SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean
- Notice Date
- 2/9/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 921190
— Other General Government Support
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Room 7.10-006, Washington, DC, 20523, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- M-OAA-DCHA-DOFDA-07-566
- Response Due
- 2/26/2007
- Archive Date
- 3/13/2007
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-07-566 ISSUANCE DATE: February 9, 2007 CLOSING DATE: February 26, 5:00 p.m. EST SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean in Costa Rica Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612. * Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: ralac@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Mike Jones or Jaimee Braun Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or (202) 661-9377 E-Mail Address: ralac@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Yvonne Wilson Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-07-566 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 2/9/2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 2/26/2007, 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($79,115 - $102,848). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years, renewable up to 5 years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: San Jose, Costa Rica with possible travel as stated in the position description. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) within USAID is responsible for providing non-food humanitarian assistance in responding to international crises and disasters. It is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA maintains five permanent regional offices and one sub-regional office. The regional offices are located in San Jose, Costa Rica, Bangkok, Thailand, Dakar, Senegal, Nairobi, Kenya, and Pretoria, South Africa. The Asia sub-regional office is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The vulnerability of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries to natural, technological, and conflict-related disasters has increased in recent years due to population pressures, urbanization and habitation of marginal lands, large investments in infrastructure in vulnerable areas, rapid and uncontrolled industrialization, and other factors. The capacity of many LAC countries to manage disasters has substantially grown in recent years. Many countries are now generally capable of managing disasters up to moderate severity without external assistance. In major events, however, most countries in the region face a serious risk of having their overall coping capacities overwhelmed by disaster response requirements. OFDA's strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean seeks to reduce the demand for disaster relief, principally by increased preparedness and mitigation activities at the national and community level, and by strengthening governments' capacity to meet immediate post disaster needs so as to prevent deterioration in the situation of disaster victims. INTRODUCTION OFDA is organized into three divisions, under the management of the Office of the Director. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. DRM hires sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA's Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). OBJECTIVE LAC Regional Team requires the services of a Regional Advisor in its regional office in San Jose, Costa Rica, to ensure that OFDA's objectives for strategic analysis, coordination of disaster response activities, monitoring and reporting on OFDA-funded activities, and identification and formulation of disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs for the region are effectively met. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position requires an individual who is able to travel outside of Costa Rica on short notice for up to two-three weeks at a time, or longer, on occasion. The contractor will actively develop and coordinate preparedness, mitigation and training programs to increase the capability of host governments, international organizations (IOs), and non governmental organizations (NGOs) to respond and prepare for disasters in the affected region. In addition, this position requires general professional proficiency [equivalent to Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 3, or higher] in speaking and writing the Spanish language, in order to work effectively in the region. Focusing primarily on Latin America and the Caribbean countries, the Regional Advisor will be responsible for the following: Disaster Response - Working directly under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Regional Advisor, the contractor will: * Travel to the scene of a disaster or potential disaster and conduct initial assessments of damages and needs; determine appropriate relief assistance and emergency interventions, in consultation with Washington and/or the Senior Regional Advisor; * Coordinate and maintain close liaison with senior representatives of host government, donor governments, IOs, NGOs, U.S. Embassy, and USAID missions to ensure efficient and coordinated disaster response activities; * Monitor DCHA/OFDA funded activities; * Approve OFDA relief supply requests in consultation with OFDA Washington and coordinate receipt, distribution, tracking, and accounting of supplies; * Facilitate and coordinate the arrival and departure of DARTs with the U.S. Mission and, as required, serve on DARTs for short periods of time; * Prepare field information and reports, as required by the OFDA/LAC regional office and OFDA/Washington. Disaster Preparedness - Working closely with the OFDA/LAC regional office and OFDA/Washington, and drawing on the skills and technical expertise within the office and available through inter- and intra-agency agreements, the contractor will assist representatives of host government organizations, IOs, and NGOs in the development of strong emergency and disaster preparedness/mitigation programs. Specifically, the contractor will: * Prepare regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries; * Assist with the design, development, and implementation of strategies and integrated disaster assistance for OFDA, USAID, local governments, and other donors/organizations as appropriate; * Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID and/or U.S. Embassy officials on OFDA efforts including the review of sector disaster response and plans; * Provide support for other OFDA initiatives in the assigned region as identified by the LAC Regional Office. Support may include assessment visits, project design/evaluation exercises and hazards/vulnerability/risk analysis; * Coordinate with other agencies/organizations to identify critical disaster concerns affecting the region and countries and develop projects/activities for addressing these; * Work with senior representatives of local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate preparedness and mitigation into appropriate programs. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Regional Advisor will report directly to the Senior Regional Advisor for the LAC Region. However, for certain activities, the Regional Advisor will coordinate tasks with the LAC Regional Coordinator in OFDA/Washington. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Supervisory controls will be minimal. The Regional Advisor is expected to act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The Senior Regional Advisor will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work may require daily physical activity. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in both office and field environments. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international development, international relations, economics) or region; and nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience that is related to the functions of the position, including three (3) years of overseas, on-the ground field experience in emergency relief, humanitarian assistance and/or disaster preparedness and mitigation, and characterized by needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, disaster preparedness, or post-emergency rehabilitation. OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international development, international relations, economics) or region; and seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience that is related to the functions of the position, including three (3) years of overseas, on-the ground field experience in emergency relief, humanitarian assistance and/or disaster preparedness and mitigation, and characterized by needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, disaster preparedness, or post-emergency rehabilitation. SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) * Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; * General professional proficiency in speaking and writing the Spanish language (equivalent to ILR level 3 or higher); and * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) QRF #1 Describe your experience identifying, developing and monitoring disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and training programs. Field experience in Latin America preferred; QRF #2 Describe your direct experience working, collaborating, and/or liaising with host country governments and local authorities, U.S. Government agencies (i.e., Department of State, Department of Defense, and USAID missions), United Nations (UN), other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in providing efficient and coordinated disaster response and/or preparedness and mitigation activities. Field experience in Latin America preferred; QRF #3 Demonstrated understanding of and experience with risk management including training, technical assistance, and mitigation activities related to disasters; QRF #4 Describe your English and Spanish oral and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation and presentation of reports, briefings, and other communications; and QRF #5 Discuss your views on what the U.S. Government's role in disaster response and preparedness in Latin America should be. Please limit your response to one (1) page or less. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience required for this position and the Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: QRFs have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 - 15 QRF #2 - 10 QRF #3 - 10 QRF #4 - 10 QRF #5 - 5 Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: ralac@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. Proficiency in speaking and writing the Spanish language must be clearly stated in the Other Qualifications section of the OF612. Language proficiency must be stated in terms of ILR level. ILR language skill level descriptions are included in attachment 3 to this solicitation. Applicants being considered for selection may be tested or required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency. NOTE: If a temporary secret security clearance and Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within nine months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (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). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. AAPD-06-12 - HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) IMPLEMENTATION AAPD-06-12 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation. As directed in AAPD-06-12,the required reference to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-9, is also shown in Attachment 2. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
- Place of Performance
- Address: San Jose
- Country: COSTA RICA
- Country: COSTA RICA
- Record
- SN01229126-W 20070211/070209220114 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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