SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- USPSC USAID/CAR Kazakhstan Program Liaison Manager for Asia
- Notice Date
- 9/3/2008
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 39-2008
- Response Due
- 9/28/2008
- Archive Date
- 10/13/2008
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova,, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya N. Zubkova,, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 08/29/2008 CLOSING DATE: 09/28/2008 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 39-2008 USPSC Kazakhstan Program Liaison Manager, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Astana, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 39/2008 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:39-2008 2.ISSUANCE DATE:08/29/2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:09/28/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4.POSITION TITLE:Kazakhstan Program Liaison Manager 5.MARKET VALUE:$68,625 - $89,217 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two years (extension optional) 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/Central Asian Republics, Astana, Kazakhstan 8.AREA OF CONSIDERATION:U.S. Citizens 9.SECURITY ACCESS:Secret Level 10.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Background USAID’s Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government’s assistance programs in the five Central Asian Republics. The USAID/CAR portfolio focuses on promoting more effective and democratic governance; advancing economic reforms and expanding economic opportunities—to include energy, water and agricultural activities; and supporting social sector reforms, improving access to quality health and education services, and addressing the threat of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Avian Flu). The USAID/CAR Mission is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Country Offices in Tashkent, Dushanbe, Bishkek and Ashgabat. The USAID/CAR office in Almaty plays the dual role as the Regional Headquarters and the Country Office for Kazakhstan. To facilitate this latter role, USAID has established a staff presence in the U.S. Embassy, which is located in Astana. The US has three strategic interests in Kazakhstan: Security interests to achieve regional stability; economic, democracy, and social reforms to attract and sustain foreign investment and to improve opportunities for the citizens of Kazakhstan to participate openly and effectively in civic life (all of which establish long-term stability); and the development of Central Asia’s very significant energy resources. Within this overall USG strategy, USAID assistance will focus on the goal of advancing democratic and market economic reforms. This focus will promote the development of sustainable social services and work on solidifying Kazakhstan’s role as an economic reform leader in Central Asia in order to broaden the benefits of Kazakhstan’s economic growth and energy resources to the other countries of Central Asia. USAID’s $15 million/year assistance program in Kazakhstan is expected to comprise the following elements: 1) Economic Sector: - Increase Trade and Investment – Assistance to help Kazakhstan to come into compliance with the WTO and increase its trade and transit volumes. - Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment – Assistance for policy reforms to improve and increase transparency in government budget formulation, intergovernmental finance, and management of public expenditures. Assistance to broaden economic opportunities through improving the business environment and increasing access to business information, knowledge and skills. Assistance will also support development of electricity marketing mechanisms to facilitate regional power trade within Central Asia and specifically with South Asia power markets. - Improve Private Sector Competitiveness – Assistance will support small and medium enterprise development and growth, which is vital to diversification and broadening the benefits of economic growth. 2) Democracy Sector: - Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom Of Information – Encourage continued government respect for freedom of association, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent, and provide legal and other assistance to promote a supportive environment for independent media and civil society organizations. - Protect Human Rights – Encourage continued government respect for freedom of association, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent. - Strengthen Civil Society – Cultivate local civic activism on key policy issues at the grassroots level; and facilitate coalition building among NGOs to become better advocates for national level policy reforms. - Strengthen Democratic Political Parties – Support Kazakhstan’s efforts to implement changes in the structure of its governing systems that increase accountability and transparency, such as direct elections for local government officials. 3) Social Sector: - Address Other Health Vulnerabilities/Enhance Health Systems Capacity – Ensure the institutionalization and sustainability of primary health care system reforms related to financing, family medicine, evidence-based medicine, and quality primary health care. - Reduce Transmission and Impact of HIV/AIDS – Technical assistance with implementation of HIV grants from the Global Fund (GFATM), strengthening HIV surveillance, and improving blood safety systems. - Prevent and Control Infectious Diseases of Major Importance – Assist the continued expansion of the DOTS program for TB control within the penitentiary system; maintain work to achieve global targets for treatment success and case detection in selected oblasts; continuation of the multi-drug resistant TB pilot program; improve surveillance systems; and strengthen Government’s ability to respond to emerging threats. - Improve Child Survival, Health, and Nutrition – Technical assistance to improve health services for integrated management of childhood illnesses, including the development of clinical practice guidelines