MODIFICATION
R -- Economic Development and Trade Advisor
- Notice Date
- 9/1/2005
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank, Amer Emb/Tel Aviv Unit #7228, APO, AE, 09892-0206
- ZIP Code
- 09892-0206
- Solicitation Number
- 294-2005-030
- Response Due
- 9/30/2005
- Archive Date
- 10/15/2005
- Point of Contact
- Hourig DelDelian, Acquisition Specialist, Phone 97235114821, Fax 97235114893,
- E-Mail Address
-
hdeldelian@usaid.gov
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2005-030 ISSUANCE DATE: September 1, 2005 CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2005 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Economic Development and Trade Advisor (2 Years) –Renewable The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)West Bank & Gaza, is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. 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 Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612. Any questions as well as submission of the applications and the required documents are response to this solicitation must be directed to: Ms. Hourig DelDelian Senior Acquisition Specialist USAID 25 Hamered Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Dale Lewis Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2005-030 ISSUANCE DATE: September 1, 2005 CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2005 POSITION TITLE: Economic Development and Trade Advisor – Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($76,193 - $99,053) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv, Israel – USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC will be for a period of 2 years - renewable. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. citizen MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $76,193 - $99,053. In addition, the Mission has 10% Post Differential allowance and 20% Danger Pay. The salary will be determined based on the individual’s salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171 or Standard Form 612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described below. This is a diverse and politically sensitive program and is one of the few USAID Missions worldwide without a bi-lateral agreement with a host government. The USAID program for the West Bank and Gaza is a central element of the U.S. government's role in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. The program supports U.S. interests in promoting regional stability, economic prosperity and adherence to democratic principles. The last four years of conflict and closures have resulted in significant decline in exports, investment, production, and employment. Current restrictions on movement of people and goods continue to cripple the economy by increasing transaction costs tenfold. These restrictions negatively impact the productive capacity of Palestinian producers and their capacity to increase income and employment. In addition, the Palestinian Authority continues to be administratively, managerially, and technically weak in the areas of financial and economic management of the economy. USAID is working to improve this situation. The United States Agency for International Development for West Bank and Gaza (USAID/WBG) is contracting for one or more technical assistance projects to increase Palestinian trade both with Israel and the rest of the world, as well as to improve the economic management capability of the Palestinian Authority. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: This position is located in the Private Enterprise Office (PEO), Strategic Objectives No. Ten (SO10), USAID/West Bank & Gaza, Tel Aviv. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the principal advisor to the SO10 team and to the Mission more generally on economic policy and private sector development, S/he will also serve as Contracting Technical Officer (CTO) for one or more technical assistance projects dealing with trade facilitation, improved public sector economic management, and small enterprise development. The position will require application of high level expertise and extensive experience in economics, trade development, export promotion, and related competitiveness building in the private sector DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The USPSC advisor will serve as a point of contact for the SO on all issues related to the economic policy and private sector development projects assigned. The PSC will serve as a liaison for other donor activities on these projects and will serve as CTO in implementing project activities in West Bank and Gaza. S/he will provide technical advice to the Mission and to the highest levels of the PA leadership on enterprise, economic, and trade development strategy and action plans. Specifically, the incumbent will be engaged in: 1) Program Planning, Activity Management and Implementation 50% 1) Provide leadership and technical support to SO Team on economic management, enterprise development, and trade promotion issues for the Palestinian territories, as follows: a. Serve as principle Economic Development and Trade Advisor to the SO Team and Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO), as appointed. Participate in the development and implementation of economic management, enterprise development, and trade promotion activities and procurements in the West Bank and Gaza. Responsibilities also include: writing terms of reference for USAID contracts, reviewing contractor proposals, participating as technical advisor in contract negotiations, providing technical guidance/oversight of work carried out by contractors, and periodic evaluation of contractor performance. b. Keep senior Mission management informed of trends and significant developments which may affect the USAID program in areas of responsibility, explaining policy and programmatic implications of complex technical issues, and recommending appropriate courses of action, explaining the programmatic implications of alternatives. Draft reports on assigned areas of responsibility, presenting high-level analysis, interpretation of trends and recommendations. c. Draft and review scopes of work, work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and other pertinent documentation required for design, development and implementation of highly complex and potentially contentious economic management and private sector development activities and develop monitoring and evaluation systems to determine effectiveness of implementation. d. Based on extensive experience with highly complex economic policy and private sector development projects, conduct assessment of activity performance and impacts, monitor implementation and intervene, as necessary, to ensure that appropriate methodologies are employed. Fully document and verify that records are maintained to guide implementation decisions and assess contractors’ performance. e. Interpret and communicate USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures and documents to the most senior-level officials in the Palestinian private and public sectors as required for the implementation of activities for which the incumbent is responsible. Respond to requests for assistance on technical issues in order to elicit maximum Palestinian counterpart support and cooperation for USAID initiatives. f. Establish relationships with USAID/Washington’s Asia and Near East and Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT) Bureau staff and with Missions in the region, to ensure collaborative efforts to identify and develop implementation mechanisms, funding sources and strategic options. g. Develop and maintain substantive contacts at the most senior levels of the Palestinian Authority (PA), other donors, at the senior representative level, participating institutions and other stakeholder organizations. Conduct liaison on sensitive and highly complex technical project management matters, assess Palestinian needs and identify options for USAID assistance. Such options should build on analyses conducted to date, but should also consider all potential interventions to enhance the economic performance and market access of businesses located in the West Bank and Gaza. 2) Private Sector Support