[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11150]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 10, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Office of the Secretary

 

Regional Liaison Outreach and Services Program (L.O.S.P.); 
Announcement of Request for Proposals

AGENCY: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
(O.S.D.B.U.), Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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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. This request solicits competitive proposals from 
organizations classified as minority trade associations and/or minority 
Chambers of Commerce for participation under OSDBU's Liaison Outreach 
and Services Program (LOSP). 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: Mr. Art Jackson or Mr. 
David Benton, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., room 9410, 
Wash., DC 20590, Tel. (202) 366-2852 or (800) 532-1169.

SEND PROPOSALS TO: Mr. Art Jackson, Financial Analyst, Office of Small 
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., room 9410, Washington, DC 20590.

DATES: Proposals must be received at the above location by June 6, 1994 
4 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 June 30, 1994.

    Dated: May 9, 1994.
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

Application Form for Proposals--Appendix A Attachments

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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's Direct Contracting and Financial 
Assistance Division (DC/FA) 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 division monitors 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 division also serves an important function in assisting firms in 
their marketing of the Department and all of its operating 
administrations. OSDBU's Minority Business Resource Center (MBRC) is 
responsible for developing and administering programs to encourage, 
stimulate, promote and assist DBEs to obtain and manage transportation-
related contracts, subcontracts and projects. The MBRC administers 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.
    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 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 each of ten (10) regions, however, 
there may be multiple awards, if warranted. The geographical 
distribution of DOT regions is shown in map form in Attachment 1. The 
DOT regions, with states and territories comprising each, are listed 
below:

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, Vermont
Region 2: New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico
Region 3: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, West Virginia
Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Region 8: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
Region 9: Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada
Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

1.4  Duration of Agreements

    Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a period of 12 months 
(one year) with a one year renewable option. 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 (Pub. 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 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; Deadlines for Submission

    Any eligible organization (as defined in Sec. 1.6 of this 
announcement) 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, 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: Art Jackson, Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Transportation, 400 
7th Street, SW., room 9410, Washington, DC 20590.
    Proposals must be received by DOT/OSDBU no later than June 6, 1994, 
4 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 (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 the 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 Capabilities 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 (15 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 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: 
Art Jackson, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 
Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., room 9410, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    Proposals Must be Received by DOT/OSDBU no Later than June 6, 1994, 
4 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, MBDCs and SBDCs 
and minority institutions including 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. 94-11150 Filed 5-9-94; 8:45 am]
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