SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor - Washington, D.C. - Solicitation - OF-612 Forms
- Notice Date
- 7/9/2012
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- 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, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-OFDA-12-000021
- Archive Date
- 8/24/2012
- Point of Contact
- Laura Unterholzner, Phone: 202-661-9334, Allison Moses, Phone: 202-661-9366
- E-Mail Address
-
lunterholzner@usaid.gov, amoses@usaid.gov
(lunterholzner@usaid.gov, amoses@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- OF-612 Continuation Sheet OF-612 Form Solicitation for SOL-OFDA-12-000021 SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-12-000021 ISSUANCE DATE: July 9, 2012 CLOSING DATE: August 9, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor in Washington, D.C. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, 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 Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must 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 alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. •Supplemental document specifically addressing the six (6) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications will 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: drradvisor@globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Laura Unterholzner or Allison Moses Telephone Number: (202) 661-9334 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: drradvisor@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Lance Butler III Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-12-000021 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 9, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 9, 2012, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 equivalent ($89,033- $115,742 - includes locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) option years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into three divisions. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including the United Nations (UN) agencies, and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction. DRM also coordinates with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human-caused disaster situations. It encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA's Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed. The Technical Assistance Group (TAG) within DRM was created in order to provide OFDA with a skilled cadre of technical experts in a variety of fields relevant to its disaster response and risk reduction activities. It is divided into a number of subgroups that include Food Security, Health, Most Vulnerable Populations, and Natural Hazards groups. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Advisor is part of the TAG. INTRODUCTION The DRR Advisor is an integral member of OFDA's TAG Team. USAID/OFDA DRR activities are intended to minimize the adverse impacts of natural hazards by reducing vulnerability to disasters, increasing regional, national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable groups and communities to recover from recurrent natural disasters. OBJECTIVE OFDA requires a DRR Advisor who will work with OFDA technical experts and regional representatives to integrate DRR activities into OFDA's response, recovery, and transition programs. The Advisor will also review and provide technical feedback on quality of program design, as well as monitor implementation of DRR activities. The Advisor will ensure that DRR activities are in line with OFDA's strategic goals. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The DRR Advisor will be based in Washington, D.C. The duties and responsibilities are: •Serve as a focal point within USAID/OFDA for DRR programs and activities; •Provide advice on various DRR activities within the following areas: capacity building/training; community awareness/mobilization; public/private partnerships; policy, implementation and advocacy; integration of DRR within education and research programs; global advocacy and engagement; •Assist OFDA regional teams to assess priority countries for DRR interventions; initiate and lead the discussion of needs and demands of these priority countries in the area of disaster risk reduction; provide leadership and technical input for the design, development, and implementation of disaster risk reduction activities at the national and regional levels, including the formulation of local, national and regional capacity building programs; •Coordinate with the technical experts on USAID/OFDA's technical assistance group (TAG) to, where appropriate, integrate cross-cutting issues related to disaster risk reduction into each sector; •In collaboration with the OFDA Regional Teams and TAG, review DRR proposals for appropriateness for OFDA funding, and identify areas where DRR can build upon ongoing disaster response and/or development programming; assist regional teams and technical leads in assessing gaps and needs; •Develop increased awareness of disaster risk reduction strategies and activities within USAID/OFDA and other offices and bureaus, including through training; Facilitate internal advocacy efforts related to mainstreaming disaster reduction into USAID-supported development initiatives; Support regional advocacy efforts related to the promotion, adoption and endorsement of disaster risk reduction strategies; •When requested, support USAID/OFDA policy advisors in representing USAID/OFDA on matters related to DRR in inter-agency, regional and international meetings, as well as in workshops, seminars and conferences; •Manage the production and dissemination of both regular and occasional reports on USAID/OFDA activities in disaster risk reduction; prepare evidence to support increased investment in DRR; •Serve as requested on field assessment missions, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) and Response Management Teams (RMTs); •Serve as DCHA/OFDA Duty Officer on a rotational basis. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The DRR Advisor will take direction from and report to the TAG Team Leader or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Supervisory controls will be minimal. The DRR Advisor is expected to act independently with minimal direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The TAG Team Leader will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals, objectives and functions. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and 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 Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 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 the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the field of disaster risk reduction -- this may include, but is not limited to, sustainable development, disaster management, natural resource management, economics, or social sciences. Additionally, a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in progressively responsible work in humanitarian relief and response is required, of which at least four (4) years must be a majority of direct DRR experience. OR Master's or PhD degree with significant study in or pertinent to the field of disaster risk reduction -- this may include, but is not limited to, sustainable development, disaster management, natural resource management, economics, or social sciences. Additionally, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in progressively responsible work in humanitarian relief and response is required, of which at least two (2) years must be a majority of direct DRR experience. 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 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted; •All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements. •Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; •Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID. •Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (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.) QRF #1 Describe your experience in designing and/or implementing disaster risk reduction programs at the: 1) community level, and 2) national level. What lessons have you learned from your experience at each level? QRF #2 What factors would you look at to determine whether a community-based program will successfully and sustainably reduce risk? What factors are likely to lead to failure? QRF #3 The capacity, behavior and mandate of national institutions play an important role in DRR at the national level. What insights or learned good practices would you offer in working with national-level institutions responsible for risk management and reduction? QRF #4 Donors and implementing agencies wrestle with the question of how to distinguish between disaster risk reduction programs and development programs. USAID/OFDA's mandate allows the use of the International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account to fund DRR programs, but not development programs. What process or criteria might you use to determine whether a proposed intervention fell within the OFDA mandate for DRR, or whether it should be considered a development program that falls outside of OFDA's mandate? QRF #5 With increased emphasis on the resilience agenda, USAID/OFDA is coordinating with a wide range of USG and international partners to build resilience among populations, particularly those faced with recurrent disasters. How would you describe the role of DRR within this larger agenda, and what lessons have you learned in coordinating with other organizations for integrating DRR into a variety of programming options? QRF #6 The position requires the incumbent to work across a range of sectors (e.g. WASH, health, food security) and countries, whether or not s/he has direct experience in any of them. Describe how your expertise in DRR programs will allow you to work with a range of sectoral and regional experts to develop strategies for DRR. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: QRFs have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 - 12 points QRF #2 - 12 points QRF #3 - 10 points QRF #4 - 7 points QRF #5 - 5 points QRF #6 - 4 points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 20 points 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 OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 2.A supplemental document specifically addressing the six (6) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) 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) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: drradvisor@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process. NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. 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) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html 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-6561). ** 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://transition.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 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.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm. 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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