Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JUNE 25, 2006 FBO #1672
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- USAID/Philippines - US PSC: Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Country Program Advisor

Notice Date

6/23/2006
 

Notice Type

Solicitation Notice
 

NAICS

541618 — Other Management Consulting Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Philippines USAID-Manila, Amer Emb/Manila USAID #8115, APO, AP, 96440
 

ZIP Code

96440
 

Solicitation Number

492-06-011
 

Response Due

7/17/2006
 

Archive Date

8/1/2006
 

Description

MCC THRESHOLD COUNTRY PROGRAM ADVISOR (MCC TCP ADVISOR) Issuance Date: June 23, 2006 Closing Date: July 17 2006 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. (Manila Time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (US PSC) USAID/Philippines MCC Threshold Country Program Advisor Gentlemen/Ladies: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Office in the Philippines, is seeking applications (Optional Form 612??s) from U.S. Citizens interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described in the attached solicitation. Applications, based on the information required in the attachment, shall be submitted at the date, time and place specified therein. Shortlisted offerors will be requested: (a) to be available for an interview, either in person or by telephone, (b) to provide names and contact information for at least three references; and (c) to provide one example of recent written work. Applicants should submit their applications to Ma. Belinda De La Torre, Acquisition Specialist, who can be reached at fax nos. (632) 552-9899 or (632) 552-9999, or by e-mail <mdela@usaid.gov>. Applications shall be submitted by courier, hand delivery, mail or electronic commerce such as fax or e-mail. The U.S. mailing address is: Office of Regional Procurement PSC 502, Box 1 FPO AP 96515-1200. The local address is: Office of Regional Procurement USAID/Manila 8/F PNB Financial Center Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. 1308 Pasay City, Philippines. Applicants should retain for their records, copies of all enclosures or attachments which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Raymond L. Edler Supervisory Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Philippines SOLICITATION NUMBER : 492-06-011 ISSUANCE DATE : June 23, 2006 CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS : July 17, 2006 at 3:00 in the afternoon, Manila time. POSITION TITLE : MCC Threshold Country Program (MCC TCP) Advisor MARKET VALUE : GS 15 ($91,507 - $118,957) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : o/a August 15, 2006 ?V August 14, 2008, with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : Manila, Philippines SECURITY ACCESS : Secret Clearance AREA OF CONSIDERATION : U.S. Citizens JOB DESCRIPTION : See below. A. BACKGROUND The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) was conceived in 2002 to provide development assistance to those countries that rule justly, invest in their people, and encourage economic freedom. The MCA is administered jointly by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and USAID and is based on the following principles: ? Aid is most effective when it reinforces sound political, economic and social policies to encourage private capital investment and increase trade; ? Development of plans supported by a broad range of stakeholders where countries have primary responsibility leads to ownership of the plan and are more likely to succeed; ? Integrating monitoring and evaluation into the design of activities boosts effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of taxpayer resources The MCC Board decided not to offer the Philippines Compact status, and instead offered it the opportunity to apply for a Threshold Country Program (TCP). The Threshold Program is designed to assist countries that are on the ??threshold,?? meaning they have not been selected for MCA Compact funding, but have demonstrated a significant commitment to improve their performance on the eligibility criteria for MCA Compact funding. Threshold Program assistance is used to help selected countries address the specific policy weaknesses. The GRP prepared a TCP proposal for consideration by the MCA that focused on increasing anti-corruption efforts and improve revenue administration by strengthening Philippine government institutions. The MCC Board approved the GRP proposal on June 16th 2006 with a grant of nearly $ 21 million which will be administered by USAID. [The MCC selects countries for Threshold Program assistance based on their demonstrated commitment to meet the eligibility criteria for MCA Compact funding, including improvement of their scores on sixteen policy indicators, based on public information, in the three general categories noted above.] General Role of MCC TCP Advisor: With senior officials of the Philippine government and key members of the U.S. country team, the contractor is responsible for helping the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to implement the vision they described in the TCP proposal. In particular, the Advisor will be responsible for cooperating with the World Bank, IMF, and other donors as they jointly develop a fiscal policy reform program, and ensuring that the technical assistance provided the TCP complements this program. The Advisor will employ similarly close coordination with GRP counterparts to ensure that the inputs provided under the TCP effectively address corruption issues highlighted in the TCP. The MCC TCP Advisor will play a key role in planning, managing, monitoring and reporting the progress of the MCC-approved Threshold Country Program (TCP), with special focus on anticorruption and public finance development activities. The Contractor will have primary responsibility for the management and guidance of TCP activities that will be implemented through one or more implementing instruments, including grants, contracts, and agreements with other USG agencies. If the Philippines improves its performance on the indicators relative to other countries, it may be selected for the MCA Compact Program. In that case, the incumbent is responsible for helping the GRP develop a multi-year plan for achieving development objectives and identifies the responsibilities of the U.S. and Filipino governments in achieving those objectives. The MCC Advisor will be responsible for managing a budget of approximately $21 million for activities over a 2 year timeframe. He/she will oversee a staff of two FSNs in carrying out these responsibilities. B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position. The MCC TCP advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Chief OEDG and in close coordination with other U.S. Government and GRP officials. He/she will also serve as a senior advisor to the Mission Director of USAID and the Country Team on MCC matters. The work of devising and managing the TCP is considered to be of significant technical difficulty requiring extensive experience including experience in a leadership capacity. The contractor will exercise the authority to make program commitments on behalf of USAID although s/he will not exceed his/her authorities as a PSC as specified in the USAID Acquisition Regulation, appendix D. To carry out the specified duties and responsibilities, the contractor will manage and supervise a senior FSN technical advisor/project management specialist, and an FSN administrative assistant. 