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. 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 May 20, 1996. TRD-9607070 Leslie L. Pettijohn Commissioner Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner Filed: May 22, 1996 Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Notice of Extension of Application Deadline-HOME Investment Partnerships Program The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (Department), through its HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, made approximately $19 million available in a Notice of Funding Availability published in the Texas Register on April 12, 1996 (21 TexReg 3264-5) and amended on April 19, 1996 (21 TexReg 3464). The funds are available as grants to eligible applicants to rehabilitate or reconstruct owner-occupied housing; construct single-family housing; provide down-payment, closing cost, and gap-financing assistance to homebuyers; and provide rental assistance and security deposits to tenants. Applications were originally due to the Department on June 3, 1996. The Department is extending the application deadline to July 3, 1996. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the due date. Applications sent by facsimile will not be accepted. Applicants are required to submit a non-refundable application fee payable to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in the amount of $25.00 per application. Please send check, cashier's check or money order; do not send cash. The application fee should be paid at the time of submission. For additional information or to request a copy of an application, contact the HOME Program at (512) 475-3109. Please mail your applications to the following address: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, HOME Investment Partnership Program, P.O. Box 13941, 507 Sabine, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78711-3941. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 22, 1996. TRD-9607068 Larry Paul Manley Executive Director Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Filed: May 22, 1996 Texas Department of Insurance Notice of Public Hearing The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2231 on June 20, 1996, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 102 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider the adoption of proposed amendments to sec.sec.3.502-3.512 and new sections 28 TAC sec.sec.3.513-3.520, concerning Group Health Insurance Mandatory Conversion Privileges. The proposed amendments and the new section and the statutory authority for the proposed amendments and new sections, were published in the April 5, 1996 issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 2905). Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607072 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: May 22, 1996 The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2232 on July 11, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider a petition by the staff of the Texas Department of Insurance proposing the adoption of amendments to the revised Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan ("revised Plan"). The petition requests consideration of four amendments to the revised Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan: (1) An amendment to Section A, General Instructions, of the revised Plan to add Travelers Insurance Group and Nationwide Insurance Group to the Top Reporting Group (TRG) for private passenger automobile statistical reporting, effective January 1, 1997. If adopted, the TRG shall include every company in the following groups: State Farm Insurance Group, Allstate Insurance Group, Aetna Insurance Group, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Group, GEICO Insurance Group, USAA Insurance Group, Trinity Universal Insurance Group, Progressive Insurance Group, Travelers Insurance Group, and Nationwide Insurance Group. (2) An amendment to Section E, the Detailed Experience Report of the revised Plan to add a field to capture data on the Good Student Discount. According to the petition, companies in the TRG only shall begin reporting this discount effective with August 1, 1996 experience. (3) An amendment to Section E, the Detailed Experience Report of the revised Plan to add additional codes to the existing Rental Reimbursement field in Attachment E-3. According to the petition, companies in the TRG only shall begin reporting using the new codes effective with August 1, 1996 experience. (4) An amendment to delete the word "revised" from the title of the revised Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan to be effective August 1, 1996. According to the staff petition, the Commissioner of Insurance designates the members of the TRG and may revise the composition of the TRG as necessary. The TRG was created to allow for detailed reporting of premium, exposure and loss experience for the vast majority of the market in terms of premium, exposure and losses while limiting such reporting to a relatively small number of insurers. Since the creation of the TRG in 1993, the market shares of the top writers of private passenger automobile insurance in Texas have changed. In addition, a merger has occurred between the Aetna Insurance Group and the Travelers Insurance Group. This change in the TRG is proposed to continue collecting detailed transaction statistical data from the largest writers of private passenger automobile insurance by market share in Texas. The information submitted in the Quarterly Detailed Experience Report is required by TDI for a variety of ratemaking and policy analysis purposes and to promote competition in the marketplace. These data will promote competition in the marketplace through the development and distribution of industry aggregate premium, exposure and loss reports in classification detail which will enable small and medium-sized insurers and new entrants to the Texas market to review relevant information about the Texas market and thereby better make independent marketing and pricing decisions. The proposed additions to the TRG are