Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, P. O. Box 520, Massena, New York 13662-0520

M -- OPERATE FOOD AND GIFT CONCESSION IN THE ``DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER VISITORS' CENTER'', SOUTH SIDE OF EISENHOWER LOCK, MASSENA, NEW YORK Contact Linda M. Harding, 315/764-3244, Contracting Officer. This Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (Corporation) notice is being published to determine/establish the public's interest in the following project. The Corporation's determination to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be dependent on the response(s) to this notice. The Corporation is seeking public interest for the operation of a Food and Gift Concessions in the ``Dwight D. Eisenhower Visitors' Center'', Corporation-owned public overlook building, located at the visitor's area site on the south side of Eisenhower Lock, Massena, New York. There is approximately 3,834 square feet of interior floor space of the ``Center'' which is available for the operation of this concession. The Contractor would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the public restrooms and the building in which they are situated. This building is approximately fifty (50) feet south of the ``Center'' and the surrounding area. Contractor would furnish all personnel, supplies, services and equipment, except that which would be specified by the Corporation, for the successful operation of this concession. Contractor would operate the concession for a minimum of five (5) years with an option of ten (10) years maximum, dependent on capital improvements. Concession operation commences yearly approximately May 15th through approximately October 15th. Interested parties shall respond via mail or fax (Fax 315-764-3235) ``This Notice is for information purposes for Minority, Women-Owned and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has programs, to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital and bonding assistance for transportation-related contracts. This is applicable to any eligible prime or subcontract at any tier. The DOT Bonding Assistance Program enables firms to apply for bid, payment, and performance bonds up to $1.0 million per contract. The DOT provides an 80 percent guaranty on the bond amount to a surety against losses. Loans are also available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information regarding the bonding and lending programs, please call the DOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at (800) 532-1169. For information concerning the acquisition, contact the contracting official listed above. (222)

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