PRESOL | R | Senior Laboratory Advisor

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF MARCH 15, 2008 FBO #2301
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Senior Laboratory Advisor

Notice Date: 12/5/2007
Notice Type: Solicitation Notice
NAICS: 923120 — Administration of Public Health Programs
Contracting Office: Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office (Atlanta), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA, 30341-4146, UNITED STATES
ZIP Code: 30341-4146
Solicitation Number: 2008-N-10210
Response Due: 12/20/2007
Point of Contact: John Ebanks, Contract Specialist, Phone 7704882436, Fax 7704882688, - Zalerie Moore, Contract Specialist, Phone 770-488-2053, Fax 770-488-2688
E-Mail Address: JEbanks@cdc.gov, fkw7@cdc.gov
Small Business Set-Aside: Total Small Business
Description: Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Senior Laboratory Advisor position located in Georgetown, Guyana. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2008-N-10210 POSITION NUMBER: GY-PSC-02 ISSUANCE DATE: December 5, 2007 CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 20, 2007 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Senior Laboratory Advisor MARKET VALUE: $65,225 to $103,935 per year -- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Georgetown, Guyana SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: As part of the Global Health Mission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tasked with implementing programs to address the global AIDS epidemic. The President?s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has called for immediate, comprehensive and evidence ?based action to turn the tide if global HIV/AIDS. The Global AIDS Program (GAP) is a proud partner in the unified U.S Government (USG) effort to implement the PEPFAR. As such, GAP helps resource constrained countries prevent HIV infection; improve treatment, care, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS; and build capacity and infrastructure to address issues of public health importance. To facilitate this mission, CDC GAP assigns field staff to various countries. This position is located in NCHHSTP/GAP with a duty station in Georgetown, Guyana. The purpose of this position is to provide technical assistance to the Guyana Ministry of Health (MOH) on all issues related to setting up, running, and certifying the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) that will open no later than July 2008. There is a shortage of qualified and experienced laboratory personnel in Guyana. The Senior Laboratory Advisor will provide assistance at all levels from developing standard operating procedures and policies to training personnel. The Senior Laboratory Advisor will ensure that appropriate procedures are approved that will assure that the NPHRL operates with and to international standards from the opening of the NPHRL onward. The Senior Laboratory Advisor will provide technical and managerial expertise to move the NPHRL to be internationally certified. The Senior Laboratory Advisor will work directly with, and provide recommendations to, the NPHRL Director including matters relating to laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, laboratory quality assurance, and laboratory management. The Senior Technical Advisor will provide expert scientific and technical assistance to the NPHRL and by extension to the National Laboratory Program as well as participating with national and regional partners in the development of policy and programs affecting the provision of public health and clinical laboratory services in Guyana. Technical Assistance The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides technical assistance in laboratory management, operations, policy, and techniques for the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL). The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides recommendations to the NPHRL Director and works directly with NPHRL management and staff put into practice policies, regulations, and laboratory procedures. The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides technical leadership within the laboratory on matters relating to formulating objectives, policies, plans, and organizational structure including physical laboratory structure and space issues, public health laboratory testing procedures and systems including the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance procedures, laboratory management and administrative issues, and the provision of training. The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides expertise on the use of laboratory equipment, correct maintenance of equipment, and proper laboratory techniques. The Senior Laboratory Advisor works closely with the NPHRL director on matters relating to formulating objectives, policies, plans, and organizational structure including physical laboratory structure and space issues, public health laboratory testing procedures and systems including the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance procedures, program and service evaluation, laboratory management and administrative issues, and the provision of training; assists to identify and strategically develop pathways to meet short- and long-tern laboratory staffing needs. The Senior Laboratory Advisor participates and serves as an expert on MOH work groups, meetings, and work shops on the implementation of the National Laboratory Strategic Plan. Coordination & Liaison The Senior Laboratory Advisor performs professional work in marshalling the capabilities of the national Guyana government, public health authorities, non-governmental organizations and others to establish and conduct public health and clinical laboratory services throughout Guyana. The Senior Laboratory Advisor serves as an expert to the MOH on matters relating to public health laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, and all aspects of laboratory quality assurance. As the technical expert, the Senior Laboratory Advisor serves as the critical interface between the Guyana PEPFAR program (e.g., CDC-Guyana Office, USAID, Peace Corps, DOD, DOS and local grantees) and the MOH. The Senior Laboratory Advisor assists in the coordination and collaboration consultation on scientific and technical issues with high-ranking officials of the Guyana government, CDC, and regional and international public health agencies and non-governmental organizations on the development, implementation and conduct of scientific and technical laboratory systems and services. The Senior Laboratory Advisor will develop and maintain professional relationships with international, national, and local laboratory policy makers, universities and schools of public health, and key personnel in appropriate clinical and laboratory organizations. As a recognized expert in laboratory science and technology, provides scientific advice and consultation in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. The Senior Laboratory Advisor assists in the coordination and collaboration with government and public health officials to identify and develop the infrastructure and other resources necessary to support the national laboratory system at all levels. Policy Development The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides leadership in developing scientific policy as it relates to laboratory practice for services and systems for public health prevention and surveillance. These include, but are not limited to, tuberculosis; HIV; sexually transmitted diseases; antimicrobial resistance; international standards; training; and quality assurance. Training The Senior Laboratory Advisor consults on scientific training and education programs and assists in the coordination of the development and delivery of public health-related training programs. The Senior Laboratory Advisor works with USG partners, the Guyana MOH, and regional and international non-governmental organizations to identify training needs and strategies to meet those needs. The Senior Laboratory Advisor works in collaboration with MOH officers and PEPFAR partners to develop training programs. Evaluates training programs for appropriate content and recommends changes to assure accurate and current scientific information. The Senior Laboratory Advisor assists in the development and distribution of scientific and technical laboratory-related educational materials and promotes the sharing of scientific information and assistance. The Senior Laboratory Advisor writes reports, abstracts, articles, opinions, and makes oral presentations to disseminate operational research findings and to advocate for laboratory programs and services. International standards The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides technical assistance to ensure that the NPHRL complies with all applicable local and international safety and health regulations and established international safety policies and procedures. The Senior Laboratory Advisor provides recommendations on how NPHRL staff may implement measures to regularly and routinely inspect or review assigned workspace to identify and correct unsafe conditions, deficiencies, processes and procedures. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Ability to work in a low resource environment (i.e., in a developing country). 2. Ability to work with persons and in an environment different from their own. 3. Training in all techniques necessary to run a clinical diagnostic laboratory and provide research support in HIV molecular biology and virology. 4. Four years post graduate experience in laboratory practice including research, laboratory management, and development of formal teaching of laboratory methods or practice. Experience to include developing laboratory standard operating procedures, technical manuals, and quality assurance procedures. 5. English language fluency at level 4 required. 6. Ability to teach both on-the-job and in the classroom setting. 7. Masters Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or other biological sciences. Desired Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of PEPFAR mission, goals, objectives, and management practices to integrate these requirements with program area planning and evaluation activities. 2. A high level of knowledge on the type of diseases in Guyana. 3. A solid understanding of Guyanese culture is necessary to work effectively; this will be gained from readings and discussions with PEPFAR partners and Ministry of Health officials. 4. PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or other biological sciences. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., ?green card? holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal Income and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (a) The contractor acknowledges that this contract is an important part of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and agrees that his/her duties will be carried out in such a manner as to be fully commensurate with the responsibilities that this entails. (b) While in the Cooperating Country, the contractor is expected to show respect for the conventions, customs, and institutions of the Cooperating Country and not interfere in its political affairs. (c) If the contractor's conduct is not in accordance with paragraph (b) of this provision, the contract may be terminated under General Provision 16 of this contract. The Contractor recognizes the right of the U.S. Ambassador to direct his/her immediate removal from any country when, in the discretion of the Ambassador, the interests of the United States so require. (d) The Country Director is the chief representative of CDC in the Cooperating Country. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the total CDC Program in the Cooperating Country including certain administrative responsibilities set forth in this contract and for advising CDC regarding the performance of the work under the contract and its effect on the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program. The contractor will be responsible for performing his/her duties in accordance with the statement of duties called for by the contract. However, he/she shall be under the general policy guidance of the Country Director, and shall keep the Country Director or his/her designated representative currently informed of the progress of the work under this contract. SOCIAL SECURITY, FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND FOREIGN EARNED INCOME (a) Since the contractor is an employee, F.I.C.A. contributions and U.S. Federal Income Tax withholding shall be deducted in accordance with regulations and rulings of the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, respectively. (b) As an employee, the contractor is not eligible for the 'foreign earned income' exclusion under the IRS Regulations (see 26 CFR 1.911- 3(c)(3)). INSURANCE (a) Worker's Compensation Benefits. The contractor shall be provided worker's compensation benefits in accordance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. (b) Health and Life Insurance. (1) The contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of the contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. (2) The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (3) Retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health or life insurance under their contracts. The Government will normally have already paid its contribution for the retiree unless the employee can prove to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that his/her health and life insurance does not provide or specifically excludes coverage overseas. In such case, the contractor would be eligible for contributions under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) as appropriate. (4) Proof of health and life insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. On assignments of less than one year, costs for health and life insurance shall be prorated and paid accordingly. (5) A contractor who is a spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse's Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for the contribution under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this provision. MEDEVAC INSURANCE (NON U.S. CITIZENS ONLY) Non U.S. citizens will not qualify for health unit access during the period of performance of the resultant contract and, if a contract is offered, will be responsible for obtaining required medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. CDC shall reimburse 100% of the cost of medevac insurance maintained by the contractor. CDC does not require that contractor obtains coverage from any one specific company. The contractor is responsible for and has the discretion to choose a provider. For information purposes only: The Department of State maintains a list of U.S. based providers on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html. CDC provides no endorsement, expressly or implied, of any emergency medical service provider. Contractors have full discretion to consider providers not provided in this list, but are expected to verify that the coverage they do obtain will adequately cover an evacuation due to a medical situation that arises in the location of contract performance. CDC shall approve a fair and reasonable amount for obtaining the required coverage as a direct cost to the contract. In order for CDC to reimburse the cost of medevac insurance, CDC shall require the contractor to furnish evidence of obtaining medevac insurance for the employee and all accompanying family members on U.S. Government travel orders and its cost, after issuance of an offer letter. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS An individual serving under a CDC PSC may not perform "inherently governmental functions," which include: ? Committing the U.S. Government (USG) to a specific course of action or performing Services, which involve discretionary exercise of Government authority; ? Exercising signatory authority on behalf of the USG; ? Directing policy formulation or making policy decisions; ? Approving program plans; ? Officially representing the CDC (representation); ? Controlling USG-owned property; ? Acting as a cashier or sub-cashier; or, ? Supervising Government FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: ? Provide advice or make recommendations to Government FTE staff; ? Perform services (other then the prohibited services listed above) in support of program activities; ? Direct projects or teams (as long as supervision of Government FTE staff is not involved); and, ? Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant?s current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant?s most recent U.S. Federal tax return. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall submit the attached Benefit Eligibility Form with the application. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-10210 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at egz2@cdc.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals: (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_2.html#wp1125227). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of Senior Laboratory Advisor PSC. To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). Basis for Award In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence B. If Already Present in Country of Service, Reason for Current Presence There. N/A/ or reason for current presence in country, e.g., brought there by previous employer [provide name of employer, your status and job title, and whether housing and repatriation was included in employment package]; dependent of someone brought there by employer [provide name of employer and whether housing and repatriation is included in employment package], etc. C. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. See attached. D. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: Spouse: Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth of each E. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each: NOTE: THIS NOTICE MAY HAVE POSTED ON FEDBIZOPPS ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (05-DEC-2007). IT ACTUALLY APPEARED OR REAPPEARED ON THE FEDBIZOPPS SYSTEM ON 13-MAR-2008, BUT REAPPEARED IN THE FTP FEED FOR THIS POSTING DATE. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
Web Link: Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/CDCP/PGOA/2008-N-10210/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: Georgetown; Country: GUYANA
Record: SN01532503-F 20080315/080313231601 (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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R -- Senior Laboratory Advisor