SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Chief Accountant
- Notice Date
- 1/4/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388-S-00-10-00032-00
- Archive Date
- 2/8/2010
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
(skhan@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-10-00032-00 ISSUANCE DATE: January 5, 2010 CLOSING DATE: January 24, 2010 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNS) SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR - CHIEF ACCOUNTANT Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The US Citizens should obtain USG Secret Level of clearance and Third Country Nationals should be able to obtain employment authorization. For medical clearances, the US Citizens should obtain Department of State Medical Services Clearance; Third Country National should obtain a Post Medical Clearance issued by the U.S. Embassy Bangladesh Health Unit. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas-Attar Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-10-00032-00 ISSUANCE DATE: January 5, 2010 CLOSING DATE: January 24, 2010 POSITION TITLE: Chief Accountant MARKET VALUE: $70,615 - $91,801 (GS-13). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Office Director, Office of Financial Management SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Incumbent is expected to act independently with minimal supervision from the Controller. Supervise and manage all budget and accounting functions in USAID/Bangladesh. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The initial contract is two years with an option for possible extension upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: US Citizen: Secret Level Clearance TCN: Employment Authorization STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR CHIEF ACCOUNTANT A. OVERVIEW: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key partner with the Government of Bangladesh over the past 30 years in all major development sectors. Currently, USAID/Bangladesh's development portfolio includes programs in Health, Education, Democracy and Governance, Food Security and Food Aid, Private Enterprise, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Mitigation, Response and Reconstruction. The Chief Accountant supervises and trains local FSN Accountants, Budget staff, Voucher Examiners, Financial Analysts and a sub-cashier at different levels. S/he must be able to prepare work objectives, perform and document mid-cycle reviews and prepare annual performance evaluations. The initial performance period will be two years. Based on the programmatic results achieved and possible required programmatic follow-up, an extension of this Contract will be considered based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The incumbent supervises and manages the daily work of the financial operations of the USAID/Bangladesh Controller's office. The individual will also conduct formal and informal training sufficient to ensure that those supervised attain expert knowledge to carry out their required duties in the financial management of the Mission. More specifically the incumbent will: C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: UNDER THE OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE MISSION DIRECTOR USAID/BANGLADESH AND THE TECHNICAL DIRECTION OF THE CONTROLLER, USAID/BANGLADESH: 1. Supervise and manage all budget and accounting functions in OFM, USAID/Bangladesh. (50%) a. Serves as the Mission's expert and administers and maintains comprehensive, complex accounting, reporting and budgeting systems financial systems designed to provide senior mission management and USAID/W with timely financial information from Phoenix to enable all Mission levels to make timely operating decisions. This includes covering a variety of payment activities for USAID/Bangladesh with respect to: appropriated dollar funds available for administration and technical program purposes; employees' salaries, allowances and withholdings; and other funds as required. Direct and assist as necessary in the preparation of special financial reports required by USAID/Washington, Mission management and USAID/Bangladesh. b. Evaluates internal accounting operations of the Mission to ensure that operations provide proper control over funds, including monitoring of Phoenix obligation and liquidation records and other supporting data. Periodically carries out reviews of unliquidated obligations (Section 1311) for the Mission and recommends de obligation of funds determined to be in excess of requirements. Recommends how funds can be put to better use before deobligating. Provides reports on the financial status of current programs and special financial reports required by Mission management. c. Initiates and participate in the planning, installation, maintenance and supervision of an adequate system of internal control for the processing, accounting and reporting of all USAID obligations and liquidation actions. d. Supervises all accounting reconciliations and reporting for the Mission with STATE, the US Disbursing Office, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), e.g. CART and other Treasury reconciliations. e. Recommends and develops Mission internal procedures using expert knowledge of USAID requirements. Supervises the formulation of budgets for the Mission, including participation in the preparation of both the operating expense (OE) and technical program budgets, with responsibility for providing expert advice on program budgeting and for coordinating the preparation of financial presentations in the Mission's budget submission. Ensure that approved operating expense budgets are executed in accordance with agency policy and required accounting practice through the issuance of written guidance and reviews of Program and OE obligation reports as necessary. Monitor and report on the operation of the Mission's budget systems and suggests methods of increasing effectiveness. f. Supervises the analysis and reconciliation of all program and administrative accounts for USAID/Bangladesh and with STATE and USAID/W including ICASS billings. g. Formulates and prepares the program and administrative expense budget. Provides fiscal data and cost factors needed for budget formulation and estimates. Closely monitors the program and administrative budgets and makes proactive recommendations to Mission management to ensure sufficient funds are available and are effectively used in accordance with intended purposes. h. Provides expert professional accounting advice to the Mission on financial operations, including advice on USAID financial policy and fiscal procedures relating to reservation and obligation of funds, salary and allowance payments, travel regulations and grant assistance programs. Provide inputs to USAID program managers on financial requirements of project design and implementation such as financial feasibility, adequacy of project budgets, total project costs and financial reporting requirements. Recommends and develops financial management and other regulations when necessary. 2. Supervision, Management and Training Duties (25%) The incumbent supervises, manages and trains at least nine financial management staff. The incumbent will have complete control over planning, organizing, and directing how assignments are made and sets overall objectives. This requires developing; implementing and monitoring long-term and weekly work plans. The incumbent will develop and implement individual training plans which will include both on-the-job and formal training in Bangladesh. As the Mission and the OFM rapidly expand, will serve as Technical Evaluation Committee Chair for all OFM financial operations positions. 