important to maintain reporting continuity in the TRG and to maintain fairness among the largest writers of private passenger automobile insurance in Texas. Every company in the TRG shall quarterly submit the Quarterly Detailed Experience Report as defined on pages E- 1 through E-66 of the Plan in addition to other reporting requirements of these companies described in the revised Plan. According to the staff petition, the 1995 Texas Legislature mandated the creation of an optional Good Student Discount. The Good Student Discount was adopted by Commissioner's Order 95-1107 issued October 25, 1995 and effective January 1, 1996. Changes to the revised Plan allow the collection of experience with and without this discount to evaluate the amount of the discount over time. According to the staff petition, Commissioner's Order 95-1164 issued November 7, 1995 adopted new coverage levels for rental car reimbursement. The new coverages will become effective with the setting of rates for these coverages. Rates will be set during the next private passenger auto benchmark rate decision and will become effective with new benchmark rates on August 1, 1996. The change to the revised Plan is necessary to track the different coverage levels. The revised Plan currently provides for reporting only one coverage level for rental car reimbursement. According to the staff petition, staff believes the continued use of the word "revised" in the title of the revised Plan is unnecessarily confusing. The term "revised" was originally used to distinguish between the original Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan adopted by the State Board of Insurance on May 6, 1993 under Board Order Number 60321, and the initial revision to that plan adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance on April 26, 1994 by Commissioner's Order Number 94-0457. Continued use of the title "revised Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan" as additional revisions are made is unnecessary and may create confusion in future references. The Commissioner has jurisdiction of this matter pursuant to the Insurance Code, Articles 5.96, 5.97, 5.05, 5.98 and 21.69. Copies of the full text of the staff petition and the proposed amendments are available for review in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Texas Department of Insurance, 333 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas, 78714-9104. For further information or to request copies of the petition and proposed amendments, please contact Sylvia Gutierrez at (512)463-6326 (refer to Reference Number A-0596-21- I). Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted in writing within 30 days after publication of the proposal in the Texas Register to the Office of the Chief Clerk, P. O. Box 149104, MC113-2A, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. An additional copy of the comment should be submitted to Birny Birnbaum, Associate Commissioner for Policy and Research, P. O. Box 149104, MC113-1C, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. This notification is made pursuant to the Insurance Code, Article 5.96, which exempts action taken under this article from the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (Government Code, Title 10, Chapter 2001). Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607071 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: May 22, 1996 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 admission to Texas of Healthcare COMPARE Administrative Services, Inc., a foreign third party administrator. The home office is Downers Grove, Illinois. Application for incorporation in Texas of Texas Benefit Planning, Inc., a domestic third party administrator. The home office is Dallas, 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 May 21, 1996. TRD-9607073 Alicia M. Fechtel General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: May 22, 1996 Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority Notice to Bidders Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals for the Construction of an exploratory trench in accordance with the Plans and Specifications prepared by Radian International, LLC will be received by the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority, P.O. Box 361, Sierra Blanca, Texas 79851 (approximately six miles east of Sierra Blanca on Interstate 10, mile marker 112) from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain time) on Friday, July 12, 1996, and from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. (Mountain time) on Monday, July 15, 1996; then publicly opened and read aloud. Any proposal received after the closing time will be returned unopened. Proposals shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the bidder and the words: "Proposal for Construction of Exploratory Trench, Faskin Ranch" Bid opening at 1:30 p.m. (Mountain time) on Monday, July 15, 1996 A cashier's check, certified check, or acceptable bidder's bond, payable to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority (Authority), in an amount not less than 5.0% of the bid must accompany each bid as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will, within 15 calendar days of award of contract, enter into a contract and execute bonds on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. The bidder's deposit shall be forfeited and become the property of the Authority in case the bidder neglects or refuses to enter into a contract and to furnish bonds acceptable to the Authority within 15 calendar days after a proposal has been accepted. The bid deposit of all except the three lowest bidders will be returned within three calendar days after the opening of the bids. The bid deposit of the three lowest bidders will be returned within 48 hours after the executed contract and required bonds have been finally approved by the Authority. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any and all technicalities or formalities. