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 Alcoholic Beverage Commission Notice of Contract Award In accordance with the Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission publishes this notice of contract award. The request for proposals appeared in the November 22, 1996, edition of the type-name="italic"> Texas Register (21 TexReg 11409-11410). The contractors will assist the agency in creating curriculum, pilot testing and evaluating a school based alcohol prevention education program. The contractor selected to perform this service is Bliss, Inc., 3933 Steck Avenue, Suite 119-B, Austin, Texas 78759. The total contract amount is $45,284.00. The contract period is from January 1, 1997 until August 31, 1997. The contractor shall have completed the curriculum review by Mach 31, 1997. A pilot evaluation report shall be provided by July 31, 1997. Training-of-Trainers training shall be completed on or before March 15, 1997. Pilot testing presentations shall be completed on May 18, 1997. Follow-up Training-of-Trainers training shall be completed by August 31, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700658 Lou Bright Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Administrator Filed: January 16, 1997 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 proposals for community-based treatment services for medically- indigent, chemically-dependent persons services from public, incorporated private non- profit, or for-profit organizations. In anticipation of possible additional appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 (FY98), the commission seeks to identify organizations interested in expanding existing treatment services or offering new treatment services which will enhance the commission's continuum of care in unserved or underserved areas of the state. All organizations wishing to expand existing treatments services or offer new treatment services will need to respond to this notice in order to be considered through the FY98 Request for Proposals (RFP) competitive process. For organizations currently funded by the commission not wishing to expand existing treatment services or offer new treatment services during FY98, disregard this notice. The commission will be mailing your organization information regarding the application renewal process for FY98 in the near future. Organizations interested in providing services should submit a letter of intent to: Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Resource Procurement Division, 9001 North IH-35, Suite 105, Austin, Texas 78753-5233, (512) 349-6786. Faxed documents will not be accepted. The letter must include all the elements mentioned in this notice. Letters of intent must be received by the commission no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 7, 1997. Closing Date. Interested applicants must submit the letter of intent and all fiscal and legal documents to the commission by 5:00 p.m. on February 7, 1997. Population and Service Levels. The commission is seeking proposals from organizations proposing to serve the following populations: adults, youth, females with dependent children, and civil court committed chemically dependent adults. The commission will accept proposals to provide levels I, II, and III residential services, levels II, III, and IV outpatient services, and pharmacotherapy services. A detailed definition of these populations and service levels and other program requirements are found in the Provider Compliance Guide. Copies of the Provider Compliance Guide are available on DOS-formatted disk on request. Organizations may apply to serve any county or counties in the State of Texas. Initial Application Process and Eligibility Review. To be eligible to compete through the Fiscal Year 1998 Treatment Services Request for Proposals (RFP), all potential applicants must initially submit: a letter of intent to apply for funding which briefly describes the service type and level(s), the location of the proposed services including county or counties to be served and the target population(s). Documentation of the organization's legal standing: Private non-profit or for profit organizations: Documentation of legal standing consists of a copy of the certificate of incorporation stamped with a state seal; copy of signed and dated articles of incorporation and amendments; and a copy of the signed and dated bylaws and amendments. Public organizations: Documentation of legal standing consists of a copy of the authority under which the entity is organized, that is, constitution, statute, or charter and a copy of the organization's bylaws and amendments; a copy of the applicant's audited basic financial statements, including notes, and any report(s) issued by the auditor on internal controls. Also, attach a copy of any management letters issued by the auditor in conjunction with the audit and management's response. If the organization has not been audited, unaudited financial statements may be submitted with a note indicating that statements have not been audited. Currently funded organizations and those that have submitted all aforementioned auditing documentation to the commission at any time in the last 12 months do not need to resubmit this documentation. Such organizations must indicate in their letter of intent that this documentation has already been submitted to the commission and indicate when it was submitted. An organization will be ineligible to compete for funding through the RFP if it fails to submit the required documentation or if the audit submitted reports going concern issues, material non-compliance or material weakness that is not satisfactorily addressed in the management response. Organizations meeting the submittal requirements will be notified of their eligibility to compete through the RFP process and mailed a copy of the RFP. Organizations submitting letters of intent to apply for funding, but ineligible to compete through the RFP process will be informed of their ineligibility within 30 days of the letter's submittal. Provider Eligibility Standards. The commission's eligibility requirements for funding will be listed in the RFP. Fund Availability. An estimated amount of funds for new and existing treatment services are available through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant in the amount of $49,615,394, state General Revenue funds in the amount of $12,849,305, and interagency contract funds in the amount of $1,203,739. The amount of funds available in each Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) region through the FY98 Treatment Services RFP is not yet determined. However, an estimate of fund availability in each region will be published in the RFP. Award Period. The initial award period of proposals selected through the competitive RFP process will be September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998. Failure to reply to the Notice of Intent and to clearly respond to each requirement requested in the letter of intent will result in disqualification from consideration for the competitive RFP process for FY98 funding. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700736 Mark S. Smock Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Deputy for Finance and Administration Filed: January 17, 1997 Deep East Texas Council of Governments Request For Quotes The Deep East Texas Council of Governments will be accepting quotes for the contracting of services for an environmental law enforcement training seminar to be held in the Spring of 1997. This instructional course must be T.C.L.E.O.S.E. and State Bar Association certified. An instructional packet with all of the details for submission of a quote must be requested by January 27, 1997. For more information, contact DETCOG's Environmental Planner, Andy Phillips, at the following address: Deep East Texas Council of Governments, 274 East Lamar Street, Jasper, Texas 75951, (409) 384-5704. The deadline for submission of a quote packet is no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 3, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700763 Walter G. Diggles Executive Director Deep East Texas Council of Governments Filed: January 17, 1997 Employees Retirement System of Texas Contract Award The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) published a Request for Proposals in the October 15, 1996, issue of thetype-name="italic"> Texas Register (21 TexReg 10241) to enter into a contract for the Texas Employees Uniform Group Insurance Program Annual Audit of the Insurance Carrier's Claims Operations for the period of September 1, 1995 - August 31, 1996. The audit will include, but not be limited to, claims administration, contract compliance, gross and net costs, administration costs, benefits, utilization of benefits, and the annual accounting. The proposal selected was that of Wolcott & Associates, Inc., 7800 West 110th Street, Suite 100, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. The effective date of the contract is January 7, 1997, and all reports are to be filed within 150 days of that date. The total cost of the project will not exceed $65,500.00. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700708 Sheila W. Beckett Executive Director Employees Retirement System of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Notice of Amendment to the 1996 State of Texas Consolidated Plan Texas Capital Fund The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announces an amendment to the 1996 State of Texas Consolidated Plan: specifically, the 1996 Final Statement which governs the Texas Community Development Program. The 1996 Consolidated Plan is being amended as follows: Under Part III. C., titled "Contract Awards" the language shall be changed to hereby announce that for the purposes of the Texas Community Development Program's Texas Capital Fund that if a unit of local government is applying for funds to provide infrastructure or real estate development improvements on behalf of a specific business, and that specific business will create or retain jobs where the cost per job is $5,000 or less, then the maximum award amount may be increased to an amount greater than $500,000 but may not exceed $1,500,000 including administrative monies. In this instance, the Texas Capital Fund award may not exceed ten percent of the total project costs (i.e., to receive the maximum $1,500,000 the total project amount would be $15,000,000 or more). In addition, to be considered for the maximum increased award amount of $1,500,000 the assisted business must be creating or retaining at least 300 jobs. Texas Capital Funds are not specifically reserved for projects that could receive up to the $1,500,000 increased maximum award amount, however, projects that receive an amount greater than $500,000 may not exceed $3,000,000 in total awards during the program year. Under Part III., C., titled "Contract Awards" TDHCA also announces for purposes of the Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure Improvements and Real Estate Development programs that the maximum award amount of $500,000 is exclusive of the administrative funds that an applicant may request for contract administration. The maximum administrative request for projects awards that do not exceed $500,000 is $35,000 equaling a grand total maximum possible award of $535,000. For project awards in excess of $500,000 up to $1,500,000 the administrative funds are included in the award amount and the maximum administrative amount may not exceed $50,000 (i.e., in a $1,500,000 total award the administrative amount could equal $50,000 leaving $1,450,000 for project costs). Comments will be accepted for 30 days from the date of this publication. Requests for copies of the application and guidelines should be submitted to Karl Young, Finance Team Manager; Business and Fiscal Services Division at the following address: Texas Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 12728, Austin, Texas 78711. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700757 Larry Paul Manley Executive Director Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Filed: January 17, 1997 Texas Department of Human Services Closed Solicitation for Carson County Pursuant to Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, of the Human Resources Code and 40 TAC sec.19.2324, in the March 31, 1995, issue of the type-name="italic"> Texas Register (20 TexReg 2443), the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) is closing the solicitation for new Medicaid beds in Carson County, County Number 033, which appeared in the January 19, 1996, issue of the type-name="italic">Texas Register (21 TexReg 550). The solicitation is being closed effective the date of this public notice. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700672 Glen Scott General Counsel Texas Department of Human Services Filed: January 16, 1997 Closed Solicitation for Upton County Pursuant to Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, of the Human Resources Code and 40 TAC sec.19.2324, in the March 31, 1995, issue of the type-name="italic"> Texas Register (20 TexReg 2443), the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) is closing the solicitation for new Medicaid beds in Upton County, County Number 231, which appeared in the January 7, 1997, issue of the type-name="italic">Texas Register (22 TexReg 131). The solicitation is being closed effective the date of this public notice. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700673 Glen Scott General Counsel Texas Department of Human Services Filed: January 16, 1997 Open Solicitation for Hardeman County Pursuant to Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, of the Human Resources Code and 40 TAC sec.19.2324, in the March 31, 1995, issue of the type-name="italic"> Texas Register (20 TexReg 2443), the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) is announcing an open solicitation period of 30 days, effective the date of this public notice, for Hardeman County, County #099, identified as follows, where Medicaid contracted nursing facility occupancy rates exceed the threshold (90% occupancy) in each of six months in the continuous, June 1996 thru November 1996 six-month period: 90.2, 93.4, 91.6, 91.5, 92.5, 93.1. Potential contractors seeking to contract for existing beds which are currently licensed as nursing home beds or hospital beds in the counties identified in this public notice must submit a written reply (as described in 40 TAC sec.19.2324) to TDHS, Gary L. Allen, Certification, Provider Enrollment, & Billing Services, Long Term Care- Regulatory, Mail Code Y-976, Post Office Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030. The written reply must be received by TDHS by 5:00 p.m., February 24, 1997, the last day of the open solicitation period. Potential contractors will be placed on a waiting list for the primary selection process in the order that the beds which were being proposed for Medicaid certification were initially licensed. The primary selection process will be completed on March 4, 1997. If there are insufficient available beds after the primary selection to reduce occupancy rates to less that 90%, TDHS will place a public notice in the type-name="italic">Texas Register announcing an additional open solicitation period for those individuals wishing to construct a facility. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700674 Glen Scott General Counsel Texas Department of Human Services Filed: January 16, 1997 Texas Department of Insurance Insurer Services The following applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration: Application for incorporation in Texas for Aviation & Marine Insurance Company of America, a domestic fire and casualty company. The home office is in Dallas, Texas. Application for a name change in Texas for Lloyds New York Insurance Company, a foreign fire and casualty company. The proposed new name is Realm National Insurance Company. The home office is in New York, New York. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, addressed to the attention of Cindy Thurman, 333 Guadalupe Street, M/C 305-2C, Austin, Texas 78701. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700756 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 17, 1997 Notice of Application by Texas Universities Health Plan, Inc., Austin, Texas, for Issuance of a Certificate of Authority to Establish and Operate an HMO in the State of Texas Notice is given to the public of the application of, TEXAS UNIVERSITIES HEALTH PLAN, INC., Austin, Texas, for the issuance of a certificate of authority to establish and operate a health maintenance organization (HMO) offering basic health care services in the State of Texas in compliance with the Texas HMO Act and rules and regulations for HMOs. The application is subject to public inspection at the offices of the Texas Department of Insurance, Insurer Services Division, 333 Guadalupe, Hobby Tower III, 5th Floor, Austin, Texas. Upon consideration of the application, if the Commissioner is satisfied that all requirements of law have been met, the Commissioner or his designee may take action to issue a certificate of authority to TEXAS UNIVERSITIES HEALTH PLAN, INC., Austin, Texas, without a public hearing. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700753 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 17, 1997 Notice of Application by Total Community Health Care Plan, Inc., Houston, Texas for Issuance of a Certificate of Authority to Establish and Operate an HMO in the State of Texas Notice is given to the public of the application of, TOTAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE PLAN, INC., HOUSTON, TEXAS for the issuance of a certificate of authority to establish and operate a health maintenance organization (HMO) offering basic health care services in the State of Texas in compliance with the Texas HMO Act and rules and regulations for HMOs. The application is subject to public inspection at the offices of the Texas Department of Insurance, HMO Unit, 333 Guadalupe, Hobby Tower I, 6th Floor, Austin, Texas. Upon consideration of the application, if the Commissioner is satisfied that all requirements of law have been met, the Commissioner or his designee may take action to issue a certificate of authority to TOTAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE PLAN, INC., HOUSTON, TEXAS, without a public hearing. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700754 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 17, 1997 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 San Jacinto Agency, Inc., (doing business under the assumed name of SJA Brokerage, 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 January 17, 1997. TRD-9700755 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 17, 1997 Public Utility Commission of Texas Notice of Intent to File Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on December 30, 1996, pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94 for approval of a rate change. Tariff Title and Number: Application of Ganado Telephone Company, Inc. for Approval of New Optional Services Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.94. Tariff Control Number 16846. The Application: Ganado Telephone Company, Inc. seeks approval to establish rates, terms, and conditions to provide Custom Local Area Signalling Services (CLASS) and Custom Calling Features in its newly acquired exchanges of Louise and Markham. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936- 7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700670 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 Notice of Joint Petition of GTE Southwest, Inc., and Contel of Texas, Inc. (GTE), The Governmental Representatives of the Communities Comprising the Dallas and Fort Worth Metropolitan Areas, and Certain Independent Local Exchange Companies to Provide One-Way, Optional, Extended Area Service (EAS) Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas of a joint petition on December 20, 1996 seeking approval of one-way, optional, Extended Area Service (EAS) between the communities comprising and surrounding the Dallas and Fort Worth Metropolitan Areas pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.49(b)(8). Project Title and Number: Joint Petition of GTE Southwest, Inc. and Contel of Texas, Inc. (GTE), the Governmental Representatives of the communities comprising the Dallas and Fort Worth Metropolitan Areas to provide one-way optional Extended Area Calling Service (EAS) between the Dallas and Fort Worth Metropolitan areas , Project Number 16822. The Joint Petition: GTE requested approval to offer EAS in the form of one-way, optional, toll-free local calling between the Dallas and Fort Worth Metropolitan areas. EAS is a optional one-way offering to which subscribing GTE residence and business local exchange customers will be able to call, toll-free, all other telephone customers within the prescribed calling area for a flat monthly rate. Customers will pay flat-rate, monthly additives to their tariffed basic local exchange charges. New customers placing order for EAS at the same time they order local exchange service will not be billed the connection charge; however, all other appropriate tariffed service connection charges will be applicable. Customers of EAS will not be required to change their telephone numbers. The joint applicants have requested that the joint petition filing be processed administratively pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.49(b)(8)(C). Persons who wish to intervene in the proceeding or comment upon action sought, should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120 by March 24, 1997. Hearing and speech impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700655 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 Public Notices of Interconnection Agreement On January 8, 1997, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) and WinStar Wireless of Texas, Inc. (WinStar) collectively referred to as Applicants filed a joint application for approval of an interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA) (Public Law Numbers 104- 104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 U.S.C. sec.sec.151 et. seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 1446c-0 Vernons Supp. 1997). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 16868. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. The FTA authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation of the parties. Pursuant to FTA sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement if it finds that the agreement discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement, or that implementation of the agreement, or any portion thereof, is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Additionally, under FTA sec.252(e)(3), the commission may establish or enforce other requirements of state law in its review of the agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements. The commission must act to approve the agreement within 90 days after it is submitted by the parties. The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing 18 copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the Applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 16868. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by February 14, 1997, and shall include: 1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests; 2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof: a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and 3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based. After reviewing any comments, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the commission will determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The ALJ shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to Public Utility Commission Procedural Rule sec.22.202. The ALJ may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the Applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The ALJ may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing Persons with questions about this docket or who wish to comment on the application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. You may call the Public Utility Commission Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 16868. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700657 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 On January 8, 1997, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) and E Z Talk Communications, LLC (E Z Talk) collectively referred to as Applicants filed a joint application for approval of an interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA) (Public Law Numbers 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 U.S.C. sec.sec.151 et. seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Annotated, Article 1446c-0 Vernons Supp. 1997). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 16869. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. The FTA authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation of the parties. Pursuant to FTA sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement if it finds that the agreement discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement, or that implementation of the agreement, or any portion thereof, is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Additionally, under FTA sec.252(e)(3), the commission may establish or enforce other requirements of state law in its review of the agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements. The commission must act to approve the agreement within 90 days after it is submitted by the parties. The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing 18 copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the Applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 16869. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by February 14, 1997, and shall include: 1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests; 2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof: a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and 3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based. After reviewing any comments, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the commission will determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The ALJ shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to Public Utility Commission Procedural Rule sec.22.202. The ALJ may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the Applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The ALJ may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing Persons with questions about this docket or who wish to comment on the application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. You may call the Public Utility Commission Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 16869. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700656 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 On December 13, 1996, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) and Posner Telecommunications, Inc. (Posner) collectively referred to as Applicants filed a joint application for approval of an interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA) (Public Law Numbers 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 U.S.C. sec.sec.151 et. seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 1446c-0 Vernons Supp. 1997). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 16789. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. The FTA authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation of the parties. Pursuant to FTA sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement if it finds that the agreement discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement, or that implementation of the agreement, or any portion thereof, is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Additionally, under FTA sec.252(e)(3), the commission may establish or enforce other requirements of state law in its review of the agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements. The commission must act to approve the agreement within 90 days after it is submitted by the parties. The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing 18 copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the Applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 16789. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by February 4, 1997, and shall include: 1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests; 2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof: a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and 3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based. After reviewing any comments, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the commission will determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The ALJ shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to Public Utility Commission Procedural Rule sec.22.202. The ALJ may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the Applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The ALJ may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing Persons with questions about this docket or who wish to comment on the application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. You may call the Public Utility Commission Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 16789. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700686 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 Public Notice of Workshop The staff of the Public Utility Commission of Texas will conduct a workshop relating to Project Number 16536, Rulemaking on Unbundling of Electric Distribution Facilities and Functions, on Thursday, February 6, 1997. The commissioners may attend and observe the workshop. The workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room, 7th Floor, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701. The workshop agenda will be distributed via facsimile to persons on the Project Number 16536 service list at least one day prior to the workshop. The workshop will consist of panels on specific topics. At this time it is anticipated that the following topics will be addressed: 1) Utility response to unbundling as a remedy for anti-competitive activities. 2) Identification of partially- or potentially-competitive distribution functions. 3) Confidentiality and the management of customer account data. 4) Customer education and consumer protection. The commission staff welcomes suggestions for additional panels. Interested persons may contact the commission staff in writing no later than 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 1997, if they desire to participate as a panelist or suggest panel topics. Such requests should be directed to Mr. Nat Treadway, Office of Policy Development, Public Utility Commission of Texas, either by mail: PO Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711-3326; by fax: (512) 936-7208; or by e-mail: treadway@puc.state.tx.us. Please indicate the number of this project (16536), the topic or panel of interest, and the name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and fax number of the proposed panelist. There may also be an opportunity for spokespersons to address the workshop on general matters relating to distribution functional unbundling. The final agenda will discuss this option. Questions relating to the project service list may be directed to Ms. Sandra Hamlett at (512) 936-7239. Other questions relating to this project may be directed to Mr. Treadway as indicated. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700702 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 16, 1997 Teacher Retirement System of Texas Request for Proposals The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is issuing a request for proposals (RFP), under the provisions of Chapter 2254 of the Government Code, to assist TRS in employing a Chief Investment Officer. TRS will engage a consultant to advise and assist the agency in an extensive search for candidates for the position, identifying qualified persons interested in accepting the position, recommending such persons to TRS for consideration, and conducting background checks, evaluating and developing descriptive portrayal portfolios for each of the recommended candidates. In identifying and evaluating the candidates, the consultant must work closely with TRS to develop and apply approved criteria and qualifications for the positions. The consultant must report regularly on its progress and be available through a designated contact to consult with TRS by telephone, in writing, or in person as requested during the contract period. A copy of the complete RFP may be obtained by writing or calling Shari Cooper, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, 1000 Red River, Austin, Texas 78701, Telephone (512) 397-6400. The deadline for receipt of proposals in response to the RFP is 5 p.m., February 7, 1997. Proposals must include complete descriptions of services and activities to be undertaken, the cost of such services and activities, and the relevant experiences and qualifications of the applicant. A successful proposal will be selected on a number of criteria, some of which include: (1) compliance of the proposal with the RFP, (2) the quality and appropriateness of the proposal, (3) the experience, qualifications, and record of achievement of the proposer, (4) adequacy of the resources to be committed to the project, (5) and the proposal that, in the judgment of TRS, represents the best combination of demonstrated competence, knowledge, qualifications, and reasonableness of the proposed fee. TRS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted. The selected consultant must execute a contract acceptable to TRS. TRS specifically reserves the right to vary any or all provisions set forth at anytime prior to the execution of the contract where TRS deems it to be in the best interest of TRS. TRS shall not be responsible for cost of applicants in responding to the RFP or in negotiating project terms. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700760 Charles Dunlap Executive Director Teacher Retirement System of Texas Filed: January 17, 1997 Texas Workforce Commission Request for Proposals The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites proposals for The School Age Enhancement Grant (TSAEG) for school age child care program enhancement activities. Proprosers may request funds for initiatives that would improve or expand quality and effectiveness of programs designed for school age children. Proposers may not request funds to pay for fees for child care. Funds must be requested for direct service activities (no administrative costs). The grant requires 25% local matching funds. A. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants submitting proposals for TSAEG include public agencies, not for profit organizations, and for profit businesses. School age child care programs must be currently in compliance with Texas State Protective and Regulatory Service licensing requirements. B. Scope of Work Grant funds may be used for the planning, development, establishment, operation, expansion, and/or improvement of programs to furnish school-age child care services before and after school in public or private school facilities or in community centers in the community. C. Available Funding Proposals for TSAEG may request up to $29,800. Grant funds will be reimbursed on a cost reimbursement basis. Up to16 grants may be awarded for school age child care programs. Total grant funding is approximately $476,800. D. Funding Restrictions (1) One hundred percent (100%) of grant funds must be used for "direct service" program costs. Administrative costs are not eligible for reimbursement under the grant. (2) Recipients must have an accounting system that can track grant revenues and/or expenditures separately to meet State/Federal monitoring requirements. (3) Funds must not be used to supplant current CCDBG or CCMS funding or be used to pay for student fees. E. Matching Funds Proposals are required to provide 25% local matching funds (direct costs and/or in-kind) for this grant. Matching funds must not be from Federal /State sources that prohibit use of matching and/or any funds that are dedicated to another fund as match. Proposals must identify the source and type of funds dedicated for Match. F. Length of Contract The grant period is 17 months beginning April 1, 1997 or as soon thereafter as contracts can be executed. All contracts will end on August 31, 1998 or before if funds have been expended. G. Selection, Notification, and Negotiation Process Proposals will be graded by both the Texas Workforce Commission and outside readers. Grading criteria will be included in the grant applicant packet. The Texas Workforce Commission anticipates completing the selection process by no later than March 15, 1997. Negotiations will be conduced by TWC as deemed necessary. TWC reserves the right to vary all provisions of this RFP prior to the execution of a contract and to execute amendments to contracts when TWC deems such variances and/or amendments are in the best interest of the State of Texas. H. Due Date and Agency Contact The deadline for receipt and consideration of the Child Care Fund Grant proposal is 4:00 p.m. CST, February 18, 1997. For further information and to order Application Packets, contact the Grants Staff, Texas Work and Family Clearinghouse, Room 416T, 101 East 15th Street, Austin, Texas 78778-0001. Phone 512/936-3228, FAX: 512/936-3255. A list of funded grantees will be published in the type-name="italic">Texas Register following contract execution. I. TWC's Obligations TWC's obligations under this RFP are contingent upon the actual receipt by the Agency of funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services. If adequate funds are not available to make payments under this grant, TWC shall terminate this RFP and will not be liable for failure to make payments to applicants under this RFP. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700723 Esther Hajdar Director of Legal Services Texas Workforce Commission Filed: January 17, 1997