SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 03-2006 USPSC Senior Economic Policy Specialist, USAID/CAR, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Notice Date
- 2/3/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 03-2006
- Response Due
- 2/28/2006
- Archive Date
- 3/10/2006
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 02/03/2006 CLOSING DATE: 02/28/2006 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 03-2006 USPSC Senior Economic Policy Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 03-2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 03-2006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 02/03/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 02/28/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR ECONOMIC POLICY SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $91,507 - $118,957 per annum (GS-15 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (renewable) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. The Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for the five Central Asian republics. The U.S. Government?s program of assistance in the region is focused on the growth of small-scale enterprise and trade; building a more open, democratic culture; better management of environmental resources, including energy; and improved primary healthcare. It ranks as one of the Agency?s largest programs, with funding levels that have averaged over $139 million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 contractor and grantee teams. The staff manages a program that addresses six Strategic Objectives (SO) principally focused on assisting these former communist states in making the transition to Western-style democracies with viable market economies. The Mission currently has three technical offices: Office of Economic Growth (OEG), Democracy and Conflict Mitigation (DM), and Health and Education (HE) and is in the process of designing the 2007-2011 Strategy. Under the 2000-2006 Strategy, the Office of Economic Growth (OEG) is responsible for the management of a large portfolio which comprises of two Strategic Objectives, SO1.3 ? An Improved Environment for the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises with three intermediate results (IRs) Increased Access to business information, knowledge, and skills (IR 1.3.1) More responsive financial institutions, instruments, and markets (IR 1.3.2) Increased implementation of laws and regulations (IR 1.3.3) And SO 1.6 Improved Management of Critical Natural Resources, Including Energy, with IRs: Increased management capacity in the natural resources sector (IR 1.6.1) Improved Policy and Regulatory Framework for Natural Resources Management (IR 1.6.2) Sustainable Models Developed for Integrated Natural Resources Management (IR 1.6.3) Public Commitment Established for Natural Resources Management Policies (IR 1.6.4) B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general guidance of the Director of the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), the Senior Economic Policy Specialist (SEPS) will have the following duties and responsibilities. Technical leadership (40%): The SEPS will be in the forefront of knowledge on political and economic conditions in each of the five Central Asian countries to provide overall conceptual guidance and inform program management decisions by US Embassies and USAID. Identify issues that may be of concern to USAID senior staff, and recommend strategies for response. Serve as a key resource to mission management for economic analysis across the mission?s portfolio as needed in the areas of health, education, natural resource management, energy, and local economic development. Serve as a core member of the Office of Economic Growth, and principal expert advisor on a range of macro and micro-economic issues, along with sectoral policy developments. Incumbent should be well versed in economic research and program implications as they apply to issues in Central Asia, and current in the literature, e.g., documents from the IMF, World Bank, EBRD, and other published/unpublished sources throughout the Central Asia Republics (CAR) region. Under the supervision of the OEG Director and at the request of Senior Mission Staff, provide independent analysis of political and economic developments affecting USAID programs across the region. Evaluate and provide recommendations on all economic issues in the CAR to include ensuring access of the Mission to best practices and relevant economic expertise, and using these to develop and advise on state of the art economic policies and programs. Guide the development, design, management, implementation and monitoring of economic policy reform projects and activities throughout the region. Lead discussions, negotiations, and other contacts at senior policy and technical levels of the U.S. Embassies in Central Asia and other US Government entities, to develop and implement the U.S. Mission?s economic policy reform strategy. Prepare and conduct regular and special briefings to Mission and Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Bureau leadership, the State Department, Commerce, Treasury, National Security Council and to other high level officials of the USG, including Congressional staff. Meet regularly with senior officials of the five governments of the region as well as leaders of the private sector to promote the programs and overcome problems and difficulties that arise in the planning and implementation of program activities. Defend, justify, and promote, as appropriate, USAID?s position, and negotiate amicable resolution of issues to the benefit of the program?s major objectives. Contribute to strengthen the CAR economic reform through sustainable institutional capacity development. Identify and develop linkages with other donor programs, particularly the World Bank, EBRD, International Monetary Fund, and EU-TACIS. Lead and coordinate the work of USAID?s contractors, technical assistance advisors, and grantees to assure that activities are consistent with USAID?s economic policy and economics and business education development strategies. Strategy Development and Program Design (30%): The SEPS will play a leading role in designing assistance programs to achieve the CAR strategy objectives and intermediate results of the Economic Growth portfolio, particularly those which support improved economic policy conditions for market and business development. Monitor, analyze, and report on political and economic conditions in each of the five Central Asian countries to assess assistance needs and priorities. Conceptualize and design projects and program activities that achieve identified priorities and objectives. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of proposed projects. Conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. Lead or be a key member of technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. Plan and design evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. As relevant, the SEPS will also conduct research and advise other sector teams to inform strategy and program design and management. Work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. Program Management and Mentorship (30%): The SEPS will serve as a core member of SO1.3 (and its successor in the new strategy). The SEPS will be responsible for overseeing management and implementation of the Mission?s key economic policy and financial sector development programs, including: - Competition policy; - Tax policy and tax administration; - Budget reform; - Monetary policy; - Public sector accounting and audit; - Financial sector development and SME lending; - Pension reform; - Economic policy research and advocacy. The SEPS will supervise and support the career development of three professional staff with responsibility for managing the programs listed above and other programs as developed and designated. Contribute to and oversee the development of economic policy reform competencies in USAID country offices. New program management duties may be included in the SEPS?s scope of duties if/as required by evolving U.S. foreign policy and assistance strategic priorities in Central Asia. C) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 1. General: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government ?SECRET? security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics. 2. Prior Work Experience: This is a senior level position that requires maturity and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have demonstrated practical experience in advising, analysis and development of programs to support development of banking and financial institutions and fiscal policy reform. The candidate must have at least five years of high-level economic policy consulting and advisory experience of relevance to international development. Project or program management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country is required. At least five years of successful leadership experience in a team environment is required. 3. Skills and Abilities: The candidate should have strong management skills as evidenced by previous experience, preferably including contract management. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment are required. Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. 4. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 5. Education: A graduate degree in macroeconomics, public finance or a related field is required. A Ph.D. is highly preferred. D) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Technical Leadership and Relevant Experience (both international and domestic): 40 points Project Management, Staff Supervision and Mentorship: 30 points Writing and Communication Skills: 15 points Academic Qualifications: 15 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) February 28, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than March 20, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period from on or about April 30, 2006, to April 29, 2008. The contract will be signed by April 7, 2006. On or about April 30, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Almaty, Kazakhstan, to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website www.usaid.kz Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 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). 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 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 & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * 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.
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/CAR, Almaty 41, Kazibek Bi Str. Almaty
- Zip Code: 050010
- Country: Kazakhstan
- Zip Code: 050010
- Record
- SN00979550-W 20060205/060203211549 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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