U.S. Information Agency, International Broadcasting Bureau, Office of Personnel and Administration, Contracts and Procurement Division, B/PA/AC, Room 1645, 330 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20547

T -- FOREIGN LANGUAGE (MANDARIN) MUSICAL PERSONALITY SOL n/a POC Contact Point/Contracting Officer: Eugene Nojek (202) 619-3651 or Kelu Chao (202) 260-0609. Contracting Officer: Claudette Swann. Voice of America, the Government's international radio and television broadcast organization, broadcasts to an international audience in English and 52 other languages. The Chinese Branch of the Voice of America seeks proposals for a series of broadcast programs entitled America In Song which will introduce American life and culture through popular and folk songs. The series must be comprised of 52 episodes, each of which would introduce some aspect of American life through a specific song that is widely associated with and distinctly identified with America. Songs could be folk songs, musical hits or popular songs which have become a part of the standard musical vocabulary of most Americans. In addition to Stephen Foster songs and other folk songs, selections could include protest songs from the 60's and hits of John Denver and the Carpenters. Each episode should open with a performance of the song by a professional group. The words to the song should then be introduced line by line in English with anexplanation of unfamiliar terms. There should also be commentary on the overall meaning of the song, its derivation and the context that produced it. Listeners would then be invited to sing along as the song is rendered line by line with accompaniment by a guitarist or pianist. Finally, the episode would end with a repeat performance by a professional group, possibly one offering a different musical interpretation than the version that opened the episode. The series will be aimed at younger listeners in China, such as high school and college students. The preparer of the series should have expertise in music and the use of music in teaching English as a second language. Personal experience in teaching or performing in China or other developing countries would be useful but not necessary. Preparation of the series should involve an individual who can both sing in English, play guitar or piano and offer commentary which would be voiced in Mandarin. For each episode, the preparer must provide a broadcast quality tape 15-17 minutes in length with an English script for a 25-minute show with Chinese translation. Proposals should include an outline and pilot script and taped voice sample. Fees for broadcast rights of professional performances should be included in the proposal. The following criteria will be used to evaluate prospective contractors: 1.) Professional knowledge of and experience in teaching English as a second language. 2.) Expertise in music and the use of music in teaching English as a second language. 3.) An excellent knowledge of American life, history and social and cultural institutions so as to provide commentary on musical selections in a way that will enhance listener understanding of American life. 4.) An ability to sing or perform a musical selections on guitar or piano as elaborations on the song selected for each episode in the series. 5.) An excellent ability to write explanatory materials in English. 6.) Access to recording facilities and production staff so as to prepare broadcast-ready tapes. 7.) An ability to establish, in consultation with Chinese Branch managers, a schedule for production of the series and to maintain that schedule. Individuals having the ability to furnish these services should write or fax required information above to: International Broadcasting Bureau, Voice of America, Chinese Branch, Room 2600, 330 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, Attn: Eugene Nojek (202) 619-3651 or Kelu Chao (202) 260-0609, fax (202) 619-3765. Information must be received by April 3, 1998. Prospective contractors shall be evaluated using the criteria identified above. The Contracting Officer shall provide qualified individuals with a copy of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) when requirements are identified. Contract rates/fee for services will be negotiated based upon individual's experience, background and other qualifications as specified above. (0070)

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