SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Soliciting for a DCHA/OTI Deputy Director for Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Notice Date
- 7/14/2003
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Room 7.10-006, Washington, DC, 20523
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- DCHA-OTI-03-1709
- Response Due
- 7/29/2003
- Archive Date
- 8/13/2003
- Point of Contact
- Gerald Render, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-712-0113, Fax 202-216-3406,
- E-Mail Address
-
grender@usaid.gov
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: July 14, 2003 CLOSING DATE: July 29, 2003, 1600 Local Time Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Services of an OTI Deputy Director, in DCHA/OTI Demorcratic Republic of the Congo, Solicitation No. DCHA/OTI-03-1709 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified U.S. Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses these criteria. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. The U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications, such as courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax (at the number below) or by e-mail to grender@usaid.gov (hard copies of certain documents may be requested.) Applicants are responsible for submitting the SF-171 or OF-612, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation whether submitted by courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax or e-mail. An application received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation. Any questions as well as submission of proposals in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Gerald C. Render, Management Team Leader U.S. Agency for International Development DCHA/Office of Transition Initiatives Room 2.09-063, RRB 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20523-2900 Telephone: 202-712-0113 Fax: 202-216-3406 e-mail: grender@usaid.gov Applications that are submitted by courier service or hand carried must be accepted at the 14th Street entrance of the Ronald Reagan Building. The courier must inform the guard there is a package for OTI, Gerald C. Render. The guard will contact that person and inform them that there is a package for pick-up at the 14th Street entrance. Packages cannot be dropped off at the desk, someone must accept the application from the courier. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Sincerely, Gerald C. Render Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OTI-03-1709 ISSUANCE DATE: 14 July 2003 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 29 July 2003, 16:00 (4:00pm) Local Time POSITION TITLE: Deputy Director, DCHA/OTI, Democratic Rep. of the Congo MARKET VALUE: $51.508 - $66,961 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Year PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only (Security Clearance Required) I. POSITION DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION OTI was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/hum_response/oti/ PROGRAM SUMMARY The modern history of the Congo has been of a country rich in natural wealth that has the potential to transform central Africa into an economic powerhouse. The reality is a sad litany of exploitation at the expense of the indigenous population that stretches from rubber through, diamonds, uranium and cobalt up to coltan in the present. Despite this or perhaps because of this, the Congolese people have proven to be amazingly resilient, surviving under the harshest conditions and remaining fiercely proud of their rich nation and it?s potential. Attempts to end the conflict that started in 1998 were discouraging until the assignation of LDK in January 2001. A lack of consistent political will by the main belligerents continues to drag the peace process out. In spite of this the international community continues to support the newly formed transitional government and expansion of the size and role of UN Peacekeeping forces (MONUC) in what they perceive as an inexorable process towards an end to the conflict. However, despite the progress the situation for the Congolese remains extremely dire, with up to 2.5 million deaths attributed directly or indirectly to the conflict. Foreign armies in the country, (Rwanda) continue to maintain a substantial presence. Rebel groups have splintered and irregular forces (milita, interahamwe and mai mai ) continue to support ethnic clashes and ?hit and run assaults? in large areas of the NE and east of the country. The causes/justification for the war are now more complicated morphing from a security basis to natural resource exploitation and control of trade. The country is currently made up of population centers so cut off from one another they have become virtual islands. The remnants of the colonial infrastructure after 40 years of near total neglect, has finally collapsed. The occupying military forces, friend and foe alike live off the land increasing the level of extortion and petty graft to the point that movement of people and goods has decreased precipitously. The agriculturally based economy has ground to a halt in many places due to the increase in insecurity, and the closure of key commercial links that cross military lines, eg the Congo river. This has further accentuated community isolation. USAID/OTI?s goal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is to support the country?s transition from war to peace and lay the groundwork for an eventual transition to democracy and the country?s reunification. Isolation of key population centers has constrained civil society?s role in this transition. To alleviate this constraint, OTI is developing and implementing a national, multi-faceted, communication strategy that fosters exchanges across the country focusing on dialogue, conflict prevention, and engaging the Congolese in debates of national importance. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To assist in the implementation of USAID/OTI's political transition program, and other USAID/OTI activities in DRC, the Program Manager will perform the following duties: - Support management of the hub offices in Kisangani, Bukavu, Bunia and Kindu and identify staffing and administrative needs - Participate in team building exercises and implementation of strategic objectives for program with the USAID mission and Embassy staff as appropriate. - Assist in the implementation of program activities aimed at ameliorating conflict, rehabilitating human and physical infrastructure, and supporting the development of civil society and independent media organizations. - In conjunction with local entities and the OTI contractor/grantee, develop quick disbursing Political Transition Grants (PTGs) to achieve USAID objectives. Monitor, evaluate and develop reporting procedures for these grants. - Work with OTI DRC Country Representative to supervise and manage the day-to-day activities of OTI?s implementing partner, its local staff as well as, if appropriate, OTI Foreign Service Nationals. - Represent OTI to USAID, US Embassy, Host Country public officials, international organizations, and other entities, including local and international NGOs for the purpose of forwarding USAID program objectives. - Consult with OTI country representative and the widest range of potential partners and coordinate with other USAID project managers, UN Organizations, other International Organizations, NGOs, and bilateral donors in order to identify opportunities for OTI to achieve greater visibility and synergy with other programs. - Assist the Country Team Leader in representing OTI during meetings with USAID personnel, State Department representatives, local Government officials, indigenous and international NGOs, international donors, and other involved agencies and organizations. - Assist the OTI country representative in monitoring the performance of the OTI contractor in the implementation of OTI-financed activities. - Assist in developing an exit strategy in coordination with the OTI country representative that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs. - Assist in preparing and disseminating of monthly reports to OTI Washington, and other organizations as deemed appropriate. - Assist Country representative with OTI administrative requests. - Perform other duties as determined by, OTI?s Africa Team Leader, and the Country representative for DRC. - Serves as Acting Country Representative, as required. REQUIRED SKILLS This position requires excellent communication skills and experience in political analysis and program reporting. Prior experience in the region is desired. Moreover, prior coordination experience with various USG offices is required. Excellent analytical and negotiating skills are important. Management and team building experience are critical. Solid interpersonal skills, and the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions, are extremely important. The incumbent should be prepared to live and work in the country of assignment. A prerequisite for success in this position is familiarity with contract/grant management, mediation/arbitration, democracy and governance and/or human rights activities. Experience in a supervisory management capacity is strongly preferred, as is demonstrated strength in policy analysis and formulation. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Selective Factors listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on evaluation of the Evaluative Factors. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 or SF-171 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses these factors. Minimum Qualifications ? Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience and project management in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations; ? Demonstrated experience in conceptualization, design and management of projects similar to those of OTI; ? Experience drafting status reports, briefing papers or other regular written documentation; and ? U.S. citizenship and ability to receive a U.S. government security clearance is a requirement in accordance with hiring policy. Evaluation Factors Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the applications in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria. The following criteria are listed in descending order of importance: ? Demonstrated experience working on African and regional political and democratic issues; ? Experience in contract and/or grant management; ? Demonstrated Strong writing skills; ? Professional experience in international development and/or response to complex humanitarian emergencies; ? Active Security Clearance; and, ? Experience with mediation, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights activities. II. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: A. BENEFITS: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Post Differential (Chapter 500*) and (2) Danger Pay (Section 650*) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. III. APPLYING: A. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT: 1. U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices; 2. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. 3. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. B. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). * 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or * 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). * 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). * * Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. IV. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/DCHA/OTI, USAID/DRC, Kinshasa
- Country: Dem. Rep. of the Congo
- Country: Dem. Rep. of the Congo
- Record
- SN00370394-W 20030716/030714213040 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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