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. Comptroller of Public Accounts Notice of Cancellation and Reissuance of a Request for Proposal Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller) announces the cancellation of its Request for Proposals (RFP) for a management and performance review of the Houston Independent School District, and the reissuance of the RFP with revisions. From the review which is the subject of the RFP as reissued, findings and recommendations will be developed for containing costs, improving management strategies, and ultimately promoting better education for Texas children through school district management efficiency. The Successful Proposer will be expected to begin performance of the contract on or about April 1, 1996. Contact: Parties interested in submitting a proposal should contact the Comptroller of Public Accounts, Senior Legal Counsel's Office, 111 East 17th Street, Room 113, Austin, Texas 78774, (512) 475-0866, to obtain a copy of the RFP. The RFP will be available for pick-up at the referenced address listed on February 6, 1996, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Zone Time (CZT), and during normal business hours thereafter. All written inquiries and mandatory letters of intent to propose must be received at the referenced address listed prior to 4:00 p.m. (CZT) on Friday, February 16, 1996. Closing Date: Proposals must be received in the Senior Legal Counsel's Office no later than 4:00 p.m. (CZT), on March 15, 1996. Proposals received after this time and date will not be considered. Award Procedure: All proposals will be subject to evaluation by a committee based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. The committee will determine which proposal best meets these criteria and will make a recommendation to the Deputy Comptroller, who will then make a recommendation to the Comptroller. The Comptroller will make the final decision. A proposer may be asked to clarify its proposal, which may include an oral presentation, prior to final selection. The Comptroller reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted. The Comptroller of Public Accounts is under no legal or other obligation to execute a contract on the basis of this notice or the distribution of an RFP. Neither this notice nor the RFP commits the Comptroller to pay for any costs incurred prior to the execution of a contract. The anticipated schedule of events is as follows: Reissuance of RFP-February 6, 1996, 4:00 p.m., CZT; Mandatory Letter of Intent and Questions Due-February 16, 1996, 4:00 p.m. CZT; Proposals Due-March 15, 1996, 4:00 p.m. CZT; Contract Execution-March 27, 1996, or as soon thereafter as practical. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601319 Arthur F. Lorton Senior Legal Counsel Comptroller of Public Accounts Filed: January 31, 1996 Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner Notice of Rate Ceilings The Consumer Credit Commissioner of Texas has ascertained the following rate ceilings by use of the formulas and methods described in Title 79, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 1.04, as amended (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5069-1. 04). [graphic] Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 30, 1996. TRD-9601320 Leslie L. Pettijohn Commissioner Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner Filed: January 31, 1996 Texas Court Reporters Certification Board Notice of Opportunity to Comment on Rules Governing Court Reporters with Defaulted Student Loans The Supreme Court of Texas is providing an opportunity for written public comment on proposed rules governing court reporters with defaulted student loans. According to Texas Government Code, sec.52.029(e), the Supreme Court may authorize and the Court Reporters Certification Board may adopt rules relating to the nonrenewal of the certification of a court reporter who is in default on a loan guaranteed under Education Code, Chapter 57, by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. The proposed rules are as follows: (a) The Court Reporters Certification Board (hereinafter "Board") shall not renew the certification of a certified shorthand reporter or licensee who is designated to be in default on loans guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (hereinafter "TGSLC"), Texas Education Code, sec.57. 491(c)(2), and in default of repayment agreements unless: (1) the renewal is the first renewal following the Board's receipt of the designation which includes the licensee's name among those in default; or (2) the licensee presents to the Board a notarized copy of the documentation issued by TGSLC certifying that: (A) the licensee has entered a repayment agreement on the defaulted loan; or (B) the licensee is not in default on a loan guaranteed by TGSLC. (b) The Board may issue an initial certification or license to persons whose names appear on the list of persons who are in default of loans guaranteed by TGSLC if that person meets the qualifications for certification established by the Texas Supreme Court; provided, however, that the Board shall not renew the certification unless the person presents a notarized copy of the documentation