SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Sudan Information Officer - M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-07-1250
- Notice Date
- 6/26/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- 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, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- M-OAA-DCHA-DOFDA-07-1250
- Response Due
- 8/6/2007
- Archive Date
- 8/21/2007
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-07-1250 ISSUANCE DATE: June 26, 2007 CLOSING DATE: August 6, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for an Sudan Information Officer in Khartoum, Sudan Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Sudan Information Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612. * Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: sudanio@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Allison von Felden or Jaimee Braun Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9377 E-Mail Address: sudanio@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Yvonne Wilson Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Sudan Information Officer 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-07-1250 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 26, 2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 6, 2007, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Sudan Information Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-11 ($46,974 - $61,068 without locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years with 3 one-year option periods, renewable up to 5 years total. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Khartoum, Sudan 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (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) and is organized into three divisions under the management of the Office of the Director. The Program Support Division (PS) 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 Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. DRM hires sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). INTRODUCTION DCHA staff in Sudan work within the USAID Mission in Khartoum. DCHA staff in Khartoum, Sudan include representatives from OFDA, the Office of Food for Peace (FFP) and the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), fall under the overall management of the DCHA Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) based in Khartoum. Other USAID Mission staff are in Khartoum and the southern capital, Juba. The DCHA staff are divided into two operational teams, one covering Darfur and one covering Southern Sudan. The DCHA Team Leader for Darfur is responsible for DCHA programs, staff and activities in the Darfur Field Office. The DCHA Team Leader for the South, who is based in Juba, is responsible for DCHA programs, staff and activities in the South. There is close daily coordination between the DCHA units in Nairobi/Juba and Khartoum, and with the development programs managed by the rest of the USAID mission (both in Khartoum and Nairobi/Juba). The Sudan Information Officer (SIO) will work and live in Khartoum, reporting to the SHA and closely coordinating with the OFDA Sudan team in Washington D.C. S/he will collect, analyze, report and distribute information on the humanitarian situation and DCHA programs in Sudan, although the primary emphasis and majority of the workload will likely be on Darfur, at least in the initial period of deployment. The SIO will draft cables, briefing papers, talking points, and other information products. S/he will coordinate closely with IOs in Washington on the Sudan team, responding to their information requests and closely synchronizing DCHA Sudan information products. S/he will coordinate information gathering and sharing with the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy (including the Embassy Public Affairs Officer and the USAID Development Outreach Communications Officer), other donor countries, and the United Nations (UN), International Organizations (IOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). OBJECTIVE OFDA requires a Information Officer for Sudan in order to meet its information requirements. The incumbent will serve as a primary point of contact for information in Sudan and is responsible for reporting on the humanitarian situation in Sudan. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Sudan Information Officer (SIO) will provide full-time, in-country information gathering, analysis, reporting and dissemination of the humanitarian emergency and DCHA programs in Sudan, with an emphasis on Darfur. This position requires substantial daily coordination with several OFDA staff members, as well as representatives from other USAID offices and the humanitarian community, and therefore requires a highly collaborative work style. The SIO must be prepared to function effectively in a challenging and restrictive work environment and be willing to strictly adhere to U.S. Embassy security guidelines. The SIO's responsibilities are: * Serve as the principle contact point for information in Sudan on humanitarian issues. * Coordinate closely with the DCHA Darfur and Southern Sudan Teams and maintain regular contact with OFDA Sudan team members in Washington, D.C. * Provide information coverage on Sudan. Information products will include, but not be limited to, OFDA situation reports/fact sheets, briefing papers, talking points, cables, and reports. * Attend briefings and meetings on disaster situations, take meeting notes, monitor and collect information, and draft reports and other information products. * Provide overviews of patterns and trends in the humanitarian situation and keep the DCHA Team Leaders current on key issues. Provide regular reports on site visits, meetings, general atmospherics and other issues that impact humanitarian relief efforts. * Coordinate information gathering and sharing with UN agencies, IOs and NGOs. Meet regularly with U.S. government personnel, donors, Sudanese authorities, and others on humanitarian issues. * As requested, support OFDA's Geographic Information Unit in the preparation and updating of humanitarian mapping products for Sudan. * As requested, take field trips (security permitting) to assess, evaluate and report on conditions at OFDA project sites in Sudan, coordinating with DCHA field officers. * Continually collect and verify information, identify trends and provide analysis of ongoing humanitarian issues, such as insecurity or displacement, in close coordination with the DCHA Team Leaders. * Report on joint donor humanitarian evaluations and UN-led assessments. * Participate in development and implementation of OFDA and USAID strategy and plans for Sudan by providing relevant information to inform the policy planning process as appropriate. * As requested, support OFDA's Information Support Unit (ISU) in the development of OFDA's Annual Report by writing articles on humanitarian assistance in Sudan. * Backstop Washington Sudan Team information specialists, as requested, on Sudan-related issues. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP The Information Officer will report directly to the SHA or his/her designee in Khartoum, Sudan, with regular, close coordination with the DCHA Team Leaders for Southern Sudan and Darfur. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent will act under the direction of the SHA. The supervisor will provide administrative direction in terms of goals and specific objectives and outputs. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent field visits to program sites. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience, of which two years must be related to work in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance. Experience must include on-the-ground international field experience working in multi-agency relief operations in a complex emergency country. OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) and a minimum of two (2) years of experience, of which one year must be related to work in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance. Experience must include on-the-ground international field experience working on multi-agency relief operations in a complex emergency country. SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) * Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) QRF#1: Describe your experience with drafting succinct humanitarian and/or USG reports. QRF #2: Describe your field or field-related experience in detail. Based on the job description provided in the solicitation, how will your experience help you to succeed as an IO? QRF #3: In 350 words or less, compose a brief providing the background and recent humanitarian trends in Sudan for a senior USG official traveling to the region. (Please include a word count at the end of the memo.) QRF #4: Detail your demonstrated experience coordinating information management needs within the U.S. government and with foreign governments, UN and other IOs, and NGOs. QRF #5: USAID teams in Sudan are multicultural, with representatives from multiple offices, and often work under tight deadlines with competing pressures. Describe your experience working in a similar environment. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them? BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be required to complete a timed writing test in standard English. Applicants may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory 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 they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the page down page down selection 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 - 15 points QRF #2 - 10 points QRF #3 - 10 points QRF #4 - 10 points QRF #5 - 5 points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: sudanio@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 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. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 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). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 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. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. AAPD-06-12 - HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) IMPLEMENTATION AAPD-06-12 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation. As directed in AAPD-06-12,the required reference to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-9, is also shown in Attachment 2. 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 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 required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare 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: Khartoum
- Country: SUDAN
- Country: SUDAN
- Record
- SN01327637-W 20070628/070626220058 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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