PRESOL | R | Laboratory Services Coordinator

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 16, 2008 FBO #2455
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Laboratory Services Coordinator

Notice Date: 8/14/2008
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
NAICS: 923120 — Administration of Public Health Programs
Contracting Office: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office (Atlanta), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia, 30341-4146
ZIP Code: 30341-4146
Solicitation Number: 2008-N-10719
Archive Date: 9/18/2008
Point of Contact: Rafael A. Aviles,, Phone: 770-488-2805, John M Ebanks,, Phone: 7704882436
E-Mail Address: raviles@cdc.gov, jebanks@cdc.gov
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 Laboratory Services Coordinator position located in Kampala, Uganda. 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: 2008-N-10719 POSITION NUMBER: UG-PSC-02 ISSUANCE DATE: August 14, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 03, 2008 at 3:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Laboratory Services Coordinator VALUE: $67,260 to $107,180 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: Kampala, Uganda SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI (Non-sensetive) 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: The Laboratory Services Coordinator provides scientific and technical support to improve the quality of laboratory services in Uganda, assistance in the implementation and development of existing and new PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) program activities that serve to strengthen laboratory services across the country. The position also supervises Locally Employed (LE) Staff technical staff at the CDC-Uganda laboratory in Entebbe. Major Duties of this position include: Providing technical assistance to other CDC-Uganda units for existing programmatic and special project grantees; acts as the primary laboratory liaison for major partners such as the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH), National Medical Stores and the Uganda Virus Research Institute; provides technical assistance to CDC stakeholders and to the MOH for strengthening national health laboratory services; assists with new program development for the National TB and Leprosy Program, the Laboratory Technician Training Schools, and the Makerere University School of Public Health. Acts as a mentor to laboratory staff to help them prepare documentation needed for the laboratory accreditation, manuscripts for publication and to prepare scientific presentations. Provides guidance on Good Laboratory Practice. Acts as a technical advisor to a number of other projects, such as the Research Triangle Initiative (RTI), the Uganda People's Defense Force, the CRANE (Most At-Risk Populations) study and the HIV ante-natal surveillance project in Sudan. Acts as the CDC technical advisor to the national influenza surveillance project and helps to establish the National Influenza Centre (NIC); continues to work closely with the NIC for routine surveillance and outbreak investigations. Develops and delivers refresher training sessions for governmental and NGO laboratory staff in highly technical lab activities, including immuno-pheno-typing, hematology and serum chemistries, and molecular technologies. Responsibilities: Incumbent works with the Laboratory Chief to plan lab staff development, supervision and day-to-day running of the laboratory. The position is delegated responsibility by the Laboratory Chief to provide direct, in-line supervision for the following LE Staff employees (all employed via PSA): the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Logistics Officer and 5 Laboratory Section Heads, the latter providing direct supervision to a further 20 laboratory technologists and technicians; as well as a senior technical consultant to the Ministry of Health [MOH] who in turn directly supervises a laboratory technician, also assigned to MOH. The position regularly provides technical advice and oversight to the laboratory components of special projects including the CRANE [Most at Risk Populations] Study, HIV surveillance in Sudan, the Research Triangle Initiative [RTI] project in the Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] and shares oversight with the Laboratory Director for all CDC projects including the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Study [PrEP], the Tororo Child Cohort [TCC] and the Targeted Evaluation of Drug Adherence Studies [TEDAS]; staff numbers in each of these projects are usually less than 5. No responsibilities for formal classroom training. Although, the position does require on-the-job training to staff of governmental and NGO that work in partnership with CDC-Uganda. Provides in house training on laboratory techniques, GLP and safety. The position provides indirect supervision to 5 staff working within the National Influenza Centre [NIC]. Provides guidance to senior technical staff on management according to accreditation standards. The position has personal use of cell and desk phones, as well as desk-top and lap-top computers collectively valued at US$ 5,000; and shared use of office and laboratory equipment collectively valued at US$1,000,000. The position has limited responsibility for the security of the CDC laboratory. The position is delegated in-line responsibility by the Laboratory Chief for budget formulation and management of the CDC laboratory budget valued at US $1,000,000 p.a. The position advises President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief [PEPFAR] partners and the NEC on laboratory budgeting requirements valued at >US$5,000,000 p.a. The position works with the Laboratory Information Management System [LIMS+] database that contains up to 100,000 new records p.a., in the supervision of the quality of laboratory testing, the timeliness of testing and reporting and the forecasting of laboratory requirements, with the overall aim of maintaining laboratory standards under the College of American Pathologists [CAP] accreditation scheme. The position recognizes and defines organizational and technical problems and identifies solutions. Evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods, and reallocates resources in response to changing needs. As a laboratory procedures expert, provides professional input into planning and programming exercises. As a senior advisor, recommends improvements in laboratory team structure, technical