PRESOL | R | Contract Specialist - Package #1

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF OCTOBER 30, 2011 FBO #3627
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Contract Specialist - Package #1

Notice Date: 10/28/2011
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
NAICS: 812990 — All Other Personal Services
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kosovo USAID-Pristina, Department of State, 9520 Prinstina Place, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-9520
ZIP Code: 20521-9520
Solicitation Number: 167-PSC-FY12-01
Point of Contact: Michael B. Stewart, Phone: 381-38-243-673, Mimoza Kepuska, Phone: 381-38-243-673
E-Mail Address: mbstewart@usaid.gov, mkepuska@usaid.gov
(mbstewart@usaid.gov, mkepuska@usaid.gov)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: past performance questionnaire form Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-PSC-FY12-01 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC/TCNPSC) - Contract Specialist The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC/TCNPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Supervisory Executive Officer, Mr. Michael B. Stewart, or the Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Mimoza Këpuska, at USAID/Kosovo's Executive Office in Pristina by: phone: (++381)(38) 5959 2000 fax: (++381) (38) 249 493 email: mbstewart@usaid.gov email: mkepuska@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted via fax or internet as email attachments or by DHL courier as follows: BY EMAIL TO: Michael B. Stewart, Supervisory Executive Officer: mbstewart@usaid.gov Mimoza Këpuska, Human Resources Specialist: mkepuska@usaid.gov, BY DHL, consign documents to: Address: Attention Mimoza Këpuska, Executive Office USAID/Pristina, Kosovo Arbëria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1 10000 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 5959 2000 Sincerely, Michael B. Stewart Supervisory Executive Officer Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167- PSC-FY12-01 2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 28, 2011 3. CLOSING DATE SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: November 25, 2011 4. POSITION TITLE: Contract Specialist - USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 84,697 - $ 110,104 per annum (GS 14 - equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: AUTHORITIES: USAID/Kosovo has been approved by Senior Procurement Executive to participate in the TCN/USPSC A&A Warrant Pilot Program after complying with regulatory requirements in the FAR, AIDAR, and ADS 103. FAR 1.603. Agency regulations (AIDAR Appendix D 4(b)(3) and Appendix J 4 (b)(3), and ADS 103.1.1(b)) prohibit PSCs from holding contracting authority unless the Assistant Administrator for Management (AA/M) approves an exception to this limitation. The USAID Administrator, who delegated this exception approval authority to the AA/M and clearly has the authority himself, approved an exception to these regulations on July 5, 2011. •I. BACKGROUND: This position is located in USAID/Kosovo. The primary purpose of this position is to provide guidance and support to projects in the USAID/Kosovo Mission and other Missions in the region. These responsibilities include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID's acquisition and assistance programs in Kosovo and the region, including providing policy guidance, project planning, project design, and implementation and evaluation of programs. The Contract Specialist reports directly to the Supervisory Contracting Officer who serves as the USAID/Kosovo Contracting/Agreements Officer. This position will execute and administer procurements in support of the USAID regional programs. The PSC will be responsible for planning, developing, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement and contract management relating to and affecting USAID's acquisition and assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation, and evaluation in the region. The PSC will participate in projects, mission policy formulation, and project design. The PSC will develop and execute plans for the procurement and provide contract management support to achieve program objectives. Given the sensitivity, scope, and purpose of the role and the position of the PSC and the critical nature and complexity of the Mission programs that are being implemented in a very fluid political environment, it is essential that the PSC be able to function as an expert in all technical areas of the assignment, and fulfill the position responsibilities with the complete confidence of the supervisor in the PSC's understanding of the assignment and ability to integrate issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving, and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems. The PSC will be responsible as a team leader for participating in the supervision of FSN Acquisition and Assistance staff working on the assigned portfolios. The PSC will be responsible for training and mentoring and development of this staff as a necessary part of the assignment. •II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Contract Specialist (PSC) will provide technical competence and leadership support to the Office in the following ways: 1. The PSC will provide technical assistance to USAID offices in the region in the execution of program/project-funded contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and USG Agreements, including providing staff support on all aspects of procurement and contract management relating to and affecting USAID's acquisition and assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation and evaluation, and participating in project and mission policy formulation, project design resource assessments, sector analyses, and other studies. The PSC will serve as a primary contractual advisor to a number of programs and projects in the Mission. The PSC will prepare and negotiate modifications of basic contractual text, terms and conditions, specifications, scopes of work, program descriptions, and costs in the full range of award instruments. The PSC will plan for and provide procurement and contract management support to accomplish program objectives, and provide proper and timely administration of all assigned Acquisition and Assistance awards, to include clarifications and interpretations of directive correspondence, and other miscellaneous administrative modifications to procurement instruments. The PSC will seek resolution and settlement of contract disputes, termination and settlement of procurement instruments, close outs, and reporting of contractor performance. The PSC will compose and prepare all manner of contractual correspondence. 2. The majority of the PSC's responsibilities will be in direct contracting and administration of complex projects. The PSC's responsibilities will encompass the negotiation, award, and administration of both Assistance and Acquisition type instruments to accomplish development goals. Specifically, in all cases the PSC will prepare pre-award documents, conduct negotiations, and prepare award documents and award file documentation for the USAID Regional Contracting/Agreement Officer's review and signature. The PSC must be available for consultation on contracting issues with Mission technical staff, US Embassy staff, government officials, Implementing Partners, and others, as required. This effort requires extensive knowledge of Federal and USAID regulations, and the associated governing guidance (e.g., the CFR, OMB Circulars, FAM, and FTR) for all types of procurements. 