MOD | R | USAID/Philippines: Senior Education Advisor

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF DECEMBER 11, 2003 FBO #0744
MODIFICATION

R -- USAID/Philippines: Senior Education Advisor

Notice Date: 12/8/2003
Notice Type: Modification
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Philippines USAID-Manila, Amer Emb/Manila USAID #8115, APO, AP, 96440
ZIP Code: 96440
Solicitation Number: RFP492-04-001
Response Due: 12/31/2003
Archive Date: 1/15/2004
Point of Contact: Ma. Belinda De La Torre, Contract Assistant, Phone 011-63-2-552-9927, Fax 011-63-2-551-9297, - Lordes Valones, Contracts Assistant, Phone 011-632-552-9921, Fax 011-632-552-9900,
E-Mail Address: mdela@usaid.gov, lvalones@usaid.gov
Description: SENIOR EDUCATION ADVISOR Issuance Date: October 17, 2003 Closing Date: November 17, 2003 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. (Manila Time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Gentlemen/Ladies: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Office in the Philippines, is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612??s) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Proposals, based on the information required in the attachment, shall be submitted at the date, time and place specified therein. Shortlisted offerors will be requested: (a) to be available for an interview, either in person or by telephone, (b) to provide names and contact information for at least three references; and (c) to provide one example of recent written work. Offerors must submit their completed OF-612 to Mabel Dela Torre who may be reached at Fax Nos. (632) 551-9297, (632) 552-9999 or (632) 552-9899, or by e-mail <mdela@usaid.gov>. The U.S. mailing address is: Office of Regional procurement PSC 502, Box 1 FPO AP 96515-1200. The local address is: Office of Regional Procurement USAID/Manila 8/F PNB Financial Center Roxas Boulevard 1308 Pasay City, Philippines. Offerors should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, William E. Reynolds Contracting Officer USAID/Philippines SOLICITATION NUMBER : 492-04-001 ISSUANCE DATE : October 17, 2003 CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS : December 31 2003 at 3:00 in the afternoon, Manila time. POSITION TITLE : Senior Education Advisor MARKET VALUE : GS-15 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : o/a March 15, 2004 to March 14, 2006 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : Manila, Philippines JOB DESCRIPTION : A. BACKGROUND The Philippines education system was once one of the best in all of Asia. However, the system has deteriorated drastically over the last generation in both quality and access. Key comparative advantages (including English language capability) are eroding. President Arroyo and education analysts have raised concern about the decline in English language competency and general academic performance among Philippines graduates. There is also recognition of the need for teacher training in all subject matter with particular emphasis on information and communications technology (ICT). The President, to address the decline in educational performance, has required that math and science return to English as the language of instruction. The situation is most acute in Mindanao and within the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in particular. The ARMM remains the poorest area of the Philippines and has correspondingly low social indicators. The quality of education is typically poor. Improved access to quality education is widely seen by the Filipino people as a means to a better life. It can play an important role in helping Filipinos become more effective players in the country's pluralistic and democratic state. Improved education will help level the playing field and reduce marginalization of poor populations to enable them to compete for employment opportunities and participate more fully in economic growth. USAID/Philippines new education program intends to improve access to, and the quality of, education. Efforts will focus particularly on reducing the differences between education opportunities in Mindanao, especially the ARMM and other conflict-affected areas, and the rest of the nation. The program also will address the special problems of out-of-work youth in the conflict-affected areas. It will help address systemic weaknesses, including corruption in the provision of goods and services. Activities will include: (1) expanding and improving community-based learning activities in both formal and non-formal education sectors; (2) enhancing capacity for teaching math, science and English; (3) improving education sector policies at the local and national levels; and (4) reintegrating out-of-school youth in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. USAID/Philippines will implement this program through local partners in collaboration with a U.S. Government (USG) interagency working group including the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Service (PAS) and the Peace Corps (PC), and other donors. USAID will also encourage U.S. and Philippine private sector groups involved in education through corporate social responsibility programs to play an important role by engaging in productive partnerships. USAID will also incorporate other efforts already underway. Under the Growth with Equity in Mindanao - 2 Program (GEM-2), USAID/Philippines has started activities in education in the ARMM that are already producing encouraging results. The supported programs aim to (a) increase community awareness of major education problems in the ARMM; (b) help various groups (i.e., parents?? groups, business organizations) improve schools; (c) build the educational planning and analysis capacity of the ARMM Department of Education; (d) improve the English language skills of both school children and the general public; (e) increase computer literacy and internet access in selected schools; and (f) provide selected interventions in key vocational institutions. GEM-2 is also supporting an internship program for some 15-20 recent graduates of ARMM colleges and universities who will spend some 4-6 months each working as interns in the Philippines House of Representatives. The Program aims to help the interns develop a greater understanding of the role of Congress in shaping the economic development of the Philippines, and thus play a key role in USAID??s attempts to improve both governance and education in the ARMM. The new education SO will incorporate these promising activities into the new programs, including possibly replicating successful interventions in other conflict-affected and/or disadvantaged areas of the Philippines. As part of the Education SO, USAID/Philippines also recently signed an agreement with the Peace Corps for a Pilot Education Assistance Program. The Program, which will benefit the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, is designed to enhance the capacity of Mindanao??s public school teachers, instructional staff and student teachers. The program will provide training for them in English education, Internet and Communication Technologies (ICT) and content-based instruction methodologies and techniques in Math, Science, Health and Environment to enhance their lesson-planning and classroom skills. Development of activities under the new education strategy will require extensive collaborative analyses and planning, creativity and innovation, discussions and negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), the ARMM government, as well as with the other major donors in education, given USAID??s newer substantive involvement in this sector. The emphasis on public-private sector partnerships also requires significant similar engagement with local and international corporate philanthropic organizations, and NGOs. B. STATEMENT OF WORK The Senior Education Advisor will serve as the senior technical and policy advisor, as well as Team Leader for the USAID/Philippines Education Sector programs and projects to be designed and implemented under the new, recently approved Mission six-year SO. USAID expects to support a combination of financing arrangements for these activities, e.g., bilateral grant with the GRP or the ARMM, direct umbrella arrangements, grants/cooperative agreements to international organizations, corporate foundations and NGOs, direct contacts, as well as to rely on global field support arrangements where relevant and practicable. The specific duties and responsibilities of the Senior Education Advisor shall be: 1. Technical and Policy Advisor to the Mission for the Education Program ?? Advise USAID and other USG officials of trends and constraints (e.g., financing, political will and administrative capacity) and provide technical recommendations on opportunities that can promote the education sector agenda in the Philippines, with special attention to the conflict affected areas. ?? Lead in planning/design, negotiation, management, monitoring and evaluation of education program activities (and any related technical/vocational training and higher education initiatives). The scope of this advice includes issues related to quality as well as access. ?? Carry-out and support policy dialogue on issues such as financing and quality with GRP (central and local) and ARMM officials, donors and corporate and other nongovernmental organizations in consultation with Mission staff. ?? Prepare technical and other reports and draft speeches, concept papers, position papers, talking points and briefs for the Mission Director, other senior USAID officials and the Ambassador on education sector issues. ?? Draft or oversee the drafting of project scopes of work and program descriptions to compete and award acquisition and/or assistance instruments to implement technical programs in the areas highlighted above. 2. Program Management and Oversight ?? Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team as well as to partner implementing organizations in achieving the education SO to ensure that planned development results are achieved in a highly efficient, timely manner, consistent with USAID regulations and policies. ?? Supervise the education sector team and two FSN Education Officers (one for education policy, systems and programs, and the other for education finance and collaboration) in monitoring of program and project implementation activities. ?? Provide policy and operational guidance to contractors and grantees. ?? Review, critique and approve annual work plans and related financial documentation for compliance with USAID requirements. ?? Identify and work with contractors/grantees and GRP and ARMM counterparts to resolve issues affecting the achievement of results. ?? Supervise the development of data collection systems for monitoring of program/project impacts. ?? Review and supervise preparation of requisite USAID documents, e.g., semi-annual and annual program performance reports. ?? Provide substantive input in establishing performance monitoring systems for results frameworks. ?? Perform or supervise the conduct of program evaluations and assessments. 3. Coordination ?? Ensure effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with those of other donors working with the GRP and the ARMM. ?? Promote convergence and expansion of effective strategies and approaches that can expand coverage and quality of education services (including those being promoted through the use of information and communication technologies) especially for vulnerable populations (poor/females/out-of-school youths) particularly in the conflict affected areas. ?? Develop, nurture and sustain close collaborative, professional relationships with senior (secretary-level) GRP central and local level officials, ARMM officials, other major donors like the World Bank, ADB, the Japanese and AUSAID, corporate philanthropic foundations (in the US and in Philippines), international organizations and leading education research institutions. ?? Enlist support from other donors, senior government officials, business sector leaders and non-government organizations for policy changes that will overcome program implementation issues or facilitate replication of positive program results. ?? Carryout and support policy dialogue with senior GRP and ARMM officials and other bilateral and/or multilateral donor officials in consultation with the USDH Deputy Mission Director and the USAID/Philippines Mission Director. ?? Develop and maintain a collaborative, professional relationship with the U.S. Ambassador, senior members of the broader US Mission team, senior GRP and ARMM officials at both the national and local levels, representatives of the U.S. Peace Corps, U.S. Department of Labor, and other donor and corporate organizations supporting human development programs in the Philippines and with USAID-funded implementing partners. ?? Represent USAID at donor and other international forums on education issues. C. RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Education Advisor will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the USDH-FEOC Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Philippines. The Deputy Mission Director will review and approve the Advisor??s work plan and performance measures. Supervision will be generally confined to weekly staff meetings and informal daily and/or weekly consultations. In carrying out specific assignments, the Advisor will consult and work closely with the U.S. Ambassador, senior representatives from the GRP, the Government of ARMM, international donor organizations, local and international corporate philanthropic organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Advisor will also work closely with senior USG officials ?V USAID, Department of State, Peace Corps and Department of Labor, and the other SO teams of USAID/Philippines. The Advisor is expected to work independently with limited guidance, to take initiative, to supervise and direct professional staff. He/she will serve as Team Leader of the Education SO Team which will include members from different technical and support offices in the Mission, as well as other USG agencies and implementing partners who will implement the full range of the SO??s activities over a six-year period. The incumbent will also serve as USAID/Philippines?? senior technical, policy and partnerships Advisor for education. D. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: This is a senior level position. The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications. 1. Education and Technical Knowledge ?? At least a Masters degree (a Ph.D. is strongly preferred) in the field of Education, or closely related fields. ?? Specialized training or education in strategic approaches to addressing education issues and approaches including quality concerns, programs in conflict affected areas and/or multicultural environments, financing, decentralization/community participation, expanded access of poor families to education, information communication, gender-based programs, technology and distance learning is highly desirable. 2. Prior Work Experience ?? Ten (10) years of experience designing and implementing education programs is preferred, of which a minimum of five (5) years should have been spent residing and working outside the U.S. in the design, implementation and negotiation of education programs in developing countries. ?? Proven ability to identify, promote and apply new, cutting-edge concepts of education appropriate in developing country environments. ?? Demonstrated creativity and innovation in applying formal training, best practices and experience to new situations. ?? Demonstrated strong program management, problem solving and analytical skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment. 3. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills ?? Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners, as well as to engage in policy dialogue on program planning and support with senior government officials and assure strong program coordination with other partners. ?? Ability to lead and to work effectively in a multifunctional/multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters is a must. ?? Proven ability to establish and sustain effective working relations at the highest levels of government and the corporate sector. 4. Supervisory Skills ?? Strong supervisory and mentoring skills are required to directly supervise at least two (2) fulltime FSN professional Education Officers. 5. Language and Communication Skills ?? Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including in preparation of technical reports. ?? Demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. ?? Ability to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG officials, other donors and, most importantly, to the GRP, the ARMM and corporate organizations. ?? Effective computer skills particularly in MS Word. This position is open to U. S. citizens. The selected candidate must be able to obtain both security and medical clearances. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain U.S. Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. The selected candidate must be willing to travel extensively in the Philippines, particularly to the conflict-affected areas. E. EVALUATION CRITERIA 1. Education and technical knowledge 25 points of which Formal Education gets 5 points and Specialized Training gets 20 points. 2. Prior work experience 45 points 3. Teamwork and interpersonal skills 15 points 4. Supervisory skills 5 points 5. Language and communications skills 10 points Total 100 points F. TERM OF THE POSITION: The term of the contract shall be for an estimated 24 months, subject to extension depending on performance. G. COMPENSATION: The position is classified at the GS-15 ($85,140 - $110,682) level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history. H. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following: 1. Benefits a. Employee??s FICA contribution b. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance c. Pay Comparability Adjustment d. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable) e. Eligibility for Worker??s Compensation f. Annual and Sick Leave 2. Allowances (if applicable)* a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c. Post Allowance (Section 200) d. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) f. Education Allowance (Section 270) g. Post Differential (Chapter 500) h. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) i. Danger Pay (Section 650)* I. ACQUISITION/ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs)/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 03-05 Revised Requirements for Posting of Federal Acquisition & Assistnace (A&A) Opportunities 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process ?V Personal Services Contracts (??PSCs??) with U.S. Citizens 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-05 Personal Services Contract (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for PSCs 99-22 PSC Policy 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-19 Home Leave Under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for U.S. PSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for US PSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs. 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 97-20 Requirement for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for other Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less. 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) ?V Leave 94-09 Sunday pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately-Owned Vehicles. I. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Optional Form 612** Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)*** Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86)*** or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)*** Finger Print Card (FD-258)*** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** Available from the following website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html *** These forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (08-DEC-2003). IT ACTUALLY APPEARED OR REAPPEARED ON THE FEDBIZOPPS SYSTEM ON 09-DEC-2003. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
Place of Performance: Address: USAID/Philippines, 8/F PNB Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; Zip Code: 1308; Country: Philippines
Record: SN00484291-W 20031211/031209212604 (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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R -- USAID/Philippines: Senior Education Advisor