SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- MCC Threshold Program Advisor
- Notice Date
- 9/2/2009
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 23-2009
- Archive Date
- 10/17/2009
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 09/02/2009 CLOSING DATE: 10/02/2009 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 23-2009 USPSC MCC Threshold Program Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 23/2009 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 23-2009 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 09/02/2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 10/02/2009 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: MCC Threshold Program Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $83,445 - $108,483 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value – salary history may be considered) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assists Central Asia’s five nations to pursue a stable economy and democracy. USAID works across the Central Asian Republics (CAR) to develop and improve health, education, job creation, energy, water supply and relations between people and government. USAID supports opportunities for citizens of these countries to fully participate in improving their governance, livelihoods and quality of life. USAID's Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible, in close consultation with the five U.S. Ambassadors in the region, for the design and management of USAID assistance programs in five republics. The central office is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan with offices in Astana, Kazakhstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Osh, Kyrgyzstan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. USAID/CAR is responsible for approximately $80 million of assistance annually, with activities totaling $300 million in the areas of energy and environment, economics and finance, democracy and conflict mitigation, and health and education. The Mission works in partnership with over 120 grantee and contractor teams. In November 2005, Kyrgyzstan was selected to receive assistance from the Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program. In May 2006, the Government of Kyrgyzstan (GoK) submitted a Threshold Program that focused on addressing governance shortcomings. The activities under the Program were expected to improve scores for MCC’s indicators for Rule of Law and Control of Corruption, which were below thresholds required to become eligible for large-scale Compact assistance with the Millennium Challenge Corporation. A Threshold Program Assistance Agreement was signed in March 2008 to provide $16 million of support for the GoK’s Threshold Program until June 2010. The Program focuses on three substantive areas: 1) judicial reform; 2) combating corruption in law enforcement; and 3) increasing the effectiveness of criminal prosecution. The implementing partners for these components are respectively DPK Consulting, the U.S. Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (DOJ/ICITAP), Criminal Division, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (DOJ/OPDAT). There is a fourth separate component on monitoring and evaluation which is implemented by ARD, inc. B) Duties and Responsibilities 1) Summary The position is located in the Kyrgyz Country office of the USAID Regional Mission in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As MCA Threshold Program Advisor (Advisor), the individual will manage activities that assist the Government of Kyrgyzstan (GoK) in improving rule of law and addressing corruption within the country. The incumbent will serve as the Senior Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador on all matters related to the MCC program in Kyrgyzstan, and in this capacity s/he will coordinate with and represent the interests of USAID as well as other USG agencies actively involved with the Threshold Program in Kyrgyzstan, specifically DOJ/OPDAT and DOJ/ICITAP. The Advisor will provide policy-level, technical, programmatic and management assistance concerning rule of law and anti-corruption programming to USAID, DOJ, and other USG agencies at post, the GoK, and private sector and NGO contacts. The Advisor will manage and evaluate Kyrgyzstan’s Threshold Program, and support other anti-corruption activities as required. In overseeing the implementation of the Threshold Program, the Advisor will oversee programming that is roughly one-third of USAID’s overall annual spending in the Kyrgyz Republic. 2) Program and Project Management a) Serve as the USG Coordinator for the MCA Threshold Program and provide oversight and guidance to all activities implemented under the program; b) Provide guidance to the GoK on the implementation of the Threshold Plan and serve as the principal USG field liaison with the GoK. Coordinate all MCA Threshold activities with the GoK Millennium Challenge Coordination Committee and its Secretariat. c) Work with the GoK Millennium Challenge Coordination Committee and its Secretariat to develop a communications strategy and public education campaign to alert the public to the objectives and performance of anti-corruption activities. d) Supervise the implementation of assistance for all components of the Threshold Program, including providing technical direction, review and approval of work plans, review of staffing patterns, monitoring of progress, identification of issues and constraints, and overseeing efforts to resolve them. e) Provide expert advice to the U.S. Embassy, USAID, DOJ, and other USG agencies at Post regarding strategic issues that arise concerning the Threshold Program. This may include problem identification, data collection and analysis, program options development and evaluation, and recommendations for actions that would complement Threshold Program efforts. f) Manage the monitoring of GoK’s MCA Threshold Program’s performance, including securing participation of GoK partner agencies, implementing partners, and MCC in clarification of outputs, outcomes, and intermediate targets for indicators; data quality analysis; collection and analysis of data, including polling and focus group data; and presentation of data to the public in coordination with GoK. g) Serve as the principal USG point of contact in Kyrgyzstan for all matters relating to MCC and the MCA Threshold Program, including presentation of MCC’s development approach and explanation of MCC Scorecards and requirements for Compact Assistance eligibility. h) Serve as Agreement/Contract Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR/COTR) duties for Participating Agency Partnership Agreement between USAID and DOJ/ICITAP and OPDAT and the Task Order to perform monitoring. i) Serve as the USG’s representative on the GoK’s MCC Coordinating Committee Secretariat. j) Ensure that MCA Threshold activities and USG bilateral activities complement each other. Provide guidance to all USG/Kyrgyzstan activities that address corruption both within the public and private sector. This will include assisting with the preparation of sector strategies and design reviews for new activities and special initiatives as needed. It will also involve coordination with rule of law efforts carried out by USG agencies without USAID funding, including those of DOJ/ICITAP and DOJ/OPDAT. k) Coordinate with other donors on anti-corruption and rule of law programming and performance monitoring. l) Prepare and/or finalize all necessary analysis and documentation for Threshold Program activities and USAID anti-corruption activities. m) Oversee and coordinate all reporting required by the MCC as well as all other reporting related to the Threshold Program as needed, including the USAID and EUR/ACE annual reports. This includes preparation of quarterly reports to MCC and GoK counterparts. n) Provide input for public information and outreach. Draft or assist with the drafting of reports on USG events of interest, and ensure that up-to-date briefing materials on activities are always available. Ensure that the highest level of representation is provided for important events related to the Threshold Program and other anti-corruption activities. o) Represent the USG at seminars and other events hosted by the GoK, other diplomatic missions, and implementing partners when requested. p) Regularly brainstorm with USG staff to determine how best to ensure effective implementation of the Threshold Program, as well as how to ensure effective engagement of the GoK and others on anti-corruption issues writ large. q) Supervision and Technical Oversight Responsibilities The Advisor will provide technical oversight for those USG-procured consultants and contractors that fall under the Threshold Program, including expert staff of DOJ, as well as USG-financed anti-corruption activities identified by Embassy and USAID Mission management. He/She will oversee one full-time staff and one half-time staff person in USAID/CAR/Kyrgyzstan in addition to overseeing the activities of four implementing partners. The Advisor will be located in USAID’s country office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and will report to USAID Country Representative. C) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS 1) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: a) Graduate degree and a minimum of eight (8) years of related professional experience or undergraduate degree with minimum of twelve (12) years of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility – and, a substantial portion of that time working with U.S. Government foreign affairs agencies, international organizations, or organizations implementing foreign assistance programs. b) Minimum of five (5) years of experience resident overseas experience in developing countries with U.S. Government agencies, or other large international relief or development agencies demonstrating effective management of relevant development programs, especially in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. 2) KNOWLEDGE: Well-developed understanding of U.S. foreign policy interests in general and Kyrgyzstan in particular. Knowledge of, and experience working with, international development agencies, the World Bank, other donors, and local communities is essential. In-depth knowledge of current dynamics in the states of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and Kyrgyzstan in particular. Knowledge of the political culture of the states of the former Soviet Union, 3) SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent communications and analytical skills, and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, flexibility, responsibility and authority, while exercising sound judgment in a politically charged and challenging security environment. Negotiation skills, conflict resolution techniques, and experience in contract management, country program operation and project management, and superior political analysis and reporting skills are critical. Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a high visibility, high-pressure complex environment, with a particular focus on producing results within a limited time period. Demonstrated ability to motivate and guide local staff and implementing partners and work collaboratively as part of a team, including local counterparts, displaying excellent interpersonal skills. 4) LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required and Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of Russian or Kyrgyz is highly desired. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position, communication skills, both written and oral must be exceptional. D) OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition, the successful candidate must also be: 1) an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET; 2) able to obtain Department of State Medical Clearance to serve in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for employee and all eligible dependents accompanying employee to post under a USAID Travel Authorization; 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 12 months and to begin work at post within two (2) weeks of receipt of final security and medical clearances; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Kyrgyz Republic. E) Evaluation Factors The following evaluation factors are listed in their descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications that meet the Minimum Qualifications. 1) (25%) Graduate degree in relevant area and minimum five (5) years of demonstrated experience in effective management of relevant overseas development programs, especially in Eastern Europe and Eurasia; 2) (20%) Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a high visibility, high-pressure complex environment, with a particular focus on producing results within a limited time period; 3) (20%) Supervisory and/or project management experience demonstrating ability to motivate and guide local staff and implementing partners and work collaboratively as part of a team, including local counterparts, displaying excellent interpersonal skills; 4) (25%) Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills in English; although not required, good working knowledge (Level III) of Russian and/or Kyrgyz is highly desirable; 5) (10%) In-depth knowledge of current dynamics in the states of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and Kyrgyzstan in particular. 9. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history and references no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) October 2, 2009. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?viewType=DETAIL&formId=41A93F1A1771761B85256A720061344C. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for one-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/23-2009/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 171 Mira Ave, Bishkek, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN01938899-W 20090904/090903002432-dc2cc793bcdb8421ef8be414ffb05478 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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