Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JUNE 08, 2005 FBO #1290
MODIFICATION

R -- Solicitation for Services, for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC), Senior Democracy & Governance Field Advisor (GS-14 Equivalent), US AID

Notice Date

6/6/2005
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

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-OAA-DCHA-DOFDA-05-1468
 

Response Due

7/7/2005
 

Archive Date

10/7/2005
 

Point of Contact

Kenneth Stein, Contract Specialist, Phone 202-712-5047, Fax 202-216-3132, - Kenneth Stein, Contract Specialist, Phone 202-712-5047, Fax 202-216-3132,
 

E-Mail Address

kstein@usaid.gov, kstein@usaid.gov
 

Description

The Synopsis was issued today without the attachment containing the Solicitation. Therefore, this Amendment is being issued to provide that attachment below; there are no other changes to the Synopsis: SOLICITATION #M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-05-1468 ISSUANCE DATE: June 6, 2005 CLOSING DATE: July 7, 2005 5:00 pm, local time SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR SERVICES, FOR US PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (USPSC), SENIOR DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE FIELD ADVISOR (GS 14 EQUIVALENT), IN SUPPORT OF THE DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE OFFICE, BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, US AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) Dear Sir or Madam: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612, plus technical narrative) from 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 Requirements listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on an evaluation per the Evaluation Factors for Award. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief narrative provided as an appendix to the SF-171 or OF-612, to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address these factors. The Standard Forms SF-171 or OS 612, can be located at: www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms Applicants are responsible for submitting their application, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing/due date and time specified in the solicitation, preferably by email to: kstein@usaid.gov. (Hardcopy by mail or hand-carried by courier, will be accepted by the closing/due date and time.) Otherwise, an application received after the closing date and time will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, 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 hardcopies of proposals in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Kenneth E. Stein, Contracting Officer U.S. Agency for International Development M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA, RM 7.09-134, RRB 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20523-7900 Telephone: 202-712-5047 e-mail: kstein@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 Mr. Kenneth E. Stein at phone number 202-712-5047. The guard will contact Mr. Stein to advise there is a package for pick-up at the 14th Street entrance. Packages should not be dropped off at the desk. Mr. Stein or his USAID Office of Acquisitions and Assistance designee should be contacted to accept the application from the courier. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all application materials and enclosures. Once received by USAID, submittals cannot be returned. 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, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. List of Forms for PSC Application: 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are 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). Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612 prior to award. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to the SF-171 or OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience, skills, abilities and/or education and training address each of the Scored Evaluation Factors listed below. 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. A prerequisite for employment is a completed background investigation that reflects one’s qualification for a Secret security clearance. A temporary clearance must be obtained through USAID, prior to award. If the temporary clearance cannot be obtained within a two (2) week period, USAID reserves the right to deny the applicant’s proposal from further consideration. 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). Acquisition and Assistance policy directives (AAPD) and Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) pertaining to PSCs contain information on USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts, and may be found at the following web site: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc At the discretion of the Government, the highest ranking applicant(s) may be selected for an interview, reference checks and/or submission of supplemental information, but these are not always necessary. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Sincerely, Kenneth E. Stein Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-05-1468 ISSUANCE DATE: June 6, 2005 DUE DATE/CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 7, 2005, 5:00 pm (17:00 Local time, Washington, D.C.) POSITION TITLE: Senior Democracy and Governance Field Advisor MARKET VALUE: $88,369 - $114,882 per 2005 Federal cost of living adjustment PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) Year base period, with up to three (3) additional Option Years (maximum of five years) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. and overseas as directed SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only I. STATEMENT OF WORK INTRODUCTION The Office of Democracy and Governance (DCHA/DG) is one of the larger offices of the Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Bureau (DCHA/DG). DCHA/DG has a staff of 73 including direct hires and others. It is the successor office of the Center for Democracy and Governance that was created in 1994 to provide technical support and guidance to USAID, especially to field missions. DCHA/DG also has an important directive, as did the old Center, to train and strengthen the Agency’s cadre of democracy officers. The Office is also charged with managing three congressionally mandated funds grouped together under the rubric of Special Programs to Address the Needs of Survivors (SPANS). The DG Office consists of: Rule of Law, Elections and Political Processes; Civil Society; and Governance Division - a Strategies Division; a Program and Information Team, and a SPANS team. The Strategies Division coordinates the DG Office’s backstopping of field missions and regional bureaus, and works with these operating units to improve the quality of their democratic governance activities. The Program Division also reviews democracy and governance programs to learn from past experiences with a view to improving the Agency’s know-how in program design