[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6751-6766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-2494]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
Regional Liaison Outreach and Services Program (L.O.S.P.);
Announcement of Request for Proposals (RFP)
SUMMARY: The Department of Transportation's Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization (O.S.D.B.U.) is responsible for the
Department's implementation and execution of the functions and duties
under sections eight (8) and fifteen (15) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637) for developing policies and procedures consistent with
Federal statutes to provide policy direction for minority, women-owned,
small, and disadvantaged business (S/DBE) participation in the
Department's procurement and Federal financial assistance activities.
The office is also responsible for implementing and monitoring the
Department's goals for minority, women-owned and small and
disadvantaged businesses. The Secretary of Transportation has
encouraged DOT operating administrations to expand opportunities for
these entrepreneurs to participate fully in all DOT-funded procurements
and assisted programs. On May 10, 1994 OSDBU published a Notice in the
Federal Register requesting proposals from organizations classified as
minority trade associations and/or Minority Chambers of Commerce to
serve as regional representatives for the LOSP. Based upon the
nationwide competition an independent panel recommended and OSDBU
selected the following as regional representatives: The National
Association of Minority Contractors, Washington, D.C. to represent
Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia and West Virginia); Latin Chamber of Commerce U.S.A., Miami,
FL. to represent Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee);
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Flint, MI. to represent Region 5
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin); Hispanic
Chamber of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City , MO. to represent Region 7
(Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and [[Page 6752]] Nebraska); Arizona Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ., and Black Business Association, Los
Angeles, CA. to represent Region 9 (Arizona, America Samoa, California,
Guam, Hawaii and Nevada). This request solicits competitive proposals
from organizations classified as minority trade associations and/or
minority Chambers of Commerce for participation under the LOSP to
represent Regions 1, 2, 6, 8 and 10. The states and territories
comprising these Regions are identified in Section 1.4. Eligible
applicants must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service as 501
C(6) tax-exempt organizations. OSDBU will enter into Cooperative
Agreements with these organizations to provide liaison services between
the DOT, its grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors, and
minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises. This
Request for Proposals contains information concerning: (1) The
principal objectives of the competition, eligible applicants,
activities and factors for award; (2) the application process,
including how to apply and the criteria used for selection; and (3) a
checklist of application submission requirements.
FOR GENERAL AND SPECIFIC INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Patricia Martin,
Staff Associate, David Benton, LOSP Manager or Mr. Art Jackson, LOSP
Contracting Officer Technical Representative, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 7th Street, S.W., Room 9410, Washington, D.C., 20590, Tel. (202)
366-2852 or (800) 532-1169.
SEND PROPOSALS TO: Mr. David Benton, LOSP Manager, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization (S-40), U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 7th Street, S.W., Room 9410, Washington, D.C.
20590.
DATES: Proposals must be received at the above location by March 3,
1995, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Proposals received after the
deadline will be considered non-responsive and not reviewed. DOT plans
to give notice of awards on all applications by March 17, 1995.
Dated: January 26, 1995
Luz Hopewell,
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Program Description and Goals
1.3 Description of Competition
1.4 Duration of Agreements
1.5 Authority
1.6 Eligibility Requirements
2. Program Requirements
2.1 Recipient Responsibilities
2.2 Work Requirements
2.3 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Responsibilities
3. Submission of Proposals
3.1 Content and Format for Proposals
3.2 Address, Number of Copies, Deadline for Submission
4. Selection Criteria
4.1 General Criteria
4.2 Scoring of Applications
Appendix A--Application Form for Proposals
Attachments
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) established
the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) in
accordance with Public Law 95-507, an amendment to the Small Business
Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. The OSDBU
administers the Department's Small and Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) Program which is designed to ensure that small
businesses, including small disadvantaged and minority firms, have an
equitable opportunity to participate in DOT's procurement and Federal
financial assistance programs and that they receive a fair share of the
resulting contract awards. Because DOT's policy is to encourage and
increase DBE participation in the contracts and programs that it funds,
during FY 1993, DBEs received over $2.6 billion or 14.4 percent of
highway, transit, air and rail contracts from DOT-assisted State and
local transportation agencies.
OSDBU develops Department-wide policy and administers a number of
programs and activities to implement the OSDBU's Congressional mandate
of increasing the level of participation of DBEs in the Federal
financial assistance and direct contracting programs of all modal
administrations of DOT. OSDBU is responsible for the development and
implementation of an effective program of activities directed at
ensuring DBE participation in the Department's direct procurement and
Federal financial assistance activities. This includes the monitoring
of all DOT procurement activities that involve the participation of
DBEs, including the goal settings and procurement practices of DOT
financial assistance recipients, namely, State and local transportation
agencies. The OSDBU also serves an important function in assisting
firms in their marketing of the Department and all of its operating
administrations. OSDBU also is responsible for developing and
administering programs to encourage, stimulate, promote and assist DBEs
to obtain and manage transportation-related contracts, subcontracts and
projects. This includes administering the Short Term Lending Program
(STLP) and the Bonding Assistance Program, two financial assistance
efforts which provide assistance in obtaining short-term working
capital and bonding for DBEs. Under the STLP, lines of credit up to
$500,000 are available at prime interest rates to finance accounts
receivable for transportation-related contracts. The Bonding Assistance
Program enables DBEs to apply for bid, performance and payment bonds on
contracts up to $1,000,000.
1.2 Program Description and Goals
An area where the OSDBU has focused considerable efforts has been
that of increasing DBE access to DOT financial assistance programs and
contracting opportunities through the Liaison Outreach and Services
Program (LOSP). This broad-based initiative utilizes Cooperative
Agreements with a number of minority Chambers of Commerce and minority
trade associations to provide liaison services between DOT, its
grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors and DBEs. The LOSP
includes activities such as information dissemination, outreach
services, conference and seminar participation and referrals to
technical assistance agencies (i.e., MBDCs, SBDCs and State DOT highway
supportive services contractors) which offer management and technical
assistance in financial assistance, marketing and other business areas.
In addition, the minority organizations include DOT and other
transportation-related information in their monthly or quarterly
newsletters and provide one-on-one business counseling to DBEs
currently doing business or that have the potential for doing business
with DOT at the Federal, state or local levels.
Information dissemination and outreach include the distribution of
the following DOT marketing materials: DOT Bonding Assistance Program
Brochures; DOT Bonding Assistance Fact Sheets; DOT Short-Term Lending
Program Brochures; DOT Short-Term Lending Fact Sheets; Procurement
Forecasts; DOT Small Business Subcontracting Opportunities Directory;
Contracting with the United States Department of Transportation
Booklets; DOT Bonding Assistance Program Applications; and DOT Short-
Term Lending Program Applications. A compilation of these materials is
available in the DOT's Marketing Information Package, a comprehensive
document which serves as a resource and reference tool.
[[Page 6753]]
Participating LOSP organizations make referrals to technical
assistance agencies offering assistance to DBEs in the completion and
submission of Short-Term Lending and Bonding Assistance Program
applications.
The LOSP was established by the OSDBU in May 1992 in response to
the continuing need to outreach to the small and minority business
community and increase their participation in DOT contracting and
financial assistance programs. To address this need, the LOSP seeks to
increase the number of small businesses and DBEs that enter into
transportation-related contracts and that receive DOT STLP lines of
credit and bonding assistance. This goal is accomplished by the OSDBU
working closely with minority Chambers of Commerce and minority trade
associations to:
(1) Establish a communications link (network) between DOT, its
grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors and the small and
disadvantaged business community.
(2) Increase awareness of DOT contracting opportunities and
financial assistance programs by disseminating DOT marketing materials
and relevant information at selected conferences, seminars and
marketplace events.
(3) Develop and/or strengthen linkages with State DOTs, local
transportation agencies, transportation prime contractors, State
highway supportive services contractors, Minority Business Development
Centers (MBDCs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and other
minority Chambers of Commerce and minority trade associations to
encourage DBE participation in DOT programs.
(4) Stimulate referrals of DBEs to obtain technical assistance from
Federal, State and local agencies such as MBDCs, SBDCs and State DOT
highway supportive services contractors for management and other
business-related assistance including completion and submission of DOT
Short-Term Lending Program and Bonding Assistance Program application
packages.
(5) Increase awareness of DOT programs by providing DOT
representation at selected conferences, seminars and marketplace events
and by providing DOT ads and articles in organizations' newsletters.
(6) Develop and maintain databases of transportation-related DBEs
as potential participants in DOT procurement and/or financial
assistance programs.
