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. Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Notice of Request for Proposals Under the authority of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 6, Subtitle B, Chapter 461, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (the commission) is seeking a pharmacotherapy service provider located in El Paso County. The purpose of this action is to prevent the potential loss of methadone services in the area. The commission will utilize the Request for Proposals (RFP) process to award funding to a provider in El Paso County. To request a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP), please call Susan Beaubien at (512) 867-8265, or write to: Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Program Resources and Management Assistance Department, 710 Brazos, Suite 433, Austin, Texas 78701-2576. The closing date for receipt of applications by the commission is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 1996. The procedure by which the agency will award funds will be based on federal and state funding mandates which address priorities, restrictions, and prohibitions. Eligible applicants are incorporated private non-profit or public organizations. The organization shall ensure that the facility is currently licensed or in the process of being licensed for pharmacotherapy services by the Texas Department of Health, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and the commission. The organization shall have sufficient capacity to provide services for 100 slots annually. The commission's maximum rate of reimbursement for this service is $8.00 per day per client. Documentation to support costs up to the maximum rate will be considered. Costs per day at a lower level will be given favorable consideration. Subject to the availability of federal funds, the available amount for Fiscal Year 1997 is $264,992. The Fiscal Year 1996 amount is to be determined and will be negotiated after the commission reviews costs necessary to start services with an effective date of September 1, 1996. A workshop was held in El Paso on February 16, 1996. The workshop was held at the Pebble Hills Regional Command Center, 10780 Pebble Hills Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. For further information, contact Nicol de Silva at (512) 867-8265. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9602036 Mark Smock Assistant Deputy for Finance Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Filed: February 13, 1996 Comptroller of Public Accounts Consultant Contract Award In accordance with the provisions of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Comptroller of Public Accounts announces this notice of consultant contract award. The consultant proposal request was published in the October 3, 1995, issue of the Texas Register (20 TexReg 8089) The consultant will perform a systems development review of the Integrated Tax System Project, and will produce periodic assessment reports and a framework for an on-going quality assurance program. The contract is awarded to SYNETICS Corporation. The total dollar value of the contract is not to exceed $250,706.25. The contract was executed February 7, 1996, and extends through August 31, 1996. SYNETICS Corporation is to present for approval by Comptroller staff a final framework for an on-going quality assurance program. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9601996 Arthur F. Lorton Senior Legal Counsel Comptroller of Public Accounts Filed: February 12, 1996 Texas Education Agency Request for Proposals for Production and Broadcast of Live Programming for the T-STAR Network: Reading Initiative, Promising Practices, and Special Education Filing Authority. Request for Proposals (RFP) #701-96-016 is authorized under the Texas Education Code, sec.32.033. Eligible Proposers. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is requesting proposals from independent producers, private for-profit companies, individuals, institutions of higher education, regional education service centers, public television stations and nonprofit corporations to produce live interactive television programming for the T-STAR network. The programming may be comprised of live panel-to-audience discussion based on pre-produced instructional and educational video segments, as well as additional creative components, for the purposes of increasing educational staff awareness and development of selected TEA public education initiatives. All programming will be delivered by the contractor to the T-STAR network via satellite uplink. Historically underutilized Businesses (HUBs) are encouraged to submit proposals. Description. The selected contractors will produce a series of programs based on one or more of the selected topics contained in the RFP, subject to conditions and specifications outlined therein. The topics selected for this RFP are: Texas education reading initiative, promising practices, and special education. The contractors will work closely with the TEA topic-specific division liaisons in determining the scope and structure of each program to be produced in the series, as well as determining panel members to be included in live interactive discussion with members of the viewing audience. Proposers may bid on more than one topic, but complete proposals must be submitted separately for each topic. Dates of Project. All services and activities related to this proposal will be conducted during the 1996-1997 school year. Proposers should plan for a starting date of no earlier than May 6, 1996, and an ending date of no later than May 20, 1997. Project Amount. Up to three contractors may be selected to receive funding from $135,000 to $180,000 during the contract period, depending on the topic selected. The final funding total will vary depending on the amount of in-kind contributions offered by a proposer. Possible project funding in the 1997-1998 school year will be based on the satisfactory progress of the 1996-1997 objectives and activities and general budget approved by the State Board of Education and the commissioner of education. Selection Criteria. A proposal will be selected based on the ability of the proposer to carry out all the requirements contained in the RFP. The TEA will base its selection on, among other things, the thoroughness and clarity of the creative concept, the demonstrated competence and qualifications of the proposers, and the reasonableness and cost justifications of the proposed budget. Special consideration will be given to proposers that form cooperative ventures with educational entities to produce the programming. The TEA reserves the right to select from the highest ranking proposals those that address all the requirements in the RFP. The TEA is not obligated to execute a resulting contract, provide funds, or endorse any proposal submitted in response to this RFP. This RFP does not commit TEA to pay any costs incurred before a contract is executed. The issuance of this RFP does not obligate TEA to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in preparing a response. Requesting the Proposal. A complete copy of RFP #701-96-016 may be obtained by writing the: Document Control Center, Room 6-108, Texas Education Agency, William B. Travis Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, or by calling (512) 463-9304. Please refer to the RFP number in your request. Further Information. For clarifying information about the RFP, contact Jackie Ginsberg or Robert Young, Instructional Technology Division, Texas Education Agency, (512) 463-9400. Deadline for Receipt of Proposals. Proposals must be received in the Document Control Center of the Texas Education Agency by 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday, April 8, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9601997 Criss Cloudt Associate Commissioner for Policy Planning and Research Texas Education Agency Filed: February 12, 1996 General Services Commission Correction of Error The General Services Commission proposed an amendment to sec.113.87 and new sec.113.88, relating to Central Purchasing. The rules appeared in the February 6, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 821). Section 113.88(c) erroneously refers to an incorrect subsection. The published sentence reads "The request must include proof of subsection (a) of this title." It should read: "The request must include proof of subsection (b) of this section." Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Correction of Error The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs submitted adopted new sec.21.20, concerning annual reporting requirements for Housing finance Corporations (HFCs). The rule contained an error as submitted. Section 21.20(e), second sentence beginning with the words "...and the Texas Bond Review Board", should read: "Notice shall also be filed with the Housing Finance Corporation." Texas Department of Insurance Third Party Administrator Applications The following third party administrator (TPA) applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration. Application for incorporation in Texas of IMPEL Management Services, L.L.C., a domestic third party administrator. The home office is Fort Worth, 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 February 13, 1996. TRD-9602094 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: February 13, 1996 Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Public Notice The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) announces that it wishes to retain the services of a Professional Engineering Firm to perform engineering services for the Geneva Industries Superfund Site. The Scope of Work includes overseeing the performance of TNRCC's groundwater treatment contractor and providing an evaluation of the effectiveness of the groundwater remediation system. Background: The site is located at 9334 Canniff Road in Houston, Texas. The site is just east of Interstate Highway 45 (Gulf Freeway), north of Airport Boulevard/College Street, and about a mile east of Hobby Airport. This site was an abandoned refinery that manufactured chemicals such as biphenyls, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), phenyl phenol, naphtha, and Numbers 2 and 6 fuel oils. Extensive soil and shallow groundwater contamination had occurred as a result of past practices at the site. Remediation of surface material and contaminated soil was completed in 1990. A slurry wall and cap were constructed to contain contaminants remaining in the soil, and a fence was constructed around the site. The site is now in a ground water treatment phase. This phase includes recovering trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater from the 30 and 100- foot sand, treating the water onsite by carbon adsorption, and discharge treated effluent into the adjacent flood control channel. The TNRCC entered a contract with Waste Abatement Technology L.P. (WATEC) on September 28, 1992 to install, startup, operation, and site closure of the groundwater recovery and treatment system for Geneva Industries Superfund site. The contract with WATEC is now in the treatment phase, which is scheduled to run until June, 2003. Project Funding: The Ground Water Remedial Action oversight will be 90% federally funded with 10% State match. It will be conducted by the TNRCC through Cooperative Agreement V-006457-01 with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), and Subchapter M of the Texas Health and Safety Code. EPA may negotiate with potentially responsible parties (PRP) to execute activities in this solicitation in lieu of the TNRCC. Accordingly, all future TNRCC activities are subject to the outcome of EPA negotiations with the PRP. No legal liability on the part of TNRCC or the State of Texas for payment of any money shall arise unless and until funds are made available through the federal Superfund program. The maximum budget allowable will be consistent with the specific Scope of Work and the Cooperative Agreement as determined by the TNRCC. The duration for engineering oversight will be two years from the date of contract execution with an annual option to renew. Request for Qualifications (RFQ): To receive a copy of the RFQ, mail or fax a written request to: Ashby McMullan, Superfund Engineering, MC-144, TNRCC, P. O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, (512) 239-2595, (512) 239-2450-fax. For express mail, the physical address is TNRCC, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753 To receive a copy of the RFQ by express mail, send a self addressed, prepaid shipping airbill. To pick the RFQ up in person at TNRCC's Austin headquarters offices, come to Room 211, Second Floor, Building D, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753. Site Visit: The TNRCC will conduct an optional site visit on March 28, 1996, at 9:00 a.m. at the Geneva Industries Superfund Site. Details are provided in the RFQ. Submittal Evaluation and Contract Award: Submittals are due at the TNRCC no later than 5:00 pm on April 9, 1996. The written submittals will be evaluated by a group of TNRCC Pollution Cleanup Division staff (the RFQ Committee). The scores will be based solely on the written content of the proposals and items listed in the RFQ. The number of points awarded for a specific section of the RFQ will be based on the qualifications demonstrated in the written proposal. The objective of the evaluation of the written submittals is to identify a "short list" of firms judged to be most qualified. The firms with the top three scores will be short listed for further evaluation through a question and answer session with the RFQ Committee. The TNRCC staff will recommend to the Executive Director the most qualified firm from those on the "short list". Upon the selection of the most qualified proposer, the firm will prepare and submit a Scope of Work (SOW) to the TNRCC. Based on this SOW, the Engineer and the TNRCC will negotiate the Engineer's compensation and any modifications to the SOW. If these items are successfully negotiated, a contract may be signed. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 14, 1996. TRD-9602117 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: February 14, 1996 Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Request for Information (RFI)-Statewide Guardianship Services The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (PRS) is seeking information regarding the availability of qualified service providers to provide guardianship services for Adult Protective Services (APS) clients. Service Description: Serve as guardian for Adult Protective Services (APS) clients, who are incapacitated as defined by Probate Code, sec.601, who are in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that would be remedied by guardianship or who are children aging out of Child Protective Services conservatorships who need a guardian, and for whom there is no one willing or able to serve as guardian. Activities include filing for guardianship, assessment, service plan development, accessing services, monitoring the status of wards, ensuring that wards' needs for food, shelter, clothing, medical and psychiatric care, if needed, are met using the funds of the estate, and managing the estate. Vendor must conduct a criminal background check and check with PRS regarding validated perpetrator status of any prospective or existing employees and volunteers who will have access to the wards referred by PRS; meet Probate Code requirements; comply with state and federal licensing and certification requirements, health and safety standards, and PRS APS requirements; and obtain and furnish proof of bonding and insurance coverage. Background: PRS expenditures for procuring guardianship services will not exceed $410,000. Funding will be dependent upon available appropriations that PRS has allocated to these services. The effective dates of any contract awarded will be September 1, 1996 through August 31, 1998. Guardianship services will be provided to approximately 200 clients/wards statewide. Guardianship services will be provided at a minimum in the following counties: Midland, Ector, Howard, Pecos, Reeves, Ward, Dawson, Andrews, Fisher, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Coke, Runnels, Coleman, Brown, Tom Green, Comanche, Upton, Gaines, McCulloch, Terrell, Martin, Crane, Denton, Collin, Hunt, Grayson, Ellis, Navarro, Bowie, Gregg, Hopkins, Smith, Upshur, Harrison, Titus, Jefferson, Cherokee, Anderson, Lamar, Red River, Rusk, Wood, Orange, Hardin, Polk, Liberty, Montgomery, Chambers, Lampasas, Williamson, Hays, Blanco, Caldwell, Fayette, Bastrop, Lee, Washington, Bell, Milam, Comal, Guadalupe, Kerr, Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Nueces, Webb, and Jim Wells. Areas excluded are the following counties: Bexar, Travis, Dallas, Tarrant, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, Childress, Bailey, Lamb, Hale, Floyd, Motley, Cochran, Hockley, Lubbock, Crosby, Dickens, King, Yoakum, Terry, Lynn, Garza, El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio, and Brewster. Coverage of counties not excluded is negotiable. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are Historically Underutilized Businesses, public or private profit or nonprofit agencies, and individuals with demonstrated knowledge, competence, and qualifications in performing these services. Process: Vendors must respond to the RFI to ensure that the requirements are feasible. Responses to the RFI must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 1996. After reviewing the responses, PRS will prepare a formal specification document and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) by April 8, 1996. In the response to the RFI, vendors must provide an outline and general description of their provisions for providing services to wards as listed in the service description; geographic location of sites; number, education and experience of staff; and system for providing 24 hour a day, 7 days a week response to emergencies involving wards. Contact Person: This information should be sent to Robert Morris, Contract System Administrator, Mail Code E-672, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714 by March 8, 1996. Inquiries will receive official replies in writing from designated PRS personnel. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9602010 Nancy Murphy Section Manager, Media and Policy Services Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Filed: February 12, 1996 Public Utility Commission of Texas 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 an application on January 23, 1996, to amend a certificate of convenience and necessity pursuant to sec.sec.1.101, 3.051(b), 3.251, 3.253, and 3.254 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 1446c-0 (Vernon Supp. 1996). A summary of the application follows. Docket Title and Number. Application of Lufkin-Conroe Telephone Exchange, Inc. to Amend Certificate of Convenience and Necessity Within Montgomery County. Docket Number 15277. The Application. In Docket Number 15277, Lufkin-Conroe Telephone Exchange, Inc. seeks approval to amend the exchange area boundary between its Grangerland and Conroe exchanges to accurately reflect the manner in which telecommunications service is currently being administered. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78757, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Division at (512) 458- 0256, or (512) 458-0221 for teletypewriter for the deaf on or before March 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 13, 1996. TRD-9602049 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: February 13, 1996 Notice of Intent to File Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.28 Notice is given to the public of an application filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.28 for reciprocal approval of a waiver of service connection charges related to the installation of Custom Calling Services. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Century Telephone of Northwest Louisiana, Inc. for Reciprocal Approval of Promotional Waiver of Service Connection Charges. Tariff Control Number 15310. The Application. Century Telephone of Northwest Louisiana, Inc. is requesting reciprocal approval of a waiver of service connection charges related to the installation of Custom Calling Features, Touchtone and Advanced Calling Services for the 60 day period March 1, 1996 through April 30, 1996. Century serves 8,935 customers in Louisiana and approximately 291 customers within the State of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78757, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Division at (512) 458- 0256, or (512) 458-0221 for teletypewriter for the deaf. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 13, 1996. TRD-9602048 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: February 13, 1996 Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority Request for Proposal for Financial Advisor This request for proposal is filed under the provisions of Texas Civil Statutes, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 402. The Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Authority (the "Authority") seeks proposals in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) from firms with qualifications and experience required to provide financial advisory services to the Authority. The Authority hopes to issue revenue bonds in a maximum principal amount of $55 million prior to August 31, 1997. The Authority was created in 1981 by the Sixty-Seventh Texas Legislature to select, construct, operate, finance, and close a facility for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste (Chapter 402, Health and Safety Code). Under Subchapter K of Chapter 402, Health and Safety Code, the Authority may issue, sell, and provide for the retirement of revenue bonds to pay the expenses of constructing a disposal site (the "Project"). The proceeds of such bonds may also be used to create needed reserve funds and to pay for capitalized interest, as well as to pay expenses associated with the issuance and sale of such bonds. The bonds are subject to the approval of the Attorney General of Texas and the Bond Review Board, as well as registration by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, all of the State of Texas. The bonds may be sold at public or private sale in a manner provided by the board of directors of the Authority. The bonds will not be a debt or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State of Texas, the Authority, or any public entity and shall be payable from receipts collected by the Authority and pledged to the payment of the bonds. The faith and credit and the taxing power of the State of Texas or of any public entity is not or cannot be pledged to the payment of the principal of or interest on the bonds. The Authority is governed by a six-member board of directors (the "Board"), appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for six-year staggered terms. One member of the Board must be a medical doctor licensed to practice in Texas, one must be a certified health physicist, one must be an attorney licensed to practice in Texas, one must be a geologist, and the two remaining members must represent the general public. One of the public members must be a resident of Hudspeth County. The current members of the Board are: Milton J. Guiberteau, M.D., Chairman; William L. Fisher, Ph.D., Vice-Chairman; David Ojeda, Jr., Secretary; John E. Simek, C.H.P.; Macario Marquez, Jr.; and James L. Carroll. The Authority is operated with a staff of 17 employees, headed by a general manager, Lawrence R. Jacobi, Jr., P.E. Mr. Jacobi has served as the general manager since September 1982. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m., April 1, 1996, as follows: Five copies shall be mailed to Lawrence R. Jacobi, Jr., P.E. Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority 7701 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78752. The submittal proposal must be executed by a duly authorized representative of the firm. An unsigned proposal will not be accepted. Clearly mark the envelopes containing the proposals with the following phrase in the lower left hand corner: "IN RESPONSE TO RFP: FINANCIAL ADVISOR." All proposals become the property of the Authority. Proposals must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this RFP. Oral instructions or offers will not be considered. Information may be obtained by calling Lee H. Mathews, Deputy General Manager and General Counsel at (512) 451-5292. The Authority's Board members and staff will review the proposals. At a Board meeting scheduled after such review, certain persons who have responded to the RFP may be requested to make oral presentations. If so, those persons will be given at least three business days' notice for that purpose and the date, time, and place for oral presentation. The Board will make its selection based on demonstrated competence, experience, knowledge and qualifications, as well as the reasonableness of the proposed fee. Great weight will be given to demonstrated experience with financing for facilities similar to those proposed to be financed by the Authority. By this RFP, however, the Board has not committed itself to employ a financial advisory nor does the suggested scope of service or term of agreement described herein require that the financial advisor be employed for any or all of those purposes. The Board reserves the right to make those decisions after receipt of proposals and the Board's decision on these matters is final. The Authority reserves the right to negotiate individual elements of any proposal and to reject any and all proposals. The financial advisor is to be responsible for all duties and services necessary or advisable to facilitate the issuance of bonds and other obligations, including but not limited to: (1) devising and recommending to the Board a plan of financing for bonds to be issued, which plan shall include a maturity schedule and other terms and conditions, which will result in the most advantageous terms to the Authority, consistent with a minimum effective interest rate; (2) determining the timing of the offering and the sizing of the issue; (3) participating in document preparation and assisting bond counsel in the coordination of the offering; (4) preparing such information, as necessary, for the rating agencies and upon Authority approval, assisting in the presentations to such agencies; (5) participating in and preparation of a preliminary official statement (POS) and an official statement (OS) and delivery of camera-ready copy to the printer; (6) advising the Authority concerning the need for credit enhancement and assisting in the relevant negotiations; (7) assisting in the approval process of the Texas Bond Review Board and any other agency as necessary to the issuance of the bonds; (8) answering questions or requests for additional information from prospective purchasers; (9) advising the Authority with respect to the investment of bond proceeds and the accounting of arbitrage earnings; (10) advising the Authority in providing information to various legislators, state agencies, and other persons; (11) advising the staff of the Authority and the Board of ongoing developments in the bond industry as they affect the Authority, including refunding possibilities; (12) soliciting bids for, contracting with, and paying, on behalf of the Authority, fees associated with the printing of bond offering documents, ratings, trustee and paying agent fees and related services when necessary; (13) monitoring and controlling the costs of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the bonds; (14) assisting in closing details and post-closing duties, including the development of a final report to the Bond Review Board to include a verification of all costs of issuance and preparation of a complete bond transcript; and (15) all other matters necessary or incidental to the issuance of bonds. In addition, the financial advisor shall advise the Authority on any matters that might have an effect on the Authority or any of its bonds. The contract term is to be upon approval by the Board to August 31, 1997. The Board retains the right to negotiate all elements of the contract. The Board also retains the right to terminate the contract for any reason and at any time upon the payment of then earned fees and expenses. The following is a suggested format for the submission of Proposals: (1) For the most recent three years, list previous financial advisor, financial consultant, or negotiated underwriting experience involving bonds or other obligations to finance facilities similar to those to be constructed by the Authority. (2) For the most recent three years, list previous financial advisor, financial consultant, or negotiated underwriting experience with governmental entities in Texas. (3) Describe any innovations developed by the firm for tax-exempt security issues, briefly outlining the problem, the solution, and the result, particularly any which relate to the type of financing contemplated by the Authority. (4) Outline the firm's general experience during the past three years with the major rating agencies. Discuss this experience and its potential applicability to the Authority. (5) Name the individuals and provide resumes for those individuals who would be assigned to act as financial advisor(s) to the Authority. Please indicate the role the individuals assumed in the three-year history of financial advisor relationships as described in questions (1) and (2). Indicate their particular expertise and how it would benefit the Authority. (6) Clearly specify the firm's proposed hourly fee and fee based on a per $1,000 bond basis with a maximum amount. Discussion of other forms and amount of compensation may be included as additional information. If the firm proposes that the Authority bear the costs of incidental expenses associated with a financing or the anticipated day-to-day interaction, clearly state what type of incidental expenses, rate, and costs the Board will be expected to bear. The Board does not intend to pay for time spent in travel unless specifically authorized. (7) Discuss the management philosophy of the firm as it relates to the control of fees and expenses and the allowances for non-billable time. Explain your billing procedure. (8) Provide any other information about the