MODIFICATION
R -- USPSC - USAID Country Representative - M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1204 - Solicitation 2
- Notice Date
- 8/3/2009
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 921190
— Other General Government Support
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7.10-006, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- M-OAA-DCHA-OTI-09-1204
- Archive Date
- 8/29/2009
- Point of Contact
- Leigh P. Carlson, Phone: 202-661-9369, Lindsey O. Johnson, Phone: 202-661-9366
- E-Mail Address
-
lcarlson@oti.gov, ljohnson@usaid.gov
(lcarlson@oti.gov, ljohnson@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Modified solicitation for M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1204 SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1204 ISSUANCE DATE: June 29, 2009 CLOSING DATE: August 14, 2009, 5:00 p.m. EDT (DEADLINE EXTENDED) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a USAID Country Representative in Venezuela Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a USAID Country Representative under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: •Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged, but submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. •Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the six (6) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: crvenezuela@globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Leigh Carlson or Lindsey Johnson Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: crvenezuela@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Dean Cabrera, Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) USAID Country Representative 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1204 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 29, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 14, 2009, 5:00 pm EDT (DEADLINE EXTENDED) 4. POSITION TITLE: USAID Country Representative 5. MARKET VALUE: The grade level of this position will be the equivalent of a GS-14, non-locality pay. The salary range of the field-based GS-14 is $83,445 - $108,483 per annum. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year option periods. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Venezuela 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. USAID assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. USAID uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate USAID retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). INTRODUCTION In August 2002, USAID began implementation of a program in Venezuela to provide assistance to maintain democratic stability and strengthen the country’s fragile democratic institutions. The USAID Venezuela program operates out of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and is part of a larger U.S. government effort to promote democratic stability in Venezuela. The program includes a flexible, small grants program which supports activities that promote peaceful resolution of the current political crisis through facilitating dialogue, public debate on key issues, support to democratic institutions, and the promotion of citizen participation and democratic leadership. The program also supports Venezuelan civil society organizations that work on a variety of issues, including human rights, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, health care and legislative and judicial system monitoring. OBJECTIVE The objective of this recruitment is to ensure that USAID has a highly-qualified country representative in the field that will represent USAID and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The Country Representative is a member of the DCHA Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Regional Team, reports to the Regional Team Leader, and is based in Caracas as the senior USAID representative in the country. This post is a family-accompanied post and does allow minor and/or adult dependents. The Country Representative’s principal responsibility will be development, oversight and management of USAID’s Venezuela country program. The incumbent will be called upon to represent USAID’s mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials. Duties and Responsibilities The work of the USAID Country Representative requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based USAID Regional Team Leader for Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), the Country Representative will: •Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with USAID personnel, U.S. embassy and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs, where appropriate; •Serve as USAID’s primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Ambassadors, local government officials, UN organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; •Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans; •Communicate and coordinate USAID in-country activities between USAID and its implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations; •Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country USAID staff; •Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief USAID and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; •Manage and provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to USAID’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to USAID’s program objectives and are within the partner’s scope; •Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner’s scope to USAID’s country objectives, partner’s budgets, and modifications thereto; •Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the ADS (USAID’s Automated Directives System); •Ensure that USAID’s programs and their activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned from the activities feed into ongoing or future activities; •Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns as well as other pertinent information required to achieve USAID's program objectives; •Ensure appropriate resource allocation among USAID field offices and implementing partners; •Prepare and maintain USAID program budgets for field operations; •Ensure that all USAID and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government, as appropriate; •Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and quarterly reports to the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington and other organizations as appropriate. SUPERVISORY AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIP: The Country Representative will report to USAID’s Washington-based Team Leader for Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), or his/her designee. The CR will also serve as a member of the Embassy’s Country Team and is therefore required to interact and collaborate with staff up to the level of the Ambassador or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. Work plans, timesheets, regional travel, and funding associated with support costs will be approved through USAID Washington. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT While in post of assignment, the work is generally performed in an office environment. However, the position also requires travel throughout host country, which may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, contingent on necessary clearances and a visa. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") The USAID Country Representative post is a senior-level position requiring supervisory management experience, the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations in general and of the sub-region in particular. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including, but not limited to, community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights. Excellent inter-personal, presentation and negotiation skills are necessary. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work experience with U.S. Government agencies and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts is preferred. The successful candidate will possess excellent political analysis and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged and challenging security environments. It is also essential that the incumbent demonstrate the ability to maintain staff morale in a difficult work environment. Strong team-building skills are essential. At a minimum, the applicant must have: (1) Bachelor's degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2)Minimum of six (6) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; (3)Minimum of two (2) year of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political instability; (4)A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience (including but not limited to mentoring, training, and guiding staff). (5)Fluency in Spanish is required. SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) •Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; •Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted (see detailed instructions under "Applying"); •Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Education/Experience requirements, AND each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; •Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; •Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; •Satisfactory verification of academic credentials; •Ability to obtain an official visa to live and work in host country. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Factor #1Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high visibility, high-pressure environments overseas in complex emergency or political crisis situations with minimal home office support; Factor #2Demonstrated experience in contract and grant management and experience working on the conceptualization, design and management of post-conflict, political transition, democracy-building, and/or humanitarian assistance programs; Factor #3Excellent communication, interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating and team building skills evidenced by the ability to maintain team morale and unity in a challenging security environment with the lack of usual infrastructure and amenities; Factor #4Demonstrated experience in using political analysis to inform programming strategies and objectives, especially in conflict-prone environments; Factor #5Demonstrated experience interacting with U.S. government agencies, donor and international organizations, and local counterparts on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels; Factor #6Demonstrated experience in writing financial and narrative reports, briefing papers and other official documents. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In addition to other documents required in this solicitation, applicants are required to address each of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. The applicant’s name and the announcement number must be noted at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the Minimum Qualifications and/or Evaluation Factors may result in an applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 – 15 Factor #2 – 15 Factor #3 – 15 Factor #4 – 15 Factor #5 – 10 Factor #6 – 10 Total Possible - 80 Points Interview Performance – 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1.A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged, but submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 or on supplemental OF-612 continuation sheets to allow for adequate evaluation of your direct and related experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. Dates (months/years) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 2.A supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the six (6) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: crvenezuela@globalcorps.com Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: The incumbent must obtain Department of State medical clearance within six months after award. If medical clearance is not obtained within this period, USAID will terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).* (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. ATTACHMENT 1 ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0. Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs. (b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.” (c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision). (d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met: (1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad; (2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and (3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition. (e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs. (f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism. (g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider. (h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
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