1.3 Description of Competition
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from eligible
national and regional minority Chambers of Commerce and minority trade
associations to participate in the Liaison and Outreach Services
Program (LOSP). The LOSP shall enable the OSDBU to establish a regional
presence by assisting small businesses and DBEs in securing information
on DOT procurement opportunities, Financial Assistance Programs and the
short-term lending and bonding assistance programs to increase the
number of DBEs that enter into transportation-related contracts. The
LOSP is intended to increase collaboration between OSDBU, minority
Chambers of Commerce and minority trade associations to strengthen and
enhance their ability to provide liaison services between DOT, its
grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors and DBEs. As the
program requirements and selection criteria indicate, the OSDBU also
intends that the LOSP be multi-dimensional; that is, the selected
organizations must have the capacity to effectively access and provide
supportive services to the broad range of small business and DBE
clients within their respective geographical areas and must be able to
coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients
and local/regional technical assistance agencies to maximize resources
and avoid duplication of effort.
Cooperative agreement awards will be up to $95,000. It is DOT's
intent to fund one agreement in the following regions: Region 1, 2, 6,
8, and 10, however, there may be multiple awards, if warranted to
improve DOT's diversity of contracting efforts. In addition it is
OSDBU's intent to encourage diversity of representation in the LOSP by
focusing on the selection of at least one Native American, Asian
American and Woman organization. The geographical distribution of DOT
regions is shown in map form in Attachment 1. The DOT regions for this
announcement, with states and territory comprising each, are listed
below:
Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Region 2: New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico
Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Region 8: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah,
Wyoming
Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
1.4 Duration of Agreements
Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a period of 12 months)
with a one year renewable option based on need and program achievement.
Continuation funding will be contingent upon satisfactory performance
and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years.
1.5 Authority
DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 322 (P.L. 97-449), to develop by
Cooperative Agreements, support mechanisms including liaison and
assistance programs, that will enable small businesses and DBEs to take
advantage of transportation-related contracts.
1.6 Eligibility Requirements
An eligible applicant organization will be: An established, non-
profit, minority Chamber of Commerce or minority trade association
which has the documented experience and capacity necessary to
successfully operate and administer a coordinated, regional liaison
outreach effort within a region of the United States.
In addition, to be eligible, a minority Chamber of Commerce or
minority trade association must:
(a) Be an established 501 C(6) tax-exempt organization (provide
documentation as verification);
(b) Have at least one year of documented and continuous experience
prior to the date of application in providing advocacy, management and
marketing assistance services and referral to technical assistance
agencies to DBEs within the LOSP regional service area in which
proposed services will be provided; and
(c) Have an office physically located within the LOSP regional
service area.
No application will be accepted without proof of tax-exempt status.
2. Program Requirements
In conducting the activities to achieve the goals of the LOSP, the
recipient shall be responsible for implementing the activities under
2.1 and 2.2 below. The OSDBU shall be responsible for conducting
activities under 2.3.
2.1 Recipient Responsibilities
1. Each LOSP participant shall:
(a) Collaborate with and coordinate on programs, activities,
services and technical assistance with other Federal, State and local
organizations and agencies serving transportation-related small
businesses and DBEs, particularly State DOTs and DOT grantees.
(b) Initiate, develop and maintain interagency referral
arrangements with agencies offering specialized management and
technical assistance including DOT state supportive services
contractors, MBDCs, SBDCs and other appropriate programs.
(c) Establish a transportation advisory committee comprised of
members who [[Page 6754]] have demonstrated expertise in the
preparation of financial statements and bid/proposal development to
advise on the development and implementation of LOSP activities.
(d) Conduct one (1) regional conference to address contracting
opportunities within DOT modal administrations and from state and local
transportation agencies within the region.
(e) Develop structured, consultative relationships with key
constituent groups within the region to help build and reinforce
collaboration. Such relationships will ensure that DOT non-minority and
minority prime contractors as well as minority Chambers of Commerce and
minority trade associations facilitate awareness and utilization of
LOSP services.
(f) Implement information dissemination and education activities
and strategies to maximize outreach regarding DOT procurement
opportunities and the short-term lending and bonding assistance
programs.
