MODIFICATION
R -- Standards Program Coordinator
- Notice Date
- 11/19/2003
- Notice Type
- Modification
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office, SSMC4 - Room 7601/OFA61 1305 East West Highway, 7th Floor, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
- ZIP Code
- 20910
- Solicitation Number
- DG1350-04-RQ-0007
- Response Due
- 12/12/2003
- Archive Date
- 12/27/2003
- Point of Contact
- Juanita Beck, Procurement Technician, Phone 301-713-3838 x189, Fax 301-713-0809,
- E-Mail Address
-
Juanita.Beck@noaa.gov
- Description
- The Synopsis is modified to attach the SOW below. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. Please submit proposal NLT December 5, 2003 by U.S. mail to Juanita Beck at 1305 East West Hwy, SSMC 4, Suite 7605, Silver Spring, MD 20910. If you have any questions please e-mail juanita.beck@noaa.gov NLT November 25, 2003. STATEMENT OF WORK The Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration's Special American Business Internship Training program (SABIT), is developing a Standards Training Program (Training Program) to train technical and regulatory experts from Russia and the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (Interns) in the areas of U.S. Government and private sector processes and procedures for standards development, conformity assessment and quality management. The Training Program will consist of three groups tentatively scheduled for: Standards Medical Devices January 24 - February 21, 2004; Standards in Building May 22 - June 26, 2004; and Standards Information Technology August 21 - September 18, 2004. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or SABIT will provide the first one to two weeks of orientation for the training sessions, with SABIT overseeing all training and program development. A Program Coordinator will recruit companies to provide the remaining portion of the Training Sessions for each group, overseeing training and program development with each organization that hosts any of the groups. In addition, the Program Coordinator will assist program staff with the grant process, including day-to-day grants management, review of applications for completeness, identifying and setting up evaluation panels, processing grant applications and monitoring training associated with grant recipients. Coordinator will also manage alumni activities. SABIT will contract with an individual to serve as the program coordinator for the Training Program (Coordinator). SABIT anticipates that the contract will begin January 1, 2004 and continue through December 31, 2004. The Coordinator position will be located at the SABIT office in Washington, however, some travel within the United States or abroad with some of the groups during the Training Sessions may be required. Basic Qualification Requirements for the Program Coordinator: 1. Baccalaureate degree in Russian area studies or equivalent. Knowledge of history, government, demographics, and politics of the former Soviet Union. 2. Strong organizational skills, in particular, ability to organize, plan and coordinate logistics associated with a group of 18-25 interns, including arranging ground transportation, lodging and domestic air travel. 3. Ability to perform liaison functions among various organizations involved in the programs. 4. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in Russian. 5. Strong administrative and computer skills. 6. Strong intercultural communications skills. 7. Strong public speaking ability. Basis of Evaluation: Applicants who meet the Basic Qualification Requirements above will be further evaluated based on their experience, education and training shown on their application as it relates to the quality ranking factors listed below. Quality Ranking Factors: 1. Previous experience working in Russia or other NIS country. 2. Experience working with technical assistance, training, or exchange programs for the former Soviet Union. 3. Working knowledge in Russian. 4. Demonstrated past performance that depicts experience in performing similar contracts or similar work. Please indicate at least three references to support the above. References should include: Contractor name, Contract number, dollar value, period of performance and narrative of services performed, as well as the name and telephone number of individual who can be contacted to provide reference. 5. Experience or contacts in the following fields: quality management, telecommunications, oil and gas, IT, standards, and certification. 6. Computer skills, including: knowledge of QuattroPro and WordPerfect; facility using Internet for company and business research; familiarity with databases. 7. Ability to manage grants, including the application process, monitoring, and follow-up. Evaluation of Quotation: Quotations will be evaluated on a "best value basis", giving due consideration to price, approach, and past performance. Quality of the approach and past performance are considered to be more important than price. However, the closer the quotations are in terms of quality of approach, the more important price will become. Be sure to carefully address all elements in the RFQ so that your quotation can be fully evaluated. The Recruiter shall implement the Training Programs as follows: 1. Handle logistical program operations for the training programs including the establishment of housing arrangements, domestic, international and local transportation, and other operational aspects of the Training Sessions. Coordinate logistics with Commerce travel agency to ensure fulfillment of travel requirements. Reference Program Officer's guide as necessary. 2. Develop and coordinate in a timely fashion with NIST the non-NIST portion of the Training Program by identifying suitable government, non-profit and company site visits, and recruiting their participation for the program. Fax overseas coordinator final program schedule two weeks prior to program orientation. 3. Make recommendations to NIST and SABIT in selection of Interns, reviewing applications and providing recommendations. Coordinate all aspects of interviewing candidates with posts. Write biographies of each intern for distribution to Host Firms and Interns. 4. Serve as the Washington liaison among NIST, the Interns, Host Firms, Interpreters, Facilitators and the SABIT offices in Washington, Moscow, Kiev, and Almaty. Assist in contracting facilitators and interpreters for programs. 5. Coordinate any logistical issues with the Facilitator regarding housing and transportation. Assist the SABIT Director in monitoring the Facilitator's activities to ensure that the Facilitator is in compliance with his/her statement of work. 6. Provide Host Firms and Interns with guidelines and logistical information on the Training programs prior to their arrival in the United States. 7. Answer routine questions regarding SABIT program rules and restrictions; refer unusual situations to SABIT Director. Conduct all communications in a professional manner. 8. Assist Host Firms and Interns with visa and insurance related questions. Alert SABIT Director to possible problems or delays. 9. Speak with the Interns and/or Facilitator to ascertain that the internships are progressing as planned and that all parties are satisfied. If problems arise, alert the SABIT Director. 10. When speaking with Interns, use Russian as necessary to ensure clear communication, particularly in the case of unusual situations. 11. Coordinating with SABIT and/or NIST, handle any logistical or program adjustments to the sessions that arise. SABIT reserves the right to approve or disapprove any adjustments to the Training Programs. 12. Track and maintain supporting documentation for all budget matters associated with the Training Programs using SABIT Quattro Pro spreadsheets. Coordinate budget documentation closely with the SABIT Program Officers and the SABIT Budget Officer. Reconcile obligations and expenditures quarterly, and perform end-of-fiscal-year budget close in coordination with SABIT Budget Officer. 13. Coordinate collection of receipts/invoices for all items with Travel Agency for items including airline, lodging, taxi receipts, and orientation costs. 14. Assist in preparation of travel orders and vouchers for each Intern. Assist in distribution and tracking of all per diem monies. 15. Prepare orientation materials for Interns. Prepare Host Firm thank-you letters, Intern certificates, and other program materials. 16. Assure that within two weeks prior to the completion of each Training Session each Intern completes an Exit Questionnaire. Such Questionnaire shall be submitted to SABIT as part of the final report of each group of interns. 17. Participate in important events during the Training Sessions, such as orientation, feedback sessions, and other group activities. 18. If Facilitator is unavailable, accompany group to the airport to ensure that each Intern departs from the United States on the scheduled departure date. 19. Prepare and submit to SABIT a final report for each group within four weeks of the group's departure. Coordinate with NIST, SABIT and the Facilitator to prepare the final report. Contained in the report should be a brief summary covering lessons learned, suggested improvements for future programs as well as a summary of the Interns' experiences during the Training. The final reports should also address the extent to which the performance measures of the Standards Training Program (Attached hereto) have been met. Incorporate into the Report a summary of the success stories, contracts, and other business transactions completed or in negotiations that are associated with the Training Programs. 20. Under the supervision of the SABIT Director and Program Officers, assist in coordinating certain logistical aspects of the SABIT cooperative agreements. This includes, but is not limited to, arrangement of airline tickets and visas, verification of Interns' receipt of per diem and housing, confirmation that training is proceeding according to the program outlined in the cooperative agreement, and monthly verification with the interns that training is satisfactory. Keep the Program Officers and Director advised of any problems, or questions, related to the cooperative agreement. Review and forward final internship reports and intern exit interviews to the Program Officers and Director for final review and approval. 21. Assist SABIT Program with success story collection, database updating, and alumni activities throughout the NIS as directed by the SABIT Director. This might include travel to the NIS. 22. Assist program staff with the grants process, including review of applications for completeness, identifying and coordinating evaluation panels, coordinating grant applications and monitoring training associated with grant recipients. 23. Perform other duties related to the standards, grants, or alumni programs as requested by the SABIT Director, such as speaking to groups, and updating documentation and forms. GOAL: To develop liberal trade and investment regime and integrate Russia into world economic organizations such as the WTO. Agency program: SABIT Standards program The Standards program, run cooperatively with the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), trains government officials who are responsible for laboratories and agencies that develop mandatory and voluntary product and measurement standards, test and certify goods, and accredit laboratories. The SABIT Program teaches Russian regulatory officials about the U.S. conformity assessment system in order to increase their confidence in the de-centralized U.S. system thereby expanding trade between Russian and U.S. companies. The standards program helps Russian officials better understand the international conformity assessment arena, eases their integration into the international market and enables them to better export Russian goods. Output Measure: Approximately 20 participants from Russia will take part in the Standards programs in 2004. Many Russian alumni will also take part in follow on training in Russia throughout the year. Near Term Performance Measure: Through interactive speaker presentations at NIST, SABIT Standards interns gain exposure to a variety of international trade and standards organizations including WTO, ILAC, ANSI, IEC, and ISO which leads to substantive dialogue and cooperation with these organizations. Intermediate Performance Measures: U.S. testing laboratories (i.e., Underwriters Laboratories) are expanding the number of Russian testing labs with which it has both formal and informal relationships. Russian standards and certification agencies are making progress in meeting the requirements necessary to accede to the WTO. Russian SABIT alumni, armed with knowledge of the U.S. system of standards and certification, work to simplify and make more transparent the standardization and certification requirements in their country. GOAL: To promote sustainable economic growth underpinned by broad based market reform. Agency Program: SABIT group training and individual internship programs. The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its SABIT program, supports Russia's economic growth by promoting market based reform at the grass roots level. U.S. companies demonstrate how they grow their businesses and how the U.S. economy and its institutions support private industry. Output Measure: Approximately 250 Russian managers and scientists will participate in the SABIT programs this fiscal year. Many Russian alumni will also take part in follow on training in Russia throughout the year. Near Term Performance Measures: SABIT alumni recommend and/or implement changes to company policies including moving to internationally accredited accounting standards, writing and implementing new business and strategic plans, and making personnel and structural changes. SABIT alumni increase the number of business partnerships and alliances formed. Intermediate Performance Measures: SABIT alumni grow their businesses, expand into new markets, increase exports and trade. SABIT alumni ease or assist U.S. companies with market access issues, such as customs clearance or certification problems. SABIT alumni become involved in the development and/or reform of financial structures including banking, leasing, accounting, insurance, mortgaging, and credit mechanisms.
- Place of Performance
- Address: 1401 Consitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC
- Zip Code: 20230
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20230
- Record
- SN00472548-W 20031121/031119211846 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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