SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Economis Research Analyst PSC - RFQ and Addendum 1
- Notice Date
- 7/7/2017
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Millennium Challenge Corporation, MCC, Washington DC, 1099 Fourteenth St NW, Suite 700, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20005
- Solicitation Number
- MCC-17-RFQ-0114
- Archive Date
- 8/24/2017
- Point of Contact
- Janet M. Carlson, Phone: 2027726309, Jacqueline H. Naranjo, Phone: 2025212692
- E-Mail Address
-
carlsonj@mcc.gov, naranjoj@mcc.gov
(carlsonj@mcc.gov, naranjoj@mcc.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Addendum 4 - Quick Guide for SAM Registration Addendum 3 - BioData Form Addendum 2 - PD for Economic Research Analyst RFQ Economic Research Analyst and Addendum 1 Additional Clauses Millennium Challenge Corporation Combined Synopsis Solicitation Economic Research Analyst - Dept. of Policy & Evaluation (DPE) Date Posted: July 7, 2017 Announcement Number: MCC-17-RFQ-0114 Title: Economic Research Analyst Position Information: Full-time, Personal Services Contractor (PSC) One year (2,087 hours per year), renewable for up to four (4) additional years at the sole discretion of the government Pay Band: Pay Band 05 ($23.00 - $38.27 per hour) The PSC may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% of the employee's direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits Closing Date for Questions: July 13, 2017 Submission Deadline: August 9, 2017 Who May Be Considered: U.S. citizens or legal, permanent residents with a minimum of five years residency history Duty Location: Washington, DC More than one (1) award may be made from this solicitation 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND MCC's mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC's partner countries enter into a five-year agreement (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives. Our model is defined by core principles, of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results. Our values identify who we are and what is important to us. Our values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas. MCC's values define how we behave on a daily basis, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. They guide how we make decisions, set priorities, address challenges, manage tradeoffs, recruit, and develop staff, and work together with our country partners and stakeholders. 2. SCOPE OF POSITION This position is located in the Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The mission of the Policy and Evaluation Department is to provide management oversight for the development and implementation of policy and best practices related to country eligibility, economic analysis and monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and policy reform. DPE manages the MCC's Threshold Program and formulates strategies that leverage MCC impact with foundations; international donors and other U.S. Government agencies. The purpose of the work is to identify, analyze, and make recommendations to resolve conventional program or organizational issues, problems, or situations. The employee is assigned portions of broader studies, or participates in the evaluation of program effectiveness at the operating or local level. Completed reports and recommendations influence decisions by higher-graded specialists or managers concerning administrative or program operations. 3. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT MCC is authorized to enter into a contract with an individual as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) under the authority of Section 614(a) (8) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003. A personal services contract is different from non-personal services Government contract, which establishes an independent contract relationship. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor or employees of the contractor are subject to the technical direction but not the supervision of the MCC. As defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.104, a personal services contract is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the Government and the contractor personnel. Thus, the PSC is subject to the relatively continuous technical direction, supervision, and control of the MCC. PSCs may be assigned inherently governmental duties (see FAR 7.502). By law and by the contract's terms, the PSC is subject to most of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the direct hire employee such as MCC regulations, conflict of interest, under some circumstances MCC authorized employment security clearances and financial disclosure. However, under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The following elements apply to this contract: (1) Performance in Washington, D.C. (2) Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government. (3) Services are applied directly to the integral effort of agencies or an organizational subpart in furtherance of assigned function or mission. (4) Comparable services, meeting comparable needs, are performed in the same or similar agencies using civil service personnel. (5) The need for the type of service provided can reasonably be expected to last beyond 1 year. (6) The inherent nature of the service, or the manner in which it is provided, reasonably requires directly or indirectly, Government direction or supervision of contractor employees in order to- (i) Adequately protect the Government's interest; (ii) Retain control of the function involved; or (iii) Retain full personal responsibility for the function supported in a duly authorized Federal officer or employee. 4. KEY REQUIREMENTS • U.S. citizenship or legal, permanent resident with a minimum of five years of residency history. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. • Performance at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC. • Domestic and international travel may be required. • Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (i.e. Office of Government Ethics "OGE Form-450", or similar statement) may be required. • Active System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration and be listed as sole-proprietor. See Addendum 4 for a Quick Guide on the SAM registration process. • Designated and/or random drug testing required. 5. DUTIES Major Duties and Responsibilities As Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Performs a variety of administrative and economic analysis tasks in support of the Economic Analysis (EA) Division. Conducts background research, literature reviews, data analysis and related tasks in support of growth diagnostics (constraints analysis) for MCC eligible countries under the direction of MCC economists. Conducts background research, literature reviews, data analysis and related tasks in support of cost-benefit analysis and beneficiary analysis of MCC investments under the direction of MCC economists. Prepares reports, spreadsheets, data, and documentation for web posting and develop other related materials, including factsheets, guides for use of spreadsheets, and other public communications tools. Conducts research and analysis in support of other activities within the EA Division and DPE. Develops necessary documentation in support of the EA Division's procurement, contracting, and human resource needs, submit procurement and funding requests according to established processes, and coordinate and collaborate with MCC's Contracts and Grants Management (CGM) and Human Resources (HR) Divisions. Supports the development and management of the EA Division's annual budget, including drafting the annual budget request, monitoring and reconciling expenditures, coordinating with MCC's Department of Administration and Finance (A&F), and attending budget meetings. Provides organizational and logistical support for meetings, conferences, training sessions, and other events hosted by the EA Division. Produces reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Example of such reports and analyses include, but are not limited to, the following: • Reports, spreadsheets, factsheets, and presentations that contain economic research and analysis or support key functions of the EA Division or DPE • Documents, spreadsheets, and analysis for posting to internal or external websites • Memoranda and reports to EA or DPE management, detailing the status of various program support tasks • Documents, spreadsheets, and analysis related to contracting, procurement, and the budget Performs other related duties as assigned. 6. DELIVERABLES As requested. 7. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Offerors must meet all the required qualifications described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired qualifications, if applicable, will only be considered once all required qualifications are met. Candidates must demonstrate that they possess the following: Required Qualifications: a) Understanding of analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature. b) Knowledge of the theory and principles of management and organization. c) Ability to use established qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques relating to economics, international economic development or related disciplines. d) Oral and written communication skills to obtain information and discuss issues and operations with supervisors and employees. e) Demonstrated ability for attention to detail, particularly in work involving quantitative data. f) Ability to apply/use Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. g) Bachelor's Degree required h) 2 years of experience, preferred NOTE: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the Submission. All aspects of the Submission must specifically show how the candidate meets the qualifications required. Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, Submissions must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week. 8. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Interested Candidates must submit all required documents to include, but not limited to: • Copy of Transcript or Transcripts; • Completed and signed BIODATA FORM (Addendum 3) with proposed salary (typed signature is not acceptable. Physical signature or electronic signature are acceptable); • Curriculum vitae or resume (limit 10 pages); • A written narrative of up to five pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements; and • No less than three and no more than five professional references with current contact information. Desired Documentation: • A cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight your suitability for this position. The cover letter is NOT included in the required written narrative. 9. COMPENSATION PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements, which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest). This is a full time position for an Economic Research Analyst PSC and the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 per year. The contract will have a one-year base period and four (4), one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC, for a total potential contract length of five (5) years. Overtime is NOT authorized on this contract. The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $38.27 per hour, inclusive of Washington, DC locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. A salary above this pay range will NOT be entertained or negotiated. MCC issues W-2s to the PSC. For U.S. citizens and legal resident aliens, MCC makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSC. MCC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSC. The PSC is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. 10. BENEFITS Under the MCC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSC is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSC is ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan. Notwithstanding the above, and if agreed upon by the Government and the PSC before the award of a contract, the PSC may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% of the employee's direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits. a) Sick Leave The full-time (FT) PSC earns sick leave on the same basis as direct-hire MCC employees, that is, maximum four (4) hours for every biweekly pay period. b) Annual Leave The full-time PSC earns four, six, or eight hours of annual leave for each biweekly pay period depending on the number of years of previous federal government employment based upon determination made by MCC. c) Parking & Transit Subsidy A full time PSC working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds. The full time PSC whose duty station is overseas is not eligible for this subsidy. d) Credit Hours. A full-time PSC is eligible for credit hours (up to 24 hours earned) under the MCC Credit Hour Program. PSCs may not receive credit hours for time spent in travel status. The PSC shall be compensated for the credit hour balance upon termination, subject to availability of funds. 11. TRAVEL The PSC is subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and MCC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as MCC direct-hire employees. 12. INSTRUCTIONS TO PSC CANDIDATES In accordance with FAR 52.214-34 & 52.214-35, all submissions are to be in the English language and US Dollars. Submissions in other languages or monetary denominations shall not be considered. The QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED are the basis for evaluating all Submissions. Candidates must separately address each listed qualification requirement and demonstrate how s/he meets each. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally. (a) Qualified individuals must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submission, either in "Active" or "Submitted" status. Award of a contract cannot occur until the registration is in "Active" status. Candidates without a SAM registration (neither "Active" nor "Submitted") may be rejected. See Addendum 4 for a Quick Guide on the registration process. (b) Submissions shall be formatted to fit on 8 ½ x 11 paper only. Suggested margins are 1" x 1". Font to be TIMES NEW ROMAN no larger than 12 point. Hourly rates shall not be mentioned anywhere in your submission other than on the BIODATA FORM (Addendum 3). It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that all pages are properly formatted to fit and that all information properly fits within the margins of each page. (c) Qualified individuals must submit a completed and formally signed Biodata form (Addendum 3). Typed signatures are not acceptable. Either physically sign or save the BIODATA FORM as a PDF and electronically sign it. Please ensure that you provide a current, valid e-mail address and telephone number for notification purposes. The BIODATA FORM must be fully completed including a proposed hourly rate & signed for the submission to be considered. A BIODATA FORM without a proposed hourly rate and/or signature may cause you to not be considered. (d) Qualified individuals must submit a resume (or a curriculum vitae) which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, and skills and abilities as they relate to the qualification elements. Resume must indicate: the earliest possible start date for the Candidate; as well as formal title, and duration (start date / end date) for each listed position. Resume is limited to 10 pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information. (e) Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under DUTIES. The responses should describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Cite specific examples where appropriate. (f) Qualified individuals must submit no fewer than three and no more than five professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references MUST include current information, as follows: • Name of reference • Candidate's relationship to reference • Title of reference at current job • Reference current telephone number (work or personal) • Reference e-mail address (work) (g) Submissions must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified above to be considered for this position. Typed signatures are not acceptable. To ensure consideration of Submissions for the intended position, please reference the position title and announcement number on the subject line of your submission email and on supporting documentation and any cover letter. 13. RESPONSE DEADLINE Electronic submission is required. Mailed copies of any submission shall not be accepted. Electronic packages shall be submitted by e-mail to Janet Carlson at carlsonj@mcc.gov and Jacqueline Naranjo at naranjoj@mcc.gov before the deadline stated on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submission shall reference the position title AND the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail. MCC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any submission. Candidates are responsible for submitting their package so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on page one (1) of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submissions received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of submissions in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission. Any submission is at the sole risk of the Candidate. 14. QUESTION DEADLINE Any questions regarding this announcement should be submitted in writing via email only (no phone calls) to MCCPSC@mcc.gov and carlsonj@mcc.gov before the deadline as given on p.1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. 15. SELECTION PROCESS In order to be considered for the requirement, a candidate must meet the qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation in accordance with the QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED. In addition to the materials listed above, Candidates are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter is NOT included in the required written narrative. All Submissions will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the Candidate's evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential discussion/negotiation session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. Please note that for evaluation purposes, MCC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate and any requested pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits. All submissions will receive one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. MCC reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most qualified candidates and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals. Candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly related to this requirement in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The U.S. Government and MCC are not obligated to make any award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this announcement. Award of this contract is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement. 16. CONTRACT AWARD This contract shall be awarded solely to an individual, not to a firm. The individual must have an active DUNS # and an active record in the System for Award Management (SAM). The approval of your record in SAM may take a few weeks. Therefore, you must be registered in SAM before submission. See Addendum 4 for a Quick Guide on the SAM registration process. 17. CONTRACT AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The successful candidate may be offered a full-time, personal services type contract for a one-year base period, plus four (4) 12-month option periods, to be exercised based upon performance, agency requirements and available funding. The base period of performance shall be from date of award through 12 months. All option periods are exercised at the sole discretion of MCC. The contract will be full time with a maximum of 2,087 hours per year. Overtime is not authorized on this contract. 18. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE The Contractor's primary duty station will be MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC 19. ADDENDA Addendum 1: Additional Clauses Addendum 2: Position Description Addendum 3: Biodata Form Addendum 4: SAM Quick Guide for Contract Registrations
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/MCC/MCCMCC/MCCMCC01/MCC-17-RFQ-0114/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: MCC Headquarters, Washington DC, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Record
- SN04571693-W 20170709/170707235845-9f5a83dd5d04abd896c8e51936ff0bfe (fbodaily.com)
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