research, analyze and evaluate this country's risks and opportunities; BULGARIA

The objective is to research, analyze and evaluate this country's risks and opportunities. I need to Evaluate the options for doing business in this country and make a recommendation to management as to whether or not the country is a favorable environment for the business proposal.

BULGARIA: CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY MASTER PLAN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Description
The Grantee invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from interested U.S. firms which are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to develop a comprehensive Security Master Plan for modernizing and restructuring the Romanian civil aviation security system.

In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a number of resolutions designed to ensure the safety of passengers, ground crew personnel, and the general public. These resolutions have profound implications for the domestic civil aviation security programs of contracting states. As such significant steps need to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Bulgaria's airports. The Bulgarian Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration and the Ministry of Transport and Communications have requested that USTDA conduct technical assistance for the Varna, Bourgas, Plovdiv and Gorna-Oriahovitza airports. The civil aviation security assistance will evaluate current security policies and procedures, identify measures needed to comply with new ICAO standards, and develop an overall plan for modernizing and restructuring Bulgaria's civil aviation security system.

The assistance would establish specific program and technological requirements necessary to modernize the Bulgarian civil aviation security at four of the nation's International airports. Commencing with a vulnerability analysis, the contractor should conduct a needs assessment to ascertain and validate specific requirements and estimate capital and operating costs for surveillance, access control, explosives detection, communications, and command and control. This assessment should include plans, programs, equipment, training, and maintenance. Requirements developed may include, but are not limited to: the means of gathering and sharing threat information; acquisition, installation, and training of equipment, such as intrusion detection, ID systems, explosives detection systems, passenger and baggage X-ray and metal detector systems and; the design of security and crisis/contingency plans and exercises to include the development and presentation of an integrated national training program applicable to each airport. The final product of the assistance would be a Security Master Plan with precise quantities and specifications of required goods and services.

The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $296,530 grant to the Grantee from the (USTDA). Only U.S. firms and individuals may bid on this USTDA financed activity. Interested firms, their subcontractors and employees of all participants must qualify under USTDA's nationality requirements as of the due date for submission of qualifications and proposals and, if selected to carry out the USTDA-financed activity, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. All goods and services to be provided by the selected firm shall have their nationality, source and origin in the U.S. or host country. The U.S. firm may use subcontractors from the host country for up to 20 percent of the USTDA grant amount. Details of USTDA's nationality requirements and mandatory contract clauses are also included in the RFP.