PRESOL | R | Senior Behavior Science Advisor

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF OCTOBER 19, 2008 FBO #2519
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Senior Behavior Science Advisor

Notice Date: 10/17/2008
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: 2009-N-10993
Archive Date: 11/18/2008
Point of Contact: Terren J. Grimble,, Phone: 770-488-2487, Rafael A. Aviles,, Phone: 770-488-2805
E-Mail Address: TGrimble@cdc.gov, raviles@cdc.gov
Small Business Set-Aside: Total Small Business
Description: Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Senior Behavioral Science Advisor position located in Lusaka, Zambia. 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: 2009-N-10993 POSITION NUMBER: ZM-PSC-03 ISSUANCE DATE: 10/17/2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11/03/2008 at 3:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Senior Behavioral Science Advisor BASIC SALARY: $ 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: Lusaka, Zambia SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI (Non-sensitive) AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the CDC Global AIDS Program (GAP) Care, Treatment and Prevention Branch Chief in Zambia, the Behavioral Science Advisor is responsible for providing direct project support and technical assistance for the implementation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). As a member of the PEPFAR Interagency Country Team and multiple Interagency Technical Working Groups (Prevention of sexual transmission, Medical Transmission, Counseling and Testing) the incumbent provides technical expertise to improve HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment interventions with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) Ministry of Health (MOH), National AIDS Council (NAC), other relevant Ministries and other governmental and non-governmental partners involved in the national fight against HIV/AIDS. Incumbent serves as the lead behavioral science and technical expert for implementation and integration of specific HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment activities. Although work will be conducted within the CDC-GAP team, incumbent collaborates with the broader PEPFAR team to strengthen a unified approach to behavioral interventions for HIV prevention, care and treatment in Zambia. Incumbent plays a major role in developing the capacity of Zambia medical and health staff with respect to lessons learned for preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS, and the care and treatment of individuals impacted by this disease. Ensures collaboration among the range of CDC's GAP and PEPFAR partners involved in these programs, and provides leadership in promoting the use of internationally recognized best practices and lessons learned among the PEPFAR-sponsored and -supported programs. Incumbent provides expertise to support existing efforts, as well as to contribute to the design, development and integration of prevention, care and treatment strategies across all program areas of PEPFAR Zambia. Incumbent plays an essential role in developing Country Operational Plans (COPs), annual work plans and associated budgets, and regular progress reports related to the prevention and behavioral science portfolios for CDC GAP, OGAC, and other collaborating partners. Major Duties of this position include: Program Development and Oversight: • Provides technical leadership, subject matter expert consultation and assistance to the PEPFAR Interagency Country Team, USG agency technical staff, local host government, NAC, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on how to integrate behavioral prevention approaches into specific HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs and activities. • Develops creative ways to integrate a behavioral mindset across program areas by participating in the development and refinement of country program strategies, and providing technical oversight and assistance on prevention, care and treatment activities. • Collaborates with the MOH, NAC, other relevant Ministries and donors to assure that national prevention, care and treatment interventions are technically and programmatically sound. • Conducts site assessments to monitor programs including behavioral aspects of PEPFAR supported HIV/AIDS programs and interventions carried out by the collaborating partners. Program Management and Integration: • Provides direct technical assistance and support for the development, implementation, integration and mainstreaming of prevention, care and treatment activities across program areas. • Ensures that behavioral related interventions are integrated and well coordinated into. prevention activities, e.g. Sexual Transmission, Counseling and Testing, Care and Treatment, Medical Transmission, • Works with Strategic Information/Monitoring and Evaluation (M&I), Surveillance Teams to ensure that Behavioral Science, and/or Health Service Research issues are addressed. • In close collaboration with these program areas as well as MOH, other relevant Ministries and other key USG stakeholders and partners, create model projects piloting integration across program areas to promote the mainstreaming of prevention care and treatment activities. • Assists CDC GAP in implementing core behavioral interventions for community-based outreach, drug abuse treatment, risk reduction counseling, information and education, HIV and STI treatment, and HIV counseling and testing. • Manages and coordinates the services for HIV/AIDS preventive outreach, counseling and testing, STI diagnosis and treatment services, and access to HIV/AIDS treatment and care programs. • Identifies behavioral and other training needs of agency technical officers, and partner medical and health staff with respect to lessons learned for preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS, and the care and treatment of individuals impacted by HIV. Program Implementation: • Serves as Project Officer/Technical Lead and conducts day-to-day management of specified behaviorally related prevention activities. Provides technical input on annual work plans for implementing partners and ensure these are consistent with current USG and GRZ priorities. • Coordinates with the CDC technical working groups across program areas to design and integrate effective behavioral approaches within prevention, care and treatment interventions. • Promotes the development of standardized behavioral tools and materials to be used at a national level and collaborates across USG agencies as well as with other key stakeholders to define best practices. • Develops, implements, manages and supervises activities/ initiatives specifically designed to address the unique behavioral needs of highly vulnerable (most-at-risk) populations including, discordant couples, single women, men who have sex with men, etc. • Develops and implements public health evaluations to determine effectiveness of behavioral and other interventions. • Manages interactions with partners including assisting in the development of sustainable strategies to facilitate medium to long-term impact of partner activities, providing direction and capacity strengthening. • Initiates strategies to strengthen coordination and harmonization of state of the art prevention approaches and messages across USG-funded prevention activities. Program Coordination: • Serves as the technical point of contact for behavioral science within the PEPFAR Interagency Country Team. • Serves as a key member of several interagency technical working groups to establish, expand, define, and leverage available resources and strategic partnerships with the GRZ MOH and other relevant Ministries, collaborating organizations, and other appropriate partners to improve prevention, care and treatment support services for families and people affected by HIV/AIDS. • Builds collaboration and synergies among the MOH, NAC, USG implementing partners and other agencies and donor organizations. • Facilitates dialogue and brokers collaborative work relationships between implementing partners, local government entities, and other HIV/AIDS stakeholders. • Serves as the focal person for the development of the CDC-GAP portion of the prevention portfolio for the annual COP, for fulfilling prevention related reporting requirements and for responding to inquiries from Headquarters and elsewhere on the CDC-GAP prevention portfolio. Incumbent assists high ranking MOH, NAC and Provincial Office officials in developing strategic planning approaches, human resource needs and documentation for prevention, care and treatment programs. Provides advice on strategic planning and goal setting for MOH and other implementing partners to the Branch Chief and Director, CDC GAP. This position does not have duties that involve direct line management of staff, but works in an advisory capacity providing information that allows CDC and its partners to better determine overall staff needs. Incumbent has direct input into the behavioral portion of all cooperative agreements. Serves as the principal advisor to assure implementation and integration of behavioral approaches into prevention, care and treatment activities within the cooperative agreements. These projects provide behavior-related prevention services to 12 prime partners and 45-50 full-time PEPFAR supported staff throughout the country. Incumbent provides technical oversight and guidance to contractors involved in behavioral interventions to ensure that contract provisions are being followed. Incumbent also directs the work of short-term contractors (6-10 per year) and will manage all requests (including projecting needs far in advance for contract assistance) and contracts supporting the delivery of behavioral services. Incumbent collaborates with officials from MOH and other relevant Ministries to assess need for and to develop, provide and evaluate both formal classroom and informal (workshop, seminar) training for PEPFAR, national and local agency staff. Incumbent conducts program-specific training in the development, implementation, integration, management, and monitoring of behavioral programs in Zambia. In FY 2008, an estimated 2 training sessions will be delivered to approximately 33 individuals. As recognized technical expert in behavioral science, incumbent provides technical consultation and advice to 12-20 professional and project staff regarding activities implemented as part of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention program. Incumbent serves as the technical advisor to the USG interagency prevention working group and provides guidance and supervision to assure that behavioral prevention objectives are integrated and accomplished. In this role, has responsibility for scheduling meetings, setting agendas, making work assignments. Incumbent also allocates work on the routine collection, reporting, analysis and evaluation of behavioral indicators to other PEPFAR staff. This position has access to and use of standard office equipment, including computer, laptop, LCD, phone, printer, and fax. Also has responsibility for other computers and printers, and phones signed out to data collection staff of NAC (Approximate value: $10,000). Normal expendable supplies will be provided to