SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
- Notice Date
- 5/26/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Nepal USAID-Kathmandu, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-6190
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6190
- Solicitation Number
- 367-05-003
- Response Due
- 6/12/2005
- Archive Date
- 6/27/2005
- Description
- SENIOR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST, USAID/Nepal SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contract - Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/Nepal Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) from qualified U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) interested in providing services as described in this solicitation. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds. Any questions concerning this Solicitation may be submitted in writing to Pradeep Neupane, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/Nepal via Facsimile at 977-1-4277562 or via E-Mail at pneupane@usaid.gov. All applications and the required documents may be submitted by Courier, Hand Delivery, Mail or Electronic Commerce, such as E-Mail or Fax to: If sent via courier, hand delivered or local mail Contracting Office USAID/Nepal P.O. Box 5653 Rabi Bhawan, Kalimati Kathmandu, Nepal Attn: Pradeep Neupane E-Mail: pneupaner@usaid.gov Telephone Number: 977-1-4270144 Facsimile Number: 977-1-4277562 If sent via U.S. mail Contracting Office Department of State/AID 6190 Kathmandu Place Washington, D.C. 20521-6190 Electronic Submissions are encouraged and preferred. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their applications. Late applications shall not be accepted. USAID/Nepal reserves the right not to award any Contract as result of this solicitation. Sincerely, Raymond L. Edler Supervisory Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Nepal 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 367-05-003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 26, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 12, 2005, 1800 Hours Local Time, Kathmandu, Nepal. 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $45,239 to $58,811 per annum, GS-11 equivalent level; actual Basic Salary within the market value will be based on individual?s education, experience and salary history. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years, Possible Extension(s) up to a maximum of five years total. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kathmandu, Nepal 8. START DATE: As soon as possible, after security and medical clearances are obtained 9. SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION: See Below A. BASIC FUNCTION The Contactor shall provide/perform services as a Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist in the Contracts Office at USAID Mission in Nepal, and under the general direction of the Executive Officer, shall also function as the team leader for the Contracts Office. The Contractor shall receive direction and guidance from the Regional Contracting Officer (RCO) who is stationed at the USAID Mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Contractor shall coordinate with the RCO on a daily basis and simultaneously provide satisfactory responses to clients, implementing partners and Mission staff. The Contractor must be able to discuss and assess various procurement-related situations with a sufficient degree of expertise to provide the basis for well-founded recommendations to the RCO. The Contractor shall have sufficient procurement expertise in both acquisition and assistance (A&A) to independently interface and interact with staff and clients and effectively and accurately represent the office to outside organizations in conducting a full range of procurement actions. This requires extensive knowledge of Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, including USAID assistance regulations, OMB circulars, cost principles, the USAID Automated Directive System and USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives and Contract Information Bulletins. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Contractor is responsible for providing the full range of services for all program-funded procurement actions in support of the Mission?s strategic objective teams. In so doing the Contractor shall: (1) Provide expert procurement advice to Mission personnel and Mission management. (2) Besides keeping the RCO informed of contractual issues facing the contracts office, work with the Regional Legal Advisor (RLA) when necessary to identify potential problems, such as conflict of interest and waiver issues. (3) Ensure that the necessary documentation and citation of the appropriate USG regulations are obtained when advising clients and staff and in the preparation of waivers. (4) Advise the RCO in matters of protest, freedom of information requests, audit finding resolution and the like. (5) Advise the Mission on the latest procurement regulations and take a pro-active role in ensuring Mission compliance with these regulations. (6) Coordinate the participation of the Contracts Office on Strategic Objective Teams. Such participation will ensure that procurement issues are adequately considered and policies are adhered to for all acquisition and assistance activities. This shall include, but not necessarily limited to the encouragement of appropriate procurement planning and the communication of the needs and requirements of the Contracts Office to the Strategic Objective Teams. (7) Participate in meetings with the activity managers in planning procurement actions and in the formation and updating of the annual procurement plan. (8) Advise the Strategic Objective Teams and activity managers on procurement types/methods and types, documentation requirements and procedures, source and origin requirements, and competition/non-competitive considerations. (9) Assist the requiring offices in the development of evaluation criteria for procurements. (10) Receive and review MAARD packages, including specifications, statements of work, program descriptions, budgetary cost estimates, justifications, waivers, etc and clarify any questionable or unclear areas with the initiating activity manager; and ensure the procurement request package is sufficient to accomplish project objectives and comply with regulations and policy requirements. (11) Prepare and issue Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Applications (RFAs), Annual Program Statements (APS), etc., advertise the solicitation, receive the responses and provide briefings to the evaluation panels in accordance with the appropriate rules and regulations. (12) Receive proposals and coordinate technical evaluations with the activity managers; monitor the technical panel?s evaluations to ensure compliance with Federal and USAID procurement regulations. (13) Participate in negotiations of acquisition and assistance instruments, including cost-reimbursement and fixed price contracts, purchase, delivery and task orders, personal services contracts, GSA schedule awards, grants, cooperative agreements, participating, interagency and other agreements; and modifications thereto. (14) Analyze cost proposals, recommend awards, prepare resultant documentation including the award instrument for contracting officer signature; make distribution of executed award instrument; and ensure proper recording of the obligation by the Controller?s office and provide notifications to unsuccessful quoters, bidders and offerors and U.S. Government award publications. (15) Ensure proper entry of A&A actions into the USAID ProDoc system and/or any successor system. (16) Assure that all documentation, such as MAARD package, waivers, deviations, memoranda to the file are accurate and complete and maintained in official procurement files. (17) Interpret terms and conditions of existing awards and advise on the propriety of proposed actions, including change orders and modifications, under such awards. (18) Perform procurement administration functions such as providing review, recommendations and drafting correspondence on administrative award approvals, which include salary approvals, subcontract consent requests, equipment approvals, etc. as well as clarifying award terms and conditions to awardees and assigned CTO?s. (19) Participate in joint-site visits to project sites to ensure adequacy of marking requirements, proper use of equipment, adherence to the terms, conditions and provisions of the implementation instrument. (20) Reviews prospective recipient?s procurement and management systems in response to new procurement requests. (21) Monitor performance, as required by the terms and conditions of the award and provide guidance to CTO?s and activity managers to assist them in the performance of their duties and the avoidance of legal/contractual impropriety. (22) Work with CTO?s to ensure contractors and recipients submit all required plans and reports. (23) Take appropriate action and prepare documentation on issues/problems that may arise in the course of performance, including changes, work suspensions and stoppages, disputes, replacement of key personnel, failure or unacceptable performance, payment problems, etc. (24) Prepare responses to audit findings. (25) Conduct desk audits or acquisitions and assistance instruments in accordance with policy requirements. (26) Review procurement files to ensure that they include appropriate documentation, such as award checklists, memoranda of negotiation, justifications, etc. which support an adequate audit trail. (27) Ensure timely closeout of all expired awards. (28) Advise Mission staff on closeout process, including de-obligation of excess funds, disposition of equipment, and prepare closeout modifications when required as well as close out statements for the Contracting Officer?s review and signature and disposition of the file in accordance with applicable regulations (29) Supervise on a day-to-day basis four Foreign Service National (FSN) staff assigned to the Contracts Office; ensure office work assignments are carried out in an efficient and timely manner and every effort is made to identify relevant training and professional development including advancement of staff through the Procurement Management Certification Program. (30) Recommend, develop and maintain contracting policies to ensure consistency in implementation at the Mission. (31) Remain up-to-date on Agency policies affecting the Contracts Office. (32) Coordinate with the RCO on a daily basis and apprise him/her of any procurement issues or concerns which need to be resolved. (33) Provide on a weekly basis Procurement Management Reports, including status reports on current actions, to Mission Management, Strategic Objective Team leaders, and the RCO. (34) Perform other related duties as may be assigned. C. POSITION ELEMENTS (1) Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying regulations and in carrying out his/her duties. (2) Interpersonal Skills and Contacts: The incumbent must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of situations when dealing with individuals to resolve issues that arise during the course of the work. The Contractor is expected to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel and the RCO and is expected to respond to any changes in priorities that emerge during the period of the contract and provide timely and effective services to client offices. Professional contacts will include officials and representatives of contractors, U.S. PVOs, NGOs, international organizations and host government. (3) Authority to Make Commitments and Obligations: None (4) Supervision Exercised: The Contractor as Team Leader of the Contracts Office shall provide necessary training and supervision on a day-to-day basis to FSN staff in the Contracts Office. (5) Time Required to Perform the Full Range of Duties: None?the incumbent is expected to be an expert in the procurement field and immediately carry out his/her duties. (6) Available Guidelines: The guidelines to be used by the Contractor in performing his/her duties include the following: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) OMB Circulars Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS) Mission Orders D. QUALIFICATIONS Education: A bachelor?s degree is required, preferably in business, economics, accounting or other related field. Prior Work Experience: At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the procurement field, including both acquisition and assistance, is required. At least two (2) years of the required experience must have been working on acquisition and assistance actions overseas. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition and assistance regulations, policies and practices is required. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision within a teamwork framework and as team leader in a procurement office is required. Ability to independently organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments is required. Proven ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and ability to maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards relating to all areas of acquisition and assistance matters are required. Proven ability to negotiate, formulate and administer fixed and cost reimbursement type contracts, personal services contracts, participating and interagency agreements, grants and cooperative agreements is required. Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, prepare and complete contracting documents; and establish a contractual strategy for the Mission?s procurement portfolio. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cooperating government officials, business and industry personnel as well as with mission staff at all levels. Ability to communicate effectively with staff members at all levels, implementing partners and the general public is required. Demonstrated proficiency in computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet is required. E. SELECTION CRITERIA Applications will be evaluated utilizing the below criteria. Total possible is 100 points. Education - 15 points The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. Work Experience ? 45 points The extent to which the applicant?s relevant work experience and technical expertise meet or exceed the requisite levels of professional experience set for the above. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills ? 40 points The extent to which the applicant?s demonstrated knowledge, abilities and skills meet or exceed the requisite levels set forth above. F. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES The position is open to U.S. Citizens and TCNs. The selected applicant must be able to obtain an Employment Authorization Security Clearance and an appropriate Medical Clearance. The selected applicant prior to departure for post must obtain these clearances. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. Details of how to obtain these clearances will be provided to the successful applicant. G. APPLICATION/INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Please send a completed and signed Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 and a Resume containing the following information: (1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code), e-mail address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held if applicable(also give job series and dates held); (2) Education: Colleges and universities attended, name city and state (Zip Code if known) majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); (3) Work Experience: Provide the information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employers name and address, supervisor?s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; (4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job related skills; for example other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and license (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for examples, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested); (5) Applicants are required to provide three professional references with complete contact information including names, e-mail address and telephone numbers; (6) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the applicant is available for the position; (7) To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and the subject line in any cover letter. Failure to address the ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. USAID/Nepal reserves the right to interview top ranked applicants. H. BENEFITS AND APPLICABLE REGULATIONS As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (i) BENEFITS Employee?s FICA Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Merit Increase Eligibility for Worker?s Compensation Annual and Sick Leave Shipment and Storage of House Hold Effects (HHE) Shipment of Private Owned Vehicle (POV) Access to Embassy Medical Facilities, Commissary and Pouch Mail Services * If a U.S. Citizen, the Contractor?s salary will be subject to FICA and MEDICARE withholding. (ii) ALLOWANCES (if applicable, as found in the Standardized Travel Regulations) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500). USAID/Nepal has a Post Differential of 25% Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), Danger Pay (Section 650), and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) I. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income Taxes. J. VARIOUS ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs)/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs, WHICH INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: This award will be made in accordance with regulations contained in AIDAR Appendix D, as modified by appropriate AAPDs and CIBs. These regulations can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html and http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf K. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 **2. Medical History and Examination for Foreign Services (Form DS 1843 or DS-1622) **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) NOTE: * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Forms outlined above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/form.html or at internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal Offices. Point of Contact Pradeep Neupane, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, Phone 977-1-4270144, Fax 977-1-4277562, Email pneupaner@usaid.gov . Place of Performance Contracting Office USAID/Nepal P.O. Box 5653 Rabi Bhawan, Kalimati Kathmandu, Nepal NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO WWW.FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (26-MAY-2005). IT ACTUALLY APPEARED OR REAPPEARED ON THE FEDBIZOPPS SYSTEM ON 27-MAY-2005. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Contracting Office, USAID/Nepal, Rabi Bhawan, Kalimati
- Zip Code: Kathmandu
- Country: Nepal
- Zip Code: Kathmandu
- Record
- SN00817896-W 20050529/050528093622 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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