SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Trade and Economics Advisor U.S. PSC
- Notice Date
- 9/15/2005
- 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
- 294-2005-032
- Response Due
- 10/5/2005
- Archive Date
- 10/20/2005
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2005-032 ISSUANCE DATE: September 14, 2005 CLOSING DATE: October 5, 2005 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Trade and Economics Advisor - Intermittent - 1 year The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)West Bank & Gaza, is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from U.S. citizens 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 Senior 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, Roy Plucknett Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2005-032 ISSUANCE DATE: September 14, 2005 CLOSING DATE: October 5, 2005 POSITION TITLE: Trade and Economics 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 intermittent services during the period of 1 year. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. citizen 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 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 last four years of conflict and closures have resulted in significant decline in exports, investment, production, and employment. Current restrictions on movement of people and goods continue to cripple the economy by increasing transaction costs tenfold. These restrictions negatively impact the productive capacity of Palestinian producers and their capacity to increase income and employment. In addition, the Palestinian Authority continues to be administratively, managerially, and technically weak in the areas of financial and economic management of the economy. USAID is working to improve this situation. The United States Agency for International Development for West Bank and Gaza (USAID/WBG) is contracting for several technical assistance projects to increase Palestinian trade both with Israel and the rest of the world, as well as to improve the economic management capability of the Palestinian Authority. This consultancy is located in the Private Enterprise Office (PEO), Strategic Objective No.1 (SO1), USAID/West Bank and Gaza, Tel Aviv. The primary purpose of this position is to advise and assist the PEO Director on economic strategic planning, program development and implementation. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: This position is located in the Private Enterprise Office (PEO), Strategic Objectives No. Ten (SO10), USAID/West Bank & Gaza, Tel Aviv. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an advisor to the SO10 team and to the Mission more generally on trade and economics. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The contractor will provide technical support to the Private Enterprise Office (PEO) in the West Bank and Gaza Mission to carry out a variety of tasks in support of its program, including: 1) Advise the PEO Director on economic policy and institutional development issues. In particular, the contractor will provide recommendations on MOF budget, budget gap analyses, revenue estimation, and institutional capacity in key functional areas. 2) Carry out economic analyses required under USAID regulations for inter-governmental cash transfers and other purposes in compliance with ADS guidance, translating complex high-level analyses into terms understandable by political leaders, ministers and laypersons by explaining the policy and programmatic implications. 3) As a technical area expert, prepare detailed analyses of economic management reform, trade and enterprise development, and other highly complex and potentially contentious issues facing the Palestinian Authority (PA). Write papers as needed on business environment reform topics, success stories, and articulate USAID views and positions on business environment and trade policy reform as it relates to private sector development. 4) Draft and review scopes of work for consultants, work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and other pertinent documentation required for design, development and implementation of economic management and private sector development activities and develop monitoring and evaluation systems to determine effectiveness of implementation. 5) Based on experience with highly complex and policy development projects in a politically charged environment, review assessments of accomplishments of targets and indicators and assure that appropriate methodologies are employed. Review continuing appropriateness of indicators and suggest modifications where appropriate. Fully document and verify that records are maintained to guide future decision making. 6) As a recognized technical area expert on economic development issues, prepare scopes of work and related material for upcoming procurements and procurement amendments and secure consensus at the highest possible level in the Palestinian Authority (PA). 7) Assist in the evaluation of technical proposals submitted in response to PEO procurements. Participate as a member of the technical evaluation committee (TEC) and assist with the preparation of the TEC memo summarizing the TEC?s findings for submission to the Contracting Officer (CO). 8) Interpret and communicate USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures and documents to the most senior-level officials in the Palestinian private and public sectors and senior representatives of the donor community. Respond to requests for assistance on technical issues in order to elicit maximum Palestinian counterpart support and cooperation for USAID initiatives. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION: The contractor will report to the Supervisory Private Enterprise Officer who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Contractor's work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines. In carrying out specific assignments, the contractor will work closely with other SO Teams. MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Experience: A minimum of 20 years of experience in policy formulation, trade and investment promotion, procurement procedures of international development organizations, and demonstrable accomplishments in trade and investment development in developing countries is required. 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. (50 points) EVALUATION CRITERIA: Knowledge: In-depth understanding of trade, investment, international borders and customs issues. Knowledge of banking, finance and capital markets. (10 points) Skills and Abilities: Must be able to work in high activity modes and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. Must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. 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. Must have experience in translating trade and development analyses into operational policy action plans. 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 (10 points). Education: A Ph.D. in Economics or a related field is desirable. A specialization in international trade and economic development is highly desirable. (30 points) 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 October 5, 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, Senior 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 Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable). ** (A) 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 99-07 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. 98-16 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, , Tel Aviv
- Record
- SN00895747-W 20050917/050915211508 (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 |