with the commission no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 1997. All written comments should reference Project Number 16577. Participants may be invited to file additional comments and proposals to address issues that may arise during the workshop. Responses and comments should be filed with Paula Mueller, Secretary of the Commission, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78711-3326. Parties should also file an electronic copy with the Office of Regulatory Affairs (Room 8-110) in Microsoft Word Version 6.0. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703374 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: March 11, 1997 Teacher Retirement System of Texas This consultant contract information is filed in compliance with the notice requirement under the Government Code, sec.2254.30. The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has contracted with a private consultant to assist TRS in searching for and hiring a Chief Investment Officer to fill a vacant position with TRS. TRS executed a contract with Heidrick and Struggles, Inc. whose address is 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 3050, Houston, Texas 77010 to provide the services listed in this notice. The agreed compensation set forth in the contract is $50,000 plus expenses payable in three monthly installments. The contract is effective February 28, 1997 and will last until the job is completed. It is anticipated to take a 90 day period to complete the work. While there are no expected films, recordings, or reports, all documentation will be available immediately after the position is filled. The proposal for this work was published in the Texas Register on January 24, 1997 at (22 TexReg 989). Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703307 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: March 11, 1997 Texas Department of Transportation Requests for Proposals Notice of Invitation: The Dallas District Office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) intends to engage an architect, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, and 43 TAC sec.sec.9.30-9.40, to provide the following services. To qualify for contract award a selected architect must perform a minimum of 30% of the actual contract work. Contract Number 18-745P8001: The repair/rehabilitation of the Rockwall County Courthouse will require the use of a consulting architectural firm, with experience in historic structure repair/rehabilitation, which will prepare schematic designs, outline specifications, detailed drawings/plans, specifications, and estimates. The consultant will also be responsible for construction supervision. Items to be remedied in this project will include but not be limited to, damaged trusses, relocation of rear entrance, weatherproofing of building exterior, and landscaping. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal will be accepted by fax at (214) 320-4470, or by hand delivery to TxDOT, Dallas District, Attention: Arilyn Joy Carter, 9700 East R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas, or by mail addressed to P.O. Box 3067, Dallas, Texas 75221-3067. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 1997. The letter of interest must include the architect's firm name, address, telephone number, fax number, name of architect's contact person and refer to Contract Number 18-745P8001. Upon receipt of the letter of interest a Request for Proposal packet will be issued. (Note: The letters of interest, either by mail/hand delivery or fax, will be required to receive the Request for Proposal packet. The letter of interest is required in order to receive a request for proposal packet and in order for a prime provider to submit a proposal.) Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for Contract Number 18-745P8001 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 1997, at the previously mentioned TxDOT, Dallas District addresses. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of invitation should be addressed to Arilyn Joy Carter at (214) 320-6248 or fax (214) 320-4470. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703377 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: March 11, 1997 Notice of Invitation: The Houston District Office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) intends to enter five contracts with professional engineers, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, and 43 TAC sec.sec.9.30-9.40, to provide the following services. TxDOT will negotiate and enter a separate work authorization contract with each of the five prime providers selected. To qualify for contract award a selected engineer must perform a minimum of 30% of the actual contract work. RFP Number 12-7RFP5001: The work will be for the preparation of a Major Investment Study. The scope of work will include, but not limited to the following: project management, public involvement, project initiation, screening of conceptual alternatives, analysis of alternatives, preferred design concept and scope, and final report. The work will be performed in Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Waller, and Montgomery Counties. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal for RFP Number 12-7RFP5001 will be accepted by fax at (713) 802-5896, or by hand delivery to TxDOT, Houston District Office, Attention: James G. Darden, P.E., 7721 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, or mailed to P.O. Box 1386, Houston Texas 77251-1386. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 1997. The letter of interest must include the engineer's firm name, address, telephone number, name of engineer's contact person and refer to RFP Number 12-7RFP5001. Upon receipt of the letter of interest a Request for Proposal packet will be issued. (Note: Written requests, either by mail/hand delivery or fax, will be required in order to receive a Request for Proposal packet. TxDOT will not issue Request for Proposal packets without receipt of letter of interest.) Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for RFP Number 12-7RFP5001 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 1997, at the previously mentioned TxDOT Houston District Office addresses. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of invitation should be addressed to Manny Francisco at (713) 802-5250, Roger Gonzalez at (713) 802-5274, Mark Mikulenka at (713) 802-5255 or fax (713) 802- 5896. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703376 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: March 11, 1997 Notice of Invitation: The Wichita Falls District Office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) intends to enter four contracts with professional engineers, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, and 43 TAC sec.sec.9.30-9.40, to provide the following services. TxDOT will negotiate and enter a separate contract with each of the four prime providers selected. To qualify for contract award a selected engineer must perform a minimum of 30% of the actual contract work. RFP Number 03-7RFP5001: To conduct preliminary engineering, including route selection, environmental studies, field surveys, right of way acquisition, and preparation of PS&E for projects to be assigned by the Wichita Falls District. Representative projects are described in the RFP. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal will be accepted by fax at (817) 720-7848, or by hand/mail delivery to TxDOT, Wichita Falls District Office, Attention: Patrick R. Harris, 1601 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76302-4906. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 1997. The letter of interest must include the engineer's firm name, address, telephone number, fax number, name of engineer's contact person and refer to TxDOT RFP Number 03-7RFP5001. Upon receipt of the letter of interest a Request for Proposal packet will be issued. (Note: Written requests, either by mail/hand delivery or fax, will be required to receive a Request for Proposal packet. TxDOT will not issue a Request for Proposal packet without receipt of a letter of interest.) Preproposal Meeting: A preproposal meeting will be held on Friday, April 4, 1997, at the TxDOT Wichita Falls District Office Assembly Room, 1601 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76302-4906, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (TxDOT will not accept a proposal from an engineer who has failed for any reason to attend the mandatory preproposal meeting.) Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, large print or braille, are requested to contact Jerry Young, at (817) 720-7741, at least two work days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for TxDOT RFP Number 03-7RFP5001 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 1997, at the previously mentioned TxDOT Wichita Falls District Office address. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of invitation should be addressed to Patrick R. Harris at (817) 720-7740 or fax (817) 720-7848. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 1997. TRD-9703375 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: March 11, 1997 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Request For Information (RFI) Bilingual Workplace Literacy, Vocational Training, Vocational Assessment and Job Matching The Dislocated Workers' Services Unit of the Texas Workforce Commission is currently developing a list of potential service providers of bilingual workplace literacy training, vocational training, vocational assessment and job matching. This list is being developed in response to a growing need for services to dislocated workers with limited English proficiency (LEP) in Texas. Interested parties are requested to review the criteria listed below for additional information and guidance in replying to this RFI. A. Background 1. Dislocated Workers' Services/Rapid Response: The Dislocated Workers' Services Unit operates under the authority of the Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance (EDWAA) Act, Title III of the Job Training Partnership Act. Under EDWAA, educational and employment assistance services are provided to workers who have lost their jobs due to layoffs or plant closings. Through the Unit's Rapid Response function, these services are provided in a timely and cost-efficient manner throughout the state of Texas. 2. Border Initiative: The Texas-Mexico border has experienced an increasing number of manufacturing-related layoffs and plant closings. Many of these operations have begun to relocate into the interior of Mexico, thereby laying off large numbers of workers. The majority of these laid-off workers are female, 40 years of age, and speak only Spanish. Commonly the target population completed the 3rd to 6th grades in Mexico and lack functional literacy (reading and writing) in English and Spanish. Therefore, there is a great need for both workplace literacy and vocational training delivered in a functional bilingual format. B. Request for Information To meet the needs of the population included under the umbrella of the Border Initiative, the Dislocated Workers' Services Unit is developing a detailed listing of potential resources and service providers of bilingual workplace literacy training, bilingual vocational training, bilingual vocational assessment and job matching. Respondents are asked to provide information on the training, services, products and/or reference materials available from their organizations on the following areas: 1. Bilingual Vocational Training: Vocational training should be based on available jobs and career choices in demand or emerging occupations in the communities affected. The training should not be focused on outmoded, declining or obsolete occupations with little chance for long-term employment. All training should be in a bilingual format for native Spanish speakers and should incorporate adult learning principles in an active participation format. Where appropriate, the training should incorporate or make provision for job development and placement assistance to participants. Since the majority of the target population are women, TWC would encourage activities aimed at job placements for participants in non-traditional occupations. Training courses discussed by respondents may involve courses delivered by the respondents, courses available in audio or video formats, courses for which training manuals are available or courses that have train-the-trainer components. For train-the-trainers formats, it would be envisioned that a vendor would train local personnel to deliver the training. 