SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Officer-In-Charge
- Notice Date
- 7/29/2008
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541611
— Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Serbia & Montenegro USAID-Belgrade, Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro, Belgrade, 11000
- ZIP Code
- 11000
- Solicitation Number
- 170-S-00-08-24921
- Response Due
- 8/15/2008
- Archive Date
- 8/30/2008
- Point of Contact
- Stevan Jovanovic,, Phone: 381-11-306-4884, Victor Diaz de Leon,, Phone: 381113064790
- E-Mail Address
-
sjovanovic@usaid.gov, vdiaz@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Officer-in-Charge (Montenegro) 1. SOLICITATION NO: 170-S-00-08-24921 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 29, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 15, 2008 4. POSITION TITLE: Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Montenegro 5. MARKET VALUE: (Base Pay): US$81,093 up to US$105,420, GS 14 equivalent. Salary will be determined based 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 Podgorica, Montenegro (currently set at the rate of 15% of base pay), housing, international travel, shipment benefits and other applicable allowances. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years from the date of signature of the contract, with the possibility of extension depending on the need for continuation of services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Podgorica, Montenegro with frequent travel within Montenegro and periodic travel to Belgrade, Serbia. 8. SECURITY ACCESS: Top Secret Level 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only; please read Attachment 1 to this solicitation on Dual Citizenship. 10. SCOPE OF WORK: INTRODUCTION: The USAID Mission for Serbia and Montenegro (USAID/SM) promotes political and economic development in Serbia and a newly independent Montenegro. A sovereign nation since 2006, Montenegro is working to ensure a stable democratic transition and to secure long-term stability and economic prosperity. The U.S. supports Montenegro in its efforts to consolidate democratic and economic reforms as well as its rapid integration into the wider Euro-Atlantic community. To address these efforts, USG assistance to Montenegro includes activities to improve governance and implementation of economic reforms. Activities in these two areas focus to improve democracy structures, civil society, and private sector conditions in economically vulnerable areas such as in the North. USAID/SM requires contracted services of a development assistance professional with strong leadership and management skills to guide the USAID assistance program in Montenegro. S/he will lead the start-up of a major sustainable tourism initiative and will manage the successful phase-out of other elements of the assistance program with a goal of USAID phase-out in Montenegro by 2012. The contract for the Montenegro OIC position will be for a period of two years. The position will be based in Podgorica, Montenegro and will require periodic travel to Belgrade, Serbia for administrative support and coordination with USAID/SM Mission management. POSITION DESCRIPTION The contractor is required to possess an extremely high degree of competence, professional maturity, and well rounded experience in performing a variety of program and project management functions. USAID assistance to Montenegro is managed by USAID/SM, via its satellite country office in Embassy/Podgorica. This program requires a strong self-directed manager. The programming and implementation of USAID programs and ultimate phase-out from Montenegro is complex. Working under the direct supervision of the Deputy Mission Director of USAID/SM (or designee), the contractor will participate in and provide substantive input to project implementation, monitoring, and reporting. S/He will also provide active program coordination with counterparts and implementing agencies; NGOs, including those receiving USAID funds and others; international organizations; representatives of the international donor community; and USAID/Washington cognizant staff. S/He will also work closely with and at the direction of the USAID/SM’s Front Office, to ensure that phase-out programming and implementation remain consistent with USAID’s strategy for Montenegro. The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for Montenegro is the senior USAID official and the chief spokesperson for the USAID/SM Mission Director on matters related to USAID’s initiatives in Montenegro. Montenegro’s USAID office is co-located with State and other USG agencies in the newly established U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Podgorica. S/he represents USAID to other USG agencies, international donors, Government of Montenegro (GOM) counterparts, USAID implementing partners, and the public, while providing oversight of all USAID program management and administrative activities in Montenegro. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. (Specific functions may include, but are not limited to) The OIC will be responsible for the management and oversight of grants, contracts, and purchase orders that serve as implementation mechanisms for USAID activities and programs in Montenegro. The OIC will serve as the Mission advocate for program performance impact in all areas of assistance, and will help set priorities for guidance of contractors, grantees, and other activity implementing agencies. With an eye to the expected close of USAID operations in Montenegro in 2012, the OIC will also be primarily responsible for the smooth phase-out of USAID assistance to Montenegro. This will include design and implementation of legacy activities as appropriate and in conformity with USAID policies, procedures. B. Representing the USAID/SM Mission Director as required, and briefing Montenegrin host country government officials, bilateral and multinational donors, private individuals and others as needs of USG development assistance programs, policies, objectives and development priorities dictate, thus ensuring coordination and achievement of maximum development impact with USAID resources. This requires articulating USAID’s strategy for Montenegro, brokering consensus, providing immediate response to fast-breaking developments, and