SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- USPSC USAID/CAR Senior Energy Policy Specialist (closing date amended)
- Notice Date
- 9/18/2008
- 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
- 35-2008
- Response Due
- 10/14/2008 6:00:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 10/29/2008
- 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: 08/15/2008 CLOSING DATE: 09/21/2008 (Amended) Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 35-2008 (amended) USPSC Senior Energy Policy Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, 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. 35-2008 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:35-2008 (amended) 2.ISSUANCE DATE:08/15/2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:09/21/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) - amended 4.POSITION TITLE:SENIOR ENERGY POLICY SPECIALIST 5.MARKET VALUE:$95,390 - $124,010 per annum (GS-15 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two years (renewable) 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty Kazakhstan 8.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. The Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for the five Central Asian republics. The U.S. Government’s program of assistance in the region is focused on energy market and resources development, the growth of small-scale enterprise and trade; building a more open, democratic culture; better management of environmental resources, including energy; and improved primary healthcare. It ranks as one of the Agency’s largest programs, with funding levels that have averaged over $139*** million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 contractor and grantee teams. The staff manages a program that addresses six Strategic Objectives (SO) principally focused on assisting these former communist states in making the transition to Western-style democracies with viable market economies. The Mission currently has three technical offices: Office of Economic Growth (OEG), Democracy and Conflict Mitigation (DM), and Health and Education (HE). Under the 2008 Operational Plan, the Office of Economic Growth (OEG) is responsible for the management of a large portfolio which comprises six areas (Infrastructure, Macroeconomic Foundation for Growth, Trade and Investment, financial Sector, Agriculture and Private Sector Competitiveness). B)DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Energy policy, market expansion, and resource development is the primary foreign policy/development nexus in Central Asia with USAID/CAR’s energy activities receiving the highest attention within the USG and being vital to the Agency. This nexus, combined with the high visibility, often leads to sensitive situations in which broad policy statements and basic legislation needs to be interpreted and acted upon in a way which demonstrates sound judgement and creativity. Under the general guidance of the Director of the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), the Senior Energy Policy Specialist (SEPS) will demonstrate, through the following duties and responsibilities, that he/she is a recognized authority in Central Asia and throughout the broader region. Technical leadership (40%): This challenging position requires intensive technical and administrative attention to resolve ongoing political, technical and managerial challenges for the delivery of critical development benefits to CAR and the broader region. The SEPS will be in the forefront of knowledge on political and energy conditions in each of the five Central Asian countries to provide overall conceptual guidance and inform program management decisions by US Embassies and USAID. The SEPS will also be the Mission’s point person for coordinating energy activities with USAID’s Missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Identify issues that may be of concern to USAID senior staff, and recommend strategies for response. Serve as a key resource to mission management for energy analysis across the mission’s relevant portfolios; water, natural resource management, and local economic development. Serve as a core member of the Office of Economic Growth, and principal expert advisor on a range of energy issues (legal and regulatory framework, generation addition/investment promotion, engineering/feasibility, power purchase agreements, transmission planning…), along with sectoral policy developments. Incumbent should be well versed in energy research and program implications as they apply to issues in Central Asia, and current in the literature, e.g., documents from the IMF, World Bank, EBRD, and other published/unpublished sources throughout the Central Asia Republics (CAR) region. Under the supervision of the OEG Director and at the request of Senior Mission Staff, provide independent analysis of political and energy developments affecting USAID programs across the region and act as the authority for interpreting and developing guidelines. Evaluate and provide recommendations on all energy issues in the CAR to include ensuring access of the Mission to best practices and relevant energy expertise, and using these to develop and advise on state of the art energy policies and programs. Guide the development, design, management, implementation and monitoring of energy policy reform projects and activities throughout the region. The primary policy area for the Specialist will be electricity market development and integration to include energy (primarily electrical) sector reforms, promotion of large new investments, inter- and intra-regional trade, regional water and energy cooperation, and the role of private sector and countries outside of CAR. The Specialist will maintain current knowledge of country specific programs involving laws and regulations, tariffs, utility unbundling, restructuring, commercialization and privatization strategies, and energy efficiency programs, as well as assistance under bilateral and IFI programs, including national governments’ policy framework and drivers. Coordination and joint programming with the USAID/Afghan/Pakistan missions and with the ANE Bureau South Asian Energy Initiative (SARI) to ensure broader energy market development is crucial. The Specialist will lead discussions, negotiations, and other contacts at senior policy and technical levels of the U.S. Embassies in Central Asia and other US Government entities, to develop and implement the U.S. Mission’s energy policy reform strategy. Prepare and conduct regular and special briefings to Mission and Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Bureau leadership, the State Department, Commerce, Treasury, National Security Council and to other high level officials of the USG, including Congressional staff. Meet regularly with senior officials of the five governments of the region as well as leaders of the private sector to promote the programs and overcome problems and difficulties that arise in the planning and implementation of program activities. Defend, justify, and promote, as appropriate, USAID’s position, and negotiate amicable resolution of issues to the benefit of the program’s major objectives. Contribute to strengthen the CAR energy reform through sustainable institutional capacity development. Identify and develop linkages with other donor programs, particularly the ADB, World Bank, EBRD, International Monetary Fund, and EU-TACIS. Lead and coordinate the work of USAID’s contractors, technical assistance advisors, and grantees to assure that activities are consistent with USAID’s energy/economic policy strategies. Strategy Development and Program Design (20%): The SEPS will play a leading role in designing assistance programs to achieve the Economic Growth objectives of the CAR Operational Plan, particularly those which support improved energy policies. Monitor, analyze, and report on political and economic conditions in each of the five Central Asian countries to assess assistance needs and priorities. Conceptualize and design projects and program activities that achieve identified priorities and objectives. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of proposed projects. Conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. Lead or be a key member of technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. Plan and design evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. As relevant, the SEPS will also conduct research and advise other sector teams to inform strategy and program design and management. Work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. Program Management and Mentorship (30%): The SEPS will serve as a core member of the Economic Growth Team. The SEPS will be responsible for overseeing management and implementation of the Mission’s key energy development programs, including: -Competition Policy; -Transmission Policy; -Energy Market Development; -Central Asia – South Asia 1000; -Efficient Energy Use; -Water – Energy Nexus. The SEPS will supervise and support the career development of six professional staff with responsibility for managing the programs listed above and other programs as developed and designated. Contribute to and oversee the development of energy policy reform competencies in USAID country offices. New program management duties may be included in the SEPS’s scope of duties if/as required by evolving U.S. foreign policy and assistance strategic priorities in Central Asia. C)REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 1.General: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government “SECRET” security clearance. Must be able to secure a U.S. State Department medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics. 2.Prior Work Experience: This is a senior level position that requires maturity and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have demonstrated practical experience in advising, analysis and development of programs to support energy policy reform. The candidate must have at least five years of high-level energy market development consulting and advisory experience. Project or program management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country is required. At least five years of successful leadership experience in a team environment is required. 3.Skills and Abilities: The candidate should have strong management skills as evidenced by previous experience, preferably including contract management. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment are required. Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. 4.Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. Russian language skills are preferred. 5.Education: A graduate degree in engineering, macroeconomics, public finance or a related field is required. A Ph.D. is highly preferred. D) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Technical Leadership and Relevant Experience (both international and domestic): 40 points Project Management, Staff Supervision and Mentorship: 25 points Writing and Communication Skills: 25 points Academic Qualifications: 10 points Total: 100 points 9. 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 21, 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 Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 12. 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: Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN01675624-W 20080920/080918224458-7d8043dce5aca4f111b48cb06db5e2cb (fbodaily.com)
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