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 45 calendar days after opening of bids. The project will involve excavating a trench for the purposes of evaluating constructability, operations, and monitoring issues. An earthmoving contractor is desired. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the Authority's offices at the proposed facility near Sierra Blanca (approximately six miles east of Sierra Blanca on Interstate 10, mile marker 112) on Monday, June 24, 1996, at 1:30 p.m. (Mountain time). The Authority anticipates awarding a contract at its August 1996 board meeting and starting work on September 1, 1996. Bid packages may be inspected during regular working hours, beginning on Monday, June 3, 1996, at the Authority's Austin office, 7701 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78752 or at the Sierra Blanca office, approximately six miles east of Sierra Blanca on Interstate 10, mile marker 112. Bid packages may be obtained for $50 per set which is refundable on return of the Plans, Specifications, and other Construction Documents in good condition. For more information, contact Bob Avant at the Austin office (512) 451-5292 or Beth Absher at the Sierra Blanca office (915) 369-3391. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 20, 1996. TRD-9607022 Lee H. Mathews Deputy General Manager and General Counsel Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority Filed: May 21, 1996 Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Extension of Deadline for Written Comments The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) has extended its deadline to receive written comments for proposed new Chapter 216 relating to Water Quality Protection Zones. The proposal of new Chapter 216 was published in the May 3, 1996, issue of the Texas Register. The deadline for receipt of written comments to the proposed changes was originally published as 30 days after the date of publication, but has been extended to June 21,1996. For further information contact Arthur Talley, TNRCC, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, (512) 239-4546. Issued in Austin, Texas on May 16, 1996. TRD-9606891 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: May 17, 1996 Request for Proposal The Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program (CCBNEP), a Program of the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) invites interested parties to submit proposals for a consulting services project to be conducted during Fiscal Year 1997 (Starting date: September 1, 1996). The CCBNEP is funded through a Cooperative Agreement between the TNRCC of the State of Texas and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All contracts will be with the TNRCC. The contract will be a consulting services contract following the requirements found in the Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B. Consultants are encouraged, but not required, to provide cost sharing. The CCBNEP and TNRCC anticipate having funds in the amount of $40,000 for the project listed: Project Title. "Identification of natural and human-related alterations of tidal flats and a determination of effects on biological productivity and functioning of tidal flats in the CCBNEP study area". Potential contractors must submit 20 copies of a Proposal Work Plan. The Proposal Work Plan should describe the potential contractor's approach to the project and should be submitted to the CCBNEP Program Office by no later than 5:00 p.m., July 12, 1996. It is the responsibility of the potential contractor to verify that the Proposal Work Plan has been received by the Program Office by the deadline. Faxed Proposal Work Plans will not be accepted. Proposals will be evaluated by appropriate Management Conference committees and the appropriate committee will forward initial recommendations to the Management Committee for award. Selection will be based upon demonstrated competence, knowledge, and qualifications, and on the reasonablness of the proposed fee for service. The selection criteria is contained in the CCBNEP Proposal Evaluation Guide which can be obtained from the CCBNEP. The Management Committee will then require verbal summary presentations of Proposal Work Plans which meet the minimum requirements as described in the Project Scope of Work and the Guidelines for Proposal Work Plans. Presentations to the Management Committee are scheduled to occur during their August 8, 1996 meeting. Copies of the Project Scope of Work, Guidelines for Proposal Work Plans, Proposal Evaluation Guide and Guidelines for Verbal Presentations may be obtained by contacting the Program Office. Any and all expenses incurred during the development and/or presentation of Proposal Work Plans shall be the responsibility of the potential contractor. Contract execution is contingent upon funding appropriation. Send copies of Proposal Work Plan by 5:00 p.m., July 12, 1996 to the Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program, Natural Resources Building, Suite 3300, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412, ATTENTION: Proposal Work Plan (FY 1997). Any questions regarding these projects or the review process should be directed to Richard Volk, CCBNEP Program Director, at (512) 985-6767 (before May 31st) or (512) 980-3420 (after June 5, 1996). Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607014 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: May 21, 1996 Public Utility Commission of Texas Notice 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 Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 for approval of customer-specific PLEXAR-Custom Service for Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for PLEXAR-Custom Service for Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27. Tariff Control Number 15889. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of a 150 station addition to the existing PLEXAR-Custom service for Incarnate Word College. The geographic service market for this specific service is the San Antonio, Texas area. 