U.S. Department Of Transportation -- Maritime Administration, Office Of Acquisition, Mar-380, 400 7th St., SW, Room 7310, Washington, DC 20590

V -- LAYBERTHING SERVICES FOR SEVEN READY RESERVE FORCE VESSELS SOL DTMA91-98-B-00002 DUE 111497 POC Ben Burnowski (202)366-1932 The Maritime Administration proposes to procure by sealed bidding layberthinig services for seven (7) vessels on the coast of California. The period of performance is one year with four one-year options. An invitation for bids (IFB) will be issued on or about October 15, 1997. Bid opening will be held on or about November 14, 1997. Copies of IFB DTMA91-98-B-00002 may be requested in writing from Ben Burnowski (fax: (202)366-3889), DOT/Maritime Administration, MAR-380, Office of Acquisition, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Rm. 7310, Washington, DC 20590. All responsible sources may submit a bid which will be considered by the Maritime Administration. THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES FOR MINORITY, WOMEN-OWNED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has a program to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accoounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP, call the OSDBU at (800)532-1169. For information concerning the acquisition contact the contracting official listed above.***** (0269)

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