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

D -- LEASED SATELLITE SERVICES POC Kristine Muschette-Hicks, Contracting Officer, Tel.: (202) 205-9467 -- Fax.: (202) 205-5466 Notification of intent to lease telecommunication services. This synopsis is a notification of intent to enter into a non-competitive contract, in accordance with far subpart 6.302-1 (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements), with the russian satellite communication company located at shabolovka 37, 113162, moscow, ussr, to provide telecommunications downlink capability and a space segment on the intersputnik telecommunications system for voice of america (voa) digital audio program feed service (i.e., intersputnik direct affiliate digital service). The intersputnik system is unique in its coverage of the entire confederation of independent states (cis), which was formerly the soviet union, and is the only known source capable of fully meeting voa's requirement of being able to be received on those telecommunications systems already in place at communication ministries and radio and television stations in the cis. This notification of intent is nota solicitation document or notification of a forthcoming solicitation document. No solicitation document exits. Any responses to this notification must be received by the contracting officer within 30 calendar days, at 2:00 p.m., edst, after the publication date of this synopsis, and must contain clear, convincing, and substantive evidence, both technical and pricing, to demonstrate that, price and other factors considered, such sources can fully meet the government's requirements, and that it is advantageous to the government to consider sources other than russian satellite communication company. Substantive evidence would be indicated by a statement of exactly what services are offered: and if the proposed services are not identical to those stated above, then a complete explanation as to how each of the above stated requirements is met with sufficient information to permit a full technical evaluation to be conducted; along with firm pricing, delivery schedules, installation charges, if any, and any other information that will demonstrate a bona fide ability to meet the government's requirements. Any such submissions must be in writing, and must include the company/organization name, contact point, telephone number, and expiration date. Telephonic or other verbal responses will not be accepted. Written responses should contain the minimum text to give a complete explanation of the proposed services as outlined above. No contract will be awarded on the basis of responses to this notification, but such responses will be used to determine if a comparable source is available. If such a comparable source is available, a solicitation may be issued, and no additional synopsis will be published. This synopsis is not an IFB or RFP. Term of contract: a one-year base period plus options for six additional one-year periods. (0240)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0029 19970902\D-0012.SOL)