3. In addition to the execution of contracts and modifications as identified above, the PSC will also research issues contained in, and draft responses to, items of correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to: subcontract consent requests, salary approvals, equipment approvals, etc., on a wide variety of contract and assistance awards. 4. The PSC will serve as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Supervisory Contracting Officer, USAID/Kosovo, the US Mission to Kosovo and other regional USAID offices on all manner of Acquisition and Assistance issues; and will speak for the supervisor on technical Acquisition and Assistance matters as required. 5. The PSC will participate as assigned in the supervision of the Office staff, which team includes four FSN Acquisition and Assistance professionals and two FSN Acquisition and Assistance assistants. Trains A&A Specialist staff on all aspects of acquisition and assistance procedures, policy and document formation. The PSC will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the assigned Office of Acquisition and Assistance staff; set clear individual and team work objectives; ensure that the staff carries out those assignments; and, as required, evaluate staff performance, formally and by providing ongoing feedback. •III. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: Reporting Requirements The PSC will receive supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the Supervisory Contracting Officer, or his/her designee. Supervisory Controls The PSC is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative. Such initiative is critical to the success of the assignment; however, the actions and decisions of the PSC will be discussed with the Office Director. Overall management of the Office is in a collaborative team environment, with the PSC participating fully in the process. Specific work plans and anticipated results are developed in consultation with the OAA Team. The PSC performs many assignments independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the OAA portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the acquisition instruments. The work is reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, and the appropriateness of program/project activity focus. Physical Demands The primary location of work will be on the USAID Compound in Pristina, Kosovo. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary. Secondary locations will include Implementing Partner offices and field offices, and project site field locations, the location of program beneficiaries in rural and in urban areas, government departments and offices and the offices of bi- and multi-lateral donors and NGOs, and attendance at conferences and training. The PSC may also face a heavy workload and in-country travel is a requirement of the position. IMPORTANT NOTES: This is a senior USAID/Kosovo position. The successful candidate must be sufficiently experienced to understand the needs of the Mission and other Missions in the region. •Ø Applicants are required to submit all material evidencing compliance with the Section Program Requirements and submit warrant program package, as part of their offers in response to the PSC solicitation. •Ø The contract offered will be for a one year base period. •Ø The position is not guaranteed beyond the one year base period. •Ø The position does not require a formal security clearance, and the Mission will not later modify the PSC to require a security clearance. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The selected TCN or USPSC Contracting Specialist must fully qualify for the $10 million contracting and agreement officer warrant. This authority is the same as the authority held by a U.S. direct hire warranted $10 million contracting and agreement officer. Candidates for the program must address all elements outlined below as part of their offer in response to the PSC solicitation. In selecting contracting specialists the appointing official shall consider the complexity and dollar value of the acquisitions to be assigned and the candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment, character, and reputation. (FAR subpart 1.603-2). Ethics and trustworthiness considerations will receive particular scrutiny throughout the Program. Past performance references as required under part B. Training, and any other sources deemed appropriate, will be reviewed for any signs of potential risks or cautions that might be detrimental to the responsibilities inherent to this Program. Such risks or cautions may result in disqualification for purposes of being appointed a contracting specialist. Ongoing risk assessments will continue throughout the Pilot Program implementation to assure compliance with the considerations stated above. The TCN/USPSC Pilot Warrant Program will be managed and funded by individual Missions. OAA or OHR/TE may elect to fund courses that provide Continuous Learning Points (CLPs). Missions will be required to fund all per diem and travel costs associated with formal A&A training, as necessary. A. Education A Baccalaureate degree or equivalent of a four-year U.S. university degree (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. B. Training Applicants to the Pilot Program must demonstrate that they have completed the following training requirements: <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; tab-stops: list.75in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"> •1. All FAC-C Level II training courses offered by the Federal Acquisition Institute ( www.fai.gov ); <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; tab-stops: list.75in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"> •2. The following Agency specific courses: <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"> •Ø Competition in Contracting Act (CICA); <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"> •Ø Personal Services Contracts (PSC) Seminar; <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"> •Ø Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) (40 hours); <h5 style="MARGIN: 10pt 0in 0pt 1.