SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Country Representative - Venezuela
- Notice Date
- 8/9/2007
- 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-OTI-07-1578
- Response Due
- 8/27/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/11/2007
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-07-1578 ISSUANCE DATE: August 9, 2007 CLOSING DATE: August 27, 2007, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Country Director - Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela 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 Country Representative - Venezuela 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) Evaluation Factors 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: oticrv@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 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: oticrv@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Amanda Downing Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Country Representative - Venezuela 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-07-1578 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 9, 2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 27, 2005, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: OTI Country Representative - Venezuela 5. MARKET VALUE: The grade level of this position will be the equivalent of a GS-14, non-locality pay. The salary range of the field-based GS-14 is $79,115 - $102,848 per annum. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years, with three one-year option periods 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Caracas, Venezuela 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the organization?s programmatic goals and objectives. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ INTRODUCTION In August 2002, USAID?s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) began implementation of a program in Venezuela to provide assistance to maintain democratic stability and strengthen the country?s fragile democratic institutions. The OTI Venezuela program operates out of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Currently, the program is attempting to strengthen independent civil society actors working to preserve the basic rights and democratic space that still exist in Venezuela. The project currently has five partner organizations: Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Freedom House. OBJECTIVE The objective of this recruitment is to ensure that OTI has a highly-qualified country representative in the field that will represent OTI and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Country Representative post is a senior-level position requiring supervisory management experience, the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations in general and of the sub-region in particular. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including, but not limited to, community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights. Excellent inter-personal, presentation and negotiation skills are necessary. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work experience with U.S. Government agencies and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts is preferred. The successful candidate will possess excellent political analysis and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged and challenging security environments. It is also essential that the incumbent demonstrate the ability to maintain staff morale in a difficult work environment. Strong team-building skills are essential. The Country Representative will be based in Caracas, Venezuela, and is the senior OTI representative in the country. The incumbent will be called upon to represent OTI's mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials. The Country Representative's principal responsibility will be development, oversight and management of DCHA/OTI's Venezuela country program. * Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with OTI staff, USAID personnel, U.S. embassy and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs, where appropriate; * Serve as OTI's primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Ambassadors, local government officials, UN organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; * Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans; * Communicate and coordinate OTI in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations; * Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff; * Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; * Manage and provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to OTI's implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to OTI's program objectives and are within the partner's scope; * Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner's scope to OTI's country objectives, partner's budgets, and modifications thereto; * Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the ADS; * Ensure that OTI's programs and their activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned from the activities feed into ongoing or future activities; * Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns as well as other pertinent information required to achieve OTI's program objectives; * Ensure appropriate resource allocation among OTI field offices and implementing partners; * Prepare and maintain OTI program budgets for field operations; * Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the UN or host government, as appropriate; * Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and quarterly reports to the U.S. Embassy, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Country Representative will report to OTI's Washington-based Team Leader for Latin America, or his/her designee, as well as to the Deputy Chief of Mission in the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams or 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 While in Caracas, the work is generally performed in an office environment. However, the position also requires travel throughout Venezuela, which 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 AND a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience of which a minimum of seven (7) years must include recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities, of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance transition programs or democracy building. OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development, and social sciences, AND a minimum of seven (7) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities, of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance transition programs or democracy building. AND * Minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience in conflict-prone countries. * Minimum of five (5) years prior supervisory experience, of which two (2) years must include supervising at a management level (defined as supervising supervisors). * Demonstrated experience in writing financial and narrative reports, briefing papers and other official documents; * Fluency in Spanish (oral and written) 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 Evaluation Factors submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. EVALUATION FACTORS (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.) Factor #1 - Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high visibility, high-pressure environments overseas in complex emergency or political crisis situations with minimal home office support. Factor #2 - Demonstrated experience in using political analysis to inform programming strategies and objectives, especially in politically complex environments in Latin America. Factor #3 - Demonstrated experience in contract and grant management and the conceptualization, design and management of post-conflict, political transition, and/or emergency operation programs. Factor #4 - Excellent communication, interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating and team building skills evidenced by the ability to maintain team morale and unity in a challenging security environment with the lack of usual infrastructure and amenities. Factor #5 - Demonstrated experience interacting with U.S. government agencies, donor and international organizations, and local counterparts on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor 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 Evaluation Factors 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 Evaluation 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: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 20 Factor #2 - 20 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Factor #5 - 10 Total Possible - 80 Points Interview Performance - 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) 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 each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors 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) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: oticrv@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four 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 (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) 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: Caracas
- Country: VENEZUELA
- Country: VENEZUELA
- Record
- SN01366746-W 20070811/070809220124 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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