U.S. Information Agency, Office of Contracts, 301 4TH STREET SW, Room M27, Washington, DC 20547

T -- ECONOMICS WRITER/REPORTER (ENGLISH) POC Fred Cooper, Tele.: (202) 205-2376, Fax.: 011-852-2877-8805 This public notice is also a written Request for Quotation (RFQ) pursuant to procurement of the required services described below using the "Simplified Acquisition Procedures" specified in Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition (FAR). Price quotations submitted in response to this RFQ that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (as specified in FAR Subpart 2.101, Definitions) will not be considered as responsive to this RFQ. The USIA International Broadcasting Bureau's Voice of America, the Government's international radio and television broadcast organization, broadcasts to an international audience in English and 50 other languages. B/VOA has a requirement, subject to the availability of funds, for an individual or firm to provide the following services: News, background and feature writing and reporting on economic and financial news in Asia and other writing and reporting as required. Duration of the contract will be one year, beginning on or about October 1, 1998. A minimum of 40 1 1/2 minute news scripts per month, or their equivalent in longer features or live reports, will be required. Submission of documentation for the above-stated services shall include a resume, including educational background and previous experience. The following technical criteria will be used to evaluate prospective contractors: A) Recognized expertise in economic developments in Asia and a reputation for balance in expressing views on those developments; B) An ability to present complex issues in Asia's recent political, economic and social developments in clear, logical terms that will enhance understanding by VOA listeners and viewers; C) An ability to establish, in consultation with VOA News Divison editors, a schedule for coverage of news and features and to maintain that schedule; D) Demonstrated experience in reporting on economic affairs in Asia for television and radio. E) An advanced degree in Economics or a related field; F) Excellent on-air and on- camera delivery; G) knowledge of radio and television production values and techniques; H) experience in digital audio recording and editing. Individuals or firms interested in furnishing the above-stated services shall submit, via either facsimile or mail, their responses to this RFQ (i.e., Technical Capabilities/Experience and Price quotation in U.S. dollars) to the USIA International Broadcasting Bureau, Voice of America, Hong Kong Correspondent Office, B/VOA/X, 17th Floor, Asia Orient Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong S.A.R., China, Attn: Mr. Fred Cooper, Fax: 011-852-2877-8805 by the close of business (5 p.m. EST), Monday, September 28, 1998. Any questions (technical or otherwise) and the quoter's complete written response to this RFQ shall be sent directly and only to the Contracting Officer for this procurement. Quoters will be evaluated by the Government using the above-stated technical and price criteria. Fee/rate requirements for scripts shall also be submitted with the Price quotation, but they are negotiable based upon the individual's or the organization's experience, background, and other qualifications as specified above. Per FAR Subpart 19.502 (Setting Aside Acquisitions), the Contracting Officer has determined that this proposed work is appropriate for an "unrestricted" procurement. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered. Posted 09/15/98 (W-SN250049). (0258)

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