SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- SENIOR COMPETITIVENESS ADVISOR
- Notice Date
- 4/28/2004
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 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
- M-OP-04-1108
- Response Due
- 5/12/2004
- Point of Contact
- Jonathan Palmer, Procurement Analyst, Phone 202-712-5844, Fax 202-216-3052, - Cherie Hunter, Negotiator, Phone 202-712-5006, Fax 202-216-3052,
- E-Mail Address
-
jpalmer@usaid.gov, chunter@usaid.gov
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OP-04-1108 ISSUANCE DATE: April 28, 2004 CLOSING DATE: May 12, 2004 SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personnel Service Contractor (PSC) for Senior Competitiveness Advisor (GS 15 equivalent) in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT) in Washington, D.C. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) of qualified individuals from U.S. Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) for Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT). The general duties are to assist in the design, implementation and monitoring of competitiveness initiatives in the countries of the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Region. - as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Application forms, U.S. Government Standard Form (SF) 171 or Optional Form (OP) 612, can be located at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicitation/forms.html Send one set of U.S. Government SF 171 or OP 612 only; any additional documentation other than these forms will not be accepted (i.e. resumes, CV's, and lists). Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms should be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed)to: Mr. Jonathan Palmer U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Procurement, M/OP/HRAM/AFM RRB, Room 7.10-024 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20523-7100 Any questions should be directed to Mr. Palmer who may be reached by fax (202) 216-3052 or email at jpalmer@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their applications. Sincerely, Sheila Bumpass Contracting Officer SENIOR COMPETITIVENESS ADVISOR ARTICLE I - STATEMENT OF DUTIES A. Background Competitiveness theory and competitiveness initiatives are not new. For at least the last decade, governments, industry representatives and research institutions have collaborated to develop productive linkages among enterprises within an industry sector, or ?cluster?. At a recent conference, The Competitiveness Institute (TCI) presented summary data on experiences and lessons learned from over 260 competitiveness initiatives. Although largely limited to the developed world economies, industrial clusters and cluster initiatives have become integral to regional and national economic development plans. What is new is the application of competitiveness theory and cluster initiatives in development, specifically in building economic clusters in transitioning and developing economies. Although a few transition economies were represented in TCI data, developing countries were glaringly underrepresented. In a 2002 presentation to USAID staff, Dr. Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School outlined the competitiveness challenges faced by developing countries. Among these are: unstable macroeconomic environments; unsophisticated local demand; small local markets with heavy price sensitivity; strong government intervention in competition; focus on low-skill, low cost labor; and weak supporting industries. Porter stressed that despite these challenges, developing countries have the potential to utilize competitiveness theory to their advantage. Since the early ?80s when the Agency placed greater emphasis on private sector development as an economic driver, many USAID programs have stressed increasing competitiveness and productivity of private sector firms. Dr. Porter?s work provided a framework that allowed USAID to organize its competitiveness efforts and approach competitiveness in a more systematic, participatory manner. As the recognized leader supporting competitiveness in developing countries, USAID has already invested $57 million in 26 initiatives worldwide. USAID has taken a proactive role in integrating competitiveness theory and application into economic growth activities within the Agency. In 2002, the EGAT Bureau hired the Mitchell Group to conduct an overview study of competitiveness in transitioning and developing countries. Additionally, through its on-going competitiveness initiatives, USAID and its partners will contribute to the knowledge base by determining which aspects of competitiveness theory are applicable in differing development contexts, and how cluster approaches need to be modified to be more effective in developing and transitioning economies. B. Objective The Senior Competitiveness Advisor will provide guidance on the strategy development, design, implementation, coordination, and supervision of USAID-financed competitiveness initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union. C. General Duties This scope of work (SOW) defines the general duties of a personal services contractor (PSC, or the "Contractor") to provide technical expertise to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT). The general duties are to assist in the design, implementation and monitoring of competitiveness initiatives in the countries of the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Region. This PSC will bring project conceptualization and design skills to bear on these priority programs which are outside the scope of E&E/EG staff and are not otherwise available within the Agency. The Contractor will be based in Washington, D.C., will be incorporated into the staff of the Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade Office for Economic Growth, but will work exclusively on E&E matters. The PSC will formally report to the Chief of EGAT/EG/EDFM. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The general scope of activities of the Contractor will be to provide overall intellectual and technical guidance to help design, implement and monitor the Region?s Competitiveness programs. Specific tasks will cover, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Advisor. Advise E&E personnel on issues related to economic growth and competitiveness in the Region. In collaboration with EGAT and Mission personnel, formulate a program of research and analysis, of strategy and activity development, and of field support that improves the Region?s ability to resolve problems encountered as countries and industry clusters seek to participate in global markets and improve their competitiveness. Participate in design and review of country program strategies, evaluations, and activities to ensure that private sector, business development and other development activities take into account the experience of the Agency with regard to activities improving the competitiveness of business across the Region. Periodically conduct (or initiate) evaluations of specific competitiveness programs with the intent of identifying regional patterns and concerns as well as the best practices in the Region. 