MODIFICATION
R -- R - USPSC - Disaster Operations Specialist - Darfur, Sudan DCHA-OFDA-05-1437
- Notice Date
- 8/19/2005
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 921190
— Other General Government Support
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Room 7.10-006, Washington, DC, 20523
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- DCHA-OFDA-05-1437
- Response Due
- 8/29/2005
- Archive Date
- 8/29/2005
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-05-1437 ISSUANCE DATE: August 3, 2005 CLOSING DATE: August 29, 2005, 5:00PM EDT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) ? Disaster Operations Specialist ? Darfur, Sudan (2 Positions Available) The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. CITIZENS ONLY interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1) Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 or SF-171 2) Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) Applications that are received without a handwritten signature and supplemental QRF document will not be considered for the position. Applicants are responsible for submitting materials that are in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. There will be no exceptions. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Mike Jones or Stephanie Paul Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or 202-661-9369 E-Mail Address: ddos@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: 240-465-0244 All applications should be submitted to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: ddos@globalcorps.com Facsimile: 240-465-0244 Sincerely, M. E. Yearwood Contracting Officer 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-05-1437 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 3, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 29, 2005, 5:00 p.m. EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Operations Specialist ? Darfur, Sudan (2 Positions Available) 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-12 ($62,886 ? $81,747 per year) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11 months 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 8. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens POSITION DESCRIPTION Background After three years of negotiations, Sudan?s government and main rebel group in Southern Sudan (Sudan People?s Liberation Movement/Army ? SPLM/A) signed comprehensive peace accords on January 9, 2005 to end more than 21 years of civil war. But as Khartoum makes peace on one front, another violent conflict persists in Western Sudan. Open warfare erupted in Darfur in early 2003 when two loosely allied rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) attacked military installations. The rebels, who seek an end to the region?s chronic economic and political marginalization, also took up arms to protect communities against the government-backed militias (?Jingaweit?) recruited among groups of Arabic extraction. Militia attacks and a scorched-earth government offensive have led to looting, indiscriminate killings, and massive displacement. The situation in Darfur is acknowledged to be a humanitarian crisis of the first order. According to the UN?s Humanitarian Profile (# 9 ? dated Dec. 1, 2004) an estimated 2.39 million people are displaced out of a population of 6.5 million within Darfur, and more than 200,000 have crossed the border into neighboring Chad. The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is heavily engaged in addressing this ongoing humanitarian crisis. In FY 2004, USAID provided more than $186 million in support of humanitarian programs in Darfur, Sudan. Introduction OFDA is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). OFDA is organized into three divisions under the management of the Office of the Director. The Disaster Response and Mitigation (DRM) Division is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. OFDA/DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. OFDA/DRM hires sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Program Support (PS) Division provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA?s Washington and field offices. The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OFDA/OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). The Disaster Operations Specialist (DOS) plays a central role in the U.S. Government?s (USG) disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and disaster risk management programs. DOS positions require general expertise in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, and incumbents are responsible for assisting in the development of response strategies, all aspects of grant management for humanitarian donor organizations, and in the preparation of talking points, information products, and briefing materials. The DOS works as a member of a team consisting of other DOSs, a Regional Coordinator, Information Officers, and Technical Specialists. The DOS will cover OFDA?s Darfur portfolio from within the DRM Division, as a member of a multi-person Enhanced Regional Team covering Sudan. Under the management of the Regional Coordinator, the DOS will work with the other Enhanced Regional Team members to manage foreign disaster relief and mitigation programs. The Darfur DOS will be assigned for a period of 11 months with the possibility of an extension. OBJECTIVE The incumbent will manage a portfolio of activities in the Darfur region of Sudan, working as part of a country-focused humanitarian response team to meet USG humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives. STATEMENT OF WORK The incumbent will assist in responding to the humanitarian emergency in Darfur. The incumbent will manage all aspects of the disaster response and disaster risk management program, including coordinating reviews and analyses of grant proposals, preparation of documentation to expedite grant project approval, and evaluation and monitoring of grant activities, both from Washington and in Sudan. The incumbent is expected to travel, as needed, to Darfur to assess the situation and monitor grant activity. S/he is also responsible for deploying on short notice to serve on DARTs and Washington based RMTs, as required by OFDA. Grant Portfolio Management: The incumbent will assume primary responsibility for the management of selected OFDA-funded programs in Darfur, Sudan. In coordination with Regional Team and Technical Assistance Group (TAG) members, s/he will: ? Coordinate with the Darfur DART or other in-country OFDA entity to identify potential areas of focus for USAID relief projects and, with DART input, recommend relief activity areas that need to be addressed and solicit new project proposals for these areas as required; ? Interface with implementing organizations regarding project proposals submitted for OFDA funding to ensure proposals provide information required by OFDA's Grant Guidelines and to discuss the appropriateness to OFDA program objectives and budget line items; ? Coordinate reviews of proposals for relief programs, including developing issues papers, preparing and distributing briefing packets for all invitees, determining the need for follow-up meetings, reporting on the outcome of the proposal review to USG personnel in the field, and drafting official correspondence to Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), International Organizations (IOs) and United Nations (UN) agencies; ? Prepare all documentation to expedite grant project approval, including inputting data into the New Management System (NMS) for transmittal to the USAID Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA); ? Track program