operations, service provision, location of services, etc. needed for efficient implementation of HIV and other disease laboratory procedures, including research protocols and use of results for programmatic change. Develops professional positions on laboratory practices and policies, and appropriate testing for studies and programs. Provides consultation to the Central Public Health Laboratory, the Minister of Health, Uganda Virus Research Institute, the Ministry Task Force for influenza response, CDC Uganda, and other PEPFAR partners for issues involving technical laboratory practices, policies and procedures. The position has direct managerial involvement related to lab activities with both small projects, for example, WHO/CDC workshops on ‘National Training Programs in AFB Smear Microscopy' and ‘Surveillance of Influenza'; and large projects such as the 2008 AIDS Indicator Survey/Malaria Indicator Survey [AIS/MIS, CRANE Study, HIV surveillance in Sudan, the RTI project in the UPDF, PrEP, TCC and TEDAS studies]. Small projects are usually less than one week but involve several months of preparation, are intended for around 50-80 participants and cost US$20,000-US$30,000; large projects may be for 3-24 months, involve large numbers (20,000-30,000) of participants and each cost between US$200,000 and US$1,000,000. The position decides upon changes to various organizations' laboratory standards and practices, and strategy for undertaking laboratory research. As a laboratory procedures expert, provides professional input into planning and programming exercises. As a senior advisor, recommends improvements in laboratory team structure, technical operations, service provision, location of services, etc. needed for efficient implementation at a national reference laboraotry for all diseases, including HIV. Develops professional positions on laboratory practices and procedures, and appropriate testing for studies and programs. Provides consultation to the MOH and other partners for issues involving laboratory policies and technical laboratory practices and procedures. The position will provide advice and recommendations on the technical, logistical, quality and management aspects of laboratory service provision in Uganda. The position will represent CDC at official functions with the Ministry of Health, U.S. Embassy, international and regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and other partners. Other contacts include CDC scientific colleagues in Atlanta and across Africa, medical and scientific professionals and government officials, and international scientists. The position has a significant impact on the PEPFAR Uganda program and the Ugandan national, regional and local laboratory programs. The Central Public Health Laboratory is a key component in the laboratory strengthening program of PEPFAR and in the national laboratory infrastructure program; the position is instrumental in setting up structure and functions within this organization. Position will have a regional impact as a technical advisor and CDC contact person for influenza surveillance and response to avian and pandemic flu in the region. There will be a significant impact globally as well as this position also plays a critical role in developing protocols for laboratory operations and services. The impact of the position will be felt throughout the Ugandan laboratory service. Position will spend time with external clients/customers including the Head of CPHL, Head of UVRI, Director of the National AIDS Program Office, Chief Medical Officer, Minister of Health, and other high ranking government officials. The position provides technical support, quality management of the HIV and other disease diagnostic laboratories, and training of the laboratory technicians for the implementation of quality control and quality assurance in the laboratory. In the long term, this position will impact on capacity building for HIV research for the host country as well as the region. Knowledge: Essential A high level of knowledge on the type of diseases in Uganda is required. This knowledge should have been gained from reading and from discussions with local medical personnel. A solid understanding of Ugandan culture is necessary to work effectively; this will be gained from readings and discussions with PEPFAR partners and Ministry of Health officials. PhD in a relevant discipline is required. At least 10 years management experience in a clinical laboratory or equivalent, as well as programmatic work experience. Language skills - Level 4 - Fluent in English Ability to provide on-the-job technical training. Incumbent must have the ability to live and work in a low resource environment and be able to work with people in an environment culturally different than in well developed countries. Desired Incumbent should have sound knowledge of the way in which the various U.S. Government [USG] agencies operate in-country, particularly with reference to PEPFAR and the President's Malaria Initiative [PMI]. This knowledge is essential in the discussions leading up to the development and budgeting of the Country Operational Plan [COP]. Knowledge of PEPFAR mission, goals, objectives, and management practices to integrate these requirements with program area planning and evaluation activities. Intellectual Skills: Incumbent will need to keep abreast of new developments in clinical diagnostic testing published in the literature and, through membership in national committees, PEPFAR Technical Working Groups (TWG) and attendance at PEPFAR Country Team [CT] meetings, keep informed of the progress of PEPFAR implementation. This position is highly complex and requires highly developed analytical ability and judgment. Incumbent advises high ranking MOH officials, CDC Chief of Party, and PEPFAR Uganda on all areas related to laboratory infrastructure. Incumbent makes recommendations for the CPHL, including defining goals, objectives, priorities, and budgets. Responsible for building the technical capacity in the host country such that MOH and project staff are able to develop and implement laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). While building capacity in QA/QC, position will ensure that appropriate and internationally recognized QA/QC is in place. Maintains appropriate documentation, data entry and general record keeping. Initiates process for training staff in all areas of laboratory procedures and managements. Assists, as needed, with troubleshooting and problem solving with regards