issued by TGSLC certifying that: (1) the licensee has entered into a repayment agreement on the defaulted loan; or (2) the licensee is not in default on a loan guaranteed by TGSLC. (c) The Board shall provide licensees with an opportunity to have a public hearing pursuant to Rule VII, Reconsideration and Appeals, of the Standards and Rules for Certification of Certified Shorthand Reporters as promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court, prior to taking action concerning nonrenewal of licenses for default of student loans. The notice shall be sent to the last know address according to the Board's records. (d) Failure to provide the notice or non-receipt of the notice as required by this subsection does not affect the default status of a licensee or the prohibitions on renewal of a certification held by a person in default. (e) Reference to the Board's rules governing certification holders with defaulted student loans shall be printed on each certification renewal notice and certification application. Comments may be submitted to John T. Adams, Clerk, The Supreme Court of Texas, P.O. Box 12248, Austin, Texas 78711, and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 1996. Comments may also be sent by facsimile machine to (512) 463-1365. Peg Liedtke, Executive Secretary of the Court Reporters Certification Board, is available to discuss the proposed rules at (512) 463-1624; however, comments must be submitted in writing to be considered by the Court. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 30, 1996. TRD-9601321 Peg Liedtke Executive Secretary Texas Court Reporters Certification Board Filed: January 31, 1996 Texas Health and Human Services Commission Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission State Medicaid Office has received approval from the Health Care Financing Administration to amend the Title XIX Medical Assistance Plan by Transmittal Number 95-24, Amendment Number 489. The amendment implements the provisions for Nursing Facility enforcement and remedies addressed in OBRA 1987. The amendment is effective July 1, 1995. If additional information is needed, please contact Susan Syler, Texas Department of Human Services, at (512) 438-3111. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 25, 1996. TRD-9601173 Marina S. Henderson Deputy Commissioner for Legislative and Legal Affairs Texas Health and Human Services Commission Filed: January 26, 1996 Request for Application Purpose. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announces the availability of funds for five local grants to be awarded on behalf of the Texas Head Start Collaboration Project. Description. The purpose of this Request for Application (RFA) is to solicit proposals for local transition projects in early care and education. Successful applicants will participate in a training on the development of community-wide transition systems which promote the smooth movement of young children among and between programs. As a condition of the grant, the grantee will develop a transition workplan to be implemented over the grant term of three school years. In addition to the training, successful applicants will receive incentive grant funds and ongoing technical assistance from the Texas Head Start Collaboration Project. Applicant Qualifications. Applicants shall be evaluated based on ability to meet project objectives and performance expectations, commitment to local coordination among early care and education programs, demonstrated need for the project, and demonstrated willingness to serve as a mentor and/or guide for other local transition efforts. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to continue implementation of the transition system beyond the term of the grant. Funding. Successful applicants shall receive $5,000 in incentive funds to support transition activities. Funding is subject to the availability of state and federal funds. Funding may not replace funds from non-federal sources. State or local funds may not be decreased or redirected merely because of the availability of the grant funds. Local in-kind match is required to demonstrate local commitment to the project. There is no required percentage. Contact person. For the application packet containing the full RFA, application forms and instructions, please submit a written or fax request to: Gwen Chance, Director, Texas Head Start Collaboration Project, Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 12347, Austin, Texas, (512) 502-3257 or Fax: (512) 502- 3297. Deadline: Applications will be accepted at the Texas Head Start Collaboration Project, 4807 Spicewood Springs Road, Building 4, Austin, Texas 78759 until 4:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on Friday, March 1, 1996. No faxed applications will be accepted. Copies of the application packet were made available beginning January 30, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 30, 1996. TRD-9601300 Marina S. Henderson Deputy Commissioner for Legislative and Legal Affairs Texas Health and Human Services Commission Filed: January 30, 1996 Texas Department of Insurance Notice of Public Hearing The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2205 on February 22, 1996, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider the adoption of proposed amendments to 28 TAC sec.sec.11.2, 11.207, 11. 