This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The terms and conditions applicable to this action are: 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, SAQMMA10R0247 is being issued as a request for proposal (RFP). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in affect through Federal Acquisition Circular. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The Department of State's IIP Office of Current Issues is soliciting applications for contract writers. We anticipate awarding up to 2 new Blanket Purchase Agreements for individuals who would provide written material for the America.gov Web site. We will establish one-year BPAs with the option to extend up to four additional years. The BPA does not constitute a guarantee of work. Writing assignments are made on an as-needed basis and many factors are taken into account when choosing a contract writer for a particular job including subject matter expertise, location and ability to complete the work within a given deadline. Additional information on the types of work IIP assigns to contract writers can be found in the attached Statement of Work. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition. All responses will be evaluated in accordance with 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items: Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria in descending order of importance: 1. Demonstrated ability to write clear, grammatically correct and engaging journalistic material Contractor shall be responsible for writing articles for IIP products, which include, but may not be limited to, material for use in websites, America.gov e-mail delivery to posts, and for other IIP print and electronic products as they are developed. In most cases, assignments will be written in a style that is appealing to international readers in positions of influence. Such articles may be translated into other languages and reprinted in English or other languages in foreign newspapers without additional compensation. 1. Demonstrated ability to perform background research for articles and other written materials Providing background research for the articles, which could include interviews, archive searches, attendance at hearings, and similar activities. 2. Demonstrated expertise in relevant topic areas Topics may include but are not limited to economics, trade, foreign policy, international security, U.S. politics, arts, technology, education, sports, human rights, press freedom, environment, health and space exploration. 4. Demonstrated ability to work on deadline All stages of work: Submitting drafts, complete text, editorial changes, etc., should be completed by specific deadlines, as agreed with the assignments editor Offerors are to submit: (1) A brief resume highlighting their experience writing for newspapers, magazines, journals or Web sites. (2) One to three bylined writing samples of no more than 1000 words each. The Contractor must provide the resumes of all potential personnel (candidates) assigned to the contract/project. Each resume should demonstrate the candidate’s experience, ability and qualifications to fulfill and complete the “Tasks” outlined within the Statement of Work. Offerors are to include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its proposal submission.

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