firm that you feel is relevant to the consideration of your firm being chosen as financial advisor. It is the policy of the Authority to encourage the participation of minorities and women in all facets of the agency's activities. To this end, the extent to which minorities and women participate in the ownership, management and professional work force of a firm will be considered by the Board in the selection of a firm to serve as financial advisor. Applicants are therefore requested to submit a current profile of their firm on the form attached to the RFP. All costs directly or indirectly related to preparation of a response to the RFP or any oral presentation required to supplement and/or clarify the RFP which may be required by the Authority shall be the sole responsibilities of, and shall be borne by, your firm. Information submitted relative to this Request shall not be released by the Authority during the proposal evaluation process or prior to contract award. All proposals shall be deemed, once submitted, to be the property of the Authority and subject to the Texas Open Records Act. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 13, 1996. TRD-9602056 Lee H. Mathews Deputy General Manager and General Counsel Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority Filed: February 13, 1996 Railroad Commission of Texas Correction of Error The Railroad Commission of Texas proposed an amendment to sec.3.10, concerning production of oil and gas from different strata. The rule appeared in the February 6, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 822). Due to publication error the proposed amendment was published in both the "Proposed Rules" section (21 TexReg 822) and the "Adopted Rules" section (21 TexReg 867). The submission should have only been in the "Proposed Rules" section. In the first paragraph, last line, of the preamble the word "clarify" should be "clarifies". The Railroad Commission of Texas submitted an adopted amendment to sec.9. 1777, relating to container appurtenances and related equipment. The rule appeared in the February 6, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 869). The first paragraph of the preamble contained an extra comma, it should read: "The Railroad Commission of Texas adopts an amendment to sec.9.1777, relating to container appurtenances and related equipment, without changes..." Research and Oversight Council on Worker's Compensation Request for Proposals The Research and Oversight Council on Workers' Compensation wishes to enter into an interagency contract with a state institution of higher education for the purpose of administering a survey which provides data on the participation and nonparticipation of Texas employers in the Texas workers' compensation system. Description of Services. Under this request for proposal, the Research and Oversight Council plans to procure the services of an institution to perform the following duties: 1) the administration and completion of 2,800 telephone surveys of Texas employers regarding their participation or nonparticipation in the Texas workers' compensation system; 2) the completion of those surveys using five "call-backs" when necessary; 3) the drafting of a brief (maximum of five pages) report which describes the general methodology used and any major problems encountered in the administration of the survey, along with any caveats or other observations about the use of the data gathered from the survey. Descriptions of Provisions. The Research and Oversight Council will provide a sample of Texas employers, stratified by size and industrial classification, drawn from the population of all Texas employers. For this sample, the Research and Oversight Council will provide a list of employer names and variables associated with those employer names as listed in current Texas Employment Commission (TEC) data bases. It should be noted that past experience has shown that 10%-15% of employer names listed in TEC data bases are associated with those employers' tax preparer's phone number or address, and not the employer's phone number or address. Thus, a methodology for locating such employers when needed should be included in the proposal. The Research and Oversight Council will also provide a pre-tested survey instrument consisting of approximately 52 questions which will be used in the administration of the survey described in this proposal. No single respondent to this survey, however, will have to answer all 52 of those questions. The maximum possible schematic size is estimated to be 30 questions and the minimum possible schematic size is estimated to be 14 questions. Specification for Deliverables. The Research and Oversight Council will have review and approval authority over all deliverables. All information generated will become the property of the Research and Oversight Council. To protect the state's interest, all deliverables as well as data bases, become the property of the Research and Oversight Council. The proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is capable of performing, and willing to provide, all deliverables. Project deliverables, at a minimum, will include: (a) Data generated from the completed surveys delivered on computer disk; (b) Response frequencies on all questionnaire items; (c) A brief (maximum of five pages) technical report detailing the methodology used and any major problems encountered in the administration of the survey. This might include any caveats or other relevant observations about the reliability of the data gathered from the survey. All project deliverables are due on or before the end of the contract period. Proposal Requirements. Respondents must submit a typewritten proposal on 8 1/2 by 11 inch plain white paper. All proposals and their accompanying attachments become the property of the Research and Oversight Council upon submission. Materials submitted will not be returned. Only attachments essential to the proposal should be submitted. To be considered, the following items must be included in the proposal: (a) an identification page listing the full legal name, the