SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- USPSC USAID/CAR Regional Environmental Advisor for Asia
- Notice Date
- 8/12/2008
- 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
- 34-2008
- Response Due
- 9/2/2008
- Archive Date
- 9/17/2008
- 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: 08/12/2008 CLOSING DATE: 09/02/2008 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 34-2008 USPSC Regional Environmental Advisor for Asia, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan 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 Heather Armstrong, 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, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 34/2008 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:34-2008 2.ISSUANCE DATE:08/12/2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:09/02/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4.POSITION TITLE:Regional Environmental Advisor for Asia 5.MARKET VALUE:$81,093 - $105,420 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value – salary history may be considered) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:One year (extension optional) 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Background Asia The Asia Bureau of USAID provides overall leadership for Agency programs in the Asia region and assistance to over 20 countries spanning much of the globe and nearly a third of its population. This includes programs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in response to urgent foreign policy priorities; urgent reconstruction programs in Asia in response to natural disasters (tsunami, earthquakes); large and politically sensitive efforts in India, the Philippines and Indonesia; and volatile conflict and post-conflict situations in Cambodia, East Timor, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The Asia Bureau’s Office of Technical Support (ME/TS) is responsible for providing leadership and technical support on development issues in the region through analysis, strategy development, program design, technical assistance and information dissemination. ME/TS guides the Bureau’s strategic thinking in technical areas, reviews performance by operating units, and advises on the appropriate allocation of resources to them. Within ME/TS, the Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) is responsible for assuring that Asia strategies and programs comply with the mandatory requirements of the Agency’s environmental procedures (22 CFR 216; aka Reg. 216), as well as with legislative and policy mandates on the environment (e.g., the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), USAID’s environmental policy directives; and the Foreign Assistance Act as amended in Sections 117, 118, and 119. The environmental compliance workload is daunting. In FY 2007, the Asia BEO reviewed and processed over 200 environmental compliance documents for over $8.5 billion in Life-of-Project funds. This included Environmental Assessments for over $3 billion in infrastructure and other Asia activities. Given the high visibility and strategic sensitivity of many of these programs, both careful review and rapid turn around are mandatory. Ensuring appropriate environmental review and providing assistance with Reg. 216 compliance have emerged as important areas of backstopping for ME/TS. Central Asia Regional Mission/(USAID/CAR) With more than half of the world’s population, Asia faces intensifying demands on environmental systems, natural resources, and government capacity as a result of rapid urban and industrial growth, ineffective policies, and pervasive poverty. Improving environmental governance, resource protection, biodiversity conservation, urban development and water resources management are urgent needs across the region. While diverse in many ways, Asian countries and cities face similar challenges in the urban environment and governance that can be addressed through regional cooperation and assistance. The initiatives throughout the region provide important platforms for sharing and replicating experiences, technical innovations, and expertise; and for improving cooperation between Asian countries, cities, and communities. Regional cooperation, combined with resource leveraging, is key to catalyzing change in all sectors. Institutional capacity and regulatory policies must be greatly strengthened region-wide to ensure compliance, enforcement, market-based incentives, public participation, and the resolution of conflict in a manner that is democratic, transparent, and fosters the rule of law. B) Basic Functions of the Position As a member of both ME/TS and USAID/CAR environment teams, the Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) for Asia, based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, provides specialized policy, strategic and technical advice in the areas of environmental review and impact assessment and environment sector programming in Asia. The REA will support USAID Missions in South, Central, and East Asia and their implementing partners, host country national governments, and, as appropriate, other USG agencies (i.e., Department of State, OPIC, TDA, ExIm Bank, DOI, Treasury, EPA, USDA/USFS, DOE) and regional and international organizations that are active in Asia. Eighty percent (80%) of the REA’s time will be spent supporting USAID programs in the region and up to 20% supporting the Environment Team of USAID/CAR. The REA's areas of assistance include USAID environmental procedures; environmental impact assessment, monitoring, and mitigation; strategic