Z -- Improved Access Into Vertical Shafts/Recesses

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (Corporation) plans to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for improving access to the bottoms of vertical shafts within the lock walls at Eisenhower Lock in Massena, New York. These shafts are 6 feet x 10 feet and range from 60 feet deep at the upstream end of the lock to 97 feet deep at the downstream end. Access is currently provided by stairways which are corroded, steep and provide no reasonable means for retrieving injured personnel from these shafts. Electrical, compressed air and water lines are mounted on the walls of these shafts which require maintenance on a recurring basis. The stairways are to be (1) modified to provide for improved retrieval, repaired by replacing corroded steel members and cleaned and painted or (2) removed and replaced with more corrosion-resistant stairways, electric lifts or other equipment to provide access in these shafts for routine inspection and maintenance of the utilities in and at the bottom of these shafts, and to provide the required fall protection and personnel retrieval to conform with OSHA standards. Multiple proposals may be submitted by a single offeror. There is a $50.00 US funds non-refundable fee for specifications and drawings. Send your request for the RFP package along with the fee to Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Attn: Contracting Office, PO Box 520, 180 Andrews Street, Massena, New York 13662. Proposals must be received by July 31, 2002 in order to be considered by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Corporation based on technical factors and price. The cost range is between $25,000.00 and $100,000.00 however, this range could be exceeded dependant upon the alternative proposed. This procurement is subject to the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program and is open to both small and large businesses. NAICS code 234990. For information only - the Department of Transportation Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOT OSDBU) provides financial services to the small disadvantaged business community through its Short Term Lending Program (STLP) and Bonding Assistance Program (BAP). For further information on these programs, contact the DOT OSDBU at (800)532-1169 or visit their website at http://osdbuweb.dot.gov.