based on international standards and provider training. - Improve Maternal Health and Nutrition – Pilot projects on safe motherhood to demonstrate WHO-recommended strategies for decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. - Reduce Unintended Pregnancy And Improve Healthy Reproductive Behavior – Pilot projects on improving access to family planning counseling and commodities to decrease abortion rates. B) Basic Functions of the Position The Program Liaison Manager will act as the Mission representative and senior USAID staff member in Astana, and contribute to the Program Office’s principal functions: (a) strategy and program development processes; (b) monitoring and evaluation of program performance; (c) management of program budgets; (d) coordination of Mission reporting requirements; (e) liaison and coordination with other USG agencies and donors; and (f) preparation and dissemination of public information material. The incumbent will lead or contribute to Kazakhstan-specific tasks related to the above functions. Additionally, the incumbent will act as USAID’s working-level representative on the Embassy Country Team, providing two-way liaison between Embassy sections and USAID technical and support staff based in Almaty. Likewise, the incumbent will be the day-to-day interlocutor between Embassy leadership and USAID Mission Management. Through this interaction, the incumbent will ensure the timely and effective engagement of USAID/CAR staff and mobilization of USAID resources to influence and respond to USG foreign policy priorities in Kazakhstan. The Program Liaison Manager will play a similar role vis-à-vis Astana-based other donors, Kazakhstani counterparts, and USAID implementing partners/organizations. C) Major Duties and Responsibilities The Program Liaison Manager will have primary responsibility for cross-sector analysis, monitoring and reporting for USAID assistance programs in Kazakhstan. S/he will also be the primary interlocutor between USAID staff based in Almaty and the U.S. Embassy, Government of Kazakhstan agencies, private sector, non-governmental organizations and other donors based in Astana. As such, s/he will have to develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic and social landscape in Kazakhstan, establish relations with non-USAID entities across sectors, and understand the objectives, mechanisms and status of all USAID-funded interventions in Kazakhstan, in order to influence program design, facilitate program implementation, and represent USAID with Embassy staff/leadership and in public forums. Work requirements will include: 1)Program Office Functions: - Conduct analysis and undertake consultations with stakeholders to advise Mission Management on development priorities and programmatic options in Kazakhstan. - Coordinate country-level program monitoring and evaluation. - Coordinate inputs and analyses of USAID’s Kazakhstan budgets for Mission and Agency annual budget planning submissions. - Coordinate processes and prepare materials for cross-sector analyses, reporting and correspondence, to include materials required for USAID/CAR, USAID/Washington and State Department program reviews. - Based on development expertise and country perspective, contribute to Central Asian regional and Kazakhstan-specific project designs. - Prepare, compile and/or edit public information materials, and plan/coordinate the utilization of communications tools to influence policy and change behavior in support of USAID’s overarching and sectoral objectives in Kazakhstan. - Brief senior USG officials and external audiences on USAID programs. - Identify issues, share information and provide analysis related to Kazakhstan that impact on USAID’s regional interests in Central Asia and/or other-country programs. 2)Program Implementation Support In coordination with technical offices, engage Astana-based counterparts and implementers to assist in program monitoring, impact assessment, and consideration of programmatic options. Represent technical offices at public events/meetings taking place in Astana or other convenient locations. As requested, review and comment on project work plans, monitoring plans and reports for USAID activities in Kazakhstan. Provide regular reports to the relevant technical office staff on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed programs in Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on Astana-based implementing partners. 3)Embassy Country Team - Based on an understanding of current political/economic analyses and day-to-day engagement with Embassy staff, coordinate with USAID/CAR staff to maximize the contribution of USAID’s assistance programs to the USG’s policy. - In consultation with relevant technical offices, keep the Embassy informed of the status of USAID programs, and identify opportunities for Embassy leadership to participate in USAID events. - Contribute to Embassy analytic/reporting requirements, and coordinate related taskings with Mission staff. -Represent USAID/CAR within the Embassy Country Team, providing analysis and recommendations on matters relevant to USAID, apprising Mission Management of emerging Embassy priorities and issues, and coordinating consultations and joint action of Mission staff—to include the Mission Director/Deputy Director—and the Embassy Front Office and Section Heads. -Act as the day-to-day point-of-contact between Embassy and Almaty-based staff for taskings/correspondence relevant to USAID/CAR. -Coordinate USAID involvement in official VIP visits to Kazakhstan. -In coordination with the Public Affairs Section, identify and act on opportunities to provide greater awareness of USG assistance programs and promote USG policy priorities among targeted Kazakh audiences (including both the general public and government officials). -Participate on Embassy review and selection committees, to include for the Kazakhstan element of the regional Community Connections Program ($500K/year) 4)External Relationships -Establish and maintain relationships with Government of Kazakhstan, other-donor, NGO, and private sector organizations based on Astana. -Provide liaison between these organizations and relevant Almaty-based USAID staff for the purposes of information sharing, political and technical analysis, priority-setting, program coordination, and resource leveraging. -Specific to cross-sectoral dealings with the Government of Kazakhstan, play a lead role in representing USAID (or arranging the involvement of the Front Office or other Almaty-based staff), preparing reports, drafting/clearing correspondence, clarifying/negotiating /facilitating compliance with Government of Kazakhstan legal requirements, etc. (in coordination with the Regional Legal Advisor, and other appropriate Mission offices). 5)Miscellaneous -In consultation with Support Offices, coordinate USAID’s administrative and logistical requirements in Astana. D)POSITION ELEMENTS 1)Supervision Exercised Project Management SpecialistFSN 9 Secretary/Administrative Assistant (temporary)FSN-7 2)Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the USAID/CAR Mission Director, an FE-OC position. S/he will coordinate directly with technical and support office directors and staff, and frequently consult with and receive guidance from the Mission Front Office. 3)Exercise of Judgment: While supervised by the Mission Director, s/he will generally operate in Astana, 800 miles removed from the Mission headquarters, and therefore will be required to independently exercise informed judgment within the programmatic, procedural and policy frameworks established for the USAID/CAR Mission. The incumbent will not have the authority to commit USAID resources, but s/he will have the responsibility of ensuring that staff and financial resources are mobilized to respond to the Embassy’s priorities and Kazakhstan’s development needs in a timely and effective manner. 4)Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: -USAID/CAR Mission Management and Technical/Support Office directors/staff -U.S. Embassy: Ambassador, DCM, Section Heads and staff -Government of Kazakhstan Officials, primarily at the Ministerial and Vice-Ministerial level; some contacts with working levels -Other Donor Agency Heads/staff -Local private sector and NGO representatives -Chiefs-of-Party and staff of USAID implementing organizations Contacts will be established and maintained through personal, telephone and written interactions, as required to provide liaison between relevant USAID/CAR units/staff and Astana-based stakeholders, as well as to represent USAID in meetings and public events. E) Minimum Qualification Requirements 1) Education and Experience: Bachelor’s in one of the social sciences, economics, business, management or other field relevant to international development. Relevant Masters degree is preferred. The position requires maturity and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in the area of international development with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. Experience must include managing and development program activities and strategic planning and analysis. Project or program management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country is required. Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of USG procedures and systems for providing assistance, strategic planning, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. Relevant experience should include establishing and maintaining contacts with senior level host government officials. The incumbent’s work profile should reflect an ability to work in complex organizations, coordinating staff and resources within and across units. 2) Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of Russian and/or Kazakh languages is also desirable. 3) Knowledge: An understanding of development issues in economic, social, and democracy sectors is essential. Knowledge of the political, social, and economic environment in Kazakhstan and Central Asia is important. Must have a comprehensive knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of the following: USG legislation relating to political and economic development assistance; USAID programming policies; regulations, procedures, and documentation; USAID management and administrative policies and procedures. 4) Abilities and Skills: The incumbent must have ability to: obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present it in concise written and oral form; work as a team member to plan, develop, manage and evaluate complex programs; and, gather and disseminate useful information and advice in assigned areas. The incumbent must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the Government of Kazakhstan and representatives of non-governmental organizations/private enterprises, in order to explain USAID programs and policies, and to interpret and transmit host-country government, non-governmental, and private sector perspectives to senior USAID officials. Computer skills and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet programs are required. F) OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Must be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as requested. G) SELECTION CRITERIA: Academic Qualifications and Development Knowledge/Experience30 points Development Programs Management and Leadership Experience20 points Relevant Kazakhstan/Regional Knowledge/Experience20 points Communications Skills20 points Language Skills10 points Total: 100 points 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample (maximum 3 pages) of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) September 28, 2008. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Astana, Kazakhstan. 12. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 13. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 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 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident 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 locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Astana, Kazakhstan, Kazakstan
- Record
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