SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR
- Notice Date
- 8/5/2004
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541611
— Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- United States Trade and Development Agency, TDA Contracts Office, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA, 22209-3901
- ZIP Code
- 22209-3901
- Solicitation Number
- USTDA-04-Q-1-238
- Response Due
- 8/27/2004
- Archive Date
- 9/11/2004
- Point of Contact
- Della Glenn, Contracts Officer, Phone 703-875-4357, Fax 703-875-4009, - Anthony Grayson, Contracts Manager, Phone 703-875-4357, Fax 703-875-4009,
- E-Mail Address
-
contract@tda.gov, contract@tda.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Very Small Business
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 08/05/2004 CLOSING DATE: 08/27/2004, 4:30 pm Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor - International Trade Specialist The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to, and any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Ms. Della Glenn Contracts Officer U.S. Trade and Development Agency 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1600 Arlington VA 22209-3901 TELEPHONE NUMBER: (1) 703-875-4357 FAX NUMBER: (1) 703-875-4009 E-MAIL ADDRESS: dglenn@ustda.gov SOLICITATION NUMBER: USTDA-04-Q- ISSUANCE DATE: 08/05/04 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 08/27/2004 (at or before) 4:30pm POSITION TITLE: PSC -INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST MARKET VALUE: $62,905 ? $96,637 (Comparable in range with GS 13 or GS 14 level) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 10/01/2004 - 09/30/2005 (ONE YEAR) (Time extension may be possible, at the discretion of the Agency) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: U.S. COMMERCIAL CENTER, JOHANNESBURG, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Clearance required MEDICAL: Physical Examination required AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens SELECTION CRITERIA Knowledge, Skills and Experience 70 points Education 20 points Language 10 points POSITION DESCRIPTION Introduction The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is an independent agency under the Executive Branch. USTDA's mission is to advance economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment. The Agency assists U.S. firms by identifying major development projects that offer substantial U.S. export potential and by funding private sector involvement in project planning. This, in turn, helps position U.S. firms for follow on activities during the implementation phase of the project. USTDA activities cover a wide range of sectors of high priority to host countries and international development efforts. Basic Function of Position: The Personal Services Contractor (PSC) serves as the Manager for Business Development, Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is responsible for identifying major infrastructure and trade capacity project opportunities for participation by USTDA; advising USTDA?s Regional Director for Africa on USTDA investment strategy in the region; monitoring of USTDA investments; and ensuring the formalization and implementation of USTDA grants and contracts. The PSC works closely with public and private sector project sponsors, lending and multilateral institutions including the World Bank, African Development Bank and others, and U.S. federal agencies, including the Office of the U. S. Trade Representative, U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the U.S. Export Import Bank. The assignment of the PSC enables USTDA to develop a more pro-active strategy for major U.S. trade and investments in coordination with international reconstruction efforts. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Identifies and reports major trade and investment infrastructure opportunities for USTDA grant consideration. These include both public and private sector undertakings. Works closely with the representative governments, industries, trade associations, donor communities, and U.S. companies based in the region. Screens and evaluates grant proposals from project sponsors and U.S. industry. Assists the Regional Director in setting the strategy for USTDA investment in the region. For the countries assigned, works closely with the relevant USTDA Country Manager(s) and plans and develops a variety of projects by analyzing proposals from U.S. companies, U.S. Embassies, foreign ministries, trade associations, local project sponsors, etc., for projects in host countries. The projects include, for example, oil and gas pipelines, power plant development, hazardous waste treatment and disposal plants, telecommunications systems, natural resource development, navigational aids, airport development, and various industrial projects. Screens each proposal for the pertinent USTDA Country Manager to determine the viability of the project, its importance to the economic development of the host country, and the U.S. export opportunities. Helps Country Managers develop proposed statements of work and factors involved in scoring consultant's proposals to conduct project definition studies. Performs contractor oversight in those cases where the PSC accompanies Definitional Mission (DM) team visits on official calls. The International Trade Specialist recommends projects for USTDA consideration, researches and provides the necessary written documentation for the Regional Director and respective USTDA Country Manager(s) to present to senior management. Monitors grant awards, contractor selection from the development of the scope of work for the study to the contract award, and from development of the contract document through completion of milestones until close out of the project. Working with the Agency's Evaluation Officer, monitors the results of previous years' contracts and grants and recommends follow on action where appropriate. To accomplish these tasks, he/she maintains close contact with relevant parties. Represents USTDA at meetings, conferences, and other official meetings related to Agency program activities. Makes presentations on USTDA's programs, and when applicable, other U.S. trade and finance assistance activities.. Supports the evaluation and audit programs of the Agency by passing relevant information to appropriate officials and carrying out assignments related to these functions. Performs special projects and studies as assigned by the Regional Director or his/her designee. Works with the Regional Director and Country Managers in defining the objectives and scope of a given activity, and based on the mutually developed parameters, develops plans, schedules, resource requirements, and other key data as needed. Draws conclusions from the data and other information gathered and analyzed. Prepares the project or evaluation in acceptable format. As necessary, briefs USTDA staff and officials of the results of these studies. Independently Travels in the region, as well as with other USTDA staff when appropriate, in accordance with travel plan developed with the Regional Director. Manages and administers USTDA?s regional office in Johannesburg, with responsibilities for budgets, local procurements, interaction with other resident U.S. Government agencies, and other bureaucratic details. Manages USTDA?s Commercial Assistant. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required by the Position: Mastery of the underlying concepts and operational environment of foreign assistance and economic development programs, the U.S. Government structure for international affairs, the roles of the various agencies involved in foreign affairs, the factors influencing international trade, and how international trade can contribute to developmental goals. Thorough knowledge of USTDA's operation and program mandate is essential. Extensive knowledge of current political, economic, financial, and social conditions and cultural intricacies of the assigned region together with knowledge and understanding of the major development needs and emerging trends in the countries and areas concerned. Understanding of international banking and financial practices, the policies and requirements of multilateral banking and regional development lending institutions, and alternative methods of private and public infrastructure project finance. Understanding of major infrastructure and industrial project development and management. Strong qualitative and quantitative evaluation skills and knowledge of the mission and functions of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to apply appropriate measurement techniques to determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and successes of the various projects funded by USTDA. Ability to define and communicate project deficiencies that restrict USTDA participation in specific activities. Expertise in the development and use of databases, spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and tables in order to properly present findings and conclusions of evaluations, and to develop comprehensive reports on the results of Agency efforts to assist in the increase of U.S. export trade and trade capacity in host countries through USTDA-funded projects. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with U.S. business executives, officials of host country governments, and representatives of other Federal agencies. Ability to effectively market USTDA's programs to U.S. companies and host country project sponsors. Ability to operate independently, while also working within USTDA policy guidelines. Ability to accurately and effectively communicate and defend ideas orally and in writing. Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines in an environment of multiple and rapidly changing priorities while effectively managing longer term projects. Language: Native English; proficiency in one or more of French and Portuguese desirable. Supervisory Controls: The PSC reports to the Regional Director for Africa, who sets the overall objectives and of assignments and who works with the PSC to develop the scope of the study or project. The PSC plans and carries out the assignment within broad delegated parameters, resolves most of the conflicts or problems, coordinates the work with others as necessary, and interprets policy and otherwise works within acceptable USTDA guidelines. The PSC keeps the supervisor informed of major developments and the status of the projects by adhering to an established formal reporting schedule and providing special reports as necessary. Completed work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The PSC supervises a Commercial assistant, locally hired. Guidelines: Guidelines exist in the form of general Federal directives, laws, international trade policies, and Agency practices. Guidelines often are broad and non specific, requiring the PSC to use initiative and judgment in deciding on a course of action. Specific regulations or other guidelines for the substantive aspects of the work often do not exist. Complexity: The work involves varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a broad range of activities, and substantial analysis. The PSC is expected to identify opportunities for trade development, promotion and export expansion into new markets; to develop new techniques for trade development; and to function in a responsible, creative, and innovative mode. This overseas assignment is important to accomplish USTDA's mission in the region. The PSC will work in an area where numerous other foreign assistance agencies are active. The six to eight hour time difference from headquarters and the different work environment add a degree of difficulty in managing assignments. Scope and Effect: The position is responsible for studies, projects, and other activities to assist in the economic development of participant countries, and promote the export of U.S. goods and services to those countries. The PSC is responsible for identifying, planning, and implementing studies and other activities which are high development priorities in the host countries and which will enhance the opportunities for U.S. companies to provide goods and services when the projects reach the implementation stage. The PSC is responsible for planning and carrying out large, complex projects, and for follow on assistance as appropriate. PSC should be an experienced international projects specialist with strong project development skills who is based in the field and will advance the program goals of USTDA and U.S. government foreign assistance and trade promotion strategies. Personal Contacts: Contacts are with personnel in the U.S. and foreign companies, employees of other U.S. federal agencies concerned with international trade matters, high ranking officials in foreign ministries, companies, and representatives of trade associations. Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are to exchange and gather information, keep up with work in progress, negotiate, persuade, and otherwise obtain cooperation of the persons being contacted. The persons typically have diverse viewpoints, goals, or objectives, requiring the PSC to achieve a common understanding of the project or problem, and develop a solution or an acceptable compromise. Physical Demands: The work involves living overseas, international travel, with related demands, including disease prevention measures. Carrying and moving portable computers, books, papers, and office equipment is routine. High volume and complexity of assignments require good stress management abilities. Work Environment: The work is performed in an office setting overseas, with regular travel to the countries of the region and occasional travel to the United States. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: 1. A Letter and written statement addressing how you meet the desired qualifications for this position based on knowledge, skills and experience, education, and language capability. The letter should also provide information on current or previous security clearances held and estimated availability from time of award notification. The letter and statement should not exceed three pages. 2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and salary history. 3. You may also choose to submit Standard Form 171 or an Optional Form 612 (available on internet at http://fillform.gsa.gov), but this is not required. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Applications may be submitted by facsimile on (703) 875-4009 and originals sent to: Ms. Della Glenn Contracts Officer U.S. Trade and Development Agency 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1600 Arlington VA 22209-3901 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. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Late applications SHALL NOT be accepted, unless mishandling occurs after receipt at USTDA. FORMS FOR PSCs Forms related to Contractor Physical Examination and Security Clearance shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracts Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (A) BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (B) ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Post Differential (2) Post Hardship Differential (3) Moving and Storage allowance (4) Housing Allowance for PSC (and dependents, if applicable) (5) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Note: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A) (C) COMPENSATION The term of the contract will be for 12 months beginning after medical clearance, security clearance and the signing of the contract. The contract may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
- Place of Performance
- Address: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- Country: SOUTH AFRICA
- Country: SOUTH AFRICA
- Record
- SN00638137-W 20040807/040805213329 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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