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 May 21, 1996. TRD-9607062 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: May 21, 1996 Notice of Intent to File Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94 Notice is given to the public of filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on April 30, 1996, pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94 for approval of a rate change. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Approval of a Rate Change Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94. Tariff Control Number 15747. The Application. Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is requesting approval to increase the rates for local directory assistance, public pay telephone service, and returned check charges. 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 July 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607063 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: May 21, 1996 Railroad Commission of Texas Pipeline Safety Section, Gas Services Division, Petition for Waiver of Pipeline Safety Rules and Standards to Permit Clock Spring Repairs Texas Utilities Fuel Company (TUFCO) and 26 intrastate pipelines (Applicants) filed petitions for waivers from the pipeline safety standards and regulations of the Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission). Applicants are Texas Utilities Fuel Co., Exxon Company, U.S.A., Union Pacific Resources Co., Lone Star Gas Co., Enron Corp., Association of Texas Intrastate Natural Gas Pipelines, representing Amoco Gas Company, Aquila Gas Pipeline Corporation, Centana Intrastate Pipeline Company, Channel Industries Gas Company, Coastal States Gas Transmission Company, Cornerstone Natural Gas, Inc., Corpus Christi Natural Gas Company, L.P., Delhi Gas Pipeline Corporation, Dow Hydrocarbons and Resources, Inc., Houston Pipe Line Company, K N Energy, Inc., Lone Star Pipeline Company, Meridian Oil Gathering, Inc., Midcon Texas Pipeline Company, NorAm Energy, Inc., Seagull Pipeline Company, Southwestern Gas Pipeline, Inc., Tejas Gas Corporation, Tejas Power Corporation, Transok, Inc., Valero Natural Gas Company, Western Gas Resources, Inc., and Williams Field Services Company. The Applicants seek waivers from the standards of 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 192.713(a) and 192.485 to permit the use by the Applicants of a proprietary composite reinforced (CR) sleeve material (Clock Spring Wrap, manufactured by Clock Spring Company of North America) as a full encirclement wrapped sleeve for the repair of imperfections and damages in steel pipe on the Applicants' systems. Under the Commission's Certification for Calendar Year 1996, dated February 15, 1996, the Commission is a state authority that certifies its participation in the United States Department of Transportation's (DOT) Gas Pipeline Safety Program, within the guidelines provided in 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) 60105. In addition, in 16 TAC sec.7.70(a), the Commission has adopted the provisions of 49 C.F.R., Part 192 as the minimum safety standards for intrastate natural gas pipelines operating in Texas. On February 27, 1995, the DOT's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) waived the maintenance regulations of 49 C.F.R. 192. 713(a) and 192.485 to permit 28 operators of interstate pipelines and their subsidiaries to use Clock Spring Wrap to repair large areas of general corrosion or other imperfections or damage on transmission lines operating at 40 percent or more of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS). DOT Docket Number P-90-1W, 58 FR 13823 (March 10, 1993) and DOT Docket Number P-93-2W, 60 FR 10630 (February 27, 1995). In Notice Number three in DOT Docket Number P-93-2W, 60 FR 47800 (September 14, 1995), the RSPA found that under 49 U.S.C. 60118 intrastate pipelines seeking similar waivers must petition the applicable state agency participating in the federal/state pipeline safety regulatory program. The RSPA pointed out that waivers issued by such state agencies would be subject to review by the RSPA. But the RSPA advised that it would not object to any state waiver that is consistent with the terms and conditions of the waiver published in Notice two in DOT Docket Number P-93-2W. Currently, under 49 C.F.R. 192.713(a), each imperfection or damage that impairs the serviceability of a segment of transmission line operating at 40 percent or more of SMYS must be repaired. If it is feasible to remove the line from service, pipe containing the imperfection or damage must be replaced. Otherwise, a full encirclement welded split sleeve must be installed over the imperfection or damage. The waiver requests permission to use Clock Spring Wrap for such repairs instead of the methods prescribed by 49 C.F.R. 192.713(a) . 49 C.F.R. 192.485(a) requires replacement of transmission line pipe that is generally corroded to the extent that wall thickness is unsafe, unless operating pressure is reduced appropriately or, if the area of general corrosion is small, the corroded pipe is repaired. A similar requirement applies under 49 C.F.R. 192.485(b) to transmission lines with unsafe localized corrosion pitting, except that repair is not limited to small areas. The proprietary repair method proposed (Clock Spring Wrap) consists of installing a CR sleeve material in coil form held in place by adhesive. The adhesive adheres both to the pipe surface and to the adjacent layers of the coiled CR. The CR is an isophthalic polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. The adhesive is a methacrylate. Both the CR and the adhesive have histories of suitable performance in other applications, as described in documents in this docket and in DOT Docket Number P-90-1W and P-93-2W. The suitability of a standard CR sleeve for repair of a measured defect is determined using a computer program developed by the Gas Research Institute (GRI). In destructive tests of pipe with standard CR sleeves installed over manufactured defects, the non-reinforced sections of steel pipe repeatedly burst (except in one unusual instance), demonstrating the validity of the computer program. The CR sleeve does not require pretesting nor are there any welds to be nondestructively tested. The following is a list of some of the asserted advantages of using CR sleeves: (1) the CR sleeve material the CR sleeve material is relatively easy to install; (2) the CR sleeve material is furnished in standard widths and thickness. The length of the repair to be made determines the number of sleeve units to be used. Multiple units can be brought to the job site at the time of excavation. Therefore, there is no delay between determining the extent of the repair and procuring materials for repair; (3) the crew performing the investigation can make the repair without calling for pipe handling equipment or welders; (4) in most circumstances, there will be no need to take the line out of service, eliminating interruptions or curtailments to customer service. The CR sleeve repairs can be made while the line is operated at full or reduced pressure; and (5) the use of Clock Spring Wrap repair may produce substantial cost savings. In DOT Docket Number P-93-2W, the RSPA granted the requested waiver subject to the following conditions: (1) Clock Spring Wrap must be installed using procedures recommended by the manufacturer; (2) Clock Spring Wrap must be installed consistent with the program, GRI WRAP; (3) Clock Spring Wrap must be installed consistent with a Gas Research Institute plan, including excavating and evaluating a statistical sample of sites at two-year intervals, recording the results, and sending the results to the RSPA; (4) to allow inspection by the RSPA and state agencies serving as interstate enforcement agents, scheduled non-emergency installations of Clock Spring Wrap must be reported (by phone, fax, or mail) a reasonable time before installation to the RSPA pipeline regional office and state agent with authority over the repair; and (5) persons installing Clock Spring Wrap must have been trained and certified in installation procedures either by the Clock Spring Company or by persons the Clock Spring Company has trained and certified. The RSPA's waiver was also conditioned upon cooperation by the pipelines seeking waivers with GRI's data collection and monitoring activities. The RSPA declared that any operator unwilling to cooperate with GRI's data collection and monitoring will not be entitled to apply for the waiver. The applications filed at the Railroad Commission have been designated Gas Utilities Docket Number 8628. Information submitted by the Applicants is available in Docket Number 8628 for inspection and copying (at the rates stated in Commission rules) in the Office of General Counsel, Gas Services Section, Suite 12-113 at the Commission's offices in the William B. Travis Building at 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. Additional relevant information is contained in the RSPA's discussion of the applications in DOT Docket Number P-90-1W and P-93-2W and in the docket files for those dockets. Interested persons may contact the Dockets Unit, Room 8421, Office of Pipeline Safety, Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001, (202) 366-5046 for additional information contained in DOT's docket files. For technical information regarding Clock Spring Wrap, interested persons may contact Terry Wheeler, the Clock Spring Company, 14107 Interdrive West, Houston, Texas 77032, (713) 590-8491, (800) 471-0060 (toll free), or (713) 590-9528 (FAX). The Commission staff believes the requested waivers should be approved. Staff believes the use of Clock Spring Wrap provides at least the same level of integrity as replacement of pipe or installation of a full encirclement welded split sleeve. In Docket Number 8628, the Commission will review the Applicants' petitions in a fashion similar to that followed by the RSPA. An abbreviated procedural schedule is anticipated. The applications will not be considered in a rulemaking and any waivers granted will not be applicable industry-wide. Any waivers granted in Docket Number 8628 will apply only to the Applicants and any additional intrastate pipeline operators, subsidiaries, or other parties permitted to intervene. The deadline for filing motions to intervene and statements of protest is thirty days from the date of publication of this notice. Interested persons are invited to comment on the requested waiver by filing written comments. The deadline for filing comments is thirty days from the date of publication of this notice. Pleadings and comments may be filed in person, by mail, or by FAX at: Docket Services Section, Office of General Counsel, Railroad Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 12967, Room 12-112, Austin, Texas 78711-2967, (512) 463-6989 (FAX). Comments should refer to Docket Number 8628. All comments filed by the stated deadline will be considered in the Commission's final order. All comments will be available for viewing between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Commission's offices in Suite 12-119 of the Travis Building. The hearing in this matter will be scheduled for and may be convened at 10: 00 a.m., Thursday, July 11, 1996, at the Commission's offices. The room designated for the hearing will be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby on the first floor of the Travis Building on the morning of the hearing. The hearing may be cancelled if no parties, protestants, intervenors, or commenters request a hearing by Monday, July 8, 1996. All interested persons are welcome to attend the hearing if it is convened. Interested persons may call (512) 463-7017 to inquire whether the hearing will be convened. For additional information, please contact James Brazell, Hearings Examiner, Gas Services Section, Office of General Counsel, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Room 12-119F, Austin, Texas 78711-2967, (512) 463-6989 (FAX) or (512) 463-7007 Voice. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607064 Mary Ross McDonald Assistant Director, Office of General Counsel, Gas Services Section Railroad Commission of Texas Filed: May 21, 1996 The University of Texas System Request for Information (RFI) The University of Texas System (U. T. System) requests information from law firms interested in representing U.T. System and its component institutions in tax-exempt bond matters. This RFI is issued for the purpose of establishing (for the time frame beginning September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997) a referral list from which U.T. System, by and through its Office of General Counsel, will select appropriate counsel for representation on specific bond matters as the need arises. These needs include the usual and necessary services of a bond counsel in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of bonds and notes on which the interest is excludable from gross income under existing federal tax law. Description. The U.T. System comprises six health institutions and nine academic institutions located in eleven cities in Texas. Public, tax-exempt bond issuance is conducted under two major programs and is rated by three major rating agencies. Bonds are issued under authority granted the U.T. System in Article VII, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution (Permanent University Fund). A variable rate demand note program is frequently used to raise new funds in support of the capital improvement program. During the 1997 fiscal year, one such note sale is anticipated in the approximate amount of $30 million. Bond sales are normally conducted once or twice each year. Fixed rate bond sales occur each two to three years in the amount of approximately $100 million to refund variable rate notes. Advance refunding of Permanent University Fund bonds are conducted periodically based on potential savings opportunities. Under authority granted in Chapter 55, Texas Education Code and Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 717k and 717q, and other applicable laws, the U.T. System issues revenue bonds for capital improvements. A tax-exempt variable rate note program is used for interim financing with long term fixed rate bonds sold to provide more permanent financing. The variable rate note program, currently in a commercial paper mode, is presently authorized up to $250 million and has approximately $60 million outstanding. A fixed rate bond sale of approximately $150 million in size will likely occur when the commercial paper outstanding reaches $150 million. The U.T. System employs a revenue bond program which offers a combined pledge of all legally available revenues with certain exceptions (the "Revenue Financing System"). Advance refunding of bonds and escrow restructures of previously defeased bonds, based on market timing, may be expected. Federal tax related matters regarding bonds issued by the U.T. System, including strategies and management practices in the conduct of an exempt debt program requires a close working relationship with bond counsel. Contact is frequent, particularly in regard to the Revenue Financing System program due to the significant level of capital improvements anticipated throughout the system over the next two years. U.T. System invites responses to this RFI from qualified firms for the provision of such legal services under the direction and supervision of U.T. System's Office of General Counsel. Responses. Responses to this RFI should include at least the following information: (1) a description of the firm's or attorney's qualifications for performing the legal services, including the firm's prior experience in bond issuance matters, the names, experience, and technical expertise of the attorneys who may be assigned to work on such matters, and appropriate information regarding efforts made by the firm to encourage and develop the participation of minorities and women in the provision both of the firm's legal services generally and bond matters in particular; (2) the submission of fee information (either in the form of hourly rates for each attorney who may be assigned to perform services in relation to U.T. System's bond matters, flat fees, or other fee arrangements directly related to the achievement of specific goals and cost controls) and billable expenses; (3) disclosures of conflicts of interest (identifying each and every matter in which the firm has, within the past calendar year, represented any entity or individual with an interest adverse to the U.T. System or to the State of Texas, or any of its boards, agencies, commissions, universities, or elected or appointed officials) ; and (4) confirmation of willingness to comply with policies, directives and guidelines of the U.T. System and the Attorney General of the State of Texas. Format and Person to Contact. Two copies of the response are requested. The response should be typed, preferably double spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper with all pages sequentially numbered, either stapled or bound together. They should be sent by mail or delivered in person, marked "Response to Request for Information," and addressed to Ray Farabee, Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, The University of Texas System, 201 West 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 (telephone (512) 499-4462 for questions). Deadline for Submission of Response. All responses must be received by the Office of General Counsel of U.T. System at the address set forth above no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607048 Arthur H. Dilly Executive Secretary to the Board of Regents The University of Texas System Filed: May 21, 1996 The University of Texas System (U.T. System) requests information from law firms interested in representing U.T. System and its component institutions in intellectual property matters. This RFI is issued for the purpose of establishing (for the time frame beginning September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997) a referral list from which U.T. System, by and through its Office of General Counsel, will select appropriate counsel for representation on specific intellectual property matters as the need arises. Description. The U.T. System comprises six health institutions and nine academic institutions