incumbent by the CDC/GAP office on a regular and ongoing basis. ($100/month). Incumbent monitors and projects technical service supply needs for behavioral science, including materials for training workshops and conferences. Annual estimated cost of expendable supplies is $25,000 Incumbent is responsible for preparation of annual PEPFAR CDC prevention budget of $10.5 million, as well as for developing behavioral interventions for care and treatment programs. Duties require management, tracking, and financial analysis of 12 USG implementing partner budgets for these activities. These cooperative agreement budgets to range from $100,000 to $1.3 million annually in FY 2008. Has final responsibility to insure that behavioral data is accurate, confidentially managed, correctly analyzed and managed and secure according to protocol. Collects data from two collaborating partners to support evaluation of the progress and impact of program activities funded by PEPFAR cooperative agreements and grants. Much of this information is sensitive and must follow appropriate CDC or USAID protocols. Incumbent is a technical advisor and point of contact for PEPFAR-CDC on HIV/AIDS cooperative agreements funded up to $1,300,000. Incumbent must negotiate with MOH, other relevant ministries and other partners to obtain collaboration for shared activities and the development of new projects. Incumbent provides guidance on the development of updated behavioral and other guidelines in these projects to ensure that tasks are carried out correctly and in a timely manner. Incumbent has responsibility for providing assistance in developing contracts with national and international consultants for behavioral evaluations, including the defining of requirements, development of deliverables, project monitoring and evaluation. The assignment of tasks, direction, and review of activities and progress will be provided by the Care, Treatment and Prevention Branch Chief and the Country Director. However, as a recognized behavioral science expert, incumbent works independently to provide technical consultation on ongoing prevention, care and treatment program activities supported by PEPFAR. Incumbent has the discretion to plan and adjust not only own work, but also the work of others related to the delivery of quality behavior-related services in Zambia. Incumbent discusses development and integration of behavioral interventions, including designing project progress indicators, interpreting results, and making recommendations for program improvement, with senior staff of MOH, NAC, other relevant ministries and other cooperative agreement recipients throughout the country. Incumbent has freedom to independently take action and make decisions and to work independently with implementing partners from national and local public health agencies. Incumbent is required to independently resolve technical and programmatic problems or situations that are encountered. Incumbent's expertise and experience in HIV/AIDS behavioral prevention activities demand the ability to resolve even the most difficult behavior related problems independently. Similarly, incumbent is expected to anticipate when a project activity may need specific protocols, designs, or documentation prepared or approved, and to plan accordingly, e.g., to anticipate specific behavior-related training needs and to design, conduct and evaluate training courses to address those needs, and to influence the development of behavior science policy documents. Also, as a regular and ongoing part of incumbent's routine activities, s/he is required to carefully scrutinize program plans for integration of prevention and behavioral concepts, and to identify any problems that require resolution. Incumbent has the responsibility to assure that documentation of behavioral project activities are accurately written and submitted in a timely manner. Activities include: building the capacity to develop effective work plans that integrate prevention and behavioral approaches and resolving routine and complex problems for the projects as they arise. Project documents are generally highly technical and critical to the overall process, and require a significant effort to assure the quality of, and progress made in project activities. Incumbent develops relevant technical guidance for use by projects implementing behavioral program interventions. Incumbent also coordinates relevant programmatic analysis of the projects and makes recommendations regarding management and implementation. Projects supervised include 15 cooperative agreements implemented by over 200 collaborating individuals with a total value of $10.5 million in FY 2008. Incumbent is allowed flexibility in making operational decisions, including recommendations to solve problems in program activities or management, and in deciding on ways to make programs more efficient and effective. Incumbent exercises a significant degree of judgment in deciding the best means to implement PEPFAR, OGAC and USG Agency policies. Incumbent has the authority to develop and adjust long-range strategic plans with senior level officials from MOH and NAC, and to counsel and guide them in the setting of priorities necessary to make substantive changes in thinking related to the delivery of effective behavioral services, particularly to the most vulnerable groups. The integration of prevention and behavioral science across all programs is a basic, but long-term project that will require the development of technical and administrative guidance documents by partners that enable them to do so. Incumbent is expected to provide substantial input into this integration effort, which is based on group discussions and agreement among PEPFAR technical staff, the USG Interagency Country Team, MOH, NAC, other relevant ministries and collaborating partners. Based on background experience and training, incumbent provides technical guidance and strategic advice on integrating behavioral interventions into prevention, care and treatment programs to PEPFAR colleagues, staff of MOH, other relevant ministries and other implementing partners. Incumbent also provides advice on managing behavior-related prevention programs, including implementation, integration, and evaluation. Incumbent develops and provides guidance for technical documents related to program implementation, evaluation and monitoring, including protocol or guidance manuals, and assists in formulation of annual and strategic plans for overall program direction. For PEPFAR Country Team, CDC Country Director and Branch Chief, provides advice on: Strategic project management systems requirements; improvement of program quality through development of procedure manuals; and, identification of behavioral scientists as consultants. For other PEPFAR staff and interagency PEPFAR partners: Incumbent reports on the progress and outcomes of behavior-related prevention assessments; shares program data and information and makes suggestions to ensure most effective programmatic approach. Since behavioral activities cut across most PEPFAR technical areas and programs, advice and recommendations are made to assure effective integration and overall program quality. For MOH and NAC colleagues: Provides advice and recommendations on effective integration of behavior science into prevention, care and treatment programs, including training, implementing and monitoring. As an example, incumbent provides advice and technical leadership on strategic direction for national prevention activities, makes suggestions based on field visit observations and ensures that partners understand the importance of including behavioral approaches in their technical programs. For national and international organizations: As a recognized expert, provides recommendations on the development of effective behavior-related prevention approaches, systems, methods and practices. Major decisions related to changes made by the MOH and other partners will be on the basis of advice, counsel and guidance provided by incumbent. Incumbent interacts regularly with the PEPFAR Interagency Country Team to provide technical guidance, assistance and support on issues related to conduct of effective prevention, care and treatment activities. Incumbent provides valuable information needed for implementation and improvement of cooperative agreement programs. This support has a high level of impact on PEPFAR activities in Zambia. For example, the programmatic recommendations developed by incumbent to promote the mainstreaming of behavior provide the overall guidance and direction for effective integration of prevention and behavioral activities across program areas Incumbent has an extensive and definitive impact on external clients and customers. Through incumbent's work, officials of MOH, NAC, other relevant ministries and external implementing partners benefit from an improved understanding of the specific behavioral issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention care and treatment programs. Incumbent serves as the primary contact with external collaborating partners responsible for delivering behavior-related prevention services through cooperative agreements. Incumbent provides expert-level responses to queries from implementing partners on behavior-related issues. Responses may be verbal, written, or electronic to communicate diplomatically, accurately and in a timely fashion. The delivery of such responses frequently requires an individual with strong persuasive skills who is a recognized and respected subject matter expert in prevention and behavioral science. Knowledge: Essential Thorough knowledge of prevention program design, development, implementation, including technical principles, methodology, and practical application of behavioral science to public health programs using an integrated approach. Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, policies, implementation, and evaluation of USG-supported HIV/AIDS programs Knowledge of organizational and operational concepts and practices applied by public, private, or non-profit agencies and organizations engaged in health-related endeavors, especially as it relates to public health. Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public health evaluation, protocol development and management which enable incumbent to serve as an authority and consultant on the scientific and technical aspects of public health evaluation. Knowledge of and experience with the principles, theories, and practices of USG (USAID, HHS, DOS) grant, cooperative agreement and contract regulations and procedures management, which enable incumbent to serve as an authority and consultant to funded partners. PhD or DrPH degree in Behavioral Science, Medical Anthropology, Demographics, Ethnography or related behavioral field. Incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical training and skills required to perform the duties and responsibilities required of the position. Post-entry training will be focused primarily on PEPFAR and USG agency policies, procedures and regulations that govern specific activity management, including monitoring and program assessment/evaluation and procurement systems. Necessary post-entry training will be provided on-site or at Regional or Atlanta-based facilities. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in designing, developing, implementing and evaluating HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs in a developing country context, preferably in Africa. Experience in Southern Africa, particularly in Zambia's HIV/AIDS response, and knowledge of the related institutional environment. Experience in supervising individuals or groups in a project setting. Level 4 language skills in English Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Ability to understand how information systems operate at multiple levels (central, provincial, and clinic levels). Ability to establish effective diplomatic working relationships with individuals and official representatives of public health organizations, particularly those representing GRZ and other international organizations. Skills necessary to write clear and concise documents, reports, program and policy guidelines, directives, and articles for peer review; skill and ability to clearly deliver oral presentations on programmatic matters. Skill in Microsoft Office Tools. Time required for a qualified outside job holder to perform the full range of duties and responsibilities of the job after first entry into the position is six months. Desired Knowledge of epidemiology of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa and specifically Zambia is desirable. MPH degree desirable Experience with the principles, theories, and practices of USG (USAID, HHS, DOS, DOD, Peace Corps) and Zambia National behavioral science approaches and management which enable incumbent to serve as an authority and consultant to funded partners is highly desired Skill in at least one other of the more common epidemiologic data analysis software programs (EPIINFO, STATA, SAS, or SPSS) is highly desirable. Intellectual Skills: As an expert in HIV/AIDS behavioral science and prevention, incumbent is required to operate in a highly complex informational environment. Incumbent is expected to have a mastery and specialty expertise in HIV/AIDS as well as public health evaluation of behavioral interventions, specifically in program design, implementation, integration and evaluation. Incumbent is responsible for developing, disseminating, and evaluating the impact of complex technical policies, procedures, regulations and guidance that will assure a high quality of service delivery by implementing partners. These policies, procedures, etc., come in the form of manuals, technical guidance and informal and formal training. Incumbent must be sensitive to local and national political issues that may affect the implementation of prevention, care and treatment programs. Incumbent is expected to operate within the established framework of a PEPFAR-supported CDC/GAP focus country. The work is highly complex, covering a multitude of projects undertaken by different implementing partners. This requires a highly developed analytical ability and judgment. For example, incumbent must be able to successfully balance differing perspectives while influencing the development of a comprehensive national prevention, care and treatment program. Strong analytical skills, excellent judgment and highly developed negotiating skills are frequently required to arrive at a determination of best options. The problems encountered will be complex and will vary considerably. Incumbent frequently must exercise exceptional judgment when dealing with PEPFAR implementing partners, including relevant GRZ officials and leaders of international organizations and other donors, to project a professional and collaborative atmosphere. S/he must be a flexible, proactive, well-organized and task-oriented manager capable of exercising independent judgment. Most common problems: Determining the most efficient methods for integrating behavioral science interventions by partners not familiar with USG policies and procedures; scheduling conflicts between the need to participate in site visits to address behavioral issues and responding to urgent requests from PEPFAR management for critical program-related information; and, responding to requests for ad hoc assessments/evaluation, frequently with very limited time deadlines. Most difficult problem solved: Developing long-term, sustainable capacity within partners to integrate good behavioral science into their prevention, care and treatment activities. Strategic planning for setting overall direction and goals for national program management is conducted annually with a vision for 3-5 years in the future. Overall work in terms of major objectives to be accomplished is planned one year in advance. Day-to-day work is planned one week in advance, but the technical nature of this position require the ability to adjust priorities frequently to enable response to unanticipated requests requiring short turnaround. Because of the complex nature of the duties, incumbent is required to be highly innovative in designing plans and operational guidelines for monitoring the success of behavior-related prevention, care and treatment activities. Incumbent is expected to develop improved methods for integrating these strategies by implementing partners. Incumbent's expert advice and recommendations will lead implementing partners to improve their programs. New and innovative ideas developed by incumbent will strongly influence whether behavior-related prevention, care and treatment efforts are successful. Communications: Incumbent communicates with a wide variety of people at many different levels (professional and political), both inside and outside of PEPFAR and CDC (e.g., MOH, NAC, other relevant ministries, donors, international organizations, universities). Incumbent must provide consistent and credible representation of PEPFAR to USG colleagues, donors, and other partners and coordination bodies for technical, policy, and program management issues. Incumbent has frequent contacts with both mid-level and high-ranking government officials and other partners to define and/or reorient behavior-related strategies and to translate policy into program action. Represents PEPFAR to multilateral donor coordination bodies in discussion of behavioral science theory and techniques. Specific examples of the types of communication include: Internal: • With PEPFAR Interagency Country Team: To discusses prevention program planning and management activities and interpretation of results; to discuss implementation of public health evaluations to assess effectiveness of behavioral approaches. • With other USG colleagues: To provide technical, detailed explanations to support the development of prevention and behavior-change-related activities. External: • With government officials and other partners: To provide technical assistance, detailed explanations and advice to support and train staff to think strategically and to develop, implement and evaluate behavioral activities. Strong persuasive skills may be needed to convince high-level decision makers of the need for change within established management and administrative systems. • With staff of PEPFAR technical working groups: To provide assistance and training on the selectionand implementation of appropriate prevention and behavior-change strategies and activities. An expert level of verbal communication in English utilizing incumbent's prevention knowledge and skills and displaying a positive attitude and approach is required. Oral communication may be provided one-on-one, in groups, or by telephone with different levels of personnel and groups. Incumbent must have advanced presentation skills for local, national and international meetings to deliver results of project implementation to policy makers and service delivery professionals. Incumbent frequently must explain the goals and results of prevention interventions in an appropriate manner to staff and other interested parties of varying degrees of technical expertise, while maintaining sensitivity for the subject matter. This requires tact and diplomacy and persuasive skills to convince key decision makers to strengthen and further integrate prevention activities. Routine transmission of information: with colleagues, partners, and contract staff to collect and verify information pertaining to behavior-related program planning, implementation or evaluation. Tact and diplomacy: in frequent contact with senior and mid-level officials of MOH, NAC, and collaborating institutions, such as program managers, physicians, staff of local, central and international agencies, and NGOs. With counterparts at national level, to ensure good collaboration and understanding between PEPFAR and collaborating partners to implement supported activities smoothly and in an efficient and constructive manner. Complex explanations: to communicate complex procedures in the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of behavior-related activities. Formal training/teaching: acts as a trainer and/or facilitator in training courses, on the use of new behavioral science techniques and applications Influencing/persuading: when working with senior-level decision makers from implementing partners, to develop and integrate sustainable and effective behavioral interventions. Must be able to clearly present technical procedure manuals and supporting documentation to support staff implementing, maintaining, or evaluating HIV/AIDS behaviorally-oriented prevention, care and treatment systems. Incumbent must be able to communicate clearly in writing inasmuch as documents produced, e.g., PowerPoint presentations, abstracts, and posters to national and international audiences or individual activity narratives within the annual COP, will define the issues, provide a clear background statement and discuss the rationale for the activity in a way that is understandable to the target audience. Working Environment: Basic office environment (70% of time) and field clinical settings (30% of time) as incumbent oversees the work of others. Incumbent routinely has multiple projects underway simultaneously with competing project deadlines. This situation may lead to stress. Incumbent may have to work outside official hours in order to meet deadlines, or for routine travel or work away from duty station Incumbent is a high level public health professional that routinely provides expert level prevention and behavioral science program assistance to officials in the MOH, other relevant Ministries as well as to external implementing partners. Successful completion of this work demands an extremely positive and persuasive individual. 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. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION LISTED ABOVE WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR SELECTION. 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 VII Attn: Terren J. Grimble, Contract Specialist Solicitation Number: 2009-N-10993 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Terren Grimble at ibi9@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=d5464a94d10e544551aab51828eb3fab&tab=core&_cview=1)
Place of Performance: Address: Lusaka, Zambia, Zambia
Record: SN01693404-W 20081019/081017214931-d5464a94d10e544551aab51828eb3fab (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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