The City of Ufa has applied for a loan from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and intends using the proceeds to finance the rehabilitation and modernisation of existing Central Heating Sub-stations and the introduction of new, compact Individual Heating Sub-stations in residential apartment buildings in the City. The proposed project, which has a total estimated cost of about EUR 15 million, will require the procurement of the following goods, works and services:

•    modernisation of Central Heating Sub-stations, which service a number of buildings, with modern equipment including automatic heat regulators and meters;

•    installation of Individual Heating Sub-stations in residential apartment buildings including automatic heat regulators and meters.

•    Associated technical assistance.

Prequalification of tenderers, if any, for the above contracts is expected to begin in the IV qyarter 2005, while the Tendering is expected to start in the I quarter 2006

Contracts to be financed with the proceeds of a loan from the Bank will be subject to the Bank's Procurement Policies and Rules and will be open to firms from any country. The proceeds of the Bank's loan will not be used for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, of for any import of goods, if such payment or import is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations or under a law of official regulation of the Purchaser's country.

Interested suppliers, contractors and consultants should contact:

Mr Vladimir Valentinovich FEDOROV

First Deputy Mayor

City of Ufa

120 October Avenue

Ufa

Bashkortostan 45 00 98

Russian Federation

Tel:    +7 3472 79 05 74 (English language)

Fax:    +7 3472 79 05 71