Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 29, 2005 FBO #1341
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Mission Controller

Notice Date

7/27/2005
 

Notice Type

Solicitation Notice
 

NAICS

812990 — All Other Personal Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-6120
 

ZIP Code

20521-6120
 

Solicitation Number

388-05-003
 

Response Due

8/16/2005
 

Archive Date

8/31/2005
 

Description

MISSION CONTROLLER USAID/Bangladesh Solicitation Number: Bangladesh 388-05-003 Issuance Date: July 27, 2005 Closing Date: August 16, 2005 Closing Time: 1600 Hours Bangladesh Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Mission Controller, USAID/Bangladesh Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) from U.S. Citizens for a Mission Controller. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions concerning this Solicitation may be submitted in writing to Joseph T. McGee, Regional Contracting Officer, and Patrick J. Wilson, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh via Facsimile at (880-2) 881-5050 or via E-Mail at jmcgee@usaid.gov and pwilson@usaid.gov. All applications and the required documents should be submitted by Courier, Hand Delivery, Mail or Electronic Commerce, such as E-Mail or Fax to: USAID/Bangladesh American Embassy Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212 Bangladesh Attn: Joseph T. McGee E-Mail: jmcgee@usaid.gov Telephone Number: (880-2) 885-5500 Facsimile Number: (880-2) 881-5050; or (880-2) 882-3648 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their applications. Late applications shall not be accepted. USAID/Bangladesh reserves the right not to award any Contract as a result of this Solicitation. Sincerely, Joseph T. McGee Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-05-003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 16, 2005, 1600 Hours Local Time, Dhaka Bangladesh 4. POSITION TITLE: Mission Controller 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ?V $89,625 to $116,517; GS-15 equivalent level, the actual grade level and step within the grade level will be based on individual??s education, experience and prior salary history. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Year, Possible Extension(s) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dhaka, Bangladesh 8. START DATE: As soon as possible, after security and medical clearances are obtained 9. SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only 11. STATEMENT OF WORK/JOB DESCRIPTION: See Below A. BACKGROUND USAID/Bangladesh is soliciting applications from qualified Americans to serve as Mission Controller for USAID/Bangladesh for approximately one (1) year. The Foreign Service National (FSN) staff in the USAID/Bangladesh Office of Financial Management (OFM) is relatively new to USAID. Half of the staff has less than five (5) years?? experience and two (2) Senior FSNs have less than two (2) years experience with USAID. USAID/Bangladesh requires a Controller with the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure the proper functioning of the office while concurrently implementing an aggressive training program for the FSN staff. B. STATEMENT OF WORK The USPSC Controller will be responsible for the maintenance of accounting systems and financial management operations. S/he will be the focal point for all financial management including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, payments, audits, and financial advisory services to Mission management and staff. The Contractor shall be accountable to the USAID/Bangladesh Deputy Mission Director and shall lead and coordinate the financial management function of USAID/Bangladesh. The Contractor shall plan and organize the work in the Office of Financial Management (OFM), reviewing such work for the achievement of the overall objective. S/he shall evaluate the performance of the rest of the employees in the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in conformance with policy, regulations and procedures. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Serve as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices and procedures; be responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting system designed to provide Senior Mission Management with timely financial information for making operating and programmatic decisions; determine appropriate methods of financing for Mission programs and operations. 2) Direct the maintenance of comprehensive accounting systems; oversee the preparation of program assistance and operating expense budgets; supervise the voucher payment process; manage payroll and cash; and maintain a system for financial reporting of USAID programs; guide staff development and detailed training for all Office of Financial Management staff. 3) Manage the maintenance of the Mission Accounting and Control System (MACS) and Mission Accounting and Control Voucher Tracking System (MACSTRAX); manage the transition from MACS to Phoenix as the Agency??s new official accounting system, including assuring full participation of all OFM staff in Phoenix training offerings that data migration reviews are completed as required, vendor records are fully established and that Mission Management and other Offices are kept informed of key dates and impacts of the transition to the new system (with special attention given to assuring broad Mission understanding of the new accrued expenditure development process and the new financial reports to be used throughout the Mission as management tools). 4) Provide uniform guidance and procedures for financial management of all appropriated and non-appropriated funds available to USAID/Bangladesh, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets. 5) Supervise and direct the formulation of financial analysis activities and reviews of proposed projects and programs, including selection of program methods of financing in conjunction with Strategic Objective teams and host country officials; oversee operations to ensure effective use and accountability of all USAID-financed assistance. 6) Coordinate implementation of the Management Control & Review Committee (MCRC) Program and the Mission's annual internal control assessment in accordance with the Federal Managers?? Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA); identify the appropriate accountability units and operating environment within the Mission; conduct or lead in the assessment of risks, development of control techniques, review of management controls; and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. 7) Serve as the liaison with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG); serve as the focal point for audit activities, including identifying requirements and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from the IG, and identifying actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations, and assigning action for compliance and response; advise Mission Management on audit and inspection compliance and analysis, and alerts key officers concerned about any significant problems disclosed from analysis of individual reports; conduct financial reviews of proposed program recipients; and manage the financial audit program for host country recipient organizations. 8) Serve as a regular Member of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) working group; coordinate all ICASS issues with Mission Management, including the ICASS budget review; manage and resolve financial issues with U.S. Embassy and other U.S. Government agencies represented at post. 9) Serve as Mission's principal Authorized Certifying Officer; direct the review and payment of all types of invoices, billings and collections; analyze and reconcile accounts with those of the Disbursing Officer, including obtaining and using Government credit cards for specific payments; provide guidance to the Mission??s Alternate Certifying Officers. 10) Provide the Mission staff with assistance and advice relevant to USAID financial management regulations and procedures; take the lead in resolving method of payment, cash management, cost reasonableness and disbursement issues for programs. 11) Participate in the formulation and preparation of the annual operating expense budget and program budgets; analyze proposed forward funding and existing obligation pipelines; provide cost factors needed for budget formulation estimates; assure effective management and funds controls are applied over operating expense, program funds and host country trust funds for current year budgets and allowed funds. 12) Provide guidance in the proper administration of local currency trust funds. 