SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Specialist
- Notice Date
- 5/10/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 561990
— All Other Support Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Uganda USAID-Kampala, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-2190
- ZIP Code
- 20521-2190
- Solicitation Number
- 617-16-0007
- Archive Date
- 6/22/2016
- Point of Contact
- Grace W. Nakaddu, Phone: 256-41-4306-001, Godfrey Kyagaba, Phone: 256414306001
- E-Mail Address
-
gnakaddu@usaid.gov, gkyagaba@usaid.gov
(gnakaddu@usaid.gov, gkyagaba@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- 1. Position Title: Senior Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Specialist 2. Market Value: GS-13 - $73,846 to $96,004. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate past salary and work history, experience, and educational background of the successful candidate. Salaries over and above the top of the GS13 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Post differential is currently at 25 percent. 3. Place of Performance: Kampala, Uganda 4. Period of Performance: One year only contract. 5. The U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Uganda seeks to employ a U.S. (U.S. and Resident Aliens) offshore or resident in Uganda and Third Country National Personal Services Contractor to provide support on all aspects of A&A award administration relating to and affecting the Mission-funded USAID's acquisition and assistance activities, as assigned. 6. Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year U.S. university degree (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution in a relevant major listed below, is desired. However, relevant, extensive work experience, if demonstrably successful, may be substituted or be given appropriate consideration. Relevant majors are: business administration, public administration accounting, law, banking, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization management. Completion of courses leading to the Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting (FAC-C) (or its predecessor) is highly desirable. 7. Work Experience: A minimum of 7 (seven) years professional experience in acquisition and assistance functions. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment in a full range of pre-award, award and post award responsibilities including: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. 8. Knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of federal contracting and assistance principles, laws, statues, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures. Knowledge of the following is preferred: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs)/Acquisition and Assistance, Policy Directives (AAPDs), USAID Automated Directive System (ADS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular, Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as appropriate to USAID. Familiarity with business practices and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements is required sufficient to evaluate such actions as bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and/or contractor performance. Incumbent should demonstrate knowledge of team management strategies, mentoring and knowledge transfer to provide training to junior staff members. 9. Skills and Abilities: Incumbent must be able to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision, ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential. Interpersonal skills - demonstrated ability to work collegially with technical officers, peers, and supervisors with good interpersonal skills and past performance in working effectively in a team environment is required. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct and to maintain strict confidentiality and high ethnical standards relating to all areas of acquisition and assistance. Demonstrated ability to lead team(s) and provide strategic advice on highly complex, time sensitive procurements. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandably by knowledgeable laypersons without over simplifying and be able to transfer knowledge/mentor other team members. Proven ability in the following: negotiation, issuance of fixed-price contracts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contracts and agreements, business evaluations, administration, termination, award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Demonstrated excellence in oral communication in English and strong writing skills. Proven ability to evaluate and interpret policy directives and regulations, produce technical documents and to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders and produce technical documents in required. Proficiency in standard operating software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) is required. 10. In selecting contracting specialists the appointing official will 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). Applicants must address all the below elements as part of their offer in response to this PSC solicitation. 11. Notice to Applicants: USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation. Ethics and trustworthiness considerations will receive particular scrutiny throughout the Program. 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. Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit writing samples and/or do a written test. USAID/Uganda shall not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Introduction: Reporting to the USAID/Uganda Supervisory Contracting Officer, the contractor shall provide support on all aspects of A&A award administration relating to and affecting the Mission-funded USAID's acquisition and assistance activities, as assigned. The contractor will be responsible for pre and post award stages of activities including planning, developing, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement relating to and affecting USAID's A&A programs, policy, and project planning, activity design, solicitation, evaluation and award. In addition to these functions, the contractor will participate in Mission strategic planning and policy formulation. S/he will lead the development and implementation of the Mission procurement plan advising the Supervisory Contracting Officer and Mission Management of progress made. Given the critical nature and complexity of USAID/Uganda programs, the contractor will function as an expert in all technical areas of the assignment. The contractor must fulfill the position responsibilities with the complete confidence of the Supervisory CO/AO in the PSC's understanding of the assignment and ability to integrate issues, creative problem solving, and the introduction of innovative procurement mechanisms to realize Mission objectives. The contractor will also serve as an Acquisition and Assistance resource for the Office of Acquisition and Assistance providing training and mentoring to staff members.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The contractor will ensure that USAID/Uganda programs are consistent with Mission, Agency, and broader USG strategic priorities; and that activities and projects are directly supportive of the Mission's CDCS results, objectives and goals. The incumbent-in consultation with the Supervisory Contracting Officer shall perform the following specific functions including but not limited to: Pre-Award Expertise and Services (50%) Perform all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conduct A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID/Uganda strategic objectives and related results and requirements. Organize, direct, conducts and/or coordinate continued engagement with Agency stakeholders including organizing pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for procurement actions, preparing Requests for Information (RFI), updating the Agency A&A Plan and Business Forecast, and responding to inquiries on a timely basis. Review requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on scope of work or program description documents), and manage the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire activity design and offer/application solicitation process. Manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Manage the award process from beginning to conclusion (all pre-PALT and PALT requirements) with fully executed contract or assistance documents. Develop long-range plans for new or complex programs in collaboration with Mission technical offices, which includes leading the preparation of quarterly procurement plans, providing OAA guidance to quarterly pipeline reviews and portfolio reviews and may include reviewing project papers and representing OAA at program planning meetings. Identify within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Develop objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations. Prepare and maintain current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps the Supervisory Contracting Officer informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serve on activity development teams. Serve as an advisor to the program office and activity planners. Advise on the procurement instruments to be used, lead the development of Source Selection Plans and Individual Acquisition Plans as required and assist in the preparation of statements of work. Provide guidance and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and FAR requirements. Collaborate in the development of evaluation criteria. Serve as a Mission OAA leader, providing counseling and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements. Provides on-the-job training to junior staff and assists management in selecting appropriate development assignments. Post-Award Expertise and Services (40%) Perform all actions required to administer the complete variety of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. Rely on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services. Exercise a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal offices, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting contract or award provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted. Coordinate special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, including the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Small Business Administration. Ensure that the results contractually required are documented and that A&A actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Advise technical offices on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims. Responsible for award administration sufficient to ensure award terms and conditions are met and that the contractor/implementing partner delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Mission's projects and programs by performing periodic site visits, limited financial reviews approval of changes to incremental funding, preparing of rate and cost adjustments, redirecting levels of effort, coordinating of time extension, incorporating change orders, preparing stop work orders, sub-awards consents, approval of key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition reviews and approvals, preparing cure notices or show cause letters, and award closeout. Advise technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract. Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting procedures, and results of the financial audits. Provide Technical Office Support Services and serve the needs of the technical office teams in USAID/Uganda as assigned or needed. Collegially represent the OAA viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. Government's best interests. Provide Mission Support Services as the Senior A&A Specialist by imparting crucial knowledge of the international and local contractor and NGO community via consultation and advice to Senior Mission Management. Establish and maintain an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g., other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.). Respond to protests, audits and limited financial review findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Work with the Resident Legal Officer in preparing the Mission's position and provide assistance to the Supervisory Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO, and programmatic and financial audits conducted by the OIG. Conduct in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval. Ensure that contract terms and conditions are met. Recommend issuing cure or show-cause notices when the contractor is not in compliance. Terminate awards for the convenience of the government or default by the awardee. The incumbent is responsible for preparation of all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiates termination claims settlement. OTHER DUTIES (10%) Serve as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A staff and Agreement/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) by providing advice, training and support to them. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day training and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The training shall encompass procurement planning, design and solicitation processes, negotiation and award, contract compliance monitoring and administration, design of tools and templates to utilize in training and other topics as assigned. Recommend new or improved processes in a functional area of procurement, e.g., pre-award or price/cost analysis, including responsibility for formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation to subordinate contracting activities. Respond to protests received by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history. Work with both the Legal Officer and Contracting Officer in preparing the Agency's position to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO. Other duties as assigned. Supervision: General guidance will be provided by the Supervisory Contracting Officer or her/his designee. For detailed scope of work and evaluation criteria, please send email to gnakaddu@usaid.gov and copy aocen@usaid.gov
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/UGA/617-16-0007/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Kampala, Uganda c/o USAID/Uganda, US Embassy Compound – South Wing, Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, Postal Office Box: 7856, Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
- Record
- SN04112231-W 20160512/160510235102-20a1b5cf4b2b20ab11d4565011d34767 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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