facilitating information flows on critical policy issues. Advising USAID/SM Mission Director on strategic and policy-related issues concerning USAID’s strategy, program implementation, program re-directions, and program phase-out in Montenegro. Overseeing, managing, and directly supervising five USAID staff in Montenegro. As such s/he manages, monitors, and approves actions of said staff and, in consultation with the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, provides strategic program guidance in the technical sectors encompassed by the USAID portfolio in Montenegro: Community and Economic Development, Economic Policy and Finance, and Democracy and Governance. Providing analyses and advice on the evolving political and economic conditions in Montenegro that is relevant to the development and implementation of USAID’s programs. This includes reporting routinely – in writing and verbally – to USAID/SM and senior officers of the Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Bureau in Washington on these political and economic developments. Preparing and processing program budget and activity documentation. This includes significant substantive input to the Annual Operating Plan & Results Report submission, Budget Justification, Congressional Notification, OYB reporting, etc. Recommending budget allocation levels for assistance activities. Preparing correspondence, cables, and reports in response to inquiries and preparing routine reporting documents regarding program activities. Attending, and in some cases, organizing, meetings and conferences and preparing follow-up cables and reports. Coordinating USAID program activities with bilateral and multilateral donors that support similar activities. S/he ensures that USAID is appropriately informed of, and advised on, policy and programmatic decisions made by other donors and the Government of Montenegro. This is especially important as USAID plans for phase-out of its assistance program. Coordinating with and informing the U.S. Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission in Podgorica on USAID activities in Montenegro. C. The contactor will perform other appropriate duties, as assigned by the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director (or their respective designees) or by the Ambassador or DCM of U.S. Embassy Podgorica that are consistent with the duties and responsibilities described herein. D. The Officer-in-Charge is a member of the USAID/SM Mission management team and reports directly to the USAID/SM Deputy Mission Director in Belgrade. E. The OIC directly supervises four professional senior Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), and one program support secretary, although staffing will decrease consistent with phase-out of USAID activities. LEVEL OF CONTACTS The selected applicant must be able to work and communicate effectively with high level officials of USG agencies and departments; senior officials of the Montenegrin government including the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, senior representatives of other international donors, and representatives private firms. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE The contract will be for a period of twenty four (24) months. The contract may be extended for up to an additional two years subject to performance, continuing need for such services, and availability of funds. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. In-country & occasional international travel is required. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. POINT OF CONTACT:Stevan Jovanovic Human Resource Assistant USAID/Serbia – Montenegro sjovanovic@usaid.gov (please no phone calls) EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION The technical scope of the program is complex and requires the services of a senior program manager with knowledge of development assistance. Required professional qualifications and skills include: • A university degree is required, preferably in a field relevant to the assistance program in Montenegro. • Recent experience in international development. Relevant experience in the Balkans is preferred. • Knowledge Skills and Abilities: A thorough knowledge of USG and/or International Organizations policies, procedures, reporting and systems is required. Current knowledge of political and economic conditions in Montenegro and the Balkans is desirable. • The contractor should have demonstrated professional ability though assuming senior management and leadership roles. S/he should be resourceful, exercise sound judgment, and have the ability to work well with all levels of personnel. The contractor must have strong management, interpersonal, teamwork, conceptual, analytical, negotiating, problem-solving, and communication (written and verbal) skills. User-level ability to work with computers and common software programs is also required. SELECTION CRITERIA: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria; • Education (20 Points): A university degree in a field relevant to economic development. • Experience (20 points): Relevant experience in international development, particularly with countries in transition and programs in phase-out. • Knowledge Skills and Abilities (45 points): Knowledge of USG policies, procedures, reporting and systems. Demonstrated professional ability, including relevant senior management leadership. Experience supervising subordinates is required. • Language (15 points): Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and English proficiency at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) 5level. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 1. Applicant must have US citizenship; 2. Must be in possession of, or able to obtain, a top secret security clearance. The successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency. 3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Montenegro. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. 4. Accompanying eligible family members, must also obtain medical and security clearances, if applicable. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A fully completed and signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website or SF 171 (not available at the USAID website) : http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://fillform.gsa.gov or at federal offices 2. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. 3. A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position; 4. Cover Letter specifically addressing selection criteria; 5. Minimum three (3) and up to five (5) work-related references, with their respective phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. 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 and/or e-mail. Via international mail or air courier: US Embassy USAID/Human Resource Office Kneza Milosa 50 Belgrade, Serbia 11000 Via facsímile: +381-11-361-8267 Via email: sjovanovic@usaid.gov AND vdiaz@usaid.gov Applications may be sent via international mail, air courier, hand delivery, facsimile or e-mail but must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that complete applications are received by USAID, on time, whatever transmittal method is used. Electronic applications are required to have the applicant’s signature (i.e., in PDF format) or the relevant page(s) with signatures must be sent via mail, courier or facsimile. Late applications will be considered at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer. The highest ranking applicant(s) may be selected for an interview and may be requested to submit writing samples or other documentation to support their application. 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. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 1. Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171. 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). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS AAPDs/CIBs 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 AAPDs/CIBs apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. Benefits 1. Employer's FICA Contribution 2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance -- 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed US$7,750 for a family and US$3,410 for employees without dependents) -- 50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed US$500) 3. Pay Comparability Adjustment -- Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs 4. Annual Increase (subject to a satisfactory performance evaluation) 5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation 6. Annual & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC 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 Montenegro in accordance with the AIDAR, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, Rest & Recuperation (R&R), international shipment of personal effects and furnished housing. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of 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. ATTACHMENT 1 USAID/General Notice POLICY-REMINDER SEC 05/16/2002 Subject: Dual Citizenship Policy 1. The purpose of this notice is to explain existing national and USAID policy for all employees and to inform potential applicants for Civil Service, Foreign Service and USAID contract positions of the possible effects of dual citizenship on security clearance determinations. Dual citizenship can present a security issue in whether to permit access to classified information, thereby affecting recruitment, employment and assignments. The general information herein may also be found in State 54446, dated March 21, 2002 which outlines Department of State and Diplomatic Security policy as it concerns dual citizenship in personnel security matters. 2. USAID security clearance evaluations and determinations are the responsibility of the USAID Office of Security (SEC). SEC is required to consider dual citizenship in conducting personnel security investigations and making security clearance evaluations/determinations in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 10450, E.O. 12968, and the March 24, 1997 Adjudicative Guidelines. 3. Security clearance evaluations/determinations must ensure that access to classified information for a specific individual is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security." Under the adjudicative guidelines, "any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security." When making such a determination, SEC must consider all available information, both positive and negative. This is the "whole person" concept. Dual nationality is a relevant element in some cases. While U.S. citizenship is a basic eligibility requirement to be considered for access to classified information, it does not automatically confer the right to a security clearance. Dual citizenship must be considered in context of other circumstances in an individual's background. 4. USAID has not implemented, and does not intend to implement, a "blanket rule" regarding dual citizenship. In making security clearance determinations, SEC will continue to evaluate dual citizenship issues on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire as part of their application and may answer questions about these issues during a subject interview. Current employees will not generally be questioned about any foreign citizenship until the regularly scheduled periodic reinvestigation when they will also be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire. Should an event trigger a review of an employee's access eligibility before their routine update, any foreign citizenship will be addressed at that time. 5. Facts about any subject's conduct and behavior developed through required background investigation are weighed against criteria in the adjudicative guidelines. SEC must be able to determine that granting access to classified information is clearly in the national security interest. A fundamental adjudicative principle is that the mere absence of derogatory information is not sufficient grounds to grant a security clearance. The government must, through an appropriate investigation and evaluation, establish a personal and professional history that positively affirms the individual's judgment, reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty to the United States. If there is any doubt about unquestioned preference for and allegiance to the United States, unencumbered by any undue foreign influence, SEC must render a determination in favor of the national security and determine the individual ineligible for access. These same adjudicative principles are used in all federal personnel security programs. 