reports from grantees and ensure reports are received in a timely manner, read program reports to ensure that program objectives have been achieved, collate input from reports for feedback to grantees, and share reports with Regional Team members, as appropriate; ? Expedite the flow of programmatic and other documents through the clearance process; ? Provide support to OFDA field assessments of USG-funded projects; ? Provide updates through oral and written reports, talking points, and other briefing materials on issues related to the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Sudan; Disaster Response and Mitigation: The incumbent will assume responsibility to monitor threatening and incipient disasters and reviewing, coordinating, administering, and implementing emergency relief and rehabilitation programs in Darfur, consistent with OFDA's country strategy. In coordination with Regional Team and TAG members, s/he will: ? Review and monitor disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness plans for Darfur in collaboration with the Regional Team; ? Share in the oversight and updating of OFDA's country strategy for Sudan; ? Assure a timely and appropriate response to disaster declarations, including reviewing Mission/Embassy recommendations for assistance, and preparing/clearing appropriate guidance to the U.S. Mission/Embassy on resources and strategies to respond to the disaster situation; ? Coordinate with Regional Team and TAG members, USAID regional bureaus, other DCHA offices, the State Department, Department of Defense, other donor governments, United Nations agencies, PVOs/NGOs, and other international organizations to develop an inclusive U.S. response to the declared disaster; ? Review the conceptual soundness, technical feasibility and budget for disaster assistance activities and emergency projects; ? Maintain contact with OFDA field representatives and the OFDA Regional Office to discuss implementation of activities and assessment of disaster mitigation programs/needs; ? Recommend to the Regional Coordinator policy and program options consistent with USG foreign policy objectives and provide effective and appropriate responses to meet the needs of the disaster victims (or potential victims); ? Serve on or backstop OFDA assessment teams and DARTs deployed to disaster sites when deemed necessary and follow up with appropriate reports and/or cables. Administrative: In coordination with Regional Team and TAG members, the incumbent will: ? Maintain standardized office files for activities that are assigned as principle responsibilities; ? Review daily cable traffic and highlight important information for the Regional Team; ? Attend team, office, and other meetings as assigned by the Regional Coordinator and, when necessary, prepare summaries of these meetings; ? As assigned by the Regional Coordinator, develop and execute official documents, including but not limited to entries into the NMS, memos, cables, and information requests. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The DOS will report directly to the OFDA/DRM Regional Coordinator that is responsible for Sudan or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor sets overall objectives. The incumbent and Supervisor together develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The incumbent is expected to work independently in carrying out the objectives outlined by the Supervisor. BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTIVE FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the positions. Candidates who do not meet all of the basic qualifications and selective factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) ? Bachelor?s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field or country (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy, disaster management or a related field), and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, two (2) of which must be ?on-the-ground? field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation aid; OR ? Masters degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field or country (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy, disaster management or a related field), and two (2) years experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, two (2) of which must be ?on-the-ground? field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation aid; ? US Citizenship; ? Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance; and ? Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: (Used with interview performance and reference check results to determine the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in order of importance from highest to least.) QRF #1 - Knowledge of and experience in coordinating disaster relief activities with USG agencies (such as the State Department, Department of Defense, and USAID), UN and other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations involved in humanitarian response; including liaising with a diverse portfolio of officials and authorities in a disaster response or complex emergency and conduct of interagency proposal reviews; QRF #2 - Knowledge of Sudan and the surrounding region and experience monitoring/managing incipient disaster situations, developing country strategies, and integrating disaster preparedness, response, and rehabilitation activities; QRF #3 - Demonstrated experience in negotiation, evaluation, and monitoring of humanitarian assistance programming by private voluntary organizations in a disaster situation or complex emergency response, including evaluations to ensure quality programming and the reduction of duplicative programs; QRF #4 - Direct work experience in assisting NGOs to develop proposals and ensure organizational and program compliance with USG donor funding and program regulations; and QRF #5 - Knowledge of and experience with USG policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters and complex emergencies. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements and Selective Factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs), interview performance, and satisfactory academic and professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: QRFs have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 ? 14 points QRF #2 ? 14 points QRF #3 ? 10 points QRF #4 ? 6 points QRF #5 ? 6 points Interview Performance ? 30 points Satisfactory Academic and Professional Reference Checks ? 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are required to submit: A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (Forms can found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal or at www.globalcorps.com). Supplemental document specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factor (QRF). 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. Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facs?mile: 240-465-0244 Via email: ddos@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. NOTE: If a temporary Secret level security clearance and State Department Medical Clearance (if required) are not obtained within nine months, the offer may be rescinded. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 1. Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 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). ** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 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). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Washington, DC
- Record
- SN00874431-W 20050821/050819211514 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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