located in eleven cities in Texas. Research activities and other educational pursuits at each institution produce intellectual property that is carefully evaluated for protection and licensing to commercial entities. For this purpose, U.T. System will engage outside counsel for the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patent applications in the United States and other countries; for securing copyright protection for computer software; and for preparing, filing and prosecuting applications to register trademarks and service marks in the United States and other countries. U.T. System also will engage outside counsel from time to time to pursue litigation against infringers of these intellectual property rights. U.T. System invites responses to this RFI from qualified firms for the provision of such legal services under the direction and supervision of U.T. System's Office of General Counsel. Responses. Responses to this RFI should include at least the following information: (1) a description of the firm's or attorney's qualifications for performing the legal services, including the firm's prior experience in intellectual property-related matters, the names, experience, and scientific or technical expertise of the attorneys who may be assigned to work on such matters, and appropriate information regarding efforts made by the firm to encourage and develop the participation of minorities and women in the provision both of the firm's legal services generally and intellectual property matters in particular; (2) the submission of fee information (either in the form of hourly rates for each attorney who may be assigned to perform services in relation to U.T. System's intellectual property matters, flat fees, or other fee arrangements directly related to the achievement of specific goals and cost controls) and billable expenses; (3) disclosures of conflicts of interest (identifying each and every matter in which the firm has, within the past calendar year, represented any entity or individual with an interest adverse to the U.T. System or to the State of Texas, or any of its boards, agencies, commissions, universities, or elected or appointed officials); and (4) confirmation of willingness to comply with policies, directives and guidelines of the U.T. System and the Attorney General of the State of Texas. Format and Person to Contact. Two copies of the response are requested. The response should be typed, preferably double spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper with all pages sequentially numbered, and either stapled or bound together. They should be sent by mail or delivered in person, marked "Response to Request for Information," and addressed to Dudley R. Dobie, Jr., Section Manager for Intellectual Property, Office of General Counsel, The University of Texas System, 201 West 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 (telephone (512) 499-4462 for questions). Deadline for Submission of Response. All responses must be received by the Office of General Counsel of U.T. System at the address set forth above no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607049 Arthur H. Dilly Executive Secretary to the Board of Regents The University of Texas System Filed: May 21, 1996 The University of Texas (U.T. System) requests proposals from law firms interested in representing U.T. System and its health component institutions regarding Medicare/Medicaid/Managed Health Care questions, medicare/medicaid, third party reimbursement matters and appeal of adverse Medicare reimbursement decisions. This RFP is issued for the purpose of establishing (for the time frame beginning September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997) a health care panel from which U.T. System, by and through its Office of General Counsel, will select appropriate counsel for representation and advice of legal issues raised by complex managed care arrangements and third party reimbursement matters, including certified non-profit health corporations, fraud and abuse issues, and antitrust concerns. Description. The U.T. System operates six health institutions located in Houston, Dallas, Galveston, San Antonio and Tyler, Texas. University physician and hospital services are provided by fee for service and through a broad range of contractual arrangements with Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance carriers, as well as directly with employers. These managed care arrangements may be impacted by state and federal laws and regulations governing insurance, third party reimbursement, antitrust matters, and fraud and abuse issues. For this purpose, U.T. System will engage outside counsel with experience in establishing certified non-profit health delivery corporations and other complex managed care contracting arrangements. In addition, outside counsel must have a working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing safe harbors, antitrust matters, medicare and medicaid regulations, and appeals of adverse determinations by third party payor intermediaries. U.T. System invites responses to this RFP from qualified firms for the provision of such legal services under the direction and supervision of U.T. System's Office of General Counsel. Responses. Responses to the RFP should include at least the following information: (1) a description of the firm's or attorney's qualifications for performing the legal services, including the firm's prior experience in complex health delivery and reimbursement matters, the names, experience, and expertise of the attorneys who may be assigned to work on such matters, the availability of the lead attorney and others assigned to the project, and appropriate information regarding efforts made by the firm to encourage and develop the participation of minorities and women in the provision of legal services; (2) the submission of fee information (either in the form of hourly rates for each attorney who may be assigned to perform services in relation to U.T. System's complex health delivery and reimbursement matters, comprehensive flat fees, or