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FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JANUARY 29, 2009 FBO #2621
DOCUMENT

R -- Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer - Amendment 1

Notice Date

1/27/2009
 

Notice Type

Amendment 1
 

NAICS

812990 — All Other Personal Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
 

ZIP Code

20521-6120
 

Solicitation Number

0126
 

Response Due

2/17/2009 4:30:00 PM
 

Archive Date

3/4/2009
 

Point of Contact

Abdus SobhanKhan,, Phone: 880-2-8855500, Ext. 2503
 

E-Mail Address

skhan@usaid.gov
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00018-00 ISSUANCE DATE: January 13, 2009 PRIMARY CLOSING DATE: February 05, 2009 EXTENDED CLOSING DATE:February 17, 2009 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, U.S. RESIDENTS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCN) SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGINEER Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant’s CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500, E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The US Citizens should get USG Secret Level of clearance and Third Country Nationals should be able to obtain employment authorization. For medical clearances, the US Citizens should obtain Department of State Medical Clearance; Third Country Nationals should obtain a Post Medical Clearance issued by the U.S. Embassy Bangladesh Health Unit. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov [Please see the Solicitation on the next page] ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-09-00018-00 ISSUANCE DATE: January 13, 2009 PRIMARY CLOSING DATE:February 05, 2009 EXTENDED CLOSING DATE:February 17, 2009 POSITION TITLE: Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer MARKET VALUE: $98,156 – $127,604 (GS-15). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR:Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA) SUPERVISORY CONTROL:Minimum. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years. The Personal Services Contract may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level Employment Authorization for US Residents and Third Country Nationals AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, US Resident Aliens, Permanent Residents, Green Card Holders, or Third Country Nationals SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) FOR CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGINEER A. OVERVIEW: On November 16, 2007, Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh damaging thousands of schools and much infrastructure. The USAID Administrator announced the U.S. Government’s pledge of $75 million for cyclone relief and reconstruction programs, much of which is to be channeled through USAID/Bangladesh. The reconstruction and livelihoods’ package will have a major component related to building school/cyclone shelter facilities in 11 cyclone Sidr affected districts in Southern Bangladesh. The Senior Engineer will serve as the chief engineering officer on the ground and activity manager for the USAID-financed school/cyclone shelter reconstruction portfolio. The Bangladesh Cyclone Reconstruction and Recovery Program aims to build improved school/cyclone shelter facilities in 11 cyclone impacted districts of Southern Bangladesh. This may include: Design/build new turn-key school/cyclone shelters as determined in consultation with USAID, the GOB and local communities. Perhaps as many as 100 such structures will be built in the cyclone impacted districts of Southern Bangladesh. The incumbent’s major duty will be to serve as Cognizant Technical Officer’s Representative (COTR). As COTR, he/she will be responsible for monitoring how well the contractor is progressing towards achieving the contract's purpose and will be responsible for providing technical direction to the contractor on behalf of the Contracting Officer, critical to ensuring good contract performance. The overriding concern will be maintaining quality control over construction activities and outcomes. As part of this duty, the incumbent will also provide expert technical advice to USAID, the Government of Bangladesh, and other USAID partners on cyclone reconstruction issues. The Senior Engineer will reside in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The incumbent should expect frequent travel for program oversight. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will serve as Cognizant Technical Officer’s Representative (COTR) for the school/cyclone shelter construction contract(s) as well as program management responsibilities. This will include the following tasks: a)Supervise and provide technical direction to infrastructure contract(s), including formal evaluation of contractor performance, contract administration and enforcement, procurement of goods and services, project coordination and scheduling, and compliance with USG and USAID regulations like the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agency environmental regulations (CFR 216). b)Provide financial oversight for over $35 million, including but not limited to: review of payment vouchers, response to audits and assessment of claims. c)Serve as the change order specialist on all cyclone reconstruction infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, responsible for evaluating, negotiating and approving/denying all requests for change in construction scopes of work in accordance with FAR procedures. d)Keep the Contracting Officer informed on progress, proposed contract modifications, validity of claims, analysis of proposals, and assessment of contract time extensions. e)Identify building guidelines and codes for cyclone wind resistance, and swampy soils, modify them for application to Bangladesh, and ensure they are followed by contractors. Assess risks from other types of natural disasters and implement appropriate policies and standards. f)Develop and implement standards and assessment tools that eliminate unacceptable results and produce an acceptable level of compliance to construction quality standards. This will include inspection of project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety and sanitation standards. g)Initiate corrective action to resolve deficiencies in the contractor's work. h)Provide creative solutions to construction and logistics problems faced because of technical constraints, politics, environment, social and economic factors, land tenure, and security. i) Coordinate with Government of Bangladesh on land issues related to the setting of school/cyclone shelter facilities. The GOB will provide a list of potential sites for the school/cyclone shelter program and this position will make recommendations for the final list of sites in consultation with A/E firm staff and the Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA). j) Advise contractors in the development of detailed engineering designs, plans and cost estimates for assigned programs and activities. Review, evaluate, and make professional recommendations concerning the engineering feasibility of plans developed. Analyze and evaluate designs, drawings, specifications, schedules and equipment requirements. k)Participate in project implementation unit meetings and other technical meetings as required. Brief the Office Director at least once every two weeks and Front Office periodically on progress and problems encountered in the program. l) Participate in master planning processes regarding setting of infrastructure activities, taking into account population distribution patterns, geographic/geologic features, security and cultural concerns, and the location of other USAID reconstruction activities like health services improvement and livelihoods generation. m)Explore the potential for incorporating food/cash for work programs, and other livelihoods activities, into the construction programs. Write required reports relating to budget and reporting responsibilities of program management. These reports include an annual Operations Plan report, with a key issues section; various budget and procurement plan submissions, participate in semi annual performance reviews of the program, review of obligations and quarterly accruals, participate in management control reviews as relates to the construction program. n)Supervise and coordinate any short-term infrastructure consultancies. o)Lead meetings and liaise with senior Government of Bangladesh officials, international NGOs and other donor agencies on cyclone Sidr infrastructure activities. p)Prepare and deliver presentations to varying audiences from members of Congress and Cabinet-level officials to Bangladeshi community groups. q)Perform Activity Management Responsibilities to include supervision of the school/cyclone construction team of three FSN staff to include two FSN Engineers and one FSN budget analyst. r)Submit status and other reports and memoranda to the Mission management, regarding progress and performance, problems and corrective actions, and general oversight (trip and site visit reports, and memoranda of conversations). Reports shall be of sufficient scope so as to be useful to USAID in fully monitoring the progress of contract administration and reviewing contractor performance. Where deficiencies are noted, corrective action will be recommended. C. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: The candidate should have a strong background in and understanding of international development issues, particularly as they relate to infrastructure development, policy development, and capacity building in developing countries. A master’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent discipline, or equivalent professional certifications is required, with additional degrees or licensing preferred. Registration in the U.S. as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) is preferred. Post graduate training and/or a master degree in a relevant discipline is desirable. EXPERIENCE: a) A minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible experience in the following areas is required: construction design, construction supervision, operation and maintenance of large, complex facilities, and/or related project management. Public facilities (schools, hospitals, clinics, offices) construction experience is preferred and other infrastructure construction is highly desirable. b) It is desired that the candidate have expertise in building to withstand cyclones and other natural disasters commonly experienced in swampy environments. Ideally, the candidate should have skills in addressing the complex logistical problems posed by construction in remote swampy regions. c) It is desired that the candidate have a minimum of 5 years of technical experience managing contracts and grants in foreign countries, preferably in developing or transitional countries. Experience in implementing development programs in Asia is highly desirable; particularly South Asia and Bangladesh. The candidate should have experience working with developing country governments at all levels (national, district, sub-district, municipality, and community), ideally on construction of publicly owned and managed infrastructure. 1.The candidate must have strong technical writing and communication skills. The candidate must be fluent in English. Bangla language ability is desirable; 2.The candidate should possess good personal communication skills and collaborative working style. He/she should have experience working in multilateral development programs, and with professionals and technical experts from other countries; 3.Specific experience in Federal (U.S. Government) construction project management is highly desirable; 4.Knowledge of A-E and construction contracting with in-depth experience negotiating and administering change orders in A-E and construction contracts is highly desirable; and 5.Experience in resolving issues related to construction projects is highly desirable. LANGUAGES: The candidate needs excellent English language skills, and a working knowledge of Bangla is highly desirable. D. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Selection will be based on the following criteria (100 points total). Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on evaluation factors. Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, the last four digits of your social security number and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the minimum qualifications and/or evaluation factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. Evaluation factors will be used to establish a preliminary rating of candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Highly rated candidates may be asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to further evaluate their written communication skills. Highly rated candidates may be interviewed and reference checks will be conducted, after which time final ratings will be established. In their responses to each of the following criteria, applicants should make sure to address the required and desirable qualifications mentioned in the previous section, giving extra attention to describing experience in developing countries. Practical Engineering Experience (35 points): Mastery of and experience in engineering design and construction of physical infrastructure projects. Public facilities construction project experience preferred. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict environments or emergency response situations are preferred. Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and implement multiple projects simultaneously is preferred. Construction and Architect-Engineer Project Management (35 points): Mastery of and experience in construction and engineering project and contract management, with experience in acting as the “owner’s engineer” for both the public and private sectors preferred, including managing performance-based and incentive-based contracts. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is preferred. Proven experience assessing and negotiating change orders for construction and A-E contracts preferred. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict environments, or emergency response situations are preferred. Engineering Leadership (15 points): Mastery of and experience in applying engineering theories and new developments to problems not amenable to traditional methods, and making decisions focusing on engineering solutions to development problems that are economically, socially, politically, and environmentally sustainable. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict environments or emergency response situations are preferred. Communication (15 points): Mastery of and experience in oral and written communication to prepare and present analyses, provide guidance, solicit information, defend proposals, and negotiate agreements, especially with people at high levels and in sensitive positions, as well as with customers and stakeholders of infrastructure services from all walks of life. E. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Engineer will report directly to the Office Director of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID/Bangladesh. The incumbent will be responsible for the preparation of annual work plans and semi-annual reviews of progress on work objectives and trip reports covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after each TDY. F. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: It is anticipated that the person filling this position will have a supervisory role. The position will entail supervision of Bangladeshi professional engineers and administrative staff as well as short-term technical consultants. The incumbent will work closely with Government of Bangladesh officials (Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Local Government Engineering Department) and play a lead role in USAID administration of construction activities, with an emphasis on monitoring implementation progress and the performance of the USAID financed Bangladeshi and U.S. construction supervision and construction services contractors. As a Personal Services Contractor, the incumbent does not have the authority to commit the Mission legally or contractually, nor to enter into any agreement for the purchase of goods and services. G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to the cyclone affected areas requires USG Regional Security Officer’s approval. Travel to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and sleeping in rudimentary conditions. Travel into the cyclone affected areas will be closely coordinated with the U.S. Embassy. H. TERM OF PERFORMANCE: The term of the contract will be for two years from on/about May 1, 2009 to on/about April 30, 2011 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. I. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: Yes for communications-related services procured. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with local and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers, and institutional contractors. Supervision Exercised: Yes, primarily FSN personnel and related contracts for communications services. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. J.TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer shall perform the services for a period of two years, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Bangladesh to commence services. The SOW described has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirement for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-15 pay band. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differential and the benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change will be added. The current USAID/Bangladesh’s Post Differential Allowance is 30%. USAID will provide housing and office support. If you have any other questions on the compensation or living conditions, please email the Contracting Officer, Penelope A. Thomas, at pthomas@usaid.gov Medical and Security Clearance: If a USPSC is selected, s/he must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. The TCN candidate must be able to obtain a Security Certification for employment. The medical examination is to be conducted by the authorized physician at his/her post. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. TCNPSC will also be authorized same benefits as an offshore USPSC’s. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only). 100% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500). 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs. (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3.Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumables allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1.OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov 2. Shefali Saha, HR Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: ssaha@usaid.gov 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, HR Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: skhan@usaid.gov
 

Web Link

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Document(s)

Amendment 1
 

File Name: Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer (SOW FOR CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGR WITH CLOSING DATE FEB 17, 2009.doc)

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Note: If links are broken, refer to Point of Contact above or contact the FBO Help Desk at 877-472-3779.
 

Place of Performance

Address: Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
 

Record

SN01739313-W 20090129/090127220933-b3a9915973c0d73c3d1a3fc443d17076 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

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