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 -- WRITERS SOL n/a POC Contact Point/Contracting Officer: Technical Point of Contacts: Eugene Nojek (202)619-3651 or Kelu Chao (202)260-0609. 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 a series of broadcast programs entitled, "The Social Challenges of Modernity: Issues an Evolving Chinese Society Faces as it Approaches the 21st Century." The series is to consist of dialogues and/or panel discussions involving recognized commentators with recognized expertise on Chinese life and society. Each episode should deal with a single issue or cluster of related issues faced by the American and Chinese societies in common or issues of modernization in which the American experience offers perspectives useful to Chinese as they confront their own social transformation to a modern society. Of particular interest will be topics related to the problems of children and to the place of women in modern society. The contractor should illuminate a specific issue through critical discussion by panels of two or more experts recognized as authorities in their respective fields or round-table discussions among professionals in social studies and Chinese affairs. 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 those issues. 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 table 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 following criteria, depending on type of contract services, will be used to evaluate prospective contractors: 1.) An extensive knowledge of Chinese life and society, especially contemporary social problems. 2.) An extensive knowledge of American life and society, especially contemporary social problems. 3.) Recognition in the intellectual communities of both the U.S. and China as an informed observer on social issues in the U.S. and China and a reputation for balance in expressing views on those issues. 4.) An ability to present complex issues in clear, logical terms that will enhance understanding by listeners in China. 5.) An ability to attract as discussants leading personalities whose expertise on social issues in the U.S.-and China will reflect informed opinion on and enhance listener understanding of those issues. 6.) 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 27, 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 individual's experience, background, and other qualifications as specified above. (0062)

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