1. In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat dates, orange juice, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is very thick. Remove from heat; stir in almonds.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour a 9" by 9" baking pan. In medium-sized bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. With pastry blender, cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pat half of oat mixture onto bottom of pan. Evenly spread date mixture on top of oat layer. Pat remaining oat mixture onto date layer. Bake 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. When cold, cut into 18 pieces. Store in tightly covered container.