2. Level of complexity of work assignments. The contractor is responsible for all aspects of the TCP including project management, preparation of scopes of work and contract management, project monitoring, coordination with GRP, MCC, NGOs other donors, and civil society, analysis of effectiveness and recommendations for continued improvement. The Contractor provides professional leadership and direction for a broad, coordinated program that focuses on critical activities and issues in coordination with MCC and GRP officials. In this capacity the incumbent plans, implements, manages, and evaluates all aspects of the program. The contractor facilitates coordination and integration of all aspects of the program through meetings, reports, and correspondence. With counterparts, the contractor is expected to identify and analyze issues to determine the causes and scope of underlying problems. 3. Knowledge level required. The contractor is recognized as the TCP manager and technical/professional expert within the Filipino government and among all stakeholders on TCP matters. S/he serves as a technical resource and advisor to USAID/Philippines, advising on anticorruption and public finance development activities and programs as well as MCC requirements. The contractor will be expected to be familiar with and draw upon their own education and experience as well as the available research and experience of others in the area of USAID and MCC policies and procedures, and anti-corruption and public finance activities. 4. Supervisory Controls The supervisor provides general direction regarding responsibility in terms of broad program goals and objectives. The contractor independently plans, designs, executes, and evaluates the overall program after consultation with other donors and GRP counterparts and determines the methods and resources for doing so. 5. Guidelines The incumbent applies knowledge of and adheres to US government equal opportunity and civil rights policies, goals, and objectives in performing his/her duties and responsibilities. The incumbent promotes the principle of equal opportunity in written and oral communications with individuals within and outside of the work unit by avoiding offensive or discriminatory displays (e.g. posters, pictures), language, or nonverbal behavior (e.g. hand gestures). 6. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position??s responsibilities. Work is to be performed in the Philippines with a large number of GRP agencies and offices, many of whom do not coordinate their activities closely, many with differing agendas, and a generally frequent turn-over is staff, which significantly complicates the management of the program. The incumbent must coordinate closely with contacts in the MCC and USAID in Washington with a 12 hour time difference. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively despite this difference. In addition, the contractor must coordinate his/her work with the GRP where roles and responsibilities are ill-defined and policy decisions may require the concurrence of many state and non-state actors. Because of the nature of the work the contractor will be involved in, principally anti-corruption efforts and taxation, and due to the many and varied players involved, the contract must remain sensitive to the working environment and take special care in maintaining a highly professional manner. 5. Scope and effect of the work performed. The incumbent is considered the technical expert and his/her decisions and plans are considered authoritative. Work is appraised in terms of overall results achieved and strategic objectives met to the extent under the control of the incumbent. The incumbent is directly accountable for the effectiveness of the program. Establishes priorities and implementation plans for the program and continually assess and adjusts them in coordination with ongoing programs from other donors and the GRP. Maintains surveillance of significant developments related to the TCP and prepares analyses of the implications of these developments and recommends program modifications. S/he guides, monitors, evaluates, and provides management direction for the implementation of the TCP, particularly the work of contractors, consultants and grantee. S/he represents USAID and the MCC at professional meetings and conferences. As a senior US contractor, s/he is expected to actively participate in key decision-making sessions conducted by USAID, the U.S. embassy and other agency representatives within the overall mission. Provides input into decisions affecting programs inside and outside of the incumbent??s purview. 6. Level and purpose of contacts. A key aspect of the position is to build and maintain positive and effective working relationships/contacts with key government officials at the secretary and undersecretary level, other donors, the private sector, and community and civil society leaders. The purpose of contacts is to ensure activities are well coordinated and part of an integrated reform program that is able to adjust as different issues arise. The incumbent is expected to be able to justify, defend, negotiate, and settle matters involving significant, sensitive or controversial matters including anti-corruption efforts. The Contractor is required to achieve a common understanding among various parties and seek satisfactory solutions that address their various objectives and concerns. S/he handles all aspects of coordination with the MCC itself, including providing reports, feedback, and monitoring on the Threshold Program itself as well as other areas of interest to the MCC. Develops, publicizes, and garners support for the TCP agenda by meeting with other members of the country team as well as other interested parties such as other donors, key officials of other Federal agencies, contractors, members of the academic community, industry representatives, the media, and civil society groups. C. RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The MCC TCP advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Chief OEDG and in close coordination with other U.S. Government and GRP officials. He/she will also serve as a senior advisor to the Mission Director of USAID and the Country Team on MCC matters. The incumbent follows general guidance provided by the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Chief of OEDG but must be able to interpret U.S. legislation, international agreements, international norms and GRP legal framework and make appropriate inferences for the TCP. The incumbent also will follow USAID policies and procedures as available in the Agency Directives System (ADS), agency notices, and the U.S. government acquisition regulations (FAR and AIDAR and supplements thereto). The incumbent is considered the technical expert and his/her decisions and plans are considered authoritative. The Contractor will provide direct supervision of one senior FSN position and one administrative assistant position. In addition, the incumbent coordinates the work of and provides conceptual and professional/technical leadership and direction to other U.S. and FSN staff that perform work in support of the TCP. D. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. EDUCATION An advanced degree in finance, economics, law, international development or a related discipline is required. A Ph.D. is highly desirable. 2. EXPERIENCE At least 7 years of progressively responsible hands-on international development experience is required. Ten years or more of experience is preferred. Experience specifically with anti-corruption efforts or public finance development are highly desirable. Previous experience as a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR)/ Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) or similar role is required. Significant experience in effectively negotiating and managing complex activities in a team environment involving host country, private sector, donor and contractor/grantees is required. In this regard, strong interpersonal skills are a must. In-depth knowledge of finance, development, and governance issues is required together with the ability to quickly develop a thorough knowledge of USG policy democracy, governance, and anti-corruption assistance. Familiarity with such issues in the Philippines is highly desirable. Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures regarding project management is required. Knowledge of the policies and procedures regarding project management of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is highly desirable. 3. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES The ability to prepare, and explain complex financial, budgetary, economic and/or technical analyses And evaluations is required English language proficiency must be equivalent to Foreign Service Institute level 5 (native functionality). Working proficiency in Tagalog or other Philippine language is a plus. 4. OTHER REQUIREMENTS This position is open to U.S. citizens. The successful applicant must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance from USAID/IG/Security and an appropriate medical clearance from STATE/MED. 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. E. SELECTION CRITERIA Applications will be evaluated and scored utilizing the criteria below. The total possible is 100 points. 1. Education: 20 points The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education, as set out above in D.1. 2. Experience: 60 points The extent to which the applicant??s relevant experience and technical expertise meet or exceed the requisite levels of professional experience as set forth in D.2. 3. Skills: 20 points The extent to which the applicant??s application and submittals demonstrate that his/her skills meet or exceed the requirements as set out in D.3. USAID reserves the right to interview top-ranked applicants. F. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE AND COMPENSATION The term of the contract shall be for an estimated 24 months beginning on or about August 15, 2006 and subject to extension depending on performance. Within seven (7) days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances required under the General Provisions have been received or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Manila, Philippines where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. This position has been classified as a GS-15. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, the Mission has a 20% post differential allowance. FICA and federal income tax shall be withheld by USAID. The Philippines is an accompanied post. Dependents accompanying the selected candidate to post must be able to obtain medical clearances also. G. COMPENSATION: The position is classified at the GS-15 ($85,140 - $110,682) level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history. H. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following: 1. Benefits* a. Employee??s FICA contribution b. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance c. Pay Comparability Adjustment d. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable) e. Eligibility for Worker??s Compensation f. Annual and Sick Leave 2. Allowances (if applicable)* a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c. Post Allowance (Section 200) d. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) f. Education Allowance (Section 270) g. Educational Travel (Section 280) h. Post Differential (Chapter 500) i. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) I. FEDERAL TAXES US PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. J. ACQUISITION/ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs)/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy, regulations and contract provisions. Please refer to the following website to determine which AAPDs/CIBs are applicable to this contract: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D also applies to US PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf. K. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Qualified and interested individuals should submit: (1) a completed and signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do or at Federal offices; (2) resume or CV; (3) writing samples (reports or articles), and; (4) points of contacts including name, telephone number and e-mail for three professional references. Applications may be sent via: Air Courier or Local Delivery USAID/Philippines Office of Regional Procurement Attention: M. De La Torre 8/F PNB Financial Center Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. 1308 Pasay City, Philippines U.S. Mail USAID/Manila Office of Regional Procurement PSC 52, Box 1 FPO AP 96515-1200 L. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Signed Optional Form 612 Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)** Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86)** or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)** Finger Print Card (FD-258)** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** These forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. All dependents who will be accompanying the US PSC to post must also be able to obtain medical clearances.
 

Place of Performance

Address: USAID/Philippines, 8/F PNB Financial Center, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City

Zip Code: 1308

Country: Philippines
 

Record

SN01076255-W 20060625/060623220047 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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