13) In partnership with the Program Office, serve as a liaison with USAID??s primary host country counterpart, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in the Ministry of Finance. C. SUPERVISION The Mission Controller will be supervised by the Deputy Mission Director. D. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The Personal Services Contract (PSC) will be for one year, with possible extension(s). Extension(s) will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for services, and subject to availability of funds. E. QUALIFICATIONS 1) Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent level in accounting, finance or business administration, or its equivalent, i.e., a CPA certificate. 2) Prior Work Experience: Ten (10) years of progressively responsible work in a USAID Office of Financial Management/Controller Office, including the operating of MACS/MACSTRAX and automated disbursing systems through FSC or the U.S. Treasury. At least three (3) years experience, as USAID Controller, is desirable. Must exhibit a thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted practices of governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting. An understanding of how USAID programs are designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated is essential. 3) Language Proficiency: Excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing, are essential. Must have the ability to present analyses and recommendations in clear written and oral formats. 4) Knowledge: Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted procedures of U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is also required. Must have a thorough understanding of USAID activity planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations in general. Must have the ability to perform in a team and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID, Host Government, NGO and Contractor personnel. Ability to perform sophisticated analysis of management controls and capabilities of partner/beneficiary organizations is required. Must be skilled in the use of computer-based analytical programs and the USAID data management systems. The position requires a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID's financial management policies and regulations. 5) Skills and Abilities: A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required. Must be able to compile and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner. Must be capable of supervising FSN accountants and other staff such as accounting technicians, voucher examiners, cashiers, and of directing and coordinating the various elements of a complex accounting operation. Must be able to maintain effective working relations with American personnel in USAID and other U.S. Government agencies at post, host country officials, local banks, credit institutions, and local business organizations. Must have excellent interpersonal and training skills, and a genuine interest in developing the abilities of FSN staff in the Office. Excellent leadership skills are imperative. 6) Supervision Exercised over Others: The Office of Financial Management staff currently consists of ten (10) FSN Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) who will work under the supervision of the USPSC Controller. This position is open to U.S. citizens. The selected candidate is subject to security and medical clearances. Moreover, the selected candidate must be able to obtain U.S. Government Certifying Official authority. F. SELECTION CRITERIA Applications will be evaluated and scored utilizing the criteria below. The total possible is 100 points. a. Education: 15% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. b. Prior Work Experience: 45% The extent to which the applicant??s relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. c. Language Proficiency: 10% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required language ability as explained above. d. Knowledge: 30% The extent to which the applicant??s relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired knowledge as set forth above. e. Skills and Abilities: 30% The extent to which the applicant??s relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired skills and abilities as set forth above. Applicants seeking the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. G. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES The position is open to U.S. Citizens. The selected applicant must be able to obtain an Employment Authorization Security Clearance from USAID/IG/Security and appropriate Medical Clearance from State/MED. The selected applicant prior to departure for post must obtain these clearances. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. H. APPLICATION/INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Please send a completed and signed Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 and a Resume containing the following information: (1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code), e-mail address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); (2) Education: Colleges and universities attended, name city and state (Zip Code if known) majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); (3) Work Experience: Provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employers name and address, supervisor??s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; (4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job related skills; for example other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and license (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for examples, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested); (5) Applicants are required to provide three professional references with complete contact information including names, e-mail address and telephone numbers; (6) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the applicant is available for the position; (7) To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the Solicitation Number on your application, and the subject line in any cover letter. Failure to address the ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. USAID/Bangladesh reserves the right to interview top ranked applicants. I. BENEFITS AND APPLICABLE REGULATIONS As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS ? Employee??s FICA Contribution* ? Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance ? Pay Comparability Adjustment ? Annual Salary Merit Increase ? Eligibility for Worker??s Compensation ? Annual and Sick Leave ? Shipment and Storage of House Hold Effects (HHE) ? Shipment of Private Owned Vehicle (POV) ? Access to Embassy Medical Facilities, Commissary and Pouch Mail Services * If a U.S. Citizen, the Contractor??s salary will be subject to FICA and MEDICARE withholding. 2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable, as found in the Standardized Travel Regulations) ? Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) ? Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) ? Post Allowance (Section 220) ? Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) ? Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) ? Education Allowance (Section 270) ? Education Travel (Section 280) ? Post Differential (Chapter 500). USAID/Bangladesh has a Post Differential of 25% ? Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), ? Danger Pay (Section 650), and ? Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) J. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income Taxes. K. VARIOUS ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs)/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs, WHICH INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: This award will be made in accordance with regulations contained in AIDAR Appendix D, as modified by appropriate AAPDs and CIBs. These regulations can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html and http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf L. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 **2. Medical History and Examination for Foreign Services (Form DS 1843 or DS-1622) **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) NOTE: * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Forms outlined above can be found at: Internet - http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal Offices.
 

Place of Performance

Address: USAID/Bangladesh, American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka,

Zip Code: 1212

Country: Bangladesh
 

Record

SN00855487-W 20050729/050727211509 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

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

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