U.S. Foundation for World Communications Development, Room 219, 2101 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20418

B -- TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAINING NEEDS SURVEY FOR THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA DUE 022195. Contact Point, Allen Overmyer, Program Manager, 703/533-9386; William C. Salmon, 202/334-3677; Fax (202)334-1680. We are an independent contractor with a prime contract with the U.S. Department of State. We are seeking a subcontractor for a Telecommunications Training Needs Assessment for the People's Republic of China. The following is the substance of the Request for Proposals: I. OVERVIEW The Working Group on Telecommunications (TEL) is one of ten Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Working Groups. The TEL fosters economic development of the telecommunications networks and services to facilitate commerce and communications among the people and economies of the region. The proposed study is a follow-on to the 1992 HRD (Human Resource Development) Manual/Guidelines and the training seminars developed by the APEC Working Group on Telecommunications. Its development and implementation will be coordinated with APEC. II. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY To prepare a telecommunications training needs assessment report on the People's Republic of China for the U.S. Department of State to submit to the APEC TEL. The assessment is to be a first-stage feasibility study. Its purpose is to develop with the People's Republic of China an agreed definition of their telecommunications training needs. Selection of a training provider will be subject to the open bidding process among all APEC member economies. The recommendations in the report will be generic in nature, discussing a particular curriculum and type of course or courses that will meet Chinese needs. A primary area of interest will be in telecommunications management training for high-level managers and senior engineers in an environment of rapid build-out of the network, with particular emphasis on strategic planning. The contractor may seek additional funds and/or human resources from private sector and/or USG agencies to supplement the proceeds of this contract. III. STATEMENT OF WORK a. Develop a questionnaire that will be provided to the PRC in acceptable form and substance a minimum of three weeks prior to the arrival of the contracting team in China. The questionnaire will cover the following four categories: Substantive (managerial responsibilities); Resources (training facilities, training institutes); Recommendations for financial support (sources of financing): Recommendations (type of training desired). b. Communicate with PRC officials to define PRC needs and goals for telecommunications training. The U.S. Department of State will facilitate these contacts. c. Travel to the People's Republic of China to conduct interviews with telecommunications officials and to visit telecom training facilities for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing needs for technical and non-technical telecommunications-related training. Develop agreement with the Chinese on the definition of their needs. Evaluate training facilities in selected areas of the PRC consistent with the defined goals and training needs expressed by PRC officials. Before leaving each location, draft the substance of the report so that any concerns expressed by PRC project officials may be dealt with on-site. d. In accordance with PRC goals and priorities, conduct in-person and telephone interviews with U.S. firms and USG agencies to determine their specific interests in developing, providing, or aiding in the support of the identified telecommunications training. e. Develop a recommended training program and curriculum to meet the identified priorities of the PRC based on the determination of needs developed in the PRC and on interviews in the United States with the public and private sectors. f. Articulate a recommended operational plan for establishing a telecommunications training course and program, with options. Identify the target audience for the training program. Determine the length of the training courses, identify logistics, and recommend a fixed, flexible, or combination menu of courses. Assess the possibility for the courses to be sustained through PRC resources. Work with the PRC to meet the goals of the defined curriculum, with the understanding that selection of a provider will be subject to the APEC open bidding process. IV. DELIVERABLES Five copies of a draft report with recommendations shall be provided to the U.S. Foundation for World Communications Development (Foundation) no later than June 1, 1995. This draft report will be provided to APEC members for discussion at the Working Group on Telecommunications in the People's Republic of China in September of 1995. TIMETABLE AND CONTRACTOR WORKDAYS Start date: On or about March 15, 1995. Completion date: On or about June 1, 1995. Final report due: June 15, 1995. Provide draft to the PRC for review and comment: July 1, 1995. Distribute to all APEC members for comment: July 15, 1995. The proposal envisions two to three weeks travel to the People's Republic of China. The four selected visit sites are Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Nanjing, all of which have established training centers. V. QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR The proposed contractor team should consist of individuals with a combination of technical background and expertise and management training experience in telecommunications. The team will comprise a minimum of two persons. VI. BID SELECTION CRITERIA Factors that will be used in rating bids will include the following: - a knowledge of the telecommunications environment; - experience in the telecommunications business; - appropriate research skills; - communications skills; - understanding of the Request for Proposals; - a cost-realistic budget; - assurance that the contractor can deliver the report as proposed and according to the agreed timetable; - established relationships with U.S. telecommunications firms. VII. PROJECT MANAGER Technical direction during the performance of this contract will be provided by the Foundation. Primary Contact Point is Allen Overmyer, Project Manager, 703/533-9386. VIII. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT U.S. APEC officials will request U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel in the People's Republic of China to assist the survey team members in their in-country schedule of appointments and meetings. IX. MAXIMUM BID Bids should not exceed $40,000 and should cover all costs. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS The Bidder shall submit one original and three copies of its Proposal. Proposals shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope or package, clearly labeled ``Telecommunications Working Group Assessment of Telecommunications Training Needs, (People's Republic of China),'' and sent via registered mail or courier to: William C. Salmon, U.S. Foundation for World Communications Development, Room 219, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20418. Proposals must be received by the above office by 5:00 p.m. (Washington time) on 21 February 1995. Proposals submitted after the closing date and time will be deemed to be late and will be excluded from consideration. ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSALS The Foundation will announce its decision not later than March 6, 1995. Bidders will be advised of the result of the proposals in writing. The Foundation reserves the right to accept any or no Proposal, or any parts or part of a Proposal, at its sole discretion. Any additional matters or issues arising from the above will be negotiated with the contracting team. (023)

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