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list 1.25in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"> •Ø Assistance Course; and •Ø Commercial Items (Two Courses): ● CLC 020 (on-line) - Commercial Item Determination; ● CLC 131 (on-line) - Commercial Item Pricing. In addition to the requirements listed above, all contracting specialists are required to obtain 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLP) every two years - one CLP being equivalent to one hour. To maintain warrant authority, CLPs must be in the disciplines listed in part A. Education, and may include the following courses: •Ø Construction Contracting; •Ø Negotiation; •Ø CON 090 - Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Fundamentals; •Ø Firm-Fixed-Price Contracts; •Ø Performance-Based Acquisition; •Ø Financial Management; •Ø Claims; •Ø Disputes and Terminations; •Ø Programming Foreign Assistance (PFA); •Ø Contract Types; •Ø Agency Risk Management Seminar; or •Ø A&A 104- Acquisition and Assistance Management for COTRs/AOTRs. C. Experience in Direct U.S. Federal Government Contracting Applicants must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of Acquisition and Assistance experience with the U.S. government in complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. D. A&A Competency Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following A&A competencies: •1. Knowledge of FAR, USAID A&A regulations, and agency-specific policies and procedures; •2. Knowledge of contract types and possession of requisite skills for the particular A&A assignments (e.g. task orders, construction, commercial items, etc); •3. Analytical skills to review a statement of work (or program description) for contractibility, consistency, readability and completeness; •4. Ability to prepare solicitations and review and assist in the development of Section L and M evaluation criteria; •5. Verbal skills sufficient to present information to A&A staff and other Mission (non-procurement) personnel; •6. Organizational/time management skills to perform work on multiple ongoing actions, enabling all to move forward to completion; •7. Interpersonal skills; •8. Writing and computer skills; and •9. Leadership and supervisory management skills. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PILOT WARRANT PROGRAM PACKAGE Applicants are required to submit all material evidencing compliance with the Section Program Requirements and submit warrant program package, as part of their offers in response to the PSC solicitation. The package must contain the following: •A. A candidate must document how s/he meets the requirements in Section ( Program Requirements); •B. A completed past performance reference checklist (Attachment 1) from the candidate's last three supervisory contracting officers. Once completed, the checklist must be submitted directly to the Mission, not to the applicant ; •C. College transcripts and copy of degree(s) for all academic levels (with equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution); •D. Training certificates for the courses listed in part B. Training ; •E. Resume/Written statement describing the candidate's accomplishments and capabilities related to the candidate's qualifications. This must include the reasons for pursuing a fully-warranted CO/AO position, along with experiences that support his or her readiness to embark on this commitment (reference Section Program Requirements ) and; F. A cover letter from the candidate's supervisor attesting to a candidate's education, training, experience, business acumen, judgment, character, reputation and ethical behavior. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: Within 15 days 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 Contractor shall proceed to Pristina to perform the above services. Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo may be accompanied: Spouses and dependents over 21 years of age are authorized to travel to and/or reside at post. Children under five years of age may also travel to and/or reside at post. While all dependent children may travel to post, those from age 6 to 21 may not reside at post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 5% and current post differential pay is 25%. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. In addition, employees will be authorized the standard household effects (HHE), limited shipment allowance for furnished post (7, 200lb), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee; 200 lb. for an accompanying spouse or other EFM) and shipment of POV. Shipment of consumables up to 1250 lbs is allowed. USAID/Kosovo will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. Contractor may have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with USEP rules and regulations. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This position is opened to U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) as well. Facility/Computer Access (Employment Authorization) and medical clearance for US/TCNPSCs are required. 10. BENEFITS: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 10-1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities Pouch mail service as per post policy 10-2. 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) (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs (US Citizens and Green Card Holders) are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. TCNs are exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612. This form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at local US Federal offices. OF 612 shall be submitted by fax, e-mail, DHL air courier by the closing date. 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. 12. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPD 10-03 Implementing Benefits for Same-sex Domestic Partners of Amendment 1 USPSCs AAPD 10-01 Personal Services Contracts - Changes in USG reimbursement Amount for health insurance and physical examination costs (2010) AAPD 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Implementation (2006) AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays (August 2006) AAPD 06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility (October 2006) AAPD 06-08 Appendices D And J: Using The Optional Schedule To Incrementally Fund Contracts AAPD 06-07 Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years AAPD 04-15 Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (10/01/2008) Amendment 1 AAPD 04-13 Revised Procedures Allowing for Classification of U.S. Personal Services Contracts Positions Up to the GS-15 Equivalent (09/21/04) AAPD 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Revised Debt Collection Process (09/30/04) CIB 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services CIB 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives (03/30/01) CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) (03/01) CIB 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB 99-22 PSC Policy (10/99) CIB 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations (08/99) CIB 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs (04/98) CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 (04/98) CIB 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 CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles (11/89) 13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1. Optional Form 612. Resume or CV must be attached. 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) * Forms 3 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty Form (DS 6561) 4. USAID/SEC Forms, Declaration of Federal Employment (OF 306) SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY See attached form.
Web Link: FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/KOS/167-PSC-FY12-01/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: USAID/Pristina, Kosovo, Arb�ria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo, Pristina, 10000, United States; Zip Code: 10000
Record: SN02614756-W 20111030/111028234220-4c694c0691558cb81ed1cffc44dbc86c (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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R -- Contract Specialist - Package #1