Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 13, 2007 FBO #2055
SOURCES SOUGHT

A -- Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 49-2007 USPSC MCC Threshold Program Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Notice Date

7/11/2007
 

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, UNITED STATES
 

ZIP Code

00000
 

Solicitation Number

49-2007
 

Response Due

7/25/2007
 

Archive Date

8/9/2007
 

Description

ISSUANCE DATE: 07/11/2007 CLOSING DATE: 07/15/2007 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 49-2007 USPSC MCC Threshold Program Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) 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 Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-327-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 49/2007 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 49-2007 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/11/2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07/25/2007 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: MCC THRESHOLD PROGRAM ADVISOR 5. MARKET VALUE: $66,951 - $87,039 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assists Central Asia?s five nations to pursue a stable economy and democracy. USAID works across the Central Asian Republics (CAR) to develop and improve health, education, job creation, energy, water supply and relations between people and government. USAID supports opportunities for citizens of these countries to fully participate in improving their governance, livelihoods and quality of life. USAID's Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible, in close consultation with the five U.S. Ambassadors in the region, for the design and management of USAID assistance programs in five republics. The central office is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan with offices in Astana, Kazakhstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Osh, Kyrgyzstan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. USAID/CAR is responsible for approximately $80 million of assistance annually, with activities totaling $300 million in the areas of energy and environment, economics and finance, democracy and conflict mitigation, and health and education. The Mission works in partnership with over 120 grantee and contractor teams. In November 2005, Kyrgyzstan was selected to participate in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Country Program (TCP). In May 2006, the Government of Kyrgyzstan (GoK) submitted a concept paper for participation in the Threshold program that focused on addressing shortcomings in MCC?s Ruling Justly category, the major MCC category where Kyrgyzstan failed to meet threshold levels. The MCC is in the process of reviewing this concept paper. The TCP outlines an aggressive two-year program of anti-corruption activities with a budget of approximately $16.5 million which, if approved, would be funded from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). These activities are focused in three areas where the GoK and the U.S. will work jointly: 1) strengthening judicial reform and accountability; 2) combating corruption in law enforcement; and 3) increasing the effectiveness of criminal prosecution. B) Duties and Responsibilities 1) Summary The position is located in the Kyrgyz Country office of the USAID Regional Mission in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As MCA Threshold Program Advisor (Advisor), the individual will support activities that assist Kyrgyzstan in addressing corruption within the country. The incumbent will serve as an advisor to the U.S. Ambassador on all matters related to the MCC program in Kyrgyzstan, and in this capacity s/he will coordinate with and represent the interests of USAID as well as other USG agencies actively involved with the Threshold Program in Kyrgyzstan, specifically DOJ/OPDAT and DOJ/ICITAP. The Advisor will provide policy-level, technical and management assistance to USAID, DOJ, and other USG agencies at post, the GoK, and private sector and NGO contacts. The Advisor will manage and evaluate Kyrgyzstan?s Threshold Program, and support other anti-corruption activities as required. 2) Program and Project Management a) Serve as the USG Coordinator for the MCC Threshold Program and provide oversight and guidance to the activities implemented under the program; serve as the Executive Secretary to the USG MCC working group and report to the working group on a regular basis. b) Provide guidance to the GoK on the implementation of the Threshold Plan and serve as the principal USG field liaison with the GoK. Coordinate all MCA Threshold activities with the GoK Millennium Challenge Coordination Committee. c) Work with the GoK Millennium Challenge Coordination Committee to develop a communications strategy and public education campaign to alert the public to the objectives and performance of anti-corruption activities. d) Work proactively with the GoK and USG implementing partners, including DOJ/OPDAT and DOJ/ICITAP, to ensure that implementation of the program is proceeding as planned; identify issues and constraints as they arise and develop plans for their resolution. e) Provide expert advice to the U.S. Embassy, USAID, DOJ, and other USG agencies at Post regarding strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation under the Threshold Program. This may include problem identification, data collection and analysis, and program options development and evaluation. f) Serve as the principal USG point of contact in Kyrgyzstan for the MCC. g) Assume Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) duties for grants and contracts envisioned under implementation of the Threshold Program as assigned. h) Ensure that MCA Threshold activities and USG bilateral activities complement each other. Provide guidance to all USG/Kyrgyzstan activities that address corruption both within the public and private sector. This will include assisting with the preparation of sector strategies and design reviews for new activities and special initiatives as needed. i) Coordinate with other donors that finance programs designed to address anti-corruption issues, particularly in the rule of law area. j) Prepare analysis and documentation for Threshold Program activities and USAID anti-corruption activities, paying special attention to performance monitoring requirements. k) Oversee and coordinate all reporting required by the MCC as well as all other reporting related to the Threshold Program as needed, including the USAID and EUR/ACE annual reports. l) Provide