mailing and street address if different, title, and telephone number for the representative authorized to sign the contract and the same for the contact person; (b) a summary (maximum of five pages) describing how the contractor proposes to provide the services described and requested in the previous sections of this proposal request entitled "Description of Services" and "Specification of Deliverables," including who will be responsible for carrying out each part of the project, the proposed approach (describing the methodology, activities and/or procedures to be used in administering the survey, including a brief description of any survey administration software used, survey lab hours, bilingual capacity, and interviewer training guidelines, if any), and the general timelines within which the proposed project will be accomplished; (c) a detailed budget of all costs; (d) a description of the services, if any, that the contractor may require from the Research and Oversight Council and other state agencies; (e) the names of key staff to be used in this contract, their function and a complete resume; and (f) references, including client contact information from similar contracts and copies of similar work products, if available, that demonstrate experience and knowledge with project management and data collection. Closing Date. The written proposal must be received by the Research and Oversight Council by 2:00 p.m. on March 22, 1996. Send proposals to June Karp, Executive Director, Research and Oversight Council on Workers' Compensation, 105 West Riverside Drive, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78704. Proposals can be sent facsimile to (512) 469-7481. Hand-delivered proposals will be accepted daily between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at the same address. Proposals received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. Proposers may be requested to make oral presentations of their proposals at their own expense. Terms and Amount. The following terms and conditions must be accepted by all respondents. The Research and Oversight Council reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or portions of proposals, and to cancel this request for proposal if it is deemed in the best interest of the Research and Oversight Council. All information generated is the exclusive property of the Research and Oversight Council. At the conclusion of the project, an itemized expenditure report is due. The Research and Oversight Council reserves the right to negotiate with one or more respondents. The Research and Oversight Council reserves the right to reasonably modify and reschedule proposed activities throughout the life of the contract. Issuance of this request for proposal creates no obligation to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal. It is anticipated that the contract period will be from April 1, 1996-April 30, 1996. The amount award will be commensurate with services provided. Evaluation and Selection. The proposal demonstrating the highest quality of proposed services deliverable within the established time frame offering the greatest expertise and qualifications at the most cost-effective price, will be awarded the contract. Contact Point. Any questions regarding this request for proposals should be directed to Gaylon Oswalt, Chief of Research, at (512) 469-7811. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9602014 June L. Karp Executive Director Research and Oversight Council on Workers Compensation Filed: February 12, 1996 Stephen F. Austin State University Construction Management Project Pursuant to Chapter 2254, Government Code, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) requests proposals from qualified firms to provide construction management services for the renovation of HVAC systems in Halls 9 and 12 (two student dormitories) on the SFASU campus. SFASU is presently using J. E. Kingham Construction Company as construction manager for the construction and renovation of the Music Building on the SFASU campus. J. E. Kingham has expressed an interest in the HVAC dormitory projects and SFASU will fully consider the efficiencies inherent in employing Kingham on these simultaneous projects, unless a better proposal is received. SFASU will select the construction manager based on demonstrated competence, knowledge, qualifications, and reasonableness of the proposed fee; additionally, if other considerations are equal, preference will be given to a construction manager whose principal place of business is in the State or who will manage the contract wholly from an office in the State. Firms interested in responding to this request for proposals may obtain information by contacting John Rulfs, Assistant Director of Physical Plant, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 13031 SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962. Phone (409) 468-4341 or Fax (409) 468-4446. Proposals must be received no later than February 28, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas on February 15, 1996. TRD-9602201 Roland K. Smith Vice President for Business Affairs Stephen F. Austin State University Filed: February 15, 1996 Texas Department of Transportation Notice of Contract Award In accordance with the Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Texas Department of Transportation publishes this notice of a consultant contract award. The request for proposals appeared in the October 17, 1995, issue of the Texas Register (20 TexReg 8540). The contract consists of a study to evaluate Director level and Group 21 positions using the Professional and Managerial Position Questionnaire (PMPQ) and evaluate Human Resources Division positions in Group 20 and below using the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ). The contractor selected to perform this service is Jeanneret & Associates, Inc., Vieux Carre' Building, 3223 Smith Street, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77006- 6685. The total value of the contract is $120,000. The contract period began on February 6, 1996 and will end on February 28, 1998. A final report will be required on or before February 28, 1998. Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 13, 1996. TRD-9602052 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: February 13, 1996 Request for Proposals Notice of Invitation: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) intends to engage an engineer, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, to provide the following services as shown as follows. The engineer selected must perform a minimum of 30% of the actual contract work to qualify for contract award. Contracts: #01-645P5001, 01-645P5002 and 01-645P5003 to perform various engineering type services for the Paris district. Services may include route studies, schematic preparation, environmental studies, public involvement, right-of-way determination and map preparation, and preparation of P.S.& E. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal shall be either faxed to (903) 737-9363, hand-delivered to TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas or mailed to P.O. Box 250, Paris, Texas 75461. Letters of interest will be received until 5: 00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 1996. The letter of interest must include the engineer's name, address, telephone number, name of engineer's contact person and number of TxDOT contract. 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 Request for Proposal packet.) TxDOT will not issue Request for Proposal packet without receipt of letter of interest. Pre-proposal Meeting: A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Monday, March 4, 1996, at the TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas beginning at 1:30 p.m. (TxDOT will not accept a proposal from an engineer who has failed for any reason to attend the mandatory pre-proposal 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 Syd Newman at (903) 737-9351 at least two work days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for contracts #01-645P5001, 01-645P5002 and 01-645P5003 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 1996 at the TxDOT Paris District Office addresses. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of invitation should be addressed to Syd Newman at (903) 737-9351 or FAX (903) 737- 9363. Contract #22-6XXP0001 for commercial testing laboratory services to include, but not limited to foundation exploration drilling; asphalt and PCC plant inspection; soils testing; construction materials testing; and other testing requirements. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal shall be either faxed to (210) 712-7401, hand-delivered to TxDOT Laredo District Office, 302 East Washington, Laredo, Texas or mailed to P.O. Box 2219, Laredo, Texas 78044-2219. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 1996. The letter of interest must include the engineer's name, address, telephone number, name of engineer's contact person and number of TxDOT contract. 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 Request for Proposal packet.) TxDOT will not issue Request for Proposal packet without receipt of letter of interest. Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for contract #22-6XXP0001 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 1996 at the TxDOT Laredo District Office addresses. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of invitation should be addressed to Juan Bernal, P.E., (210) 712-7463 or Fax (210) 712-7401 Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1996. TRD-9602047 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: February 13, 1996 Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness Proposal for the Redesignation of the Lubbock/Garza and South Plains Workforce Development Area and JTPA Service Delivery Area Under the state's Workforce and Economic Competitiveness Act, the Council is responsible for recommending the designation or redesignation of workforce development areas to the Governor. In addition, the Council is required by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to consider requests from local areas and make recommendations to the Governor on service delivery area (SDA) designations for the delivery of JTPA programs. The chief elected officials of the Lubbock/Garza and South Plains workforce development areas have requested that the two areas be consolidated into one local workforce development area. The officials have also requested that the Lubbock/Garza SDA and South Plains SDA be redesignated into a single SDA. The chief elected officials of the proposed area have signed an interlocal agreement to form a board that serves the region. Because of time constraints placed on Council action under the JTPA regulations, Texas Register deadlines, and the fact that only one Texas Register will be published the week of February 20, the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness is filing this item with the Secretary of State, Texas Register Division, prior to action being taken on the recommendation to the Governor by the Council at its meeting on February 15, 1996, in El Paso. This is being done in order that all affected persons and organizations shall have an opportunity to comment and request revisions to the proposed redesignation. Interested individuals and organizations may request a faxed copy of the recommendation adopted at the Council's February 15 meeting by calling the Council office at (512) 912-7150. After considering all comments, the Governor shall make the final designation. Request for Public Comments. Comments on this proposal may be submitted to Michael Patterson, Executive Director, Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness, P.O. Box 2241, Austin, Texas 78768. All comments should be received by the Council no later than February 27, 1996. A copy of the entire proposal presented to the Council and to the Governor is also available from the Council office upon request (see above). Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 14, 1996. TRD-9602106 Alexa Ray Business Manager Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness Filed: February 14, 1996