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T -- FOREIGN LANGUAGE (MANDARIN) WRITER SOL n/a POC Contact Point/Contracting Officer: Claudette Swann, B/VOA/F, Phone: (202) 619-1405; fax: (202) 619-1840. Technical POC: Eugene Nojek, B/VOA/F, Phone: (202) 619-3651. This public notice is also a written Request for Quotation (RFQ) pursuant to procurement of the required services described below using the "Simplified Acquisition Procedures" specified in Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition (FAR). Price quotations submitted in response to this RFQ that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (as specified in FAR Subpart 2.101, Definitions) will not be considered as responsive to this RFQ. The USIA International Broadcasting Bureau's Voice of America, the Government's international radio and television broadcast organization, broadcasts to an international audience in English and 50 other languages. B/VOA has a requirement, subject to the availability of funds, for an individual or company to provide the following services: The creation of a series of broadcast scripts describing the emergence of civil society in East Asia. Many observers have noted a trend in a number of East Asian countries from authoritarian, military backed regimes towards societies in which political institutions permit increasing participation of the population in political decision making, and the evolution of more representative government. South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand all evidence a similar growth of democratic political institutions. Japan has also evidenced a growth towards greater political pluralism as the 45-year domination by the LDP has been interrupted by a reformist movement. The series shall trace through a series of broadcast scripts the evolution of political institutions in these five societies and the political, social, and economic changes in each society which made the evolution possible. Commentators shall also note the prospects for a similar evolution of political institutions in other East Asian countries, especially China. Individual scripts shall include recorded interviews with authorities on each country. Scripts shall be produced in either Chinese Mandarin or English, although Chinese is preferred. Submission of documentation for the above-statedservices shall include a Statement of Work (SOW) with an outline and introductory script. Individual scripts in the series shall be five to seven minutes in length. A total of up to 25 scripts is envisioned for this series. The following technical criteria will be used to evaluate prospective contractors: A) Recognized expertise in the political and social developments in Asia and a reputation for balance in expressing views on those developments; B) An ability to present complex issues in Asia's recent political and social developments in clear, logical terms that will enhance understanding by VOA listeners; C) An ability to establish in consultation with Chinese Branch managers a schedule for production of the series and to maintain that schedule. Individuals or firms interested in furnishing the above-stated series shall submit, via either facsimile or mail, their responses to this RFQ (i.e., Technical Capabilities/Experience and Price quotation in U.S. dollars) to the USIA International Broadcasting Bureau, Voice of America, East Asia & Pacific Division, B/VOA/F, Room 2708, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, Attn: Ms. Claudette Swann, Fax: (202) 619-1840 by the close of business (5 p.m. EST), Friday, September 4, 1998. Any questions (technical or otherwise) and the quoter's complete written response to this RFQ shall be sent directly and only to the Contracting Officer for this procurement. Quoters will be evaluated by the Government using the above-stated technical and price criteria. Fee/rate requirements for scripts shall also be submitted with the Price quotation, but they are negotiable based upon the individual's or the organization's experience, background, and other qualifications as specified above. Per FAR Subpart 19.502 (Setting Aside Acquisitions), the Contracting Officer has determined that this proposed work is appropriate for an "unrestricted" procurement. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered. Posted 08/12/98 (W-SN236059). (0224)

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