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 -- ENGLISH MODERATOR SOL B/VOA/F-99-02 DUE 060199 POC Contact Point/Administrative/Purchasing Officer: Technical Point of Contact: Eugene A. Nojek, FAX: (202) 619-3765. Administrative/Purchase Officer: Claudette Swann, FAX: (202) 619-1840 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting officer via, cbdatche@VOA.GOV. This public notice is also a written Request for Quotation (RFQ) No. B/VOA/F-99-02 pursuant to procurement of the required services described below using the "Simplified Acquisition Procedures" specified in Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (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 (VOA), the Government's international radio and television broadcast organization, broadcasts to an international audience in English and 52 other languages. The Chinese Branch of VOA has a requirement for an individual or company to produce series of broadcast programs discussing key issues in the U.S.-China relationship for broadcast in Chinese. Each program shall illuminate a specific issue in the relationship through critical discussion and debate involving personalities recognized as authorities in the field. The personalities shall be drawn from government, academia, journalists, business and other fields such as religion and human rights. While working closely with the VOA Chinese Branch managers, the contractor shall also be responsible for coordinating assignments with other expert panelists and for forming discussion groups appropriate for each topic. Each program shall have a moderator and two or more discussants. Under this format, the moderator shall open the program with a summary of the issue to be discussed, and then call on the discussants to make opening statements outlining their positions on the issues. The moderator shall then ask questions critical of the different positions espoused to stimulate discussion. Each program shall be approximately one hour in length and may be conducted in either English or Mandarin Chinese. The contractor shall coordinate each program with the VOA Chinese Branch studio recording schedules. Proposals may include up to 24 programs. The following technical criteria, depending on type of contract services, will be used to evaluate prospective contractors: 1.) Extensive knowledge of China and its history, culture, politics, economy and society. 2.) An understanding of U.S. policies and demonstrated knowledge of key issues in the U.S.-China relationship. 3.) Recognition in the intellectual communities of both the U.S. and China as an informed observer on issues in the U.S.-China relationship and a reputation for balance in expressing views on those issues. 4.) An ability to present complex issues in the U.S.-China relationship in clear, logical terms that will enhance understanding by listeners in China. 5.) An ability to attract as discussants leading personalities whose expertise on issues in the U.S.-China relationship will reflect informed opinion on and enhance listener understanding of those issues. 6.) An ability to establish in consultation with Chinese Branch managers a schedule for production of the series and to maintain that schedule. 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, East Asia & Pacific Division, B/VOA/F, Room 2708, 330 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, Attn: Ms. Claudette Swann, FAX: 202-619-1840 by the close of business (5 p.m. EST), Tuesday, June 1, 1999 and they shall reference this RFQ No. B/VOA/F-99-02. Any questions (technical or otherwise and the quoter's complete written response to this RFQ shall be sent directly and only to the Administrative Officer/Purchasing Agent 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 Acquisition), 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 by the Government. Posted 05/07/99 (W-SN329069). (0127)

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