Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD), Headquarters -- Office of Acquisition, MAR-380 Rm. 7310, 400 7th Street S. W., Washington, DC, 20590

B -- THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION ARE SEEKING SOURCES TO COMMENT ON A UPCOMING REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PC-BASED MODEL ENABLING A USER TO EVALUATE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PORTS SOL SPT-99-R-00003 DUE 042999 POC Tracey Ford, Contracting Officer, Phone (202) 366-5757, Fax (202) 366-3889, Email tracey.ford@marad.dot.gov -- Delores Bryant, Contract Specialist, Phone (202) 366-2660, Fax (202) 366-3889, Email WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=R&;ProjID=SPT-99-R-0000 3&LocID=29. E-MAIL: Tracey Ford, tracey.ford@marad.dot.gov. The Maritime Administration are seeking sources to comment on a upcoming requirement for the development of a PC-based model enabling a user to evaluate the economic impact of a port and estimate its direct, indirect, and induced impacts. This requirement will serve as the vehicle to update or redesign the Port Economic Impact Kit (PortKit). Although the model is based on input-output (I/O) methodology, MARAD is open to other methods of determining economic impact. The agency wants to learn whether the I/O methodology of determining economic impacts is still sound, or whether another approach would be better. MARAD is interested in learning the best practices in the industry. The main objectives of the PortKit update or redesign are as follows: (1) Port users should find it easy to use; (2) It should be applicable to any size deepwater port _ small, medium, or large _ but primarily small and medium ports; (3) The methodologies should be state-of-the-art and outputs should be sound and credible; (4) Vectors, multipliers, and I/O tables (if used) should be updateable in a cost effective manner; (5) Model should be able to evaluate port projects; and (6) Model should be software version independent. The PortKit must be set up to allow the user to define the area of impact of interest, from the immediate county in which the port is located to state- or multistate-wide and national. The user must also be able to define what activities the port is involved in. Local port industry, port users (which should include _ but not be limited to _ stevedoring and marine terminals), type of cargo handled (bulk, container, etc.), and other maritime activities (e.g., cruise, shipbuilding, and industrial parks to name a few). Local domestic shipping industry and the inland waterway(s). All firms whom posses the knowledge in this area is encourage to request a copy of the draft statement of work and provide comments. Submit information to the above address and POC no later than close of business on April 29, 1999. Posted 04/14/99 (D-SN320279). (0104)

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