other fee arrangements directly related to the achievement of specific goals and cost controls) and billable expenses; (3) a comprehensive description of the procedures to be used by the firm to supervise the provision of legal services in a timely and cost-effective manner; (4) disclosures of conflicts of interest (identifying each and every matter in which the firm has, within the past calendar year, represented any entity or individual with an interest adverse to the U.T. System or to the State of Texas, or any of its boards, agencies, commissions, universities, or elected or appointed officials); and (5) confirmation of willingness to comply with policies, directives and guidelines of the U.T. System and the Attorney General of the State of Texas. Format and Person to Contact. Two copies of the proposal are requested. The proposal should be typed, preferably double spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper with all pages sequentially numbered, and either stapled or bound together. They should be sent by mail or delivered in person, marked "Response to Request for Proposal," and addressed to R. Carlton Presley, Office of General Counsel, The University of Texas System, 201 West 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 (telephone (512) 499-4462 for questions.) Deadline for Submission of Response. All proposals must be received by the Office of General Counsel of U.T. System at the address set forth above no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607046 Arthur H. Dilly Executive Secretary to the Board of Regents The University of Texas System Filed: May 21, 1996 The University of Texas System (U.T. System) requests information from law firms interested in representing U.T. System and its component institutions in certain federal tax matters. This RFP is issued for the purpose of establishing (for the time frame beginning September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997) a referral list from which U.T. System, by and through its Office of General Counsel, will select appropriate counsel for representation on specific federal tax matters as the need arises. Description. The U.T. System comprises six health component universities and nine academic component universities supported by legislative appropriations, tuition, fees, income from auxiliary enterprises, the Permanent University Fund, the Available University Fund, grants, gifts, sponsored research and other sources of revenues, all of which may be impacted by the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. For assistance with such issues, U.T. System will engage outside legal counsel to provide legal counsel and advice to the University of Texas System on matters pertaining to federal income, estate, gift, and excise taxes. This legal counsel and advice will include, but not be limited to, the following: dealings with the I.R.S. in audits, I.R.S. appeals, U.S. Tax Court, and other tax matters. Also Benefits such as the Optional Retirement Program, 403(b) and 457(a) and (f) plans. Income Tax matters will also include unrelated business income tax as it relates to universities; and federal tax matters regarding compensation issues related to university hospitals and physicians. The law firm must be admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. U.T. System invites responses to this RFP from qualified firms for the provision of such legal services under the direction and supervision of U.T. System's Office of General Counsel. Responses. Responses to this RFP should include at least the following information: (1) a description of the firm's or attorney's qualifications for performing the legal services, including the firm's prior experience in federal tax-related matters including experience handling state pension issues and plans available only to universities, the names and experience of the attorneys who will be assigned to work on such matters, the availability of the lead attorney and others assigned to the project, and appropriate information regarding efforts made by the firm to encourage and develop the participation of minorities and women in the provision of legal services; (2) the submission of fee information (either in the form of hourly rates for each attorney who may be assigned to perform services in relation to U.T. System's federal tax matters, comprehensive flat fees, or other fee arrangements directly related to the achievement of specific goals and cost controls) and billable expenses; (3) a comprehensive description of the procedures to be used by the firm to supervise the provision of legal services in a timely and cost-effective manner; (4) disclosures of conflicts of interest (identifying each and every matter in which the firm has, within the past calendar year, represented any entity or individual with an interest adverse to the U.T. System or to the State of Texas, or any of its boards, agencies, commissions, universities, or elected or appointed officials); and (5) confirmation of willingness to comply with policies, directives and guidelines of the U.T. System and the Attorney General of the State of Texas. Format and Person to Contact. Two copies of the response are requested. The response should be typed, preferably double spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper with all pages sequentially numbered, and either stapled or bound together. They should be sent by mail or delivered in person, marked "Response to Request for Proposal," and addressed to David W. Lacy, Attorney, Office of General Counsel, The University of Texas System, 201 West 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 (telephone (512) 499-4462 for questions). Deadline for Submission of Response. All responses must be received by the Office of General Counsel of U.T. System at the address set forth above not later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 1, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 21, 1996. TRD-9607047 Arthur H. Dilly Executive Secretary to the Board of Regents The University of Texas System Filed: May 21, 1996