SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (PSC)
- Notice Date
- 8/22/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 923120
— Administration of Public Health Programs
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office (Atlanta), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA, 30341-4146, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- 2007-N-09672
- Response Due
- 9/6/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/21/2007
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist position located in Maputo, Mozambique. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2007-N-09672 POSITION NUMBER: MZ-PSC-04 ISSUANCE DATE: August 22, 2007 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 6, 2007 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist MARKET VALUE: $49,550 to $85,350 per year -- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the CDC Country Director and the Senior Technical Advisor for Strategic Information (SI), the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist works on HIV/AIDS activities and programs in Mozambique. In particular, the incumbent plays a critical role in strengthening capacity and systems for M&E in the Government of Mozambique?s Ministry of Health to measure the national response to HIV/AIDS in Mozambique. As well, the M&E specialist works with USG partners at both implementer and national levels to quantify progress towards targets set for the US President?s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The M&E Specialist advises the CDC Senior Technical Advisor for SI on all matters related to the development and strengthening of routine HIV/AIDS related program reporting systems in Mozambique. Specifically, the M&E Specialist works to strengthen systems and staff capacity at the MOH to collect, manage, and use quality M&E data to inform programs and policies in the national response to HIV and AIDS. The M&E Specialist also has responsibility for assisting the PEPFAR team in measuring the USG contribution toward achieving the Emergency Plan targets through MOH reporting systems, and to adapt PEPFAR-supported M&E and other Strategic Information (SI) tools to improve Emergency Plan programming and service delivery. The M&E Specialist position performs the following duties and responsibilities: ? Systems Strengthening/Partner Capacity Building: The M&E Specialist works on behalf of CDC with the MOH to strengthen M&E capacity. The incumbent supports the MOH in their efforts to better plan and monitor programs using M&E and other strategic information. Assistance may include providing or facilitating training or technical assistance in data collection, data management, analysis, data use and dissemination. Programs may include: Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission, Counseling and Testing, Tuberculosis, Home-based and HIV-related Clinical Care programs. Support may also be provided as needed to Treatment programs and to ensure HIV/AIDS program integration into the large national health management information system (HMIS). The incumbent will also be expected to provide assistance to USG partners in ensuring that they support MOH?s routine M&E through existing MOH structures. ? Coordination for Monitoring and Evaluation: The incumbent will provide technical support to the ongoing implementation and enhancement of the National HIV/AIDS M&E System, including harmonization of national indicators, data sources, and reporting systems to assess progress and report on HIV/AIDS programs in Mozambique. The incumbent will also be supported to participate in key technical working groups (the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Working Group and the Patient Tracking group at the Ministry of Health and the Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group at the National AIDS Commission) to ensure enhanced coordination, harmonization, and strengthening of M&E Systems. The incumbent will work closely with Ministry of Health officials responsible for monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs. The incumbent is expected to establish and maintain close relationship with all international development partner representatives and GOM officials working in M&E on behalf of CDC to ensure consistency and harmony of results reporting and to develop shared languages around indicator design, selection and implementation. The incumbent is also expected to participate in the collaboration and coordination of activities with other international partners present in country (e.g., World Health Organizations, UNAIDS, Global Fund (GF), and World Bank) on areas related to the development of targets and indicator measurements and other M&E system activities. ? Communication: The M&E Specialist serves as the primary point-of-contact and principal advisor to the SI Senior Technical Advisor on M&E issues, challenges, and policy questions at the international and national levels. Incumbent is responsible for coordinating and facilitating dialogue and decision making on M&E issues within CDC, including identifying and recommending new technologies and methods for strengthening M&E systems in Mozambique. The incumbent is also expected to work closely with USG partners to ensure that changes and advances in the MOH M&E systems are incorporated into all PEPFAR-supported activities. ? Strategic Planning and Reporting (10%): The M&E specialist assists with the coordination of strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programmatic activities of CDC/GAP, including the development of M&E plans in support of PEPFAR data needs. The incumbent will work closely with CDC staff across HIV/AIDS technical areas supported by CDC to ensure that data generated by the MOH M&E systems are useful and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation. During specific periods of the year, the M&E specialist will aid in the completion of the USG Country Operation Plan and the Semi-annual and Annual Report as it relates to M&E activities. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices and methods through training and job experience is required. 2. Masters level training in public health, public policy, epidemiology, demography, or related health field required 3. Three years work experience in strengthening M&E systems of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programs is required. 4. Must have excellent communication skills in English, written/verbal and diplomacy. Level IV (fluent) English is required. 5. Must have advanced skill levels in use of data analysis software packages and excellent overall computer skills. Desired Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of MOH strategies, guidelines and procedures for HIV programs. 2. Knowledge of relevant cultural context and local beliefs that may facilitate or hinder successful program implementation. 