SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
- Notice Date
- 8/4/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Nepal USAID-Kathmandu, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-6190, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- 367-07-009
- Response Due
- 9/4/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/19/2007
- Description
- RFP No. 367-07-009 ISSUANCE DATE: August 4, 2007 CLOSING DATE: September 4, 2007 4:00 p.m. Nepal Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contract - Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/Nepal To All Interested Applicants: 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 U.S. citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in Kathmandu, Nepal at the place and by the time specified. E-mail submissions shall be sent to Ms. Srijana Rana at srana@usaid.gov. Applications, which shall include salary history for the prior three years and the names and contact points (telephone/fax numbers, e-mail addresses) for at least two references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills) may be faxed, mailed, e-mailed, or hand-carried to the undersigned. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent in as e-mail attachments or by fax if possible. Please note that USAID cannot accept .zip files. If an applicant does not have ready access to a Form 171 or 612, the same information may be initially submitted in resume form so long as the items stated earlier in this paragraph are provided. Late applications may be considered in USAID's sole discretion. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Ms. Srijana Rana at srana@usaid.gov with copy to Mr. Pradeep Neupane at pneupane@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Sincerely, /s/ Patrick Wilson Regional Contracting Officer USAID/RDM/A, Bangkok Mailing Address: Contracting Office USAID/Nepal P.O. Box 5653 Rabi Bhawan, Kalimati Kathmandu, Nepal ATTACHMENT 1: Solicitation No. 367-07-010 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 367-07-009. 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 4, 2007. 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 4, 2007 4:00 p.m. local (Kathmandu) time. 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist. 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-11 ($46,974 - $61,068) to GS-12 ($56,301 - $73,194). Grade and step to be paid will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Kathmandu, Nepal (currently set at the rate 25% of base pay), housing, international travel, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start o/a October 1, 2007 for a period of two years with the possibility of extensions. Extensions will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kathmandu, Nepal. 8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs). 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: A. Position Title: Senior Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist B. Organizational Location of the Position: USAID/Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor: Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Nepal D. Supervisory Controls: The position will be supervised for administrative matters by the USAID/Nepal Deputy Mission Director based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and programmatically by the Regional Contracting Officer (RCO) at USAID/RDM/A, based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Contractor shall take direction from both the USAID/Nepal Deputy Mission Director and the RCO. While the Contractor shall coordinate with the RCO on a regular basis, the Contractor must operate independently without significant guidance to provide satisfactory responses to clients, implementing partners and Mission staff. E. Basic Functions: The Contractor shall provide services as a Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist in the Contracts Office at the USAID Mission in Nepal, and shall also function as an office manager for the Contracts Office. F. Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the full range of services for all program-funded acquisition and assistance actions in support of the Mission?s technical teams. In so doing the Contractor shall: (1) Provide expert procurement advice to Mission personnel and Mission management and the Acquisition and Assistance Specialists. (2) Keep the RCO informed of contractual issues facing the Contracts Office. (3) Work with the Regional Legal Advisor (RLA) when necessary to identify potential problems, such as conflict of interest and waiver issues. (4) Ensure that the necessary documentation and citation of the appropriate USG regulations are obtained when advising clients and staff and in the preparation of waivers. (5) Advise the RCO in matters of protest, freedom of information requests, audit finding resolutions and similar issues. (6) Advise the Mission on the latest procurement regulations and take a proactive role in ensuring Mission compliance with these regulations. (7) Coordinate the participation of the Acquisition and Assistance Specialists on technical teams to ensure that procurement issues are adequately considered and policies are adhered to for all acquisition and assistance activities. (8) Advise technical teams and activity managers in planning procurement actions and in the formation and updating of the annual Mission Procurement Plan. (9) Assist the requiring offices in the development of evaluation criteria for procurements. (10) Receive and review procurement request packages, including specifications, statements of work, program descriptions, budgetary cost estimates, justifications, waivers, etc and clarify any questionable or unclear areas with the initiating activity manager; and ensure the procurement request package is sufficient to accomplish project objectives and comply with regulations and policy requirements. (11) Prepare and issue Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), Annual Program Statements (APS), etc.; advertise solicitations, receive responses and provide briefings to technical evaluation panels in accordance with the appropriate rules and regulations. (12) Receive proposals and coordinate technical evaluations with the activity managers; monitor the technical panel?s evaluations to ensure compliance with Federal and USAID procurement regulations. (13) Participate in negotiations of acquisition and assistance instruments, including cost-reimbursement and fixed price contracts, purchase, delivery