The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, organizations, corporations, institutions, community based or educational partners for the annual operation of the educational sailing program and tourist attraction programming for the Schooner Ernestina. Detailed information can be found by reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP) posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts COMM-Pass system at www.comm-pass.com. The RFP can be found under DCR-2005-0017.

All interested parties should submit their proposals by February 3, 2006. There will be a bidders conference held on January 10, 2006 at 1300 at the New Bedford State Pier, New Bedford, MA. Questions should be directed to Brian Shanahan, Southeast Regional Director at 508-866-2580 x 104.