input for public information and outreach. Draft or assist with the drafting of reports on USG events of interest, and ensure that up-to-date briefing materials on activities are always available. Ensure that the highest level of representation is provided for important events related to the Threshold Program and other anti-corruption activities. m) Represent the USG at seminars and other events hosted by the GoK, other diplomatic missions, and implementing partners when requested. n) Regularly brainstorm with USG staff to determine how best to ensure effective implementation of the Threshold Program, as well as how to ensure effective engagement of the GoK and others on anti-corruption issues writ large. o) Provide USAID with other administrative support as deemed appropriate by Mission management. p) Supervision and Technical Oversight Responsibilities The Advisor will provide technical oversight for those USG-procured consultants and contractors that fall under the Threshold Program as well as USG-financed anti-corruption activities identified by Embassy and USAID Mission management. The Advisor will be located in USAID?s country office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and will lead the MCC working group, which reports directly to the Ambassador. Position reports to USAID Country Representative. C) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS 1) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: a) Graduate degree and a minimum of eight (8) years of related professional experience or undergraduate degree with minimum of twelve (12) years of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility ? and, a substantial portion of that time working with U.S. Government foreign affairs agencies, international organizations, or organizations implementing foreign assistance programs. b) Minimum of five (5) years of resident overseas experience. 2) KNOWLEDGE: The post of MCA Threshold Program Advisor is a senior-level position requiring a well-developed understanding of U.S. foreign policy interests in general and Kyrgyzstan in particular. Knowledge of the political culture of the states of the former Soviet Union, negotiation skills, conflict resolution techniques, and experience in contract management, country program operation and project management, and superior political analysis and reporting skills are critical. Knowledge of, and experience working with, international development agencies, the World Bank, other donors, and local communities is essential. Prior field experience in developing countries and overseas assignments with U.S. Government agencies, or other large international relief or development agencies, is important, and highly desirable. 3) SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The successful candidate shall also possess excellent communications and analytical skills, and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, flexibility, responsibility and authority, while exercising sound judgment in a politically charged and challenging security environment. 4) LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required and Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of Russian or Kyrgyz is highly desired. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position, communication skills, both written and oral must be exceptional. D) OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition, the successful candidate must also be: 1) an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) able to obtain Department of State Medical Clearance to serve in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for employee and all eligible dependents accompanying employee to post under a USAID Travel Authorization. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months and to begin work at post within two (2) weeks of receipt of final security and medical clearances; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Kyrgyzstan Republic. E) EVALUATION FACTORS The following evaluation factors are listed in their descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications that meet the Minimum Qualifications. 1) (30%) Demonstrated experience in effective management of relevant overseas development programs, especially in Eastern Europe and Eurasia; 2) (25%) Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a high visibility, high-pressure environment, with a particular focus on producing results within a limited time period; 3) (15%) Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, displaying excellent interpersonal skills; 4) (10%) Demonstrated ability to motivate and guide local staff and implementing partners and collaborate with local counterparts in complex situations; 5) (10%) Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills in English; although not required, some knowledge of Russian and/or Kyrgyz is highly desirable; 6) (10%) In-depth knowledge of current dynamics in the states of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and Kyrgyzstan in particular. 9. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history and references no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) July 25, 2007. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) 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: 7 327 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 327 2507634/35/36 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 August 3, 2007. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief resume and attach it to the signed OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed above. All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the application, documentation submitted with the application, and the evaluation factors. The evaluation committee may conduct interviews by phone or in person. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about September 2, 2007. No later than on/about September 2, 2007, the incumbent shall proceed to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 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. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ 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). 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. 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: Personnel Office, USAID/CAR Almaty, 41 Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov, Fax: 7 327 2507634/35/36

Zip Code: 050010

Country: KYRGYZSTAN
 

Record

SN01338859-W 20070713/070711220114 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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