Coordination 30% a. Provide sophisticated and high-level technical leadership and engage senior private sector leaders and institutions (PALTRADE, Palestinian Federation of Industries (PFI), Chambers of Commerce and others) in structuring trade and enterprise development activities in the West Bank and Gaza. b. In coordination with PALTRADE and the private sector organize trade and investment conferences and missions to other countries, making high level contacts as necessary. c. Work closely with Palestinian Ministries of Finance, Economy, and Agriculture, including at the very highest levels, and with the leadership of private sector organizations on trade and investment promotion strategies, Paris Protocol, and Free Trade Agreements that Palestinian Authority has entered into with other countries. d. As a recognized technical expert prepare detailed analysis of economic management reform, enterprise development, and trade development issues facing Palestinian Authority (PA), translating complex and high-level analysis into terms understandable by knowledgeable laypersons and explicating the policy and programmatic implications. Write papers as needed on business environment reform topics, success stories, and articulate USAID views and positions on business environment and trade policy reform as it relates to private sector development. As a senior professional, represent USAID in conferences, seminars, and other venues both in the U.S. and elsewhere. d. Assist other Mission CTOs on particularly difficult or complex economic management, enterprise development, and trade related issues. 3) External Relations 10% To ensure achievement of results, serve as coordinator between USAID/WBG, relevant Palestinian Ministries, including at the level the Minister, Palestinian private sector, development partners, stakeholders, and customers. Establish and maintain an effective liaison with top political, trade and investment policy makers. Also develop and maintain effective working relationship with officials in other U.S. government agencies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the EU, at the level of the senior representative, and other regional entities and bilateral aid agencies on matters involving enterprise development, economic management, and trade promotion activities in the West Bank and Gaza. 4) Other Duties 10% Perform all other duties necessary for the achievement of the results under SO10, as required. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION: The contractor will report to the Supervisory Private Enterprise Officer who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Contractor's work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines. In carrying out specific assignments, the contractor will work closely with other SO Teams. As CTO, the Contractor will have the supervisory responsibilities of a large team of contractors/grantees. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION FACTORS: Education: A Ph.D. in Economics with specialization in international trade and economic development is highly desirable. A Master’s degree in Economics or Business Administration, with emphasis in international trade and economic development, is a minimum requirement (25 points) Experience: A minimum of five years of very high-level geographical/national/regional experience in policy formulation, enterprise development, economic management, and trade promotion, and extensive accomplishments in these areas in developing countries. This is a very senior level position with high visibility. Must have experience in analyzing highly complex and contentious private sector development issues and translating that technical analyses into operational policy action plans. Experience in managing relevant complex development projects, high-level negotiation and leadership skills, with exposure to dealing with CEOs of private firms, bankers and senior government officials and politicians is required. A mix of public and private sector experience is preferred. (45 points) TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Knowledge: In-depth and highly sophisticated understanding of international economics, enterprise development, international trade issues, and political relationships in the Middle East context. Knowledge of banking, finance and capital markets is also helpful. (10 points) Skills and Abilities: Must be able to work in high activity modes and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. Must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues into language understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. Must be a highly motivated and responsible self-starter able to work independently and to effectively provide practical advice regarding technically difficult economic issues. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Ability to write well is essential. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word, EXCEL and PowerPoint is a must. Technical capacity to conduct trade and economic analysis is required. The ability to plan, organize and manage public relations (PR) events is very important. The ability to draft concise informative reports, cables, briefing materials, and talking points on complex subjects with short lead times is required (20 points). PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance for the above services will be for two years from on/about November 2005 to on/about November 2007 with an option for renewal, subject to Mission approval. The contractor should be available to start as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical and security clearances. INSTRUCTION to APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) as an attachment to the SF-171 or OF 612. The following are required forms for PSCs: *1. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62) *2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF86) or *3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) *4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) NOTE: Form 4 is available from the Contracting Office *The forms listed 1 through 4 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:30 local time on September 30, 2005, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Senior Acquisition Specialist, either via email at hdeldelian@usaid.gov or by fax to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using one of the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 0026 APO, AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail: USAID, C/O US EMBASSY 71 HAYARKON ST. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL 63903 This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. ================================================================ AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable). ** (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (C) Post Allowance (Section 220) (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (F) Education Allowance (Section 270) (G) Education Travel (Section 280) (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) 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 & Assistance (A&A) Opportunities 03-02 ES-06 Salary Rate for 2003 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 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 Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs. 97-17 PSCSs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other than Full & 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 Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation(MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 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. Subject to Availability of Funds. ================================================================= NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO WWW.FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (01-SEP-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/OM/WES/294-2005-030/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID West Bank & Gaza Tel Aviv
- Record
- SN00885598-F 20050903/050901213730 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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