and implementation. The subject position will likely start within, but not necessarily be limited to, a new, crisis stabilization unit; responsibilities will be geographically “world-wide,” varied and dynamic, to reflect changing circumstances facing USAID, the DG office, as well as any changing composition of the team. As a technical office in a pillar bureau, DCHA/DG has also been given the task of being prepared to respond quickly to the failure of governance in weak states such as the collapse of the state in Afghanistan and Iraq. In such situations, technical assistance by DCHA/DG for the timely and punctuated interventions is critical. By definition a failed state is one without governance. For this reason the DG Office, plans to hire one U.S. citizen personal services contractor (USPSC) to be available to deploy to provide fast and flexible assistance targeted at the restoration or establishment of democratic governance. The deployment will be to the affected country and can last from several weeks to as long as one year. When not deployed the PSC's will be integrated into the regular DCHA/DG staff and will work under the direction of the division or team leader/Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) to which they are assigned by the DG Office Director. For more information about DCHA/DG and its activities, please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/democracy_and_governance. DECISION MAKING--DCHA/DG requires a Senior DG Field Advisor that is considered an expert that has been consulted by other experts and who can perform under general administrative discretion with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility; and has formal decision making authority in broad area of democratic governance activities. The position demands mastery of specialization but assignments are complicated by interconnected issues, multi-disciplinary approaches, conflicts among possible technical solutions, etc. Assignments reflect wide program area; projects range from regional to national impacting the area that an individual with high level managerial and operational skills, and is available to be sent out quickly to perform specific advisory and supervisory functions in the field. As with other DCHA/DG technical staff, the advisor will do occasional TDYs to USAID field missions. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Director/Deputy Director or his/her designee in the Office of Democracy and Governance in the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA/DG) or his/her designee. The incumbent is expected to carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure that effective technical leadership is provided. The incumbent receives minimal day-to-day technical or policy decision making. When reviewed, completed work is evaluated for adherence to policy and to ensure that broad objectives are met. The Senior DG Field Advisor would be responsible for assessing the feasibility of the country as a potential candidate for a democratic governance program. Conceptualize and design the country DG program, in coordination with the USAID officer in charge. Communicate with USAID and the US Embassy officials to implement program and policy direction to grantees and contractors, assess the status of micro-projects and report on all coordination activities and command structures, including the effectiveness of each site's operations. Review and monitor the plans and activities of any DG grantee or contractor and ensure coordination of DG programs with USAID mission and other international organizations, provide technical assistance to ongoing evaluations of DG programs in the field. Serve as a liaison with other DCHA offices, other USAID divisions and the State Department to ensure program and policy direction. Within the guidelines provided by the USAID officer in charge, negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts, implement and manage the assigned country program, including assessing project sites and selecting contractor and grantees, in close collaboration with the DG Office and USAID officer in charge, develop democratic governance strategies and policies for the country. While serving in the DCHA Bureau, the incumbent is funded by the Democracy and Governance office which is the principal client for the contractor’s services. In addition to providing support to field missions, the contractor is also expected to assist the DG office. The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information with a significant emphasis on fragile states and crisis stabilization, as well as performing other duties as assigned. 1. Knowledge Required by the Position • Mastery of a professional or administrative field to: Apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to accepted analytical methods; make decisions or recommendations that significantly change important public policies or scientific frameworks. • Significant work experience-derived knowledge, so as to be an acknowledged expert in Democracy and Governance subjects, issues and activities, including the conceptualization, design and management of democratic governance programs. At least eight (8) years of such professional and project management experience on Democracy and Governance subjects and issues is required, specific to, USG foreign affairs agencies, American Embassies or related environments such as large international organizations, or a combination thereof. At least five (5) years of this experience should be at a supervisory, team leader or senior staff level. In addition, the PSC must hold a graduate Degree in International Development, social sciences or equivalent, with substantial study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of democracy and governance (as distinguished from general education). • U.S. citizenship and ability to receive a U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level, and a medical clearance are required in accordance with USAID hiring policy. • The ability to obtain a medical clearance for any extensive overseas travel (Since this medical clearance may be obtained post-award, the contract may be terminated for default, with no severance pay or any other reimbursement.) 2. Supervisory Controls Under the general supervision of the Office Director and/or Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO), the incumbent independently determines program goals, establishes priorities. PSC independently plans, designs and carries out project studies, and programs, results of the work are considered technically authoritative. However, communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision of the agency must be cleared by a USDH employee. 3. Guidelines Subject to CTO technical direction, Guidelines may be broadly stated and non-specific, presenting options and approaches rather than blueprints. The incumbent must be able to assess alternatives and interpret the guidelines accordingly. 