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 -- EXPERT PANELISTS SOL B/VOA/F-99-01 DUE 060199 POC Contact Point/Administrative/Purchasing Officer: Technical Point of Contact: Eugene A. Nojek, FAX: (202) 619-3765. Administrative/Purchasing 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-99-01 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 a series of broadcast programs discussing events and issues related to China, Asia and the U.S. as they affect developments in China and China's relations with the world. Each program shall illuminate a specific political, economic or social issue through critical discussion by panels of two or more experts recognized as authorities in the field or round table discussions among professionals such as journalists involved in U.S.-China related fields. The personalities appearing in the programs shall be drawn from government, academia, journalists, business, NGO's and other fields. Each program shall, through debate and discussion among participants, provide differing perspectives that will enhance the understanding of listeners in China of the issue under consideration as well as reflect informed and responsible opinion regarding developments in China. While working closely with VOA Chinese Branch managers, the contractor shall be responsible for coordinating assignments with expert panelists and for forming discussion groups or roundtable appropriate for each topic. 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. The contractor shall additionally, in coordination with the VOA Chinese Branch managers, organize a one-day conference at the Voice of America on a China-related issue to be determined between the VOA Chinese Branch managers and the contractor. 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 as an informed observer in 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.) The administrative resources to organize and oversee the funding of the series of panels and a China-related conference. 7.) 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-99-01. 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 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 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-SN329055). (0127)

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