X -- Build-Lease for Addis Ababa

Seeking expressions of interest to build-lease an annex office building for the United States Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The Untied States Government (USG) is seeking expressions on interest from Developers for the construction and lease to the USG of Commercial Office space to be used as an Annex Office Building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The amount of office space needed is approximately 6900 net square meters (i.e. amount of usable space). The building's finish and location should be appropriate for the Diplomatic function it serves. The building should also be in very close proximity to the existing Embassy. Our objective is to have the building completed and ready for occupancy as soon as possible. The lease will provide that the USG pay the developer an Annual rent during the term of the Lease. The term of the Lease will be for approximately 10 years and will be renewable for additional terms to be negotiated. The Build-Lease Agreement will be negotiated and executed with the successful developer and will contain preliminary floor plans, site plans, specifications and elevations. The final plans will then be agreed upon, completed and become part of the Build-Lease Agreement. Aside from the rent, which will not commence until the Building is complete, the USG will provide no funding for design or construction. The developer will provide all monies necessary for the Development and long-term ownership of the property. The Lease will also have an option for the USG to purchase the property. Please note that the developer will be required to identify its proposed building and/or site at the time the proposal is submitted. If a proposal is selected, the developer will be given an opportunity to demonstrate that it can acquire the needed property within a time frame acceptable to the USG. If you are interested in providing the Build-Lease Annex described herein, please submit to the United States Embassy, Entoto Road, P.O.box 1014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Attn: Eva J. Groening, Administrative Counselor, a letter expressing your interest, requesting a proposal package and including the required information outlined below. All expressions of interest must be received by 4 p.m., Local Time, on May 19, 2003. Expressions of interest must be submitted in English. The USG will provide those it deems qualified with a proposal package. In order to be considered, expressions of interest must include information on the following: (1). Firm Background: Please provide the name, street address and contact information for the developer and anyone who has an ownership interest in such developer. Please also demonstrate that the developer has successfully completed projects of similar size and scope within similar time frames. You should detail projects previously completed and describe the technical and managerial qualifications of the firm and its principal staff to e assigned to the project. Photos and brochures of the firm and your projects are helpful. Please also provide evidence of your financial status and ability to obtain sufficient financing to complete the Project. (2). Proposed Site/Building: If you have already identified possible sites upon which you might locate the Build-Lease Annex, please provide us with the street address and a map showing the property location. If you have it available, please also include any photos, surveys, site plans or drawings that show the size, location and layout of the property and the proposed building. (3). American-Owned Bidders: If you want to be eligible for a 10% preference that might be available under 22 U.S.C. 302 to - American-Owned bidders, please provide evidence of (a) performance of similar construction work in the United States, and (b) either (i) ownership in excess of fifty percent by United States citizens or permanent residence, or (ii) incorporation in the United States for more than three years and employment of United States citizens or permanent residents in more than half of the corporation's permanent full-time professional and managerial positions in the United States. Please note that burden of qualification for such preference shall be on the bidder.