2. Network and alliance builder. Carry out an initial and ongoing informal quarterly assessment of activities aimed at changing the micro economic constraints to competitiveness and improving the competitiveness of individual firms and industry clusters. These assessments will focus principally, but not exclusively, on USAID supported activities. This work will involve regular travel to the region to work with stakeholders in these activities/programs and is aimed at 1) building a collaborative network among the most effective practitioners in the region and linking that network with the best practitioners in other regions and 2) developing cluster linkages across borders in both the input and product markets. 4. Advocate. Articulate the critical role that improving the competitiveness of firms and industry clusters can play in supporting economic growth and increasing the welfare of the Region?s populations. Regularly track the impact of mission and bureau competitiveness activities. Assure that Bureau documents are technically sound and persuasive. 5. Manager. Assist the Division Chief (E&E/EG/MT) and Office Director (E&E/EG) in managing funds and contract and assistance agreements on for building competitiveness in/among industry ?clusters? in the Region. Provide other technical services and support as they may request or require. ARTICLE II. Terms of Performance A. Length of Contract, Place of Work, Period of Service The Contractor shall perform the preceding services for a period of two years, renewable at the discretion of the Agency. The Contractor will perform the preceding services during the period from (pending) to on or about (pending). Within (pending ) days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed, under the direction of the Project Officer, in accordance with his required performance of the duties as specified in Article I. Level of effort is full-time (40 hours per week). The Contractor will be based in Washington, D.C. and will have office space provided in a USAID-leased facility. Therefore, a security clearance and building pass will be required. B. Relationships and Responsibilities The employee will carry out his duties under the direction of the Enterprise Development and Financial Markets Team Leader for EGAT/EG, who will make assignments and be responsible for overall supervision and evaluation of performance. The Contractor will work with his supervisor and the Division Chief, E&E/EG/MT, to develop annual work-plans, which will be the basis for evaluation of performance under the contract. The employee will be expected to work collaboratively with the staff in EGAT, E&E and the field mission to accomplish the above tasks. Performance will be evaluated in a fashion similar to the Foretign Service system, with an annual abbreviated Annual Evaluation Form (AEF) (excluding Section IV) completed and placed on file. ARTICLE III. SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND SELECTION CRITERIA A. Skills and Qualifications An ability to negotiate at the highest levels and provide assistance under sensitive political, economic and social demands of E&E countries with special attention to cultural awareness is imperative. 1. Applicants for this position are expected to hold a graduate degree in business administration, finance, economics, or related fields. 2. Because this position is a senior advisory position in a highly technical area, a specialized background is required. The qualified person must have at least seven years of hands-on business and business consulting experience at a senior level and must have significant experience in emerging or developing economies, preferably in the Europe and Eurasia region. 3. Applicants are expected to have a solid familiarity with cluster development and micro-economic reform in the United States, in the EU member states, and in the developing countries. This experience will have been gained as a practioner and/or academic. 4. Command of Building Competitiveness concepts, principles, products and modalities is required, as well as an understanding of the risks and opportunities of different developmental approaches to this work is required. 5. Knowledge of Russian, one of the core country languages in E&E, and practical, job related experience in the region is desirable. B. Selection Criteria The Senior Competitiveness Advisor GS 15 PSC selection criterion will be scored as follows: 1. 55 points: Competitiveness, trade and investment experience, 2. 10 points: E&E regional (CEE and/or NIS) and/or emerging/developing economies experience and education, 3. 10 points: International technical assistance experience including knowledge of effective donor competitiveness programs and 4. 25 points: Interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational and managerial skills. C. Basis of Evaluation - Two tier process Tier 1: applicants will be evaluated on the extent and quality of their experience, education, and accomplishments as they relate to this position as determined by selection criteria 1, 2 and 3 above based on your OF 612/SF 171 and resume for a maximum total score of 70 points. These factors are considered essential for successful job performance and will be used as the basis for determining the strongest technical candidates who will be short-listed for interviews. Those applicants deemed to be in the competitive range would be short-listed for interviews. Tier 2: those who meet these minimum qualification requirements will be further evaluated in an interview. Up to 30 points may be awarded for interpersonal, negotiation, organizational and managerial skills centered on: 1. Ability to deal with associates and representatives of foreign governments, congressional staff members, private sector and other government agencies. 2. Ability to effectively communicate analytical information in writing. 3. Ability to effectively communicate information orally. 4. Ability to plan, evaluates, and directs program activities as a team leader or member. 5. Ability to effectively manage stress of others and yourself.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Washington, D.C. and some limited international travel
- Zip Code: 20523
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20523
- Record
- SN00575114-W 20040430/040428221351 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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