(g) Conduct an on-going evaluation of activities funded through
this cooperative agreement. Evaluation will quantitatively and
qualitatively describe LOSP activities, the services and the recipients
of services. Each applicant must develop and implement an on-going
evaluation plan.
(h) Develop structured, consultative relationships with the private
sector financial community and Federal, State, regional and local
agencies which provide specialized financial technical assistance
services to DBEs.
(i) Establish and maintain an 800 toll free line to be made
available to minority, women-owned, small and disadvantaged businesses
interested in transportation-related procurements and information on
the application process for the DOT Short Term Lending and Bonding
Assistance Programs. Referral services shall be provided.
(j) Furnish all labor, facilities and equipment to perform the
services described in this announcement.
2.2 Work Requirements
Each LOSP participant must perform work in the following functional
areas:
(a) Information Dissemination and Outreach
(b) Conference and Seminar Participation
(c) Referrals to Technical Assistance Agencies
(d) Database Development
a. Information Dissemination and Outreach
Each LOSP program director shall meet with OSDBU officials to
become familiar with DOT materials and literature to disseminate
appropriate documents to DBEs at conferences, seminars, workshops, and
to those interested in and have the capacity to perform transportation-
related projects. This LOSP ``core service'' includes distribution of
general information on DOT's overall DBE program, specific information
on DOT's short-term lending and bonding assistance programs; and
information and assistance on DOT's procurement opportunities.
Materials to be disseminated shall include, but are not limited to,
fact sheets, brochures, short-term lending and bonding assistance
program applications, and reports and advertisements which are directed
toward the DBE communities in each region.
The LOSP participant shall publish stories/articles and features in
the recipient's newsletter which contain information regarding the
accessibility to procurement opportunities within DOT, and the short-
term lending and bonding assistance programs. The Director, OSDBU,
shall approve all stories, articles, and special features prior to
their publication in the recipient's monthly or quarterly newsletter.
b. Conference and Seminar Participation
The LOSP participant shall participate in regional, state and local
procurement conferences on behalf of the OSDBU and disseminate DOT
procurement information, short-term lending and bonding assistance
program literature and other materials. The conferences/seminars shall
be transportation-related and each shall be approved by the Director,
OSDBU, prior to participation. The LOSP participant shall identify
regional, state and local conferences where a significant number of
DBEs with transportation-related capabilities are expected to be in
attendance. The LOSP participant shall maintain the DOT booth at
transportation-related conferences/seminars. A list of proposed DBE
conferences and seminars being considered for participation under the
Cooperative Agreement shall be forwarded to OSDBU for review and
approval.
The LOSP participant shall conduct one (1) regional conference and
shall be responsible for all conference planning and logistics which
include identifying and contacting DBEs, mailing invitational letters,
handling details for exhibit booths and luncheons, preparing conference
brochures as well as tentative and final conference agendas, and
securing media coverage. A conference report shall be submitted to
OSDBU no later than 30 days after the conference.
c. Referrals to Technical Assistance Agencies
Each LOSP participant shall provide technical assistance services
by referring DBEs to agencies that offer assistance in the preparation
of DOT procurement documents and applications for loans and bonds for
submission on transportation-related projects. In addition, specific
referrals shall be made to agencies that certify DBEs using DOT
guidelines.
d. Database Development
Each LOSP participant shall develop a comprehensive data base of
firms within its regional service area that have the capability to
perform transportation-related contracts.
2.3 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
Responsibilities
The OSDBU shall perform the following roles as its contribution to
the attainment of LOSP objectives:
1. Provide consultation and technical assistance in planning,
implementing and evaluating activities under this announcement.
2. Provide orientation and training to applicants awarded funding
for participation in the LOSP.
3. Systematically monitor the performance of successful applicants'
activities and program compliance.
4. Assist successful applicants in collaborating and developing or
strengthening linkages with State DOTs, technical assistance agencies
and DOT grantees within regional geographical areas served.
5. Facilitate the exchange and transfer of successful LOSP
activities and program information among regional LOSP participants.
3. Submission of Proposals
3.1 Content and Format for Proposals
Each proposal submitted to DOT must be in the format and must
contain the information set forth in the application form attached as
Appendix A to this announcement.