301, and 11.806; and adding new sec.sec.11.1503, 11.1604, and 11.1702-11.1704. The purpose of this hearing is to receive oral comments from interested persons. The amendments are proposed to implement Insurance Code, Article 21.52F (enacted by the 74th Legislature in House Bill 3111 relating to certification of certain nonprofit health corporations), and amendments to the HMO Act, Insurance Code, Article 20A.02, 20A.06(a)(3), and 20A.26(f) (enacted by the 74th Legislature in Senate Bill 1407 relating to contractual arrangements among HMOs, physicians and other providers). In addition, the amendments impose oversight and monitoring requirements on HMOs that contract with approved nonprofit health corporations (ANHCs) or other HMOs to provide health care services on a risk- sharing or capitated risk arrangement on behalf of the HMOs as part of the HMOs' delivery network; to clarify financial reporting requirements related to claim liabilities; and to establish and clarify filing procedures for applications for certificate of authority and form filings. Individuals attending who wish to present comments will be asked to register immediately prior to the hearing. Individuals who present oral comments are asked to specify at the beginning of their comments the sections of the proposed HMO rules to which their comments apply. The proposed amendments and the statutory authority for the proposed amendments to 28 TAC sec.sec.11.2, 11.207, 11.301, and 11.806; and new sec.sec.11. 1503, 11.1604, and 11.1702-11.1704 were published in the December 22, 1995 issue of the Texas Register (20 TexReg 10965). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 25, 1996. TRD-9601120 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 25, 1996 The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2204 on February 22, 1996, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider the adoption of proposed amendments to 28 TAC sec.sec.11.506, 11.603 and 11.1600; and adding new sec.11.1502, concerning health maintenance organizations. The purpose of this hearing is to receive oral comments from interested persons. The amendments are proposed to maintain quality of health care for all Texans at affordable prices, to assist consumers in making informed choices among health care plans, to assure that consumers receive the type and extent of coverage they contracted for at the contracted for price and to assist the department in evaluating quality and costs of health care. Individuals attending who wish to present comments will be asked to register immediately prior to the hearing. Individuals who present oral comments are asked to specify at the beginning of their comments whether they wish to address the HMO rules, PPO rules or both, and the sections of the proposed rules to which their comments apply. The proposed amendments and the statutory authority for the proposed amendments to 28 TAC sec.sec.11.506, 11.603 and 11.1600, and new sec.11.1502 were published in the December 15, 1995 issue of the Texas Register (20 TexReg 10741). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 25, 1996. TRD-9601119 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 25, 1996 The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2203 on February 22, 1996, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider the adoption of proposed amendments to 28 TAC sec.sec.3.3702-3.3705, concerning health insurance policies that incorporate preferred provider plans. The purpose of this hearing is to receive oral comments from interested persons. The amendments are proposed to maintain quality of health care for all Texans at affordable prices, to assist consumers in making informed choices among health care plans, to assure that consumers receive the type and extent of coverage they contracted for at the contracted for price and to assist the department in evaluating quality and costs of health care. Individuals attending who wish to present comments will be asked to register immediately prior to the hearing. Individuals who present oral comments are asked to specify at the beginning of their comments whether they wish to address the HMO rules, PPO rules or both, and the sections of the proposed rules to which their comments apply. The proposed amendments and the statutory authority for the proposed amendments were published in the December 15, 1995, issue of the Texas Register (20 TexReg 10740). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 25, 1996. TRD-9601118 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 25, 1996 Third Party Administrator Application The following third party administrator (TPA) application has been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration. Application for incorporation in Texas of PGA Management Systems, L.L.C. a domestic third party administrator. The home office is Arlington, Texas. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Secretary of State, addressed to the attention of Charles M. Waits, MC 107- 5A, 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601317 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 31, 1996 Texas Lottery Commission Invitation for Bids to Lease a Truck The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is soliciting bids to lease a truck for the Texas Lottery Commission as provided in the Invitation for Bid (IFB). Objectives. The Texas Lottery requires the vendor to provide a truck with a 24-hour road service throughout the State of Texas as indicated in the Invitation to Bid. The Texas Lottery Commission headquarters is located in Austin, Texas. Schedule. Event Date IFB Issued February 6, 1996 Letter of Intent to Bid February 12, 1996 (3:00 p.m. CT) Written Questions February 13, 1996 (3.00 p.m. CT) TLC answer to written questions February 14, 1996 (or as soon a possible thereafter) Bid Due Date February 20, 1996 2:00 p.m. CT Primary term. Prices quoted must be in effect for the primary term of this contract which is the date of execution through August 31, 1996. At its sole option, the Texas Lottery Commission may extend this contract for four one-year periods following the primary term (August 31, 1996). For a copy of the complete Invitation for Bids please contact: Joanne Severn, Purchasing Supervisor, Texas Lottery Commission, (512) 323-3662. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601324 Ridgely C. Bennett Commission Attorney Texas Lottery Commission Filed: January 31, 1996 Invitation for Bids for Off-Site Copying and Binding Services The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is soliciting bids to provide off-site copying and binding services for the Texas Lottery Commission as provided in the Invitation for Bid (IFB). Objectives. The Texas Lottery requires the vendor to provide pick up and delivery of jobs from Texas Lottery Commission headquarters and available services after 5: 00 p.m. when needed as indicated in the Invitation to Bid. The Texas Lottery Commission headquarters is located in Austin, Texas. Schedule. Event Date IFB Issued February 6, 1996 Letter of Intent to Bid February 12, 1996 (3:00 p.m. CT) Written Questions February 13, 1996 (3.00 p.m. CT) TLC answer to written questions February 14, 1996 (or as soon a possible thereafter) Bid Due Date February 20, 1996 2:00 p.m. CT Primary term. Prices quoted must be in effect for the primary term of this contract which is the date of execution through August 31, 1996. At its sole option, the Texas Lottery Commission may extend this contract for two one-year periods following the primary term (August 31, 1996). For a copy of the complete Invitation for Bids please contact: Joanne Severn, Purchasing Supervisor, Texas Lottery Commission, (512) 323-3662. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601323 Ridgely C. Bennett Commission Attorney Texas Lottery Commission Filed: January 31, 1996 Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Notice of Request for Proposals Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) under the authority of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 533 and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) under the authority of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 6, Subtitle B, Chapter 461, are jointly issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Dual Diagnosis (Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency) Pilot Project. TCADA and TDMHMR are cooperating in the study of integrated treatment approaches for persons with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse diagnosis pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 88 of the 74th Legislature. This RFP requests proposals from public and private non-profit entities to create and implement integrated treatment approaches for persons with dual disorders. The goals of the project are: (1) To identify, develop and implement effective and efficient methods of engagement, assessment and treatment models for persons with co-occurring metal illness and chemical dependence disorders; (2) To create meaningful partnerships, particularly between public mental health and substance abuse systems, for the purpose of establishing more effective and efficient community based treatment; and (3) To identify and evaluate key program and partnership elements in successful programs so that these efforts can be replicated. To obtain a complete copy of the RFP, contact Patrick Haney, Interagency Dual Diagnosis Coordinator, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668, (512) 206-4763. The closing date for receipt of applications by TDMHMR is 5:00 p.m. on March 26, 1996. Approval for funding will be made through an independent peer review process under the joint oversight of TDMHMR and TCADA. Technical assistance on this RFP will be offered by TDMHMR and TCADA staff for all potential applicants. The technical assistance workshop will be conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 1996, at the Austin State Hospital, Canteen Conference Rooms A, B, and C, Building 626, 4110 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas, 78751. The workshop will also be repeated on Friday, February 23, 1996, at the same location and times. The workshop will be devoted to a discussion of RFP requirements and technical assistance with application preparation. Contact person: Patrick Haney, Interagency Dual Diagnosis Coordinator, (512) 206-4763 or Fax: (512) 206-4723. Individuals needing auxiliary aids or services should notify Patrick Haney at (512) 206-4763 at least five working days prior to the workshop by mail or telephone. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601327 Ann K. Utley Chair, Texas MHMR Board Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Filed: January 31, 1996 San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization Request for Proposals The San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to perform an audit of expenditures of funds provided by the United States Department (USDOT) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The MPO will award a contract to conduct the audit for three consecutive fiscal years: 1994-1995, 1995-1996, and 1996-1997. The audit will be performed in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-128. The contract award will be made by the MPO Transportation Steering Committee; however, the MPO reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. Individual or agencies interested in submitting a proposal should request a copy of the Request for Proposals from Janet A. Kennison, MPO Administrator, at (210) 227-8651, 603 Navarro, Suite 904, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Closing date for accepting proposals is 12:00 p.m. (CST), Wednesday, February 21, 1996. Issued in San Antonio, Texas, on January 22, 1996. TRD-9601074 Charlotte A. Roszelle Office Manager/Grants Coordinator San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization Filed: January 25, 1996 Texas Department of Transportation Public Notice The Texas Department of Transportation will hold a vendor presentation on February 16, 1996, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in Ballroom A of the Austin Convention Center located at 201 East Second Street, Austin, Texas. The purpose of this presentation will be to describe the ongoing Information Services Business Process Reengineering initiative in an effort to inform vendors of information service directions. The presentation will describe the overall reengineering approach, status of the effort, a briefing on the current business improvement projects which include the establishment of a core technology infrastructure, and a question and answer panel. The audience for this presentation should include any information systems and technology vendors interested in the department's technology and information resource business directions and opportunities for conducting business with the department. For additional information concerning this meeting, please contact the Information Resource Management Office, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 505-5200. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 31, 1996. TRD-9601359 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: January 31, 1996 Texas Workforce Commission Notice of Hearing The Texas Workforce Commission will hold a public hearing on February 14, 1996, at 1:30 p.m. at Hearing Room 101 in the John H. Reagan Building, 15th Street and Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. The public hearing is to receive comments from interested parties concerning new Commission rules sec.801.2 and sec.801.3, proposed under the Labor Code, Texas Civil Statutes, sec.302.063, as amended by Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, 1995, which directs the Commission to develop objective criteria for the granting of waivers under the Government Code, Texas Civil Statutes, sec.sec.2308.264, 2308.267, and 2308.312; and under the Labor Code, Texas Civil Statutes, sec.302.041 and sec.302.042, as amended by Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, 1995, which direct the Commission to design and implement a state-local planning process for workforce training and services, to review local plans and to make recommendations to the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness regarding plan implementation. Any interested person may appear and offer comments or statements, either orally or in writing. While any person with pertinent comments or statements will be granted an opportunity to present them during the course of the hearing, the Commission reserves the right to restrict statements in terms of time or repetitive content. If you are unable to attend the hearing but wish to comment on the proposed rules, written comments will be accepted if mailed to Leslie Geballe, Intergovernmental Relations, Texas Workforce Commission Building, 101 East 15th Street, Room 662, Austin, Texas 78778. A copy of the proposed rules may be requested by calling Leslie Geballe at (512) 463-2213. Organizations, associations, or groups are encouraged to present their commonly held views or similar comments through a representative member where possible. Persons with disabilities who have special needs and who plan to attend the meeting should contact Ms. Geballe at (512) 463-2213. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 30, 1996. TRD-9601289 C. Ed Davis Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Texas Workforce Commission Filed: January 30, 1996