SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- USPSC USAID/CAR/Tajikistan Country Office Deputy Director
- Notice Date
- 7/24/2008
- 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, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 26-2008_USAID-CAR
- Response Due
- 8/15/2008
- Archive Date
- 8/30/2008
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova,, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya N. Zubkova,, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 07/23/2008 CLOSING DATE: 08/15/2008 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 26-2008 USPSC Tajikistan Country Office Deputy Director, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 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 Barry Collins, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Barry Collins Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 26/2008 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:26-2008 2.ISSUANCE DATE:07/23/2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:08/15/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4.POSITION TITLE:Tajikistan Country Office Deputy Director 5.MARKET VALUE:$68,625 - $89,217 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 35% Post Differential (currently) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two years (extension optional) 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/Central Asian Republics, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 8.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Background The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics (USAID/CAR) is a regional USAID Mission with responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government’s assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. This program is directed at supporting a program of policy reform, humanitarian assistance, economic growth, democratic and social transition in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Tajikistan poses one of the most difficult development challenges in the region. This small isolated country was already the poorest of the republics when part of the Soviet Union, but civil war and economic collapse since independence have now reduced over 65% of the population to poverty. While the country realized a “peace dividend” following the signing of peace accords in 1997, progress has otherwise been slow and reforms have stagnated. Moreover, a difficult winter this past year left the country with severe energy shortages and strained the remaining coping strategies of the population. Sharing a long border with Afghanistan, Tajikistan is on the front line of pressing U.S. concerns in the region: narcotics trafficking and terrorism, Islamic extremism, democratic transition, economic reform, and management of region's vast water resources. USAID assistance to the country was initially focused on urgent humanitarian needs and supporting the peace process. Under the new assistance strategy for Central Asia, USAID is increasingly supporting the country’s longer-term development needs, while still meeting humanitarian needs. USAID/CAR Tajikistan Country Office is responsible for oversight and coordination of an approximately $17 million annual assistance portfolio implemented through approximately 25 institutional contractors and international private voluntary organizations (PVOs), as well as coordinating on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador a U.S. Department of Agriculture food aid program involving three U.S. PVOs. B) Basic Function Under the overall direction of the USAID/CAR Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan and the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Officer, Tajikistan Country Office (TCO) Director, the incumbent actively participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR’s policy strategy/portfolio for the Mission’s strategic and cross-cutting objectives in Tajikistan. The incumbent serves as the Deputy Director in USAID/CAR/Tajikistan Country Office. In that position s/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and coordination of an approximately $17 million annual assistance portfolio implemented through six institutional contractors and 20 international private voluntary organizations (PVOs). As a TCO Deputy Director the incumbent participates in supervision of six Foreign National Personal Services Contractor (FNPSC) employees. C) Scope of Work The Tajikistan Country Office Deputy Director is the alter ego of the Office Director and assumes the responsibilities and authority of the TCO Director in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent is fully familiar with all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, and the implementation partners and local counterparts. As needed, the Country Office Director may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the Deputy, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The Deputy is required to travel frequently within Tajikistan to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan to consult with Mission management and technical support office staff. Areas of responsibility for the position of Country Office Deputy Director include: 1)Assist the TCO Director and Country Office staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID/CAR’s program in Tajikistan in the most effective and efficient manner. 2)Provide advice, technical leadership, and coordination in the conceptual design, development and implementation of USAID/CAR projects/activities in Tajikistan as well as monitoring the progress of these activities. 3)Serve as a liaison official for USG assistance with the Government of Tajikistan, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, local and international nongovernmental organizations, institutional contractors and international donor organizations. 4)Through field observation, analysis, and consultation with host government, international donor organizations and other local entities, identify needs for USAID assistance in areas consistent with the Asia Bureau and Freedom Support Act assistance program. Advise the Tajikistan Country Office and USAID/CAR’s Regional Office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining the potential USAID response. Incumbent keeps the Country Officer apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of the country office and of USAID’s program in Tajikistan. 5)Take the lead for the Country Office in the overall conceptualization and implementation of assigned activities within TCO portfolio and supervise local staff responsible for such activities. As a manager is responsible for coordinating and implementation of Humanitarian Assistance Projects. 6)Assist the TCO Director to maintain effective liaison and communication between the USAID/CAR’s Regional Office in Almaty, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, USAID grantees and contractors, other donors, the Government of Tajikistan, and AID/Washington. 7)Supervise the Public Outreach efforts of the Country Office: assisting in the development of newsletters and press releases on assistance programs and ensuring that all outreach and media materials are of a high quality, coordinating with Public Outreach and Communications Specialist in Almaty and establishing a close working relationship with the Public Affairs section in the U.S. Embassy. 8)Serve in the absence of the Country Office Director as a member of the U.S. Embassy/Dushanbe Country Team, the USAID representative to the Donor Coordination Council and its working groups and the USAID representative to the Joint Country Support Strategy core group. D) Supervision Exercised The incumbent will have direct supervisory responsibilities for FSN staff, as will be determined by the Country Office Director. When serving in the capacity of acting TCO Director, the deputy will assume full supervisory responsibility for the entire Tajikistan Country Office (6 FSNPSC employees). E) Supervision Received The incumbent will work directly under the supervision and technical guidance of the Senior U.S. Direct Hire Supervisory Program Officer (Tajikistan Country Office Director) •Under broad guidance from the USDH Country Director, work is performed with a high degree of independence. •When serving in the capacity of acting Country Director the incumbent will report directly to the USAID/CAR Director or his/her designee; also as acting country director the incumbent will be under parallel supervision from the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan. F) Level and Purpose of Contacts The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in Tajikistan and beyond. The purpose of these contacts is to promote USAID’s development assistance objectives and to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of Tajik society as they affect USAID’s programs. Contacts also serve to gain insights from the procedures, methodologies, and experiences from host country counterparts and implementing partners as they affect USAID’s implementation effectiveness. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: •Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses; •Ministers and deputy ministers in Tajikistan; •U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan and other members of the Country Team; •Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded contracts and grants; •Senior officials and executives from U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contracts and grants; •Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs; •Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters; •Representatives of international donors; •USAID/CAR Office Directors; •USAID/Washington representatives and •CODELs, STAFFdels G) Qualification Requirements This position requires a blend of qualities that include: broad development experience; proven management abilities; ability to work independently; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. The ideal incumbent would have the following characteristics: •Bachelor’s degree in business administration, international business, or other relevant subject area. Master’s degree is preferred. Training (or experience) in relevant administrative policies and procedures is required. •Comprehensive knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of former-Soviet countries, preferably Central Asia. •Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating knowledge and competency in the design and management of development programs/projects, and evaluation of such projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Particular experience in areas relevant to Tajikistan’s activity portfolio, including economic growth, democracy and governance, health and/or education is also desirable. •Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation. At least one year of supervisory experience. •Familiarity with USG’s policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations. •High-level proficiency in oral and written communications needed to report on the status of activities and projects; to establish and maintaining effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries; and, to represent USAID/CAR Tajikistan’s projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. •Hands-on experience with and knowledge of computer software and hardware. •At least two years of relevant experience in Central Asian Republics, South Asia and/or NIS region, preferably in Tajikistan. •Ability to work as a team member and effectively lead teams. •Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; balanced judgment; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners are essential. •Minimum Level V (Native) English Language ability (written and spoken) is required. Demonstrated good working knowledge (Level III) in both written and spoken Russian preferred. Working knowledge of Tajik (the local language spoken in Tajikistan) desired. All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position H) OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 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 Central Asia Region. I) EVALUATION CRITERIA Academic Qualifications and Technical Knowledge: 30 points Development Programs Management and Leadership Experience: 30 points Relevant NIS/CAR Experience: 15 points Language and Communication Skills: 20 points Computer Skills: 5 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample (maximum 3 pages) of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) August 15, 2008. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, 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: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 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. Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, is located in the extreme west of the country, about a one-hour drive from the border with Uzbekistan. Dushanbe was formed in 1922, when three small settlements of 5,000 people were united. It became the capital when Tajikistan became an autonomous republic in 1924. The city lies in a sheltered river valley at 2,300 feet above sea level, below the Hissar Mountains. The Varzob and Kofarnihon Rivers flow through Dushanbe. Because of its sheltered location, Dushanbe is often spared the more extreme weather conditions prevalent elsewhere in the region though this is not true at all times. Winters are similar to those in Washington, DC, with cool, damp weather and occasional snow. However, last year was extreme exception when temperature dropped down to minus 22°F. Spring is generally mild and rainy, while Tajik summers are hot and dry, with temperatures in some areas well over 100 °F. Autumn weather is generally pleasant and dry. In all seasons, temperatures can vary considerably during the course of the day. Now a city of 700,000, Dushanbe in its center retains the atmosphere of its original planners in the 1920s — wide, tree-lined streets with mostly low-rise apartment houses and office buildings painted white or pastel colors. Although traffic has begun to pick up with increased availability of gasoline, it is still comparatively light. Because of the trees, walking or bicycle riding is pleasant much of the year. 12. 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.
- Web Link
-
FedBizOpps Complete View
(https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=add0fe640af003b096fef355a44e539d&tab=core&_cview=1)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Personnel Office, USAID/CAR Almaty, 41 Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Dushanbe, Non-U.S., Tajikistan
- Record
- SN01622968-W 20080726/080724224852-add0fe640af003b096fef355a44e539d (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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