SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Project Management Specialist
- Notice Date
- 8/12/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank, Amer Emb/Tel Aviv, Unit #7228, APO, 09892-0206
- ZIP Code
- 09892-0206
- Solicitation Number
- 294-2010-124
- Archive Date
- 9/17/2010
- Point of Contact
- Hourig DelDelian, Phone: 97235114821, Ronald W Breen, Phone: 011-972-3-511-4848
- E-Mail Address
-
hdeldelian@usaid.gov, robreen@usaid.gov
(hdeldelian@usaid.gov, robreen@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Subject: Solicitation for US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Project Management Specialist for USAID West Bank & Gaza (2 years renewable) SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2010-124 ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2010 CLOSING DATE: September 2, 2010 at 16:00 local time (Tel Aviv, Israel) Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) West Bank & Gaza, is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens in providing the Personal Services described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Interested applicants must submit: (i) a completed and signed Form SF 171 or OF 612 - Optional Form for Federal Employment; (ii) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; and (iii) three references, who are not family members or relatives, together with working telephone and email contacts. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612 - unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Any questions as well as submission of the applications and the required documents in response to this solicitation must be sent by courier, fax or e-mail to: By courier or express mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Sr. Contracting Specialist USAID 25 HaMared Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@usaid.gov By U.S. Mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian 9700 Tel Aviv Place Washington - D.C 20521-9700 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award or not the contract contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Ron Breen Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2010-124 ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2010 CLOSING DATE: September 2, 2010, 16:00 (Tel Aviv time) POSITION TITLE: Senior Project Management Specialist - Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE: GS-14 Equivalent ($84,697 - $110,104) See note below on market value. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv, Israel - USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years renewable AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $84,697 - $110,104. In addition, the Mission has 15% Danger Pay and 30% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The final compensation will be determined based on the salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The USAID Mission for the West Bank and Gaza manages the overall U.S. assistance program to the Palestinians. This assistance program is an integral part of the U.S. support for the Palestinian-Israeli effort to create and maintain a peaceful co-existence, and as such it reflects the demands of a continually evolving political and economic environment. It is implemented against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel. The USAID program is intended to improve the quality of life of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza; promote a competitive market economy; foster the effective use of scarce resources; promote the development of a democratic society; encourage sound public management and provide emergency or humanitarian assistance when needed. With fiscal year 2010 funding, USAID/WBG is initiating a comprehensive, multi-sectoral Palestinian Community Assistance Program (PCAP) with a life-of-program value of up to $100 million over three years. The primary focus will be on responding to the needs in Gaza for a range of humanitarian assistance and recovery projects that address humanitarian, health, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunity needs of Gazan families, while also presenting the capability to respond to emergency humanitarian assistance requirements in the West Bank, should they arise. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: The contractor shall be the designated representative to provide technical and administrative oversight of the PCAP program, serving as the PCAP Agreement Officer's Technical Representative (AOTR). He/she holds a management position primarily responsible for monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and works with the Recipient to help ensure the programs goals and objectives are being met. As delegated by the USAID/WBG Agreement Officer, the contractor is responsible for all USAID substantial involvement, financial management oversight, compliance review follow up, performance monitoring requirements, and the submission of senior-level reports on program progress. The contractor shall provide the full range of analysis and support services to USAID in strategic planning and administration of humanitarian and recovery programs in Gaza, and as appropriate, in the West Bank. He/she will collect, analyze and synthesize information to strategically guide program planning; advise the Office Director and senior Mission staff regarding issues affecting the achievement of the Mission's development objectives; prepare or oversee preparation of major reporting documents relating to the PCAP program; and guide the Recipient as needed in interpretation of USAID requirements and procedures. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Program/Project Management and Administration - 30% As the AOTR for the PCAP program, the incumbent exercises the responsibilities regarding the substantial involvement provided in the Cooperative Agreement on behalf of USAID. He/she provides policy, technical and operational guidance to the Recipient; reviews, critiques and approves annual implementation plans and other required submissions; works closely with the Recipient to develop relevant indicators for measuring and reporting accomplishments; reviews and approves required performance monitoring and evaluation plans; and monitors progress and impact. He/she works with USG, Israeli, PA, and other officials to overcome operational obstacles, such as limitations on the movement of goods, to ensure the timely and effective provision of assistance in Gaza and the West Bank, as appropriate. He/she administers appropriate AOTR financial management and oversight responsibilities. He/she ensures full understanding by the NGO Recipient of the USG's vetting requirements in accordance with Mission Order 21 and facilitates the vetting process for Palestinian organizations and individuals receiving benefits under the program. He/she ensures full understanding by the NGO Recipient of the USG contact policy with regard to terrorist organizations. B. Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis - 30% The incumbent contributes to the formulation and articulation of appropriate analyses and strategies for maximizing the impact of USAID programs, including PCAP, on the welfare of Gazan families through humanitarian assistance and recovery projects that address needs for food security, health, education, community infrastructure, and economic activity. He/she keeps abreast of current political, policy and operational developments affecting the implementation and impact of USAID programs in Gaza to inform and strategically guide program planning. He/she advises the Office Director and senior Mission staff regarding issues affecting the achievement of PCAP objectives and the relative challenges and opportunities for impact among the various program areas as conditions on the ground change over time. He/she follows closely conditions in the West Bank which may result in humanitarian requirements which are appropriately supported through PCAP, whether from man-made or natural disasters, and provides analysis and recommendations to Mission staff and senior management on how best to address such situations. He/she works closely with the Recipient in the development of such plans for USAID management approvals. C. Reporting - 30% The incumbent provides a broad range of analysis and reporting requirements involving USAID activities in Gaza, and, as appropriate, the West Bank, including preparing appropriate portions of key USAID documents such as the Annual Performance Report, the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justification, Assistance Objective Performance Implementation Reports, pipeline analyses and other required reports. He/she ensures that PCAP activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID and to external stakeholders and partners. He/she prepares official correspondence including any required waivers, action memoranda and requests for information. He/she prepares program budgets, all required financial reports, maintains official files, and manages project close-out. He/she responds to requests for information and taskers, often on a short deadline. D. Supervisory Responsibilities - 10% It is expected that the incumbent will manage a FSN activity manager (who will serve as the Alternate AOTR). Additional staff may be brought on board as needed to support the on-the-ground monitoring of PCAP activities in Gaza and, to a lesser extent, the West Bank. POSITION ELEMENTS a. Supervision Received: Incumbent will report to the Office Director, Office of Water Resources and Infrastructure, or his/her designee. Under general supervision, incumbent is expected to work independently and exercise considerable judgment in carrying out his/her responsibilities. Work is assigned primarily in terms of desired results and suggested approaches. b. Available Guidelines: USAID's Automated Directives System, the Mission Strategic Plan, USAID/WBG Mission Orders, and the Palestinian Authority's planning and strategic documents. Upon selection, the incumbent will become fully familiar with USG policies, directives and guidance for West Bank and Gaza with regard to travel in the West Bank/Gaza, the USG contact policy, and with vetting requirements for recipients of project benefits. c. Exercise of Judgment: Considerable judgment is required to analyze and evaluate proposed project activities; recommend alternative approaches; foresee potential risks and impediments to planned implementation approaches or new opportunities which may be more feasible. Excellent judgment is required to work effectively and collegially with key personnel of the NGO Recipient, Palestinian officials, other donors and implementers operating in the area. d. Authority to Make Commitments: None e. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: As the Agreement Officer's Technical Representative, incumbent works closely with the staff of the Recipient non-governmental organization implementing the PCAP program, to manage, monitor and provide oversight of the activity. He/she provides guidance and feedback, receives informational and formal reports and assures compliance with all provisions of the Cooperative Agreement. Contacts are maintained with all levels of USAID Mission personnel to advise on elements of the PCAP program. Contacts with Palestinian communities and recipients and with representatives of the Palestinian Authority are for the purpose of understanding the operating environment and making recommendations as appropriate. Contacts with representatives of the Government of Israel are for the purpose of facilitating implementation of the project. Incumbent will maintain regular contacts with other bilateral donors, UN agencies, and other major service providers in Gaza and the West Bank to avoid duplication and share information about needs and priorities. To accomplish the range of activities required by the program, the incumbent must have a secret security clearance. f. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent supervises the work of one planned FSN Project Management Specialist in the Water Resources and Implementation Office and up to two planned FSN Project Monitors in Gaza. The incumbent also oversees the work of the Recipient through the implementing partner's Chief of Party; provides guidance; reviews progress; and evaluates the accomplishments of the implementing Recipient. g. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: Three Months. h. Title: Senior Project Management Specialist. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Total 100 points 1. Education: (10 points) Required Education: A Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to development assistance, such as international development, social sciences, public or business administration, economics, or project management, and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience as described below. OR A Master's degree in a field relevant to development assistance, such as international development, social sciences, public or business administration, economics, or project management, and a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible work experience as described below. 2. Experience: (40 points) Recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, working in such areas as humanitarian assistance, recovery or transition initiatives, community development, conflict resolution, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities/job creation efforts. Demonstrated experience managing programs in a volatile environment requiring high degrees of flexibility and innovation is required. At either level of education, a minimum of five years overseas experience working in a country in conflict is required. Experience working in the West Bank or Gaza or elsewhere in the Middle East is a plus but not required. Experience managing program/project operations, leading cross-sectoral teams, and managing USG contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and budgets is required. 3. Knowledge: (40 points) The incumbent shall have outstanding skills in these areas: - strong project management and supervisory skills as evidenced by previous experience; - leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in an ethnically diverse and cross-sectoral team environment; - outstanding communication skills, orally and in writing; - ability to independently plan, develop, manage and evaluate programs/projects and to analyze the operational environmental in the West Bank and Gaza, and to develop recommended approached to address changing circumstances; - understanding of USAID's objectives in the West Bank and Gaza, and of its general programming policies, regulations, procedures and documentation and policy parameters; - demonstrated ability to manage budgets, prepare financial reports and analyze financial reports submitted by the recipient; - computer skills including competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook applications. The incumbent should also have multi-sectoral knowledge of implementing and managing humanitarian assistance and recovery programs as provided through the PCAP program. 4. Language: (10 points) Fluent English. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not required. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. USAID/West Bank & Gaza will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. 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. INSTRUCTION TO APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants must submit a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. (c) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) * Applicant is a U.S. citizen; * Complete and signed Federal Form OF-612 or SF-171 is submitted; * Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; * Ability to obtain a "Secret" level security clearance, as provided by USAID; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; and * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/forms 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). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation in order for you to be considered for this position. Please note all applications must be signed - unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Hourig DelDelian, either via email at hdeldelian@usaid.gov or to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using the following addresses, as applicable. By courier or express mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Sr. Contracting Specialist USAID 25 HaMared Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@usaid.gov By U.S. Mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian 9700 Tel Aviv Place Washington - D.C 20521-9700 This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. Award under this solicitation is subject to the availability of funds. ============================================================= AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIDAR APPENDIX D AND A TCNPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIDAR APPENDIX J. 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) and AIDAR FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. 3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/WES/294-2010-124/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID West Bank and Gaza Mission, Tel Aviv, Non-U.S., Israel
- Record
- SN02239620-W 20100814/100813000541-70531fcd5d61207dd9ead6ffdec99cbd (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |