SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Engineer/Projects Manager
- Notice Date
- 6/9/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank, Amer Emb/Tel Aviv, Unit #7228, APO, 09892-0206
- ZIP Code
- 09892-0206
- Solicitation Number
- PSC294-2010-003
- Archive Date
- 7/8/2010
- Point of Contact
- Diana Zu'bi, Phone: 97235114856, Randa Sahwani, Phone: 97235114814
- E-Mail Address
-
dzubi@usaid.gov, rsahwani@usaid.gov
(dzubi@usaid.gov, rsahwani@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2010-003 ISSUANCE DATE: June 09, 2010 CLOSING DATE: June 23, 2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Engineer/Projects Manager The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from persons interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and Of-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Ms. Diana Zu'bi who may be reached at Fax No. 972-3-511-4894, or via E-mail address: dzubi@usaid.gov. Submission of applications as well as the required documents should be sent to hrwbg@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a application in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Ann Posner Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/West Bank and Gaza SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC 294-2010-003 ISSUANCE DATE: June 09, 2010 CLOSING DATE: June 23, 2010 by 16:30 Tel Aviv local time POSITION TITLE: Senior Engineer/Projects Manager MARKET VALUE: GS-15 salary range ($99,628 - $129,517). PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/West Bank and Gaza Mission offices, Tel Aviv, Israel PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with the option to extend up to a maximum of five years. POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Senior Engineer/Projects Manager will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the USAID/West Bank and Gaza Office Director for Water Resources and Infrastructure (WRI). LEVEL OF SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret Clearance AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-15 level. The salary range for a GS-15 level is $99,628 - $129,517. In addition, the Mission has a Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) and Danger Pay. The salary will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history, and educational background. A. BACKGROUND The U.S. Agency for International Development West Bank and Gaza (USAID/WBG) is an essential element of the U.S. Government's support for the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Over the past several years, USAID/WBG has devoted more than half of its funds to supporting the development of infrastructure, particularly in the water sector. USAID's strategy, aimed directly at one of the greatest needs in this arid region, has been to increase water supplies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Mission has financed both large-scale well-drilling and water pipeline projects in the Bethlehem-Hebron and Jenin areas as well as smaller, village-scale projects throughout the West Bank and Gaza. This has provided potable water to more than 1,500,000 Palestinian beneficiaries. In addition, USAID has been addressing the development constraints caused by poor transportation infrastructure. In FY 2009, USAID rehabilitated 3.3 kilometers of internal roads throughout the West Bank to provide safer passage and easier movement for Palestinians living in villages and towns and constructed 8 major road segments 64 kilometers of main and regional roads to serve an estimated 7.8 million vehicle trips per year. The FY 2009 roads program resulted in new or improved infrastructure facilities for an estimated 8.8 million vehicle trips per year. This is part of a larger USAID effort to restore transportation infrastructure that is vital for improved mobility and economic growth. In support of this effort, USAID is currently constructing nine new roads and rehabilitating internal roads in different locations and plans to implement similar work in the future. USAID is also considering initiating waste water treatment pilot programs and plants in the future if funds are available. This position is for a senior engineer to work in the Water Resources and Infrastructure (WRI) Office. The individual will provide senior level engineering and other technical and management guidance to USAID for the development, implementation, and evaluation of infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza which directly contributes to achieving the overall Water Resources and Infrastructure Strategic Objective. This position will be graded at a GS 15 level. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION In coordination with USAID staff and contractors, the incumbent provides a full range of expert engineering and construction policy advice and analytical and technical support to the Water Resources and Infrastructure Office; and develops program priorities, and harmonizes such plans and priorities with other USAID sector programs through cooperation with the Office of Program and Project Development and all other USAID technical offices. S/he is responsible for identifying, planning, designing and implementing ongoing and planned USAID infrastructure projects and other related engineering, construction and capacity building activities. These activities span the full range of strategic planning, engineering and construction functions including the formulation of development policy and strategy. C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION a) Technical Advice: 1. Provides senior level engineering expertise and other technical assistance and guidance in the design of major new activities in the water, wastewater, transportation and infrastructure sector, and provides engineering expertise to other Mission offices in education, democracy, private sector, and health including conceptualization; analysis; approval documentation; implementing documentation; and selection of service providers. 2. Provides detailed engineering advice and overall guidance regarding implementation of all relevant water, wastewater, transportation and other infrastructure program activities, including: monitoring activity progress; developing scopes of work and other implementing documentation; interfacing with relevant Palestinian Authority and non-governmental parties; analyzing technical and public policy issues; reporting and recommendations; trouble-shooting/problem solving; as well as other implementation actions. 3. Provides advice in the development of detailed engineering designs, plans and cost estimates for assigned programs and activities. Reviews, evaluates, and makes professional recommendations concerning the engineering feasibility of plans developed. Analyzes and evaluates designs, drawings, specifications, schedules and lists of equipment requirements and informs and recommends USAID's position on assistance commitments for activities. 4. Provides expert broad-based infrastructure policy advice to senior officials in the Palestinian Authority (PA), the USG, other donors and elsewhere on issues that are both highly technical and surrounded by an unusually high degree of political sensitivity, especially as they relate to potentially controversial, high profile Middle East peace process issues. 5. Submits status and other reports and memoranda to USAID Management, regarding progress and performance, problems and corrective actions, and general oversight reports. Provides guidance to all USAID staff when required on alternative approaches to resolve technical infrastructure problems and achieve the USAID's infrastructure development objectives. b) Strategic Planning and Program Design: 1. Provides strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation under the water and infrastructure program such as problem identification; data collection and analysis; and options development and evaluation. 2. Develops and maintains continuing contacts with Palestinian Authority officials and suppliers and contractors in order to promote sound policy and program formulation and to coordinate the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure programs and activities. 3. Provides the full range of engineering analysis and support services involving the planning and implementation of programs and proposed activities, including preparing portions of key USAID documents such as the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, and other strategic reports. Keeps abreast of current developments in the infrastructure/reconstruction sectors including recent technological developments, Palestinian Authority needs and capabilities, and national concerns, issues trends and changes in the Palestinian Authority's policy and regulations. 4. Assists in the preparation and review of procurement documentation and review of technical proposals, solicitations, award recommendations, and contracts regarding engineering accuracy and technical adequacy. c) Project/Program Management: 1. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), or alternate COTR, for USAID-supported infrastructure activities. This involves carrying out the full range of program administration tasks as the COTR for specific major infrastructure projects financed by USAID. These include drafting project implementation letters, preparing action memoranda and reports, estimating expenditures, reviewing payment vouchers, responding to audits, assessing claims, and performing other related activities. 2. Reviews annual work plans and activity plans of implementing partners for comprehensiveness, clarity, and adherence to assistance program objectives. Establishes routine communications, conducts site visits and inspections and maintains up-to-date information and files on the status of USAID partner activities, resources and work plans. 3. Monitors work of contractors and grantees implementing infrastructure activities across Mission sectors to ensure that results are achieved in a timely manner and that those activities are in conformance with relevant Performance Management Plans for effective tracking of progress and impact. 4. Advises and assists implementing agencies, contractors and others on the implementation of USAID-financed activities including compliance with the terms of grant agreements, contract administration and enforcement, procurement of goods and services, project coordination and scheduling, financial matters and compliance with USG and USAID regulations. Participates in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority and authorities in the Government of Israel on program agreements, formal understandings, and contracts and their modifications. 5. Prepares USAID documentation such as Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs), statements of work, procurement documents, congressional notifications, correspondence, and other documentation necessary for implementation of USAID funded activities. 6. Tracks expenditures and obligations in grants and contracts. d) Staff Supervision/Oversight of Others: 1. Supervises staff of the Water and Infrastructure Office; develops and monitors staff work plans; completes performance reviews; and ensures staff coverage of major portfolio and other activities in the infrastructure sector. The Incumbent may be required to supervise a number of local staff members. 2. Mentors staff of the Water and Infrastructure Office and facilitate their training on: USAID procedures and policies; infrastructure program management and oversight and infrastructure policy and planning issues; and quality control and assurance in infrastructure programs. 3. Provides technical guidance to and oversight of Foreign Service National (FSN) Project Managers and Engineers as needed. Currently there are nine FSNs and three U.S. Direct Hires. D. POSITION ELEMENTS: Supervisory Controls: The Senior Engineer/Projects Manager is expected to act independently with little direction and will be assigned Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) responsibilities for several contracts. S/he will report directly to the Director of the Water Resources and Infrastructure Office. Authority to make commitments: The Senior Engineer/Projects Manager will have authorities related to technical and administrative management of several major infrastructure projects and other assigned WRI activities as are specified and delegated by the Contracting Officer through the COTR or Activity Manager designation letter. In addition, s/he will play a key role in informing the Mission's decisions regarding funding for WRI activities, provision of technical assistance, and other program activities related to effective management of USAID resources. Nature, level, and purpose of contacts: The Senior Engineer/Projects Manager will work on a daily basis with WRI team members, as well as with a wide range of other technical and administrative support staff in the Mission. The incumbent will have frequent high level contact with key stakeholders within the Palestinian Authority, including the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Palestinian Water Authority, UN agencies, international donor organizations, USAID/Washington, and with other USG offices. As COTR or Activity Manager, the incumbent will interact on a daily basis with implementing partners, including senior project management leaders. Exercise of Judgment: Independent judgment must be exercised on a broad range of project management issues and when meeting with contractor managers and technical staff, Palestinian officials, NGO counterparts, and other donors. The Senior Engineer/Projects Manager must be able to analyze complex situations and identify the requirements needed to resolve problems. The incumbent must be able to recognize requests for decisions or positions that require prior USAID review and approval. Available Guidelines: USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS); Mission Orders; established USAID/West Bank and Gaza administrative procedures and regulations; standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures and systems requirements; (i.e. work plans, Performance Monitoring Plan, sub-contracts/sub-awards, etc.); COTR or Activity Manager designation letter; Mission Strategic Plan; Annual Operational Plan, etc. E. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen and must submit an application in accordance with the guidance below in Section I. - How to Apply. In addition, a candidate must meet the Selective Factors listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the evaluative criteria. Interviews and a writing exercise may be requested, and professional references will be checked at the discretion of USAID/West Bank and Gaza. Applicants are required to prepare a brief narrative demonstrating how prior experience, education, and training address the evaluative criteria listed below. Candidates must also have effective computer skills particularly in MS Office. The selected candidate must be willing to travel to Jerusalem and to the West Bank, the latter requires a security escort which will be provided by the Mission. Travel to Gaza is prohibited at this time. Periodic regional or international travel may also be required. The selected candidate must be able to obtain USAID Secret security clearance. This process involves a comprehensive background investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. A State Department Medical Clearance will also be required. Details on how to obtain U.S. State Department Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. Evaluation Criteria/Skills and Qualifications: Education (10 points): Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is mandatory, Master's degree in engineering or another subject relevant to international development/management or water-related science will receive preference. Experience (60 points): At least ten years experience in 1) providing expert engineering services in the design, management, construction and/or implementation of infrastructure projects and programs and in 2) advising senior resource managers, planners and policy-makers with respect to infrastructure development, infrastructure management interventions, and/or private sector participation in the infrastructure sector (either capital investment or operations and maintenance) is required; experience in an overseas developing country environment required, preferably in the Middle East; Relevant experience with international development agencies, ideally with the U.S. Government. Knowledge and Abilities (30 points): Demonstrated knowledge of state of the art practices with regard to the identification and construction of water, wastewater treatment, transportation and other infrastructure facilities; demonstrated knowledge of integrated, cross-sectoral water resources planning and management in support of sustainable development including the policy dialogue and change process; ability to communicate effectively on water resources and related environmental issues, both in writing and verbally, to specialists as well as non-specialists; and ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of U.S. professionals and Palestinian Authority counterparts at technical and senior management levels on a broad range of complex issues associated with water resources engineering, private sector participation in water utilities and integrated water resources management. F. COMPENSATION The position has been classified at a GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-15 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 level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the minimum salary in the GS-15 pay band. E. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The working environment at the USAID West Bank and Gaza Mission is stressful due to the ongoing conflict. Due to the unpredictable security situation, travel of all Americans, including USPSCs to the West Bank, is subject to the Regional Security Officer's (RSO) approval and requires a security escort. Travel to Gaza is not permitted. F. WORK ENVIRONMENT The WRI Office is comprised of a USDH Office Director, 1 USDH Engineering Officer, 1 USDH Junior Officer, 1 USPSC and nine Foreign Service National staff. The USAID West Bank & Gaza Mission is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Mission works closely with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. G. DURATION OF CONTRACT The term of the contract shall be for two years, with the option to extend depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. H. START DATE The contractor should be available to start as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical and security clearances. I. HOW TO APPLY INSTRUCTION to APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) as an attachment to the SF-171 or OF 612. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS: Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 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)* 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)* * Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:30 local time on June 23, 2010, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Diana Zu'bi, either via email at hrwbg@usaid.gov or by fax to fax number 972-3-511-4894 or using the following address, as applicable. Delivered by Courier or Express Mail: Diana Zu'bi, USAID Trade Tower Building, 10th Floor 25 HaMered Street Tel Aviv, Israel This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this solicitation. Awarding a contract is subject to the availability of funds. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. 3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS: 10-03 AIDAR, APPENDIX D: Implementing benefits for same-sex domestic partners of USPSCs 10-01 PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) implementation 06-11 Home leave and revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays 06-10 PCS medical expenses payment responsibility 06-08 AIDAR, Appendices D&J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget salary determination and salary increases 05-08 Personal Services Contracts - Annual health insurance costs for 2005 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance Periods Exceeding Five (5) Years 04-15 Cash awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents 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 with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/WES/PSC294-2010-003/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/West Bank and Gaza Mission in Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Non-U.S., Israel
- Record
- SN02173541-W 20100611/100609235907-374927f602ba81c3dd551998fc4512fa (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |