SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Trade and Investment Advisor
- Notice Date
- 5/27/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank, Amer Emb/Tel Aviv Unit #7228, APO, AE, 09892-0206
- ZIP Code
- 09892-0206
- Solicitation Number
- PSC294-2005-016
- Response Due
- 6/16/2005
- Archive Date
- 7/1/2005
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2005-016 ISSUANCE DATE: May 27, 2005 CLOSING DATE: June 16, 2005 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Trade and Investment Advisor (2 Years) ?Renewable The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from persons interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-?-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612. Any questions as well as submission of the applications and the required documents are response to this solicitation must be directed to: Ms. Hourig DelDelian Acquisition Specialist USAID 25 Hamered Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Dale Lewis Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2005-016 ISSUANCE DATE:May 27, 2005 CLOSING DATE:June 16, 2005 POSITION TITLE:Trade and Investment Advisor ? Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE:GS-14 ($76,193 - $99,053) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:Tel Aviv, Israel ? USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC will be for a period of 2 years - renewable. MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $76,193 - $99,053. In addition, the Mission has 10% Post Differential allowance and 20% Danger Pay. The salary will be determined based on the individual?s salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171 or Standard Form 612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described below. This is a diverse and politically sensitive program and is one of the few USAID Missions worldwide without a bi-lateral agreement with a host government. The USAID program for the West Bank and Gaza is a central element of the U.S. government's role in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. The program supports U.S. interests in promoting regional stability, economic prosperity and adherence to democratic principles. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: This position is located in the Private Enterprise Office (PEO), Strategic Objectives No. One (SO1), USAID/West Bank & Gaza, Tel Aviv. The primary purpose of this position is to undertake analyses of Palestinian Israeli trade related issues, participate in trade initiatives, and serve as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for trade development projects in the PEO portfolio. The position will also require application of expertise in trade development, export promotion, and related competitiveness building in the private sector as well as the development of new scopes of work for trade development, export promotion and related competitiveness building. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will serve as a point of contact for the SO1 on all trade related issues, trade associations and other private sector organizations. The PSC will serve as a liaison for other donor activities on trade and will serve as the CTO in implementing trade development activities in West Bank and Gaza. S/he will provide technical advice to the Mission and to the Palestinian Authority on private sector and trade development strategy and action plans. Specifically, the incumbent will be engaged in the following areas: 1) Program Planning, Activity Management and Implementation 50% 1) Provide leadership and technical support to SO1 Team on trade issues for the Palestinian territories, as follows: a. Serve as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and participate in the development and implementation of trade development and export promotion and related competitiveness activities in the West Bank and Gaza. This would include writing terms of reference for USAID contracts, reviewing contractor proposals, participating as technical advisor in contract negotiations, technical guidance/oversight of work carried out by contractors, and periodic evaluation of contractor performance. b. Draft and review scopes of work for short-term consultants, work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and other pertinent documentation required for design, development and implementation of private sector led activities and develop monitoring and evaluation systems to determine effectiveness of implementation. c. Conducts assessment of activity performance and impacts, monitors implementation and intervenes, as necessary, to ensure that appropriate methodologies are employed. Fully documents and verifies that records are maintained to guide implementation decisions and assess contractors? performance. d. Interprets and communicates USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures and documents to senior-level officials in the Palestinian private and public sectors as required for the implementation of activities for which the incumbent is responsible. Responds to requests for assistance on technical issues in order to elicit maximum Palestinian counterpart support and cooperation for USAID initiatives. e. Keeps senior Mission management informed of trends and significant developments which may affect the USAID program in the incumbent?s sectors of responsibility. Recommends appropriate course of action with regard to the above. Drafts reports on trade and competitiveness issues, presenting analysis, interpretation of trends and recommendations. f. Establishes relationships with USAID/Washington?s Asia and Near East and Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT) Bureau staff and with Missions in the region, to ensure collaborative efforts to identify and develop implementation mechanisms, funding sources and strategic options. g. Develops and maintains substantive contacts at senior levels of the Palestinian Authority (PA), other donors, participating institutions and other stakeholder organizations. Conducts liaison on sensitive project management matters, assesses Palestinian needs and identifies options for USAID assistance. Such options should build on analyses conducted to date, but should also consider all potential interventions to enhance the market access of businesses located in the West Bank and Gaza to global markets. 2) Trade and Investment, Private Sector Support Coordination 30% a. Provide technical leadership and engage senior private sector leaders and institutions (PALTRADE, Palestinian Federation of Industries (PFI), Chambers of Commerce and others) in structuring trade and investment activities and partnerships in the West Bank and Gaza. b. In coordination with PALTRADE and the private sector organize trade and investment conferences and missions to other countries. c. Work closely with Palestinian Ministries of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and private sector organizations on trade and investment promotion strategies, Paris Protocol and Free Trade Agreements that Palestinian Authority has with other countries. d. As a technical expert prepare detailed analysis of trade development issues facing Palestinian Authority (PA). Write papers as needed on trade development environment reform topics, success stories and articulate USAID views and positions on trade policy reform as it relates to private sector development. As a senior professional represent USAID in conferences, seminars, and other venues both in the U.S., the Palestinian Territories and the region. E. Assist other Mission CTOs on trade related issues. 3) External Relations 10% To ensure achievement of results, serve as coordinator between USAID/WBG, Palestinian private sector, development partners, stakeholders, and customers. Establish and maintain an effective liaison with top political, trade and investment policy makers. Also develop and maintain effective working relationship with officials in other U.S. government agencies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the EU, and other regional entities and bilateral aid agencies on matters involving trade and economic development activities in the West Bank and Gaza. 4) Other Duties 10% Perform other duties necessary for the achievement of the results under SO1, as assigned or required. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION: The incumbent will report to the Supervisory Private Enterprise Officer who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the incumbent?s work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines. In carrying out specific assignments, the incumbent will work closely with other SO Teams. As CTO, the incumbent will have the supervisory responsibilities of a large team of contractors/grantees. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION FACTORS: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education (25 points) A Ph.D. in Economics with specialization in international trade and economic development is highly desirable. A Master?s degree in Economics with emphasis in international trade and economic development is a minimum requirement. 2. Experience (45 points) A minimum of ten years of experience in policy formulation, trade and investment promotion, and demonstrable accomplishments in trade and investment development in developing countries. This is a senior level position with high visibility. The incumbent must have experience in translating trade and development analyses into operational policy action plans. Experience in managing trade and investment development projects, negotiation and leadership skills, with exposure to dealing with CEOs of private firms, bankers and senior government officials and politicians is required. A mix of public and private sector experience is preferred. 3. Knowledge (10 point) In-depth understanding of trade, investment, international borders and customs issues. Knowledge of banking, finance and capital markets is also helpful. 4. Skills and Abilities (20 points) The incumbent must be able to work in high activity modes and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. S/he must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills. S/he must be a highly motivated and responsible self-starter able to work independently and to effectively provide practical advice regarding technically difficult economic issues. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Ability to write well is essential. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word, EXCEL and PowerPoint is a must. Technical capacity to conduct trade and economic analysis is required. The ability to plan, organize and manage public relations (PR) events is very important. The ability to draft concise informative reports, cables, briefing materials, and talking points on complex subjects with short lead times is required. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance for the above services will be for two years from on/about July 2005 to on/about July 2007 with an option for renewal, subject to Mission approval. The contractor should be available to start as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical and security clearances. INSTRUCTION to APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) as an attachment to the SF-171 or OF 612. The following are required forms for PSCs: *1. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62) *2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF86) or *3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) *4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) NOTE: Form 4 is available from the Contracting Office *The forms listed 1 through 4 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:30 local time on June 16, 2005, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Acquisition Specialist, either via email at hdeldelian@usaid.gov or by fax to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using one of the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 0026 APO, AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail: USAID,C/O US EMBASSY 71 HAYARKON ST. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL 63903 This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. ================================================================ AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 2. 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) 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 03-05 Revised Requirements for Posting of Federal Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Opportunities 03-02 ES-06 Salary Rate for 2003 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 98-19 Home Leave under U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs. 97-17 PSCSs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other than Full & Open competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation(MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles. Subject to Availability of Funds. =================================================================
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/West Bank & Gaza, Israel
- Country: Israel
- Country: Israel
- Record
- SN00817393-W 20050529/050528092838 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |