SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Energy Advisor
- Notice Date
- 1/18/2018
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- Solicitation01_2018EnergyAdvisorUSAID_CA
- Archive Date
- 2/24/2018
- Point of Contact
- Madina Bayedilova, Phone: 77272507612
- E-Mail Address
-
mbayedilova@usaid.gov
(mbayedilova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Competitive 8(a)
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 01/19/2018 CLOSING DATE: 02/09/2018 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 01-2018 USPSC Energy Advisor, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (AID 302-3 form) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Christopher Daly, Supervisory Executive Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Deputy Executive Officer, who may be reached at e-mail CentralAsiaJobs@usaid.gov and almatyhr@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Supervisory EXO ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 01-2018 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 01-2018 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 01/19/2018 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED 02/09/2018 (6:00 PM Almaty local time) FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Energy Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $89,370-$116,181 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 15% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. 8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens 9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access Clearance 10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: A) Basic Function of the Position The Energy Advisor will be charged with leading and supporting the Agency's engagement on the very complex and, high profile New Silk Road Initiative and the C5+1 Initiative. The areas of emphasis include: (a) increasing the adoption and integration of utility-scale renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass, hydro) generation: and (b) support of development of a robust regional power system both within Central Asia as well as Central and South Asia power connectivity. The energy program will focus its efforts on Central Asia (CA) comprising of the countries of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. In addition, through its support for the CASA-1000 project, the program will also work in coordination with USAID missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Energy Advisor will have experience in energy programming with USAID and/or other international development organizations and have the well-developed technical and diplomatic skills and the ability to command respect with senior government officials, implementing partners and staff that contributes to promoting and enhancing regional connectivity between and among Central Asia and South Asia. The position reports directly to the USAID Deputy Director, Economic Development Office. The Energy Advisor will also work closely with USAID Country Offices in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the USAID Missions in Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and American Embassies throughout the region, and USAID and State Department bureaus in Washington, D.C. B) Major Duties and Responsibilities: The major duties and responsibilities inherent in the position include: - Facilitating high-impact energy projects in CA, while guiding appropriate policy and regulatory reforms being made by the regional governments, which will serve as a strong catalyst for greater private investment in energy infrastructure. - Overseeing regional coordination with the various Ministries associated with Energy throughout Central and South Asia; other regulatory bodies; and, regional governments on actionable next steps to advance the objectives of USAID programs. - Arranging for the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant energy information to USAID Mission Directors, USAID Country Directors, U.S. Ambassadors, partners, clients, and others. - Liaising with technical officers in other USAID operating units, other donor organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private firms, and the regional governments in CA. She/he will also represent the Mission's Economic Development Office (EDO) office in meetings and fora deemed important to energy. - Drafting meeting notes, speeches and other reports as needed on an ad hoc basis. - Other duties as assigned. In successfully carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the Energy Advisor will exhibit: a. Technical Leadership 50% - Support the U.S. Government's efforts to develop regional connectivity through its major C5+1 and New Silk Road initiatives, particularly through two programs: (1) the Power the Future, a USAID program that is supporting the transition to, adoption, and scale-up of low emission and advanced energy solutions; and, (2) Energy Links program which is working to increase national energy security in Central Asia and manages the Secretariat of the Central Asia-South Asia Power Project (CASA-1000), which is working to interlink the power systems of four contiguous countries in Central/South Asia. - Responsible for maintaining strong and supportive relations with USAID technical offices in the CA countries, in Washington; Embassies in CA and other U.S. Government agencies involved including Department of Energy and other donors; and other donors such as the World Bank (WB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and Department for International Department (DFID), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the European Investment Bank. b. Program Design and Management 30% - Accountable for high performance in all program management functions including planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and managing for results. - Work to complete submissions for the Mission Strategic Resource Plan (MSRP), the Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), Congressional Notification (CN), the Operational Plan (OP), the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and other budget-related documents as required. - Contribute to completion of required monitoring and evaluation efforts relevant to the Energy Program, as well as the designing and monitoring of Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs). - Ensure completion of data quality assessments; and completion of Portfolio Reviews. Lead and contribute to other M&E efforts in the EDO office that are designed to set baselines for and measure the impacts of our programs. c. Outreach and Reporting, Represent and Promote the USG Interests Duties 20% - Responsible for effective outreach and coordination with partners in through Central and South Asia including U.S. Ambassadors, Mission Directors, USAID Country Directors, other senior USG Agency representatives, national level counterparts, bilateral and multilateral donors, and corporate executives. - Maintain close relations with private industry, international and regional research institutions, centers of excellence, and a wide network of professional colleagues, to assess, analyze, and identify trends and policies related to energy in the Central and South Asia region. - Respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements such as: 1) responding to congressional inquiries; 2) supporting VIP visits; 3) responding to Washington policy and operational requests; and 4) carrying out ad hoc assignments as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of USAID/ CA's Mission Director, USAID Country Directors, EDO Director and Deputy Director, U.S. Embassies and USAID offices in Washington. 11. POSITION ELEMENTS: a. Supervision Received: The Energy Advisor will be supervised by USAID/CA's Deputy Director of the USAID/CA's Office of Economic Development. The incumbent works within broad policy and professional guidelines. The work is complex, requiring continuous exercise of expert judgment and professional discretion. The incumbent is responsible for discerning work objectives, priorities, constraints, and using all resources available to reach satisfactory work outcomes. The supervisor reviews work for adherence to broad operational objectives of development results and customer service. Products, deliverables and recommendations submitted by the incumbent are expected to be of a high technical quality, displaying quality control and consistency with the work plan. b. Degree of Responsibility for Decision-Making: The Energy Advisor will rely on his/her professional knowledge and integrity, and in-depth experience in gathering and interpreting analytical data and reviewing published data on the performance of the relevant energy sector in the region. Such information and conclusions will factor prominently in determining the level of effort required for carrying out the assessment and diagnostics phases of designing and implementing bilateral programs. c. Level of Complexity of the Work Environment: The Energy Advisor will represent USAID with a wide range of public and private sector officials, civil society and community leaders, local institutions and donors on factors that affect the performance of the energy sector and also on identifying and developing innovative and technically feasible approaches for promoting effective adaptation responses to climate change impacts. Within USAID/CA, the incumbent will assist in providing technical expertise and advice, and informational updates and briefings on energy promotion efforts. The Energy Advisor will be expected to interact regularly with Mission teams, Office Directors and Mission Management, especially with regard to any ongoing or planned energy activities that directly or indirectly impact their programs. He/she must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be able to speak eruditely and persuasively on the characteristics of and distinguishing features of all aspects of energy and USAID's energy programs in the region. d. Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Energy Advisor will be required to establish and maintain professional contacts/ relationships with senior government authorities and private sector leaders as well as with senior people in regional, multilateral and donor institutions. He/she will equally develop and maintain professional and productive relationships with counterparts in Central and South Asia regional organizations, host governments, donor institutions, civil society and the private sector, and relevant stakeholders. The incumbent will maintain regular contact with various USAID Washington Offices, USAID Mission staff and Embassy staff. The purpose of these contacts is to ensure widespread ownership in decisions affecting strategic program direction and USG support for energy activities. e. Supervision/Oversight Over Others: The Energy Advisor will have no direct supervisory responsibilities. f. Available Guidelines: The Energy Advisor will be expected to be quickly become familiar with USAID processes, procedures and rules as documented in the ADS - 200 Series. In situations where the incumbent's judgment points to a need for additional clarity or guidance, his/ her supervisor may provide such guidance with the assistance of the USAID, CA support offices as appropriate. The Energy Advisor will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders/Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents. In addition, technical and support staff and counterparts in USAID/Washington are available as resources to provide advice and guidance. g. Exercise of Judgment: The Energy Advisor will be required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively and coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID's development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The Energy Advisor will be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct. h. Authority to Make Commitments: Within the scope of work and USAID/USG regulations. The Energy Advisor will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA: The scope of work described above requires the following qualifications and professional experience each of which will be assessed as part of the selection criteria highlighted below: Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter (no more than four pages total) addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. a. Work Experience (45 %): - Seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience implementing programs in energy policy, grid and/or off-grid energy generation and transmission, rural and isolated energy systems, and utility management. - Three (3) years of substantive previous experience directly managing USAID or similar other donor operational programs. - Demonstrated experience in advancing private sector advocacy to increase regional, bilateral, and multi-lateral energy connectivity. - Demonstrated experience in directly managing and achieving significant results in business development and energy capacity building programs in the developing world. - Demonstrated experience in working with senior government officials on private sector development and policy in the context of regional, bilateral, and multi-lateral energy promotion. - Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a complex institutional and multi-cultural environment. b. Education, Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (25 %): - Bachelor's Degree in discipline relevant to engineering, international business, international economics, international law, energy development, or related field is required. - Demonstrated knowledge of relevant development problems and strategies in the areas of energy and competitiveness. - Ability to generate new assistance methodologies and policies relevant to regional and international energy connectivity. - Ability to utilize applications in Microsoft software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint in preparation and presentation of reports and other official documentation (e.g., policy documents, project descriptions, taskers, MOUs and Agreements). - Demonstrated superb public presentation, as well as written and oral communication skills in English. - Proficiency in Russian is desired but not required. - Knowledge of USAID development assistance program processes and practices highly desired but not required. c. Interpersonal and Team Communication Skills (30 %): - Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills in English. - Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across cultures, on teams, and with a broad range of development partners. - Proven ability to work under pressure and produce professional results quickly. - Proven ability to work within a team efficiently and productively. d. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of Facility Access. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 12 months. e. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Must be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and Must be willing to travel throughout Central Asia (25% of time). III. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Work Experience: 45 points Education, Technical Knowledge, Skills And Abilities 25 points Interpersonal, Language and Team Communication Skills: 30 points Total: 100 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. IV. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form (Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information; and d) writing sample (maximum 2 pages) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) February 9, 2018. The form is available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc. The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), DHL, or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: CentralAsiaJobs@usaid.gov and almatyhr@usaid.gov POINT OF CONTACT: Madina Bayedilova, email at almatyhr@usaid.gov Email documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for one-year period, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. Benefits (if applicable) include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. For more information about USAID/Central Asia see Mission's website https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. 2. OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment 3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 6. Finger Print Card (FD-258) VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) (a) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (b) Post Allowance (Section 220) (c) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (d) Education Allowance (Section 270) (e) Education Travel (Section 280) (f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (g) Danger Pay (Section 650). VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/Solicitation01_2018EnergyAdvisorUSAID_CA/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Almaty, Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN04792593-W 20180120/180118230902-61246eb71d06aca20032ff50c0193a0a (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |