Addressee

Dear:

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Project Office is pleased to make a pre-bid announcement for the work packages which involve the manufacturing of the main telescope structure for LBT. Attached you will find some technical documentation for the components to be manufactured. These are not complete packages of drawings and specifications, but only a sample to provide a feel for the major pieces in the Request for Proposals (RFP). We anticipate that the complete Request for Proposals will be issued on September 1 with a proposal deadline of October 29.

The RFPs will be released simultaneously as five packages that make up the major structure of the Large Binocular Telescope. You are encouraged to propose for any or all of these packages that suit your capabilities. The five work packages are:

• Azimuth Frame Structure
• Azimuth Ring and C-Ring Structures
• M1 Cells, Bell Jar and Dummy Cell
• Elevation Platform and Windbracing
• Telescope Factory Pre-Erection

Released Request for Proposal documents, technical specifications and drawings may also be found on the world wide web at URL:    http://abell.as.arizona.edu/~hill/rfp

Other recently released Work Packages include:

• Enclosure Cranes   (deadline of August 22)
• Hydrostatic Bearing System   (deadline of October 3)

Related packages to be released later in the Fall of 1997 are:

• Pier Upper Ring Steel Structure
• Drive Systems (Motor Housings)

Sincerely,

John M. Hill
Director, LBT Project

enclosures: List of Work Packages, List of Enclosed Drawings