SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- USPSC Contracting Officer
- Notice Date
- 4/13/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- 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
- 14-2010
- Archive Date
- 4/30/2010
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 727 250 76 17, Natalya N. Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 04/13/2010 CLOSING DATE: 04/27/2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 14-2010 USPSC Contracting Officer, 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. 14-2010 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 14/2010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/13/2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 04/27/2010 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC CONTRACTING OFFICER 5. MARKET VALUE: $84,697-$110,104 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value - salary history may be considered) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, 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 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 $115 million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 awards (acquisition and assistance). The staff manages a program that addresses six program areas 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 (EG), Democracy and Conflict Mitigation (DM), and Health and Education (HE) and is in the process of developing its new whole-of government strategy for each country and the region for 2011-2016 that will create greater focus of our development efforts and require significant restructuring of our implementation portfolio. B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general supervision of the Deputy Mission Director, the PSC Contracting Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities. 1) Serves as the Acquisition and Assistance Office Team Leader and is the principal USAID/CAR advisor for a broad range of USAID Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) activities, to include high dollar value, complex competitive procurement actions, assistance (grants and cooperative agreements), modifications, interagency agreements and/or other related actions. S/he exercises leadership in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner. S/he has formal decision-making authority in the many aspects of the broad areas of acquisition and assistance. 2) Pre-award Expertise and Services. Performs or directs all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award many kinds of acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conducts A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID strategic and special objectives and related results expectations and requirements. Fully understands performance based A&A principles with a resulting capability to meld acquisition and assistance services into specific contributions to appropriate USAID objectives and lower level indicators, outputs and inputs. a) Organizes, directs, conducts and/or coordinates pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for complex procurement actions, focused on improving host countries capabilities in the areas of education, agriculture, health, economic development, environment, conflict mitigation, and democracy & governance. Ensures the proper establishment of requirements for bid and/or performance bonding in applicable requests for proposals. b) Reviews requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on scope of work or program description documents), and manages the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive Systems (ADS), etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire offer/application solicitation process. The incumbent must manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Finally, the incumbent manages the award process from beginning to conclusion with fully executed contract or assistance documents. 3) Post-award Expertise and Services. Performs all actions required to administer the complete range of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. Relies on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Strategic Plan, FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased services. a) With the objective of maximizing problem avoidance over reaction, exercises a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal officers, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting contract or award provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted. b) Coordinates special requirements with the US Embassies and other US Government agencies in Central Asia region. Ensures that the results contractually required are documented and that A&A actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests. 4) Assistance Objective Team Membership and Support Services. Serves and supports the region's Assistance Objective Teams (AOTs) and Country Offices. Collegially represents the A&A viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet AOT time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. and host countries partner governments ' best interests. 5) Mission Support Services. As the Mission's A&A Technical Expert, provides crucial knowledge of the international and local contractor and NGO community via consultation and advice to Senior Mission management. Establishes and maintains an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on USAID A&A policies and procedures to external groups (e.g. other USG agencies, NGOs, other donors, etc.). Serves as a primary advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A staff, providing advice, training and support for other Mission staff. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day counseling and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The incumbent will counsel on consensus-building in a team environment, and methodology on professional conflict resolution technique. 6) The PSC Contracting Officer supervises the employees in the Mission A&A Office, currently consisting of three professional level FSN employees (FSN-11) and one A&A Assistant (FSN-7). Duties in this capacity include responsibility for day-to-day technical and administrative supervision of employees and their work assignments, monitoring their completion of all required training, management of their performance evaluations and award nominations and, in general, their professional development. 7) The PSC Contracting Officer is required to remain up-to-date on Agency policies and procedures affecting all aspects of USAID/CAR A&A management and to take a lead role in the oversight and management of the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), currently under deployment with a "go live" date of July 19, 2010. 8) The PSC Contracting Officer must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. 9) The PSC Contracting Officer establishes and maintains solid working relationships with all (including executive) levels of US Missions personnel, as well as the business and NGO communities in Central Asia region. C) Supervision Received Currently, the PSC Contracting Officer will report to the Deputy Mission Director. Work assignments are in the broadest terms and performance is evaluated in terms of accomplishments and compliance with laws and regulations. D) Supervision Exercised The PSC Contracting Officer will provide training and direct supervision for four host country national professionals working in Acquisition and Assistance Office. E) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 1) General: The position is intended to be encumbered by a person having/eligible for a USAID contracting warrant. When warranted, the PSC Contracting Officer will have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a USAID delegation of authority to make determinations that have the effect of contractually binding the United States Government. The candidate must be capable of securing a U.S. Government "Secret" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics. Preference will be given to qualified candidates with a warrant. 2) Education: At least a Bachelor of Science/Arts or equivalent level in Business, Procurement or Economics is desired. A degree in Political Science, International Relations or related field with subsequent specialization in the acquisition and assistance field could substitute or be given appropriate consideration. Level II FAC-C qualification is required. 3) Prior Work Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience in a relevant field, ideally obtained in an A&A or other procurement organization to include both supervisory and hands-on experience in both acquisition and assistance. Seven or more years of experience working on acquisition and assistance actions with international public or private sector organizations under demanding conditions is desired (preferably overseas). The job requirements put a premium on experience with acquisition and assistance instruments used for foreign development assistance programs designed to improve host country capacities in the areas of education, agriculture, environment, conflict resolution, health, economic development, and democracy & governance. Experience reflecting exposure to and appreciation of the challenges associated with international development assistance is required. 4) Technical Ability: Sound and independent judgment with the skill to strategize, develop and effectively implement A&A activities is required. Effective negotiating skills and the ability to work in a team context and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with Host Governments, NGO and Contractor/Recipient personnel are essential. Ability to perform sophisticated analysis of budgets and contract/grant proposals is required. A high level of ability with regard to understanding contracting and assistance polices and regulations are required. The ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations to make sound business decisions is required. A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the US Government are essential elements of the position. The candidate should have strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality statements of work in the specified technical areas. 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. 5) Staff Development and Supervision Ability: The requisite skills and attitude to improve the professional capacity of the staff working in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance are required. The candidate selected must have the ability to provide day-to-day technical and administrative supervision of A&A staff and their work assignments, to formulate and monitor their completion of training plans, to manage their performance evaluations and award nominations and to promote their overall professional development. 6) Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment, are required. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation are necessary. Must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations, especially when dealing with personnel, to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work and for which there often is not a clear solution. The candidate selected will be involved on a daily basis in resolving professional disagreements. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 7) Language Skills: Must be fluent in English (Level IV) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. F) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Education and Experience: 30 points Technical Ability: 25 points Staff Development & Supervision Ability: 20 points Teamwork/Interpersonal Communication Skills: 15 points Language Skills: 10 points Total: 100 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 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 of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) April 27, 2010. 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, and writing sample 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 up to one-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 (starting from 43rd day), lodging in furnished TDY apartment and M&IE portion of per diem at USG rate. 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. Optional Form 612. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or 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)
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/14-2010/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Park Palace, 41, Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN02121061-W 20100415/100413235547-05c9289134dfd9eb8bd6e9682ad28ab0 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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