R -- JOINT VENTURES & CORPORATE UNDERWRITING The Voice of America (VOA) is the United States Government's world-wide broadcasting service and a major component of the U.S. Information Agency's (USIA) International Broadcasting Bureau. VOA has an unparalleled worldwide news gathering service, with more than 25 bureaus around the globe; it produces a wide variety of programming in 52 languages, including English, reaching about 86 million people around the globe; it has a 55-year worldwide reputation for accuracy and excellence, making it far and away the best known and respected American source of news and information in the world; millions of people have learned English by listening to the English teaching and Special English programs of VOA; many of its language services, such as the Spanish and Portuguese Services for Latin America (VOA Latin America), now work with a strong line-up of about 107 local affiliate stations. VOA is prepared to explore a variety of possible arrangements with the private sector and accept proposals for joint ventures, corporate underwriting, and other relationships designed to further its mission while reducing the expenditure of taxpayer dollars. The Agency is authorized, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 1437, to encourage and utilize private agencies' participation, including existing American press, publishing, radio, et.al., in carrying out its mission. Accordingly, the U.S. Information Agency and its International Broadcasting Bureau are seeking private sector partners for its various VOA programs and program services. Agreements with more than one organization could result from this announcement. Written expressions of interest should be submitted to John G. Busch, Office of Contracts, 301 4th St., S.W., Room M-22, Washington, DC, 20547; telephone no. 202-205-5480; fax no. 202-205-5466; or Internet: JBUSCH@USIA.GOV. All correspondence will be considered.

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