4. Complexity Duties are significantly varied and require many different unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of analysis Decisions that must be made involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation and evaluating processes There are continuing changes in geographic emphasis, program requirements, technological developments, unknown phenomena, or continuing requirements The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information with a significant emphasis on fragile states and crisis stabilization. 5. Scope and Effect The work involves advising on design and implementation of a wide - ranging portfolio of interventions with varying democracy and governance characteristics and levels of development. The Senior DG Field Advisor is recognized as an expert to the experts and his/her work affects the work of other experts. Providing effective program/project strategies for the range of country establishes the basis for self-sustaining activities in the recipient regions, thereby positively affecting the living conditions and well-being. 6. Personal Contacts Incumbent maintains close contact with and meets regularly with senior officials of USAID/W, and officials of other USG agencies. Works also with top officials of influential private non-governmental organizations, U.S. media groups, U.S. Universities, donor groups, public interest groups and foundations concerned with supporting democratic institutions, policies and procedures. Also meets regularly with high-level host government officials, including ambassadors and ministers. 7. Purpose of Contacts Purpose of contact is to influence, motivate, control or direct people or groups to reach a consensus on the resolution of issues at high levels, both inside and outside the Agency; negotiate and secure authorization for assistance programs; determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of USAID’s assistance in the Missions; develop complimentary among donors in assistance efforts,; provide guidance on program design and implementation and provide briefings on the status of programs. II. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to the OF-612 or SF-171 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training support these factors. This narrative should separately address each of the Scored Evaluation Factors provided under B, below. A. Minimum Requirements 1. Education equivalent to the graduate or higher degree in International Development, social sciences or equivalent, with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of democracy and governance, as distinguished from general education. 2. At least eight (8) years of professional and project management experience on Democracy and Governance subjects, issues and activities, in support of USG foreign affairs agencies, American Embassies and/or large international organizations, of which at least five (5) years must be at a supervisory, team leader or senior staff level. 3. US Citizenship. 4. A USAID security clearance at the Secret level, and building pass are required. A temporary clearance must be obtained through USAID, prior to award. If the temporary clearance cannot be obtained within a two (2) week period, USAID reserves the right to deny the applicant’s proposal from further consideration. Thereafter, the US PSC contractor may be allowed to commence work prior to the completion of the subsequent Security clearance process. However, upon the date the Advisor is determined to be unable to obtain the required Security clearance, this Contract will be immediately terminated for default, with no severance pay or any other reimbursement allowed. 5. A medical clearance may also be required. USAID reserves the right to deny an applicant’s proposal from further consideration, if the applicant has health considerations that the USG decides may impact the clearance. Since the medical clearance may be obtained post-award, the contract may be terminated for default, with no severance pay or any other reimbursement in the event such clearance is not approved. B. SCORED EVALUATION FACTORS • 35 Points – Experience working and communicating as an acknowledged expert on Democracy and Governance subjects, issues and activities, with US Foreign Affairs agencies, American Embassies, or related environments such as large international organizations. Experience operating independently in complex political or emergency situations in pre/post-conflict countries or countries undergoing political transitions. • 30 Points - Experience designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating Democracy and Governance, and international development activities. • 20 Points - Interpersonal skills, demonstrating an ability to communicate and represent DCHA/DG, promoting and advocating its values and ethos to key partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries both within and without the USG, and from all walks of life, and in varying geographic and political environments overseas. • 10 Points – Writing experience and abilities. • 5 Points - Reading, writing and speaking fluency in any foreign language. C. SUPPLEMENTAL REVIEWS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Interviews, reference contacts, writing samples and/or other supplemental information may be required at the discretion of the Government. III. MARKET VALUE/CONTRACTOR’S COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT The position is the equivalent of a GS-14. If the selected candidate resides in locality pay area of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the salary range is $88,369 to $114,882. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. This position is equivalent to a GS-14. Final compensation will be based upon the individual's salary, work history and education background, and payable in U.S. Dollars plus certain benefits/allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: A. Benefits: (1) Employer's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave (only earned for actual work days) 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. a. DURATION OF CONTRACT The duration of this contract will be for 24 months with up to three (3), twelve (12) month, Option Years. NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO WWW.FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (06-JUN-2005); HOWEVER, IT DID APPEAR IN THE FEDBIZOPPS FTP FEED ON THIS DATE. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
 

Web Link

Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.eps.gov/spg/AID/OP/WashingtonDC/M-OAA-DCHA-DOFDA-05-1468/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: US Agency for Internaional Development Ronald Reagan Building M/DCHA/DG 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC

Zip Code: 20523

Country: USA
 

Record

SN00823809-F 20050608/050606212955 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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