BALTIMORE (August 28, 2002) -- The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) today announced it has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Wye Oak Commemorative Project. The REOI, available on the Internet at www.dgs.state.md.us/wyeoak, is designed to gather proposals from interested parties on how best to use materials salvaged after the 460-year-old white oak was toppled by high winds in June.
Recognizing the profound historical significance of the Wye Oak and the importance of the tree to the citizens of Maryland, Governor Parris N. Glendening directed State agencies to work together to salvage as much of the tree as possible and to use the remains in ways that will commemorate and protect the Wye Oak legacy. The end goal is to ensure that future generations can continue to learn about the tree's history and enjoy and appreciate its magnificent beauty and splendor by maximizing the appropriate use of the tree material.
Through hundreds of e-mails, letters and telephone calls received by the Department of Natural Resources, it became apparent that the collection of these ideas in the form of proposals needed to be implemented to provide benefit to each of the following categories:
- Education and public outreach
- Research and preservation
- Artwork and furniture
- Pieces of fine crafts and woodworking
- Souvenirs and memorabilia
The REOI solicitation will gather from interested parties proposals that will satisfy one or more of these categories. DGS invites individuals, firms, institutions, organizations, educators, researchers, curators, professional artisans, craft makers and hobbyists to submit proposals.
The proposals will be evaluated on:
- How the proposal would commemorate the tree
- Best public use
- Quality of the product to be produced
- Best public interest
- Significance to the Wye Oak legacy
- Public outreach value
- Educational value
- Economic benefit to the State
The deadline for submissions is September 20, 2002. All respondents will be notified as to the disposition of their proposal. For additional information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the project website or should contact Procurement Officer Tim Kepp at 410-767-4632 or Project Manager Tom Schanno at 410-767-4342. You may also e-mail your inquires to wyeoakproject@dgs.state.md.us.
Proposals must be delivered to the Department of General Services, Procurement and Logistics, Office of Procurement, Bid/Proposal Administration, 301 West Preston Street, West Lobby, Room L-100, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, on or before the due date. Oral, telegraphic, telephonic or telefaxed Expressions of Interest will not be considered.
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CONTACT:
Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
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