NA As part of the implementation of new Alternative Transportation Systems (buses, trams, trolleys, etc.) in national parks, the NPS will hold a vehicle design workshop to discuss readily-implementable design concepts for NPS vehicles for the future. It is the hope of the NPS that these concepts can feasibly be accommodated by modifying current production vehicles. The NPS anticipates that it will ultimately procure these modified vehicles using applicable Federal procurement procedures. The objectives for these new vehicles include: 1) minimizing any impact on natural and cultural resources; 2) enhancing the visitor experience; and 3) promoting the NPS image through vehicle design. Concepts for transit vehicles will be discussed according to the following categories in breakout sessions : 1) small buses; 2) medium buses; 3) large buses; 4) shuttles and trams; and 5) other vehicles. The goal of this Workshop is to begin the process to define a realistic and consistent set of design concepts for Park Service vehicles that will be analyzed by the NPS at a later time, and then widely distributed throughout the parks and industry for review and comment. Vehicle design and manufacturing Iindustry representatives are invited to participate in this conference, on a first-come-first-serve basis, through prior registration as defined below. This is not a marketing opportunity, but rather a limited opportunity to listen to and comment on vehicle needs as presented by the NPS. There will be no opportunity for manufacturers or concessionaires to distribute literature or make prese ntations about a company or its products during plenary, general or breakout sessions. A set of Guidelines will be provided to industry workshop participants to assure the NPS meets its meeting objectives and does not violate any federal procurement laws or regulations. The guidelines will address such issues as: 1) prohibitions on product promotion & advertising; 2) session participation; and 3) adherence to session rules and facilitator directions. There will not be any opportunity for manufacturers or concessionaires to distribute literature or make presentations about a company or its products during plenary, general or breakout sessions. A fee will be charged to cover meals, light refreshments and other costs. Industry representatives may participate on a first-come-first-serve b asis by submitting a written response (and/or email) to Barry Mickela at the Volpe Center (see address information below) identifying the individual(s) who will attend on behalf of your firm, the professional background and expertise (e.g., vehicle design, vehicle manufacture, understanding of Park Service requirements) of each attendee, and the breakout session(s) each of your representatives would like to attend. Only one representative per company per breakout session will be accepted. Only completed written responses will be accepted. Written responses may be submitted using the various forms of delivery, including e-mail. , and the total industry participation will be limited to fifty (50 participants. The total industry participation will be limited to forty (40) participants. The NPS will restrict attendance for at each breakout session to no more than twelve (12) total industry participants. Participation in breakout sessions will also generally be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the government NPS reserves the right to invite additional participants to a particular breakout session and/or to limit participation in order to assure a variety of expertise and backgrounds are represented. In addition, breakout session topics may be merged or eliminated at the sole discretion of the NPS. The NPS also reserves the right to may further restrict overall attendance at this conference due to facility constraints and/or government participation. Only completed expressions of interest will be accepted. Please be advised that the design concepts asdevelop ed in this workshop will be made available on a public web site for public review and comment. Send responses and inquiries to: Barry Mickela, Volpe Center, Advanced Vehicle Technologies Division DTS-36, 55 Broadway, Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02142. Email:
[email protected]. 617-494-3589. In addition, please refer to the Volpe Center Web site at http://www.volpe.dot.gov/procure/current.html for further information which may be provided in connection with this notice.