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 n/a POC Contact Point/Contracting Officer: Technical Point of Contacts: Eugene Nojek (202)619-2765. Contracting Officer: Claudette Swann. Voice of America, the Government's international radio and television broadcast organization, broadcasts to an international audience in English and 52 other languages. The Chinese Branch of the Voice of America seeks proposals for the organization of 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 should 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 should be drawn from government, academia, journalism, business, NGO's and other fields. Programs should, 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 Chinese Branch managers, the contractor shall be responsible for coordinating assignments with expert panelists and for forming discussion groups or round tables appropriate for each topic. Each program shall be approximately one hour in length and may be conducted in either English or Chinese Mandarin. The contractor shall coordinate each program with Chinese Branch studio recording schedules. The contractor shall additionally, in coordination with Chinese Branch managers, organize a one day conference at the Voice of America on a China-related issue to be determined. The following 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 having the ability to furnish these services should write or fax required information above to: International Broadcasting Bureau, Voice of America, Chinese Branch, Room 2600, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, Attn: Eugene Nojek (202)619-3651 or Kelu Chao, (202)260-0609, FAX (202)619-3765. Information must be received by March 20, 1998. Prospective contractors shall be evaluated using the criteria identified above. The Contracting Officer shall provide qualified individuals with a copy of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) when requirements are identified. Contract rates/fee for services will be negotiated based upon individuals's experience, background, and other qualifications as specified above. (0062)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0077 19980305\T-0001.SOL)