planning; program development and monitoring; and managing for results. The position is supported by the ME/TS office as well as USAID/CAR. C) Duties and Responsibilities ME/TS The Regional Environmental Advisor – Asia supports USAID Missions and partners as well as USAID Mission Environmental Officers and staff in complying with USAID environmental regulations (22 CFR 216), policies, and procedures; and in incorporating principles of environmentally sound design and best practices in planning and implementation of development interventions. In particular, the REA shall perform the following services as required by ME/TS: 1.Assist USAID Mission Environmental Officers, Assistance Objective team leaders, and implementation partners in the preparation of Initial Environmental Examinations, Requests for Categorical Exclusions, EA Scoping Statements, and terms of reference for Environmental Assessments of USAID-funded activities; 2.Working under the guidance of the Asia BEO, conduct environmental portfolio reviews and periodic site visits for USAID activities to monitor compliance with all USAID environmental procedures and regulations, with particular attention to implementation of monitoring and mitigation measures specified in IEEs and EAs. 3.Support streamlining, harmonization, and standardization of Reg. 216 procedures in the Asia region, particularly with respect to environmental screening and review under umbrella NGO programs; 4.Prepare an annual summary of the status of each mission as it relates to satisfying USAID’s environmental requirements and recommend, if warranted, actions necessary for compliance; 5.Assist Mission Environmental Officers to prepare reports related to overall Environmental Compliance, Tropical Forestry, and Biodiversity that may be required as part of USAID annual reporting and /or strategy preparation; 6.Train, or lead and organize teams that train, USAID mission staff, host-country government, and civil society personnel in environmental impact assessment procedures and USAID environmental regulations with a view to strengthening local capacity within USAID Missions and partner institutions for assuring the environmental soundness of development programs. 7.Promote coordination and collaboration in regional environmental programming and planning among USAID Missions in Asia. Represent USAID/CAR at meetings, workshops and conferences organized by various organizations, including other donors and international organizations. 8.Develop effective working relationships with USAID personnel, host-country authorities, international donors (including MDBs and the GEF), regional and international development organizations, NGOs and other civil society organizations, and private sector groups within Asia in order to improve overall environmental program coordination. 9.Develop, or lead/participate in teams that develop, environmental profiles and other analyses of major environmental issues in Asia if/as requested by the USAID/CAR Director or Program Officer and/or the Asia BEO. 10.Collect and disseminate information on best practices for environmental management of selected classes of activities; environmental technologies; environmental laws and regulations; and lessons learned among USAID Missions in Asia, AID/W, NGOs, MDBs, and regional organizations. 11.As requested by the USAID/CAR Program Officer and the Asia BEO, monitor and assess the environmental impacts of key investments of the Multilateral Development Banks (World Bank, IDB, CAF), other USG Agencies (OPIC, TDA, ExIm Bank) and the U.S. private sector in Asia. This work will be coordinated with the environment staff in USAID's Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade in Washington. USAID/CAR 1.Assist the Mission Environmental Officer by advising Mission staff on the development of Initial Environmental Examinations and overall compliance with Reg. 216 requirements. 2.Provide strategic direction to contractors and grantees to ensure their activities support the strategic framework objectives of USAID/CAR to ensure compliance with established USAID guidelines, policies and procedures. 3.Coordinate activities with appropriate personnel at the USAID/CAR, USAID/Washington, USAID Missions, US Embassies and other US government agencies, such as the US EPA. Wherever possible, ensure USAID’s regional initiatives complement bilateral activities. 4.Develop, maintain and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, international organizations and other donors, private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders. These contacts are at the senior management level. 5.Prepare and disseminate, on a regular basis, to Mission staff, USAID/Washington, and program partners information on issues, accomplishments and worldwide best practices in environmental impact assessment and environmentally sound design. Document success stories in improving environmental governance. 6.Provide briefings to visitors to the USAID/CAR and to the press on the environmental impact assessment and environmental governance in the region and USAID’s programs in this area. Prepare and deliver presentations on the same issues to regional and international workshops and conferences. 7.Represent the USAID/CAR at meetings, workshops and conferences organized by various organizations, including other donors and international organizations. D) Supervision and Relationships USAID/CAR and ME/TS will jointly provide technical and programmatic supervision. USAID/CAR will take the supervisory lead on host mission activities while the Asia BEO will take the supervisory lead on environmental compliance (Reg. 216) responsibilities. The REA reports to both the USAID/CAR Program Officer and the Asia BEO, and uses professional judgment and skills to plan and carry out assigned activities, projects, or other assignments. S/he develops recommendations to solve difficult problems without precedent, proposes solutions to complex issues and discusses recommendations with his/her technical supervisors. S/he is considered the lead authority for the Missions and an Agency expert on environmental review and compliance procedures and evaluation issues. The work is technically authoritative and almost always accepted without substantive change and is only reviewed for conformance to Agency policy. The Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) for Asia will be physically located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, but co-funded by ME/TS and USAID/CAR. Consequently, there must be close collaboration between the USAID/CAR Program Officer and the Asia Bureau Environmental Officer (ME/TS) to ensure: accountability, service to the host and client missions, day-to-day supervision, and adequate backstopping. To achieve this, management responsibilities of the host Mission and ME/TS are: 1.The host mission (USAID/CAR) will provide day-to-day supervision and logistical support, while ME/TS will provide overall technical and policy guidance, and will coordinate and prioritize regional Reg. 216 backstopping responsibilities (in coordination with the host Mission). 2.Annual work plans with regular updates are required and will be approved by the host Mission and the Asia BEO. These work plans and updates will be prepared in close consultation with client bilateral Asia Missions. 3.Quarterly reports, including individual trip reports, will be submitted to both the USAID/CAR Program Officer and the Asia BEO. 4.Annual performance evaluations will be coordinated by the host Mission with input from the Asia BEO and the client bilateral Asia Missions. 5.In exchange for the above described management services, the host Mission (USAID/CAR) can expect up to 20% of the Advisor's time to be spent in its service with the remaining time spent serving other clients, especially bilateral Asia Missions. 6.The incumbent will be required to travel to other Asia countries, Washington, D.C., and other localities in the performance of his/her duties. It is anticipated that approximately 50 % of the incumbent's time will be spent traveling to other countries in Asia, with occasional trips to AID/W for consultations. All travel shall have the prior approval of the USAID/CAR Program Officer, or his authorized designee. E) Qualification Requirements 1) Education: Advanced degree (MS/MA level or above) in a discipline relevant to environmental protection and impact assessment. As an alternate, a relevant Bachelor’s degree and five years relevant experience added to the minimum described below may be substituted for the advanced degree. 2) Technical Knowledge and Development Program Management Experience: 1.Five or more years of progressively more responsible experience in environmental impact assessment and compliance, including NEPA compliance or 22 CFR 216 compliance. 2.Demonstrated experience and ability to judge potential environmental impacts of proposed economic development assistance activities. Overseas experience highly desired. 2.Proven outstanding skill in design, management, and evaluation of development assistance programs, with expertise in performance monitoring. Experience working with USAID field missions in Asia is very highly desired. 3.Demonstrated expert understanding of the role of foreign assistance in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and balancing economic development needs with conservation objectives. 4.Demonstrated mastery of collaborative development assistance planning and implementation activities (both independently, in a leadership capacity and as a member of a team, as appropriate) with a wide variety of individuals, groups, environmental institutions and technical organizations. Ability to work effectively under pressure to carry out specific, results-oriented tasks in developing countries given constraints in time, information and logistical support. 4) Communications Skills: 1.Excellent communications skills, including the ability to clearly articulate environmental, conservation, natural resource management, clean production, and pollution prevention issues both in writing and orally. 2.Computer and Communication Skills: Demonstrated experience supporting, maintaining, and updating web-based training and resource materials to support environmental impact assessment and environmentally sound design is desirable. 3.Proven ability to function highly effectively in cross-cultural situations. 4.Willingness to travel extensively overseas to USAID-assisted countries. All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position F) 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 Asia Region. I) EVALUATION CRITERIA Academic Qualifications and Technical Knowledge: 30 points Development Programs Management and Leadership Experience: 30 points Relevant Regional/Overseas Experience: 15 points 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) September 2, 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 Almaty, Kazakhstan. 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. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 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.
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