and task orders, personal services contracts, GSA schedule awards, grants, cooperative agreements, participating, interagency and other agreements; and modifications thereto. (14) Analyze cost proposals, recommend awards, prepare resultant documentation including the award instrument for contracting officer signature; make distribution of executed award instrument; and ensure proper recording of the obligation by the Controller?s office and provide notifications to unsuccessful quoters, bidders and offerors and U.S. Government award publications. (15) Ensure proper entry of acquisition and assistance actions into USAID's procurement systems. (16) Assure that all documentation, such as procurement request packages, waivers, deviations, and memoranda to the file are accurate, complete and maintained in official procurement files. (17) Interpret terms and conditions of existing awards and advise on the propriety of proposed actions, including change orders and modifications, under such awards. (18) Perform procurement administration functions such as providing review, recommendations and correspondence drafts as well as clarify award terms and conditions to awardees and assigned CTOs. (19) Participate in visits to project sites to ensure adherence to the terms, conditions and provisions of the implementation instrument. (20) Review prospective recipients' procurement and management systems in response to new procurement requests. (21) Monitor performance, as required by the terms and conditions of the award and provide guidance to CTOs and activity managers to assist them in the performance of their duties and the avoidance of legal/contractual impropriety. (22) Take appropriate action and prepare documentation on issues/problems that may arise in the course of performance, including changes, work suspensions and stoppages, disputes, replacement of key personnel, failure or unacceptable performance, payment problems, etc. (23) Coordinate with the Mission Office of the Controller to prepare responses to audit findings and conduct desk audits of acquisitions and assistance instruments in accordance with policy requirements. (24) Review procurement files to ensure that they include appropriate documentation, such as award checklists, memoranda of negotiation, justifications, etc. which support an adequate audit trail. (25) Advise Mission staff on timely closeout process, including de-obligation of excess funds, disposition of equipment, and closeout modifications when required. (26) Supervise on a day-to-day basis three to four Foreign Service National (FSN) staff assigned to the Contracts Office; ensure office work assignments are carried out in an efficient and timely manner; and identify relevant training and professional development including advancement of staff through the Procurement Management Certification Program or successor program. (27) Recommend, develop and maintain contracting policies to ensure consistency in implementation at the Mission. (28) Remain up-to-date on Agency policies affecting the Contracts Office. (29) Provide on a weekly basis Procurement Management Reports, including status reports on current actions, to Mission management, technical team leaders, and the RCO. (30) Perform other related duties as may be assigned. G. Qualifications: This position requires a highly qualified and experienced individual with exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to foster team work, strategic thinking, and also understand the technical requirements to perform the full range of acquisition and assistance actions for the mission. The Contractor must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts. The Contractor must have the following qualifications: a. Education: A university or college degree is required in the field of Business Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Law or a related subject. A master?s degree in a field relevant to development assistance such as development planning, program development and management is preferred. University graduates with a relevant background and ten years of work experience in international development may be considered. b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the field of procurement/acquisition and assistance is required. Three or more years of experience in acquisition and assistance activities within an international organization is highly preferred. c. Technical Knowledge: Considerable practical and theoretical understanding of procurement and fundamentals of contract law is required. Good knowledge of relevant international procurement rules and principles, regulations, development challenges, priorities and opportunities is also required. Thorough, demonstrated knowledge of the following areas is required at the full performance level: 1) U.S. federal acquisition/assistance legislation, regulations, and procedures, including USAID ADS Chapter Series 300, FAR, AIDAR, 22 CFR 226, and OMB Circular A-122; 2) U.S. federal specifications and standards; 3) U.S. and host-country acquisition, contracting and business procedures; 4) U.S. and local market conditions, including Nepali business practices, pricing structures, and local vendors? capacity for specialized services and commodities; and 5) concepts, principles, techniques and practices of development assistance and program monitoring and evaluation. d. Technical Skills and Abilities: The Contractor must possess the following: strong analytical skills to perform cost/price analyses of business proposals and other procurement related documents; the ability to speak authoritatively on USG contracting regulations and negotiate and represent USG?s interests to both U.S. and local firms; excellent negotiation skills to orchestrate "win-win" settlements between disparate parties; the ability to work independently with minimal oversight; excellent organizational skills to work concurrently on multiple actions; the ability to use the ADS and agency policy bulletins proficiently in researching unusual procurement issues and recommend appropriate solutions; the ability to evaluate contractor performance against contractual requirements; and strong computer skills in a variety of programs (e.g., Windows Office suite as well as USG-specific applications). e. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) written and oral proficiency in English is required. Effective written and oral communications are critical to this position. The Contractor must be able to communicate effectively and accurately with all categories of Mission employees as well as numerous international and local organizations, donors, international organizations, and other embassies. The Contractor must have the ability to prepare procurement solicitations, reports, and/or documents related to acquisition and assistance programs and activities in English with little or no editorial changes. f. Interpersonal Skills: The Contractor must possess the following: excellent interpersonal and communication skills for high-level interaction with Technical Teams, support offices, vendors/contractors and recipients; adaptability to diverse team environment; strong focus on attention to detail; calmness, tact and effectiveness under pressure; and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, procurement integrity, and ethical standards throughout all phases of USAID acquisition and assistance procurement actions. H. Available Guidelines: The Contractor is required to understand Mission and USAID-wide policies and procedures which govern the work of the Contracts Office in addition to the established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats for USAID/Nepal. The Contractor is required to master a large body of regulatory and policy information. The FAR, AIDAR, ADS, Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Information Bulletins (PIBs), General Notices, and other applicable Agency regulations are available. Oral guidance from the immediate supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments. The Contractor will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving USAID guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, and USAID program strategy and policy Documents. In addition, the RCO, USAID/Nepal team members, Regional Development Mission/Asia technical support staff and counterparts in USAID/Washington are available as resources to provide advice and guidance. I. Exercise of Judgment: The Contractor is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent, balanced judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the Contractor in dealing with USAID/Nepal and Regional Development Mission/Asia office personnel as well as representatives from implementing partners to resolve problems for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The Contractor will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct. J. Authority to Make Commitments: The Contractor will have no independent authority to commit USG or USAID/Nepal funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. The authority to make commitments which bind the USG is vested with the USDH Contracting Officer, USDH Executive Officer, USDH Mission Director, or person acting in that capacity in his/her absence. Although the Contractor does not have signatory authority, the Contractor may be granted authority by the RCO to negotiate and commit the USG to business positions, including cost, price, as well as technical matters such as level of effort, tasks and scheduling. USDH personnel with signatory authority rely on the Contractor's recommendations on the technical, financial and administrative matters of procurements. K. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Contractor will be required to maintain solid working relationships with high level personnel, including USAID/RDM/A and USAID/Nepal employees, U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, non-governmental officials (such as directors of local and international NGOs), private sector representatives, and other local and international groups. The established method of communication/contact will be in person, by phone or through written communications. The purpose of contact will be to maintain open lines of general communication in support of procurement activities and to initiate specific communications regarding the solicitation, negotiation and management of acquisition and assistance awards. L. Period of Service: The period of performance will be two years, subject to the availability of funds, with the possibility of extensions for additional periods. M. Supervision/Oversight over Others: This position is designated as supervisory. The Contractor will supervise up to four FSN Nepali nationals at grades ranging from FSN-7 through FSN-10. O. Other Requirements: The Contractor must also be: 1) able to obtain US Government medical and security clearances; 2) available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary; 3) willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested; and 4) available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. P. Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated on the extent and quality of their education, relevant experience and knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to this position against the following criteria: Education: 10 points Prior Work Experience: 25 points Technical Knowledge: 20 points Technical Skills and Abilities: 20 points Interpersonal Skills: 15 points Language Proficiency: 10 points TOTAL: 100 points Q. Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID?s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant?s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection. ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations) AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. Benefits (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500) (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore PSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Danger Pay (Section 650) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Vietnam in accord with the AIDAR, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. 4. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. 5. List of REQUIRED Forms for PSCs a. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are available at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform.gsa.gov or at USG offices.) Forms (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). c. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.) 6. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and 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 this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Contracting Office, USAID/Nepal, P.O. Box 5653, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Country: NEPAL
- Country: NEPAL
- Record
- SN01362394-W 20070806/070804220051 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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