3. Post graduate training and specialty certifications are desired. 4. Previous experience in providing training and/or mentorship in the field of M&E at an individual and group level is desirable. 5. Experience working on M&E with one or more international agency systems in Southern Africa, preferably with USG or UN agencies, is desirable. 6. Portuguese language is an asset but not required before starting the job, although candidates will be expected to dedicate a portion of their time before and during the contract to learn Portuguese. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., ?green card? holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal Income and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (a) The contractor acknowledges that this contract is an important part of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and agrees that his/her duties will be carried out in such a manner as to be fully commensurate with the responsibilities, which this entails. (b) While in the Cooperating Country, the contractor is expected to show respect for the conventions, customs, and institutions of the Cooperating Country and not interfere in its political affairs. (c) If the contractor's conduct is not in accordance with paragraph (b) of this provision, the contract may be terminated under General Provision 16 of this contract. The Contractor recognizes the right of the U.S. Ambassador to direct his/her immediate removal from any country when, in the discretion of the Ambassador, the interests of the United States so require. (d) The Country Director is the chief representative of CDC in the Cooperating Country. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the total CDC Program in the Cooperating Country including certain administrative responsibilities set forth in this contract and for advising CDC regarding the performance of the work under the contract and its effect on the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program. The contractor will be responsible for performing his/her duties in accordance with the statement of duties called for by the contract. However, he/she shall be under the general policy guidance of the Country Director, and shall keep the Country Director or his/her designated representative currently informed of the progress of the work under this contract. SOCIAL SECURITY, FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND FOREIGN EARNED INCOME (a) Since the contractor is an employee, F.I.C.A. contributions and U.S. Federal Income Tax withholding shall be deducted in accordance with regulations and rulings of the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, respectively. (b) As an employee, the contractor is not eligible for the 'foreign earned income' exclusion under the IRS Regulations (see 26 CFR 1.911- 3(c)(3)). INSURANCE (a) Worker's Compensation Benefits. The contractor shall be provided worker's compensation benefits in accordance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. (b) Health and Life Insurance. (1) The contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of the contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. (2) The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (3) Retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health or life insurance under their contracts. The Government will normally have already paid its contribution for the retiree unless the employee can prove to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that his/her health and life insurance does not provide or specifically excludes coverage overseas. In such case, the contractor would be eligible for contributions under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) as appropriate. (4) Proof of health and life insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. On assignments of less than one year, costs for health and life insurance shall be prorated and paid accordingly. (5) A contractor who is a spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse's Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for the contribution under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this provision. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS An individual serving under a CDC PSC may not perform "inherently governmental functions," which include: ? Committing the U.S. Government (USG) to a specific course of action or performing Services, which involve discretionary exercise of Government authority; ? Exercising signatory authority on behalf of the USG; ? Directing policy formulation or making policy decisions; ? Approving program plans; ? Officially representing the CDC (representation); ? Controlling USG-owned property; ? Acting as a cashier or sub-cashier; or, ? Supervising Government FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: ? Provide advice or make recommendations to Government FTE staff; ? Perform services (other then the prohibited services listed above) in support of program activities; ? Direct projects or teams (as long as supervision of Government FTE staff is not involved); and, ? Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant?s current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant?s most recent U.S. Federal tax return. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall submit the attached Benefit Eligibility Form with the application. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2007-N-09672 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at egz2@cdc.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals: (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_2.html#wp1125227). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist PSC. To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). Basis for Award In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence B. If Already Present in Country of Service, Reason for Current Presence There. N/A/ or reason for current presence in country, e.g., brought there by previous employer [provide name of employer, your status and job title, and whether housing and repatriation was included in employment package]; dependent of someone brought there by employer [provide name of employer and whether housing and repatriation is included in employment package], etc. C. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. See attached. D. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: Spouse: Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth of each E. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each:
- Place of Performance
- Address: Maputo
- Country: MOZAMBIQUE
- Country: MOZAMBIQUE
- Record
- SN01380801-W 20070824/070822220551 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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