3. Reporting and Tracking Requirements (25%) Supervises the preparation and reconciliation of weekly and monthly program and administrative reports which are provided to USAID/W and the STATE Department, OMB and Congress in order to closely track USAID's progress. This includes developing and managing elaborate tracking systems. The Chief Accountant will be required to prepare immediate financial information and reports to support USAID/W, USAID/Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh (GOB), OMB, Implementing partners and others. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Education: The successful candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree, or equivalent (i.e. at least four full years) in a relevant major, i.e. accounting, business management and/or finance. Advanced studies (Master's degree) and coursework in a related field is preferred but is not required. An additional four years of experience or two years on non-degree coursework may be substituted for a Master's degree. Experience: Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and maintaining operating expense or administrative funds accounting systems or in the public or private sector in the accounting, finance or business fields, when in possession of a university degree. A minimum of three years of experience in a financial management office is highly desired since the successful candidate must immediately be familiar with the financial management policies, procedures and systems. When substituting experience for education, an additional minimum of four years of experience as a senior Accountant is required without a university degree. (NOTE: When four years accounting experience is substituted for a university degree, the total experience requirement is ten years or more). Language: Level IV (fluent) English required. At this level an employee is required to possess a high degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English. S/he must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, concisely including technical reports. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: A thorough and expert level knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and accepted procedures of US governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A comprehensive knowledge of financial systems management and implementation is required. Must have an expert knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures applicable to USAID financial management. Knowledge of development project planning and implementation procedures and of organization and operations is desirable. Knowledge of management of development and humanitarian programs is desired. A comprehensive knowledge of USAID organization and operations in general, is desired. Candidate must possess a very high level of analytical skill, professional expertise and sound and independent judgment with the skills to strategize, develop and effectively implement financial systems. He/she must be able to successfully convey systems and accounting issues to Mission management and propose well-developed recommendations and solutions for resolving such issues. Initiative and resourcefulness to identify and evaluate accounting policies and practices requiring correction and/or modification, and to formulate and implement effective solutions. Must be able to compile and present detailed financial and related information in a concise and fully professional manner to persons with varied levels of knowledge or understanding of financial management principles. Must be capable of leading a team, representing the Office of Financial Management in high level meetings, taking the lead in various projects, supervising other accountants and financial management, and of directing and coordinating various elements of an accounting operation. Must have supervisory and managerial experience. Must have excellent oral presentation skills. Must be able to present financial information to all levels of employees. Must be able to maintain effective working relations with American and FSN personnel at USAID/Bangladesh, US agencies located in Dhaka and in USAID/W. To a lesser extent, maintains effective working relationships with host government officials, local banks and credit institutions, and local business organizations in Dhaka. Supervision and Management Responsibilities : Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the Controller. Supervises and trains local FSN Accountants, Budget staff, Voucher Examiners, Financial Analysts and a sub-cashier at different levels. Must be able to prepare work objectives, perform and document mid-cycle reviews and prepare annual performance evaluations. E. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Applications will be evaluated and scored using the criteria below. The total possible score is 100 points. Skills and Abilities: 30 points Prior Experience: 20 points Knowledge: 15 points Supervision and Management Responsibilities: 15 points Educational Qualification: 10 points Language Proficiency: 10 points Total: 100 points Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. F. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will be supervised by the Controller, Office Director, and Office of Financial Management. G. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: The incumbent will supervise a staff consisting of 2 Accountants, 1 Accounting Technician, 1 Budget Analyst, 1 Budget Assistant, 1 Supervisory Voucher Examiner, and 3 Voucher Examiners in all areas of USAID/Bangladesh accounting responsibility. The incumbent will also work closely with the Financial Analysis staff and will share expertise and provide support as needed. H. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Automated Directive Systems (ADS), Mission Orders and Policies, US Mission Policies, etc. Exercise of Judgment : High level of independent judgment is required in daily work and externally during site visits and/or team/sub-team meetings when the Chief Accountant will normally be the sole financial management representative. He/she must be able to effectively provide immediate feedback and guidance to the recipients and Mission Management. Must be able to interpret and develop financial management applications and guidelines. Authority to Make Commitments : He/she may commit to the significant courses of action within assigned portfolio during the project committee meetings and in discussions with partners/recipients. The incumbent will determine the availability of funds for implementation actions and will make recommendations; he/she will have independent authority to make resource commitments on behalf of USAID/Bangladesh Office of Financial Management. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: He/she may have direct contact with all levels of Mission staff; mid-to-high level officials of the Host Government, Mission partners/recipients, senior financial officials, on matters involving financial management/audit. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: Six Months. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. I. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years on/about May 2010 to May 2012 with an option for extension subject to the availability of funds and the continued need for the position. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-13 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-13 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-13 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. The Third Country National must be able to obtain Employment Authorization clearance and medical clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC/TCN is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance: 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only. 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. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs. (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka 4. Nafeesa Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
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