3.2 Address; Number of Copies; Deadline for Submission
Any eligible organization (as defined in Section 1.6 of this RFP)
shall submit only one proposal for consideration by DOT. Applications
should be double spaced, and printed in a font size not smaller than 12
points. One unbound copy of the proposal with original signatures
suitable for reproduction, [[Page 6755]] plus four bound copies, should
be submitted. All pages should be numbered at the top of each page. All
documentation, attachments, or other information pertinent to the
application must be included in a single submission.
Proposals should be submitted to: David Benton, LOSP Manager,
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (S-40), U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., room 9414,
Washington, DC 20590.
Proposals must be received by DOT/OSDBU no later than March 3, 1995
4:00 p.m., EST.
4. Selection Criteria
4.1 General Criteria
DOT will use the following criteria to rate and rank applications
received in response to this announcement for the applicant's region.
Applications will be evaluated for each region on a point system
(maximum number of points = 100). The following five (5) maximum
weighted categories will constitute DOT's selection criteria:
--Approach (25 points)
--Linkages/Networks (25 points)
--Organizational Capability (25 points)
--Staff Capabilities and Experience (15 points)
--Cost (10 points)
A. Approach and Linkages (50 Points)
1. Approach (25 Points)
The applicant must describe the activities proposed to be
implemented under the cooperative agreement and how the work will be
accomplished across the LOSP regional area. Present a well-constructed
plan of action. DOT will consider the extent to which the proposed
objectives are specific, measurable, time-phased, consistent with LOSP
goals and the proposed activities are consistent with the applicant
organization's overall mission. DOT will give priority consideration to
applicants that demonstrate innovation and creativity of approach in
increasing the ability of DBEs to access information on DOT contracting
opportunities and financial assistance programs. DOT will also rate the
quality of the applicant's plan for conducting program activities and
the likelihood that the proposed methods will be successful in
achieving proposed objectives.
2. Linkages (25 Points)
DOT will consider innovative aspects of the applicant's approach
which build upon the applicant's strength(s) and facilitate and
encourage linkages to existing resources available within the region.
The applicant's structure for linking urban and rural DBEs to the LOSP
should be outlined. The applicant should describe support and intended
collaboration on LOSP activities from DOT grantees, prime contractors,
subcontractors, State DOTs, State highway supportive services
contractors, SBDCs, MBDCs and colleges and universities serving
minorities including Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs), Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities'
affiliations (HACUs) and Tribal-Affiliated Colleges and Universities
(TACUs). DOT will also rate the effectiveness of the applicant's
strategy to provide outreach, networking and liaison activities to the
regional area to be served. In rating this factor, DOT will consider
the extent to which the applicant demonstrates ability to effectively
access and network supportive services to the broad and diverse range
of DBEs within the applicant's regional service area. Emphasis will
also be placed on the extent to which the applicant identifies a clear
outreach strategy related to identified needs that can be successfully
carried out within the period of this agreement and a plan for forming
and involving an internal transportation advisory committee in the
execution of that strategy.
B. Organizational Capability (25 Points)
The applicant organization must have outreach resources and
relevant experience in carrying out the purposes of the LOSP. In rating
this factor, DOT will consider the extent to which the applicant's
organization has recent, relevant and successful experience in
advocating for and addressing the needs of minority businesses in
general and transportation-related DBEs in particular. The applicant
must also describe technical and administrative resources it plans to
use in achieving proposed objectives (i.e., computer facilities,
voluntary staff time, space and financial resources).
C. Staff Capability and Experience (15 Points)
The applicant organization should provide a list of proposed
personnel for the project with salaries, educational levels and
previous experience delineated. The applicant's project team must be
well-qualified and knowledgeable (ensuring diversity) which shows
evidence of the ability to deal effectively with the broad range of DBE
clients to be served. Resumes must be submitted for all proposed key
personnel, outside consultants and subcontractors. Experience of key
personnel in providing services similar in scope and nature to the
proposed effort must be presented in detail. The Project Director will
serve as the responsible individual for the project a minimum of 50
percent of his/her time. He/she must be designated in the proposal and
his/her resume must reflect appropriate knowledge of the regional area
and supervisory experience.
DOT will consider the extent to which the applicant's proposed
management plan (a) clearly delineates staff responsibilities and
accountability for all work required and (b) presents a work plan with
a clear and feasible schedule for conducting all project tasks.
D. Cost (10 Points)
The budget is the applicant's estimate of the total cost of
establishing and administering its participation in the LOSP. The
applicant's budget must be adequate to support the project and costs
must be reasonable in relation to project objectives. Applicants are
encouraged to provide in-kind costs and other innovative cost
approaches.
4.2 Scoring of Applications
A review panel will score each application based upon the
evaluation criteria listed above. Points will be given for each
evaluation criteria category not to exceed the maximum number of points
allowed for each category. Applications which are not responsive to the
established criteria above will be disqualified.
``Appendix A''
Application Form for Submission of Proposals for Department of
Transportation, Regional Liaison Outreach and Services Program (LOSP)
Appendix A--Application Form For Proposals for the Department of
Transportation, Regional Liaison Outreach and Services Program (LOSP)
Proposals for the DOT Regional Liaison Outreach and Services
Program (LOSP) should contain all of the following information and
should be submitted in the following format.
Applications should be double spaced and printed in a font size
not smaller than 12 points. One unbound copy of the proposal with
original signatures suitable for reproduction, plus four bound
copies, should be submitted. Applications, excluding attachments,
will be limited to 35 pages. All pages should be numbered at the top
of each page. All documentation, attachments, or other information
pertinent to the application should be included in a single
submission, forwarded directly to the address listed below.
Proposals should be submitted to: David Benton, LOSP Manager,
Office of Small and [[Page 6756]] Disadvantaged Business Utilization
(S-40), U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., room
9414, Washington, DC 20590.
Proposals must be received by DOT/OSDBU no later than March 3,
1995, 4:00 P.M. EST.
All applications must contain the following sections in the
following order.
1. Table of Contents
--Identify all parts, sections and attachments of the application.
2. Application
Summary Page
--Provide a one page overview of the following:
--The applicant's proposed LOSP, its related activities including
key elements of the plan of action/methodology to achieve project
objectives.
--The applicant's relevant organizational experience and
capabilities.
3. Understanding of the Work
--Provide a narrative which contains specific project information as
follows:
--The applicant will describe its understanding of the LOSP, program
goals and the role of the applicant's proposed LOSP in advancing the
applicant's goals.
--The applicant will describe specific outreach needs of
transportation-related DBEs in the region served and how the LOSP
will address the identified needs.
4. Approach/Methodology
--Describe the applicant's methodology or plan of action for
conducting the project in terms of the tasks to be performed.
--Describe the specific services or activities to be performed and
how these services/activities will be implemented.
--Describe innovative and/or creative approaches to be implemented
through the LOSP to increase the ability of DBEs to access
information on DOT contracting opportunities and financial
assistance programs.
5. Linkages
--Describe outreach activities and linkages to be implemented to
ensure that rural small and minority disadvantaged businesses
participate in LOSP activities.
--Describe or indicate evidence of linkages or collaborations
developed or to be developed with State DOTs, DOT grantees, DOT
prime contractors, other minority Chambers of Commerce as well as
minority trade associations and technical assistance agencies
including DOT/FHWA supportive services contractors, HBCUs, HACUs and
TACUs.
6. Organizational Capabilities
--Describe recent, relevant and successful experience in advocating
for and addressing the needs of small and minority businesses in
general and transportation-related DBEs in particular.
--Describe relevant experience in working or collaborating with
minority Chambers of Commerce and minority trade associations, DOT
grantees, State DOTs, technical assistance agencies including DOT/
FHWA supportive services contractors, MBDCs, SBDCs and minority
institutions including HBCUs, HACUs and TACUs.
--Describe internal resources available to use in successfully
performing/completing the work.
7. Staff Capabilities
--Describe the qualifications and relevant experience, in relation
to project requirements, of the key personnel to be used in the
project.
8. Management Plan
--Describe how personnel are to be organized in the project and how
they will be used to accomplish project objectives. Outline staff
responsibilities, accountability and a schedule for conducting all
project tasks.
9. Budget Narrative
--Outline all proposed budget/cost information in detail.
10. Assurances
Signature Form
--Complete the attached form identified as Attachment 2.
11. Certification
Signature Form
--Complete the attached form identified as Attachment 3.
12. Standard Form 424
--(Request for Federal Assistance) Complete the attached Standard
Form 424 identified as Attachment 4.
Please be sure that all forms have been signed by an authorized
official who can legally represent the organization.
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[FR Doc. 95-2494 Filed 2-2-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-C
