SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC-OTI Chief, Field Programs Division
- Notice Date
- 8/15/2007
- 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-OTI-07-1641
- Response Due
- 9/5/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/20/2007
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-07-1641 ISSUANCE DATE: August 15, 2007 CLOSING DATE: September 5, 2007, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for an OTI Chief, Field Programs Division (GS-15) in Washington, DC. 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 an OTI Chief, Field Programs Division 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 six (6) Evaluation Factors 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: oticofp@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 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 Jaimee Braun Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or (202) 661-9377 E-Mail Address: oticofp@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Amanda Downing Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) OTI Chief, Field Programs Division (GS-15) 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-07-1641 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 15, 2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 5, 2007, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: OTI Chief, Field Programs Division 5. MARKET VALUE: The position is the equivalent of a GS-15 with a salary range of $110,363 to $143,471. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods (up to five years maximum) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC with possible travel as stated in the position description. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the organization's programmatic goals and objectives. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ INTRODUCTION The purpose of this contract is to fund and employ a Chief, Field Programs Division (FPD), to lead, manage, and directly supervise OTI's USPSC Regional Team Leaders (currently three: Africa, Asia Near East, and Latin America and the Caribbean) and OTI's Strategic Resources Team (SRT) which includes full time USPSC media and civilian rights advisors, as well as OTI's program personnel surge capacity, a group of approximately 20 intermittent USPSCs also known as the program bullpen. OTI's Field Programs Division (FPD) effectively manages OTI country programs and field staff which includes all programming responsibilities and authorities, assessments, start-ups and close outs of OTI country programs. The FPD also provides expertise and technical support to both OTI Washington and to all country programs, and spearheads OTI's strategic engagement in intra/inter-agency sector-specific dialog and debate, enhancing OTI's ability to actively engage in discussions on matters critical to OTI program objectives. OBJECTIVE The objective of this recruitment is to select a single individual to act as a focal point for OTI field programs, fulfilling the duties and responsibilities described in this document. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Chief of Field Programs Division (FPD) will be based in Washington, DC and will report to the Deputy Director of DCHA/OTI or his/her designee. The Chief of FPD is a member of OTI's Senior Leadership Team, and is OTI's expert on matters and issues related to program planning and implementation and the use of Transition Initiative funds for programs overseas. The Chief of FPD is a senior level position requiring experience in supervisory management, program management, international development, and international political analysis. The individual must have the presence, knowledge, leadership, interpersonal and organizational skills to manage individuals and teams, oversee worldwide transition programs, and advocate and articulate OTI's mission to all levels of USAID, other USG agencies, host country officials and non-governmental individuals and groups. While the individual must be able to make decisions independently, h/she must also be able to manage decisions as leader of a team. The incumbent serves as the OTI Senior Leadership Team's principal expert on OTI program implementation issues. A majority of the duties listed below are related to management and supervision of program activities and program funded personnel. The Chief of Field Programs Division (FPD) must have a strong demonstrated interest in assisting countries in political transition and have experience in supervisory management, personnel, international program management, and political analysis. The politically unstable and often dangerous environments of OTI's programs call for resiliency, resourcefulness and flexibility, with a willingness to work under conditions of ongoing change. This requires a seasoned professional who must be able to operate with little or no guidance and with the knowledge and experience to effectively use the authority and responsibility that comes with the position. The Chief of Field Programs must have the presence to assess politically sensitive situations and respond with on-the-spot decisions, initiatives or actions. The incumbent must demonstrate creativity, excellent communications, leadership and analytical skills and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, responsibility, and authority, while exercising sound judgment in politically charged situations. The candidate must be a mature, self-reliant, team player as well as a proven leader and problem-solver. S/he will have supervisory management experience and understand the basics of financial management. S/he will have experience designing and implementing successful international assistance programs in high profile and high pressure environments. S/he will be able to communicate effectively with grassroots organizations, national and local government officials, USG agencies, other governments, international organizations. S/he must have experience working for, or closely with, USAID or another USG office in the field. A sound knowledge of USAID's operational processes in Washington is also vital to the position. The incumbent must be articulate and able to represent OTI in various forums, meetings and seminars. Duties will include, but not be limited to: * Lead and manage OTI's Regional Teams and Strategic Resources Team, including the direct supervision of OTI's Regional Team Leaders, members of the Strategic Resources Team, and program bullpen (intermittent employees), and oversight of the Regional Team country programs in the field; * Assess