2. Workplace Literacy Training in a Bilingual Work Environment: By "workplace literacy training", it is meant literacy training that is tied to workplace knowledge. While this would include basic academic skills, it would also involve "world of work" skills such as communicating, learning how to learn and team activities. It is literacy training that is directly connected to a work context; i.e., the reading of job materials, like instruction manuals, as opposed to general reading. The training itself may actually involve the operation of equipment or a computer terminal, for example. The target population will require that the training be offered in a bilingual environment incorporating adult learning principles in an active participation format. Please note that the target population is Spanish-speaking only. Therefore, TWC has a great interest in training, services and products that can deal successfully with this special situation. 3. Bilingual Vocational Assessment Instrument: Bilingual assessment instruments should test for vocational aptitudes, skills and knowledge, but may also assess general aptitude, educational attainment, and career interests. It would be beneficial if the assessment instrument or system would be part of an overall job matching system that links to job development and placement activities. As noted previously, the target is Spanish-speaking only. Accordingly, TWC is interested in alternative forms of assessment that may involve the carrying out of activities or that could be presented in a spoken or visual format. In addition, the use of such instruments should result in an accurate presentation of the individual's abilities such that referral or enrollment in a specific educational or vocational training program will be appropriate to their level of reasoning, math, and language skills. Assessment instruments should be capable of being administered on the local level by local personnel. Any needed training, educational requirements, and/or equipment local staff may need to conduct assessment activities should be noted and described. C. Potential Respondents The following is a list of potential respondents to this RFI: 1. Community and Technical Colleges 2. Proprietary Schools 3. Professional Consultants 4. Training Organizations and Trainers 5. Licensed Professional/Vocational Counselors 6. Colleges and Universities 7. Community-Based Organizations 8. Developers of Assessment Instruments and Vocational/Aptitude Testing Systems 9. Private Employers This list of potential respondents should not be considered to list all the possible respondents to the RFI. Any person or organization who can offer any or all of the needed services is encouraged to reply. D. Format for Responses Respondents should submit the following: 1. Company or Individual Name 2. Name of Contact Person 3. Address 4. Phone Number 5. Fax Number 6. E-mail Address 7. Internet Home Page Address (if applicable) 8. Tax I.D. Number or Social Security Number (if individual) 9. Historically-Underutilized Business (HUB) Status An application for HUB- designation may be obtained through the Texas General Services Commission, (512) 463-3035. 10. A listing and description of the services and/or products available (Any terminology used in a proprietary manner or in a way other than common usage should be explained and defined.) 11. Names, addresses, phone numbers and names of contact persons of three organizations that have successfully utilized the products described 12. (Optional) Samples of any products (printed, audio or video) 13. (Optional) Price List for services and/or products Materials should be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper, either in a 3-hole binder or stapled in the upper left hand corner. Previously-prepared promotional materials and products may be submitted in existing formats. All responses should be mailed or faxed to: Rebecca Horton Texas Workforce Commission Workforce Development Division Dislocated Worker Unit 101 East 15th Street Austin, Texas 78778-0001 Fax: (512) 936-0331 Phone: (512) 936-0400 E-mail: Rebecca.Horton@twc.state.tx.us If you have any questions regarding this request for information specifically, please contact Rebecca Horton at the previously listed number or e-mail address. Please note that no additional information beyond the contents of this request for information is available at this time. E. Timetable In order to ensure inclusion on the master mailing list, responses should be mailed or faxed to the previously listed address and/or fax number no later than Friday, April 25, 1997. F. Conditions All respondents will be registered on a master mailing list and will receive notice of future requests for bids/proposals. The Texas Workforce Commission makes no commitments, promises or guarantees that any contract(s) for services or purchase order(s) for products will result from this RFI or from the inclusion of any vendor(s) on the master mailing list. Any subsequent contracting in this area will be through competitive bidding and/or a request for bids/proposals process. Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1997. TRD-9703419 Esther Hajdar Director of Legal Services Texas Workfoce Commission Filed: March 12, 1997