SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- US/TCNPSC Government to Government Technical Advisor (GS-14)
- Notice Date
- 3/27/2013
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Dominican Republic USAID-Santo Domingo, Unit #5541, APO, 34041-5541
- ZIP Code
- 34041-5541
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-538-13-000003
- Archive Date
- 4/27/2013
- Point of Contact
- Soraya A Morillo, Phone: 809-731-7042, Ana C. D�, Phone: 1-809-731-7044
- E-Mail Address
-
smorillo@usaid.gov, andiaz@usaid.gov
(smorillo@usaid.gov, andiaz@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: March 27, 2013 CLOSING DATE: April 12, 2013 SUBJECT: Solicitation No. SOL-538-13-000003 Personal Services Contract - USAID/Dominican Republic- US-TCNPSC Government to Government Technical Advisor Salary range US$84,697.00 to US$110,104.00 (GS-14) (This position is pending NSDD-38 approval) Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) to provide personal services as described in the attached solicitation. The length of this position is estimated to be two (2) years, with option to extend up to three more years. Extensions will be contingent on the need of continued services, satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Ana Díaz or Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-731-7044/809-731-7042 E-mail address: andiaz@usaid.gov and smorillo@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosure which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to the following persons by April 12, 2013, 4:00pm Eastern Time: Soraya Morillo/Ana Díaz USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-731-7042/ 809-731-7044 Fax Number: 809-221-0023 E-mail: smorillo@usaid.gov E-mail: andiaz@usaid.gov Sincerely, Luis Garcia Regional Contracting Officer STATEMENT OF WORK - POSITION DESCRIPTION A. POSITION TITLE Government‐to‐Government Technical Advisor B. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF THE POSITION USAID Barbados and Eastern Caribbean C. OVERVIEW Beginning in 2005 with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the United States government and other donors committed to making greater use of partner country systems (G2G) to implement directly donors' assistance programs in partner countries. That commitment was accelerated in 2008 in the Accra Agenda for Action, in which the donors agreed to consider use of partner country systems as the "first option" to implement donor programs, rather than other donor systems such as third party, non-governmental contractors and grantees. The realization of this goal is especially complex in the unique context of the USAID Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Mission. The Mission currently works through bilateral relations and with multi-government entities including the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In addition, the Mission is exploring increased opportunities to work with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a respected central banking institution established by and for local governments that works closely with other donors in the implementation of development programs. USAID has begun to operationalize the United States government commitments to consider and if prudent, invest more resources in, G2G assistance, through the development of a set of Agency polices entitled "Use of Reliable Partner Country Systems for Direct Management and Implementation of Assistance (ADS 220)". USAID in the Eastern Caribbean is well positioned to be a leader and a model in this effort due to the favorable political conditions, the presence of viable partners, and the general consensus on regional development priorities. USAID efforts will be reinforced by the commitment of OECS and national governments to assume a greater role in setting priorities, developing strategies, evaluating programs and accounting for results. This position will work closely with the local governments and multi-government entities to ensure a clear understanding of responsibilities under G2G programming and to help countries build knowledge and capacity and thereby reduce their need for foreign assistance over time. The incumbent of this position will advise the Mission Director and the technical specialists on the implementation of Government-to-Government programs to include programs implemented through regional organizations such as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Caribbean Development Bank. He or she will actively seek opportunities to advance G2G programming especially where assessments have determined adequate controls and the potential for success. The incumbent will also monitor Agency policy related to G2G programming and implementation and will make recommendations that ensure the Mission is in compliance with policy and directives. The incumbent will monitor and share information on Agency initiatives including the USAID Forward agenda and provide leadership in promoting and implementing activities that support those initiatives. This position will lead across sectors in the identification of local partners and opportunities to most effectively deliver foreign assistance in a manner consistent with the USAID Forward agenda. D. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: This position will be generally supervised by the USAID Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Mission Director. The incumbent will be expected to work independently to a large extent and lead the cross-sectoral effort to increase G2G programming and advance USAID Forward initiatives. Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of US Government and Agency regulations. The incumbent will have in-depth understanding of the Agency's Automated Directive System (ADS) with particular focus on Section 220 regarding G2G programming. The position will also require familiarity with regulations of the OECS, CARICOM, and the individual countries within the Mission's responsibility. This position may also function as Agreement Officer's Representative and will therefore require the necessary certification. Exercise of Judgment: The G2G Advisor must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying USG and USAID‐specific regulations and standard operating procedures in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and technical assistance to a wide variety of clients and stakeholders in the region. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; making independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. Authority to Make Commitments: None. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will establish and maintain professional working relationships with US Government personnel in Washington and in the field necessary to successfully carry‐out his/her responsibilities. The incumbent will also establish and maintain professional working relationships with ministerial and senior level officials of host‐country governments, regional member‐state organizations, international and non‐profit organizations, local and regional businesses as necessary to achieve his/her objective of advancing USG G2G and USAID Forward activities in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will not have formal supervisory responsibilities but will at times be expected to lead teams of Mission staff in the implementation of G2G services and the development of productive partnerships with local organizations. Interpersonal Skills: The incumbent will have outstanding interpersonal skills and be capable of representing the Agency in his/her interactions with representatives of host‐country governments and regional organizations. The G2G program is largely new and in the developmental stages and the incumbent will be required to resolve challenges and differences of opinion that may arise during the course of the work, for which there either is not a clear solution or where cultural differences may complicate the situation. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: Immediately. The incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of the provision of official development assistance from a donor government to agencies of a recipient government. Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for a period of two years. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance and availability of funds. E. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Lead efforts to initiate, promote and support official USG development assistance through Government to Government agreements. Provide advice to USAID personnel as well as officials of governments in the region regarding the requirements for G2G programs and the actions to be taken to maximize the possibilities of success. 2. Provide comprehensive technical and support services to advance G2G programming in the region. This position may include responsibilities as Agreement Officer's Representative or alternate for one or more activities. USAID Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has been one of the most active Missions pursuing the use of G2G and in working with local organizations. By FY15, it is expected that over $20 million or more than 75% of USAID assistance will be programmed with governments in the region and local partners. This position will be critical in developing the agreements and programs that will help reach that goal. 3. Ensure the involvement of appropriate personnel in meetings with or the review of documents from officials of the government institutions in any of the countries served by the USAID Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Mission. Such personnel may include the representatives from the relevant technical offices and the regional legal, financial management and procurement offices. 4. Monitor the status of all G2G activities and potential G2G activities. Ensure that assessments and program development and implementation services fulfill the requirements of the Public Financial Management Risk Assessment Framework (PFMRAF) process as well as any other of the Agency's financial‐management and procurement standard¬ operating‐procedures (SOP). 5. Provide leadership on USAID donor coordination in the region including serving as Mission point of contact for other bilateral and multilateral donor organizations working in the countries served by USAID Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Make recommendations to the Mission Director as well as LAC Bureau and Agency leadership on the potential for collaboration with other donors and the activities and successes of the donor community. 6. Ensure that all G2G consulting services provided by the regional mission are carefully tracked and documented. Provide regular reports to Mission and Agency leadership on the G2G services provided by the mission and progress made toward achieving USAID Forward and G2G targets. 7. Educate colleagues and partners on G2G programming and ensure that "best practices" and "lessons learned" are disseminated to inform future activities. 8. Collaborate with the Development Outreach Coordinator to publicize G2G success stories and increase awareness of successful G2G activities in the region. 9. Actively pursue cross‐training and the development of expertise in USAID Forward local capacity development (LCD) and talent management. 10. In addition to G2G programming, actively seek opportunities to program using local organizations and make recommendations of local organizations or institutions that have the capacity or the potential capacity to implement USAID programs. F. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION: Required qualifications and evaluation criteria determine the basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are NOT considered qualified for the position. Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education (10 Points) A Master's degree is required. Preference will be given to public or business administration, economics, engineering, political science, international relations or related field. 2. Prior Experience (40 Points) • A minimum of 10 years professional experience in international development is required. • Significant experience designing and managing macro‐level international development projects is required. • Experience successfully managing competing demands/interests of program/project stakeholders is required. • Prior experience designing/managing development programs in direct collaboration with host‐country governments and government entities is strongly preferred. • Prior USAID program design/implementation experience is strongly preferred. 3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (50 Points) • Tact, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and strong negotiating skills are required to make and maintain collaborative partnerships for effective service delivery and program implementation with multiple‐stakeholders. • Strong analytical ability to interpret US Government and host‐country government policies and regulations and apply them effectively through service delivery and program implementation are required. • Program/project conceptualization/design skills are required. • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. • Ability to prioritize activities and implement numerous assignments concurrently; respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to wide‐ranging requests is required. • Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage productively and collaboratively with colleagues at all levels are paramount. • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of team is required. • Full familiarity with USAID policies, programming and management precepts is strongly preferred. G. BASIS OF RATING APPLICATIONS Selection Factors: Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position (see criteria above: Education, Technical Knowledge, Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Additional factors to be taken into consideration include:  Applicant is a U.S. Citizen or Third Country National.  Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets is submitted by application deadline. (Note: 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 count towards meeting the experience requirements.).  Cover letter and supporting documentation specifically addressing the minimum requirements for the position. Applicants must explain in their cover letter how they meet the requirements of the position. If excellent writing skills are required, applicants should submit a writing sample of a work document or publication, written by the applicant, covering a technical area relevant for the position applied for (include writing sample as an attachment to cover letter).  All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the required qualifications and documentation submitted with the application. Those applicants who are short-listed (determined to be competitively ranked) may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Failure to address the selection criteria may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. USAID may contact the applicant's professional references and verify academic credentials. Applicants may also be evaluated based on the performance in an interview. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection criteria or do not provide the required documentation are considered NOT qualified for the position. Language and Communication Skills: Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have demonstrated ability to produce quality analytical pieces. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able and desire to interact effectively with Mission staff, other USG Agencies, and implementing partners. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. I. Salary Range The salary range for the position is equivalent to a GS-14 (US$84,697.00 to US$110,104.00). II. Selection Criteria Applicants will be evaluated on the extent and quality of their education, knowledge, experience, language and other skills, as they relate to this position against the following criteria: Education: 10 points Technical Knowledge 15 points Relevant Work Experience: 15 points Project Management Experience 10 points Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 50 points Total: 100 points III. Length of Contract It is estimated that a base contract will be issued for an initial two (2) year period, with options to extend it for three (3) more years depending on availability of funds. VI. 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: - A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms. 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. List of Required Forms for PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Optional Form 612 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843) ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86) ** or 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. V. Benefits and 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 and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and 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, AND AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/DOM/SOL-538-13-000003/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Mission to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, US Embassy, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB14006, BARBADOS, Barbados
- Record
- SN03022330-W 20130329/130327234846-5caf6fb4ccd7ee1ef81480bb18e9eba7 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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