the needs of OTI programs; review the work of implementing partners; and ensure that USG and OTI interests are protected, coordinated and that policy is properly and consistently implemented; * Perform other management duties and activities as required for the successful start up, management, and completion of OTI country programs; * Review, approve and oversee all country program budget and financial actions, and oversee the screening and management of implementing partners; * As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, advise and collaborate closely with other Senior Leaders on the development of OTI program strategies and office policies and practices. Advise and make recommendations for OTI Senior Leadership on a strategy outlining future planning and vision in the development and implementation of OTI programs. Advise OTI's Senior Leadership team through regular reports that include observations, problems, and recommendations regarding OTI programs. * Coordinate OTI programs broadly within the framework of USG policy in order to both problem solve and develop new ideas, theories, or techniques to optimize the impact and effectiveness of transition programs; * Represent OTI's Field Programs Division, as necessary, internally and externally on issues pertaining to OTI's programs; * On occasions, when required by the OTI Director or Deputy Director, serve as a primary point of contact and liaison with U.S. Ambassadors or his/her Representatives (e.g. in the absence of a USAID Mission), other agencies of the U.S. Government, international organizations, host country government officials, and the non-government community both in the U.S. and abroad who may be highly important to OTI's programs and objectives, with the goal of maintaining or developing common understandings among diverse groups regarding the strategic purpose of OTI programs within the context of USG policy; * Actively participate in conferences, meetings, or presentations involving issues of strategic relevance to political transition programming, including watch list countries in cooperation with OTI regional teams, in order to provide sustained knowledge to the OTI Senior Leadership Team on current events and programs; * Act as OTI Deputy Director when required by the Director during periods of absence by the incumbent Deputy Director, or as Director when both the Deputy Director and Director are absent. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Chief, Field Programs Division will take direction from and will report to the Deputy Director of DCHA/OTI or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams, 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. During deployment on Assessments, 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 eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in or related to the specialized field, of which a minimum of nine (9) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities, of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, political transitions or democracy building programs, of which two (2) years must be in conflict-prone countries. OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development, and social sciences; and a minimum of nine (9) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities, of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, political transitions or democracy building programs, of which two (2) years must be in conflict-prone countries. AND Minimum of six (6) years of prior supervisory experience, of which three (3) years must be at a management level (supervising supervisors), and two (2) years must include supervisory experience overseas. 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 Evaluation Factors submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. EVALUATION FACTORS (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.) Factor #1 Demonstrated leadership and team building skills, with an ability to lead, manage, supervise, motivate, guide, and train diverse professional staff, contractors, and grantees in challenging operating environments; Factor #2 Demonstrated professional experience in the conceptualization, design, management, analysis and evaluation of project activities relevant to political transition and/or post-conflict programs; Factor #3 Demonstrated interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating, and program representation skills illustrated by the ability to interact in a team setting, or with counterparts, on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels, including experience working and communicating with high level USG and non-USG officials overseas to achieve critical, high profile objectives; Factor #4 Demonstrated ability to consistently and independently perform in a complex, high visibility, and high-pressure environment; Factor #5 Demonstrated oral and written communication and analytical skills illustrated through the preparation and presentation of narrative reports, briefing papers, and other official documents, with an ability to communicate and represent an organization's mission, core values and ethos to key partners and stakeholders from all walks of life; and Factor #6 Demonstrated experience in contract and/or grant management in difficult, complex circumstances. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors 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 selection and/or Evaluation 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: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 -- 20 points Factor #2 -- 15 points Factor #3 -- 15 points Factor #4 -- 10 points Factor #5 -- 10 points Factor #6 -- 10 points Total Possible -- 80 Points Interview Performance -- 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks -- Pass/Fail (no points assigned) 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/oti. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing each of the six (6) Evaluation Factors 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) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: oticofp@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: The incumbent must obtain Department of State medical clearance within six months after award. If medical clearance is not obtained within this period, USAID will terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. 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 (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) 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.
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