to training and evaluation. Recognizes and defines organizational and technical problems and identifies solutions. Evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods, and reallocates resources in response to changing needs. As a laboratory procedures expert, provides professional input into planning and programming exercises. As a senior advisor, recommends improvements in MOH laboratory policy, technical operations, service provision and, location of services. Develops professional positions on laboratory practices and procedures, and appropriate testing for studies and programs. Provides consultation to the Director and other team members for issues involving technical laboratory practices and procedures. Incumbent must begin monthly activity reports two weeks in advance of the due date, and Semi-Annual Program Report [SAPR] and Annual Program Report [APR] at least three months in advance of the due date. The position is expected to be innovative both in the CDC lab, in terms of improving efficiency and performance leading to accreditation, and in program work leading to improved laboratory services across the country. Communications: Incumbent meets monthly with CDC staff at all-hands and section heads' meetings, and meets with national Laboratory Technical Committee [LTC], PEPFAR laboratory TWG at monthly intervals; other meetings held as required. Incumbent has regular contact with colleagues in CDC Atlanta to discuss technical and program issues. Incumbent meets weekly with National Influenza Center staff, monthly with the Ugandan multi-task Influenza group, and yearly with regional influenza group. Specialized verbal skills are required for routine transmission of information as the position will be required to give regular and frequent feedback to technical staff on their progress towards accreditation and responses to issues that may arise; to communicate with tact and diplomacy, explain complex processes, train other scientists, make formal presentations, resolve conflicts and provide leadership. Highly complex written communication skills are required to prepare clinical laboratory reports, research protocols, and manuscripts for publication that meet professional standards and program requirements. Incumbent prepares and/or collaborates in the preparation of technical reports and/or peer reviewed journal articles on the results of laboratory investigations and studies; present papers on current findings at international scientific meetings and conferences; and review reports or manuscripts of peers. Incumbent also must be able to communicate on a routine basis complex laboratory concepts to high level govenrment, non-laboratorians who are policy makers. The position must be able to explain the importance or impact of laboratory findings for ongoing programs as well as projected new public health initiatives. Working Environment: Position is in an office at CDC-Uganda in the main, with occasional visits to up-country laboratories for assessment and evaluation and regular visits to Kampala to participate in meetings. Most work is performed within a laboratory setting. The work involves potential exposure to infectious agents which require incumbent to follow prescribed safety procedures and wear protective clothing. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear. Incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted. Incumbent is not expected to travel in-country very often and, even then, for no more than a few days. Occasional travel out-of-country is required to attend international workshops and conferences. 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://aoprals.state.gov/ 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 available at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10391.htm 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 that 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 unilaterally terminated by the Contracting Officer. 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. MEDEVAC INSURANCE (NON U.S. CITIZENS ONLY) Non U.S. citizens will not qualify for health unit access during the period of performance of the resultant contract and, if a contract is offered, will be responsible for obtaining required medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. CDC shall reimburse 100% of the cost of medevac insurance maintained by the contractor. CDC does not require that contractor obtains coverage from any one specific company. The contractor is responsible for and has the discretion to choose a provider. For information purposes only: The Department of State maintains a list of U.S. based providers on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html. CDC provides no endorsement, expressly or implied, of any emergency medical service provider. Contractors have full discretion to consider providers not provided in this list, but are expected to verify that the coverage they do obtain will adequately cover an evacuation due to a medical situation that arises in the location of contract performance. CDC shall approve a fair and reasonable amount for obtaining the required coverage as a direct cost to the contract. In order for CDC to reimburse the cost of medevac insurance, CDC shall require the contractor to furnish evidence of obtaining medevac insurance for the employee and all accompanying family members on U.S. Government travel orders and its cost, after issuance of an offer letter. 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. See FAR 7.5 for additional information regarding inherently Governmental Functions. 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 complete and submit with the application, the Benefit Eligibility Form located at the end of this solicitation. 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: Rafael Aviles, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-10719 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Rafael Aviles at fyr2@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 FETP Resident Advisor 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:
Web Link: FedBizOpps Complete View
(https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9add98683b6dd07a93163dc9f88833da&tab=core&_cview=1)
Place of Performance: Address: Kampala, Uganda, Non-U.S., Uganda
Record: SN01641026-W 20080816/080814224536-9add98683b6dd07a93163dc9f88833da (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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R -- Laboratory Services Coordinator