6. The evaluation element presented by dual citizenship is that it could raise an issue of possible divided loyalty to the United States. Title 32 C.F.R. 174.5, Adjudicative Guideline C, Foreign Preference, provides: (a) The concern: When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States. (b) Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include: (1) The exercise of dual citizenship; (2) Possession and/or use of a foreign passport; (3) Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign country (4) Accepting educational, medical or other benefits, such as retirement and social welfare, from a foreign country; (5) Residence in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements; (6) Using foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another country; (7) Seeking or holding political office in the foreign country; (8) Voting in foreign elections; (9) Performing or attempting to perform duties, or otherwise acting, so as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the interests of the United States. (c) Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include: (1) Dual-citizenship is based solely on parents' citizenship or birth in a foreign country; (2) Indicators of possible foreign preference (e.g., foreign military service) Occurred before obtaining United States citizenship; (3) Activity is sanctioned by the United States; (4) Individual has expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship. 7. To illustrate the SEC evaluation process regarding dual citizenship, some examples that have arisen recently are provided below. SEC's goal is to maintain consistency in its determinations. There may appear to be many similarities between cases, however, individual circumstances vary greatly and may not be known to the hiring entity. While not all inclusive, the following examples give an indication of how such factors are evaluated and determinations made: Example A: A subject derived foreign citizenship from his or her parents. In this case, SEC would examine whether or not the subject has exercised the foreign citizenship: by accepting educational, medical or social welfare benefits for himself/herself or family; possessing and using the foreign passport; serving in the foreign military; working for the foreign government; etc. In the absence of the subject's exercising foreign citizenship, and if subject's current and past actions consistently demonstrated preference for and allegiance to the United States, then dual citizenship would not preclude a security clearance. Example B: A subject only recently became a naturalized U.S. citizen through marriage and has no previous ties to the United States. In this case, SEC could not likely grant an immediate security clearance, since the demonstrated loyalty requirement could not be satisfied immediately. Eligibility for access could be reconsidered after a passage of time during which the subject would have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate preference for and unquestioned allegiance to the United States, and in the absence of any undue conflicting influence, as required by the referenced guidelines. Example C: A subject was born in the U.S. as the child of foreign visitors. The subject left the U.S. in infancy, never returned and has no ties or history which indicates a preference for and allegiance to the United States. SEC would not have the background information required to grant a security clearance. Example D: A subject is a naturalized U.S. citizen and dual national who is willing to relinquish his foreign passport but is not/not willing to renounce foreign citizenship of birth. The subject explains that the reason for this position is: (1) So that children can continue to enjoy free foreign education benefits; (2) For possible future employment opportunities; and (3) For foreign inheritance purposes: SEC would not be able to clearly determine the individual's preference for the United States, sufficient to grant a security clearance. 8. SEC will continue adjudicating security clearances pursuant to the "whole person" concept. The fact that a person holds citizenship with another country, as well as citizenship with the United States, does not automatically result in a security clearance denial. Conversely, the simple renunciation of foreign citizenship would not necessarily result in granting a clearance. An individual must demonstrate unquestioned allegiance to the United States, preference for the United States over any other country and also be free from any undue foreign influence. If this cannot be established, a security clearance cannot be granted. Where a newly naturalized citizen is seeking USAID employment, SEC may be unable to adequately investigate the person's background in the country of origin or elsewhere to make this determination. When SEC is unable to clear a new entrant, SEC will so inform HR, and HR will take steps to withdraw the offer. 9. Should SEC make an unfavorable determination on a security clearance, E.O. 12968 guarantees appeal rights to applicants and employees alike. In cases of appeal, the Agency's final clearance determination is rendered by a panel consisting of the Director of Security (D/SEC), the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Human Resources (DAA/M/HR) and the Assistant General Counsel for Ethics and Administration (GC/EA). Information on the Agency's appeal process can be found in ADS 566.3.12.2. 10. Dual citizenship also presents an issue in the assignment of staff to overseas posts. For example, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does not provide diplomatic privileges and immunities for dual nationals; most countries do not unilaterally grant such privileges and immunities. ADS 566.3.12.1 also describes the potential for exclusion from assignments due to conflicts of interest related to an individual's foreign connections. 11. Human Resources and appropriate Mission staff should ensure that these policies are made known to potential applicants at the earliest possible stage of the recruitment process. Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Jeff Denale, Branch Chief, SEC/PIDS/PS, (202) 712-1264. Notice 0535
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