SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Senior Media Advisor - OF612 Forms - Solicitation - OF612 Forms
- Notice Date
- 8/16/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 921190
— Other General Government Support
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7.10-006, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-OTI-10-000012
- Archive Date
- 9/14/2010
- Point of Contact
- Michael Aguilar, Phone: 2026619366, Jaimee E. Braun, Phone: 202-661-9377
- E-Mail Address
-
maguilar@usaid.gov, jbraun@ofda.gov
(maguilar@usaid.gov, jbraun@ofda.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- OF-612 Continuation Sheet Solicitation for SOL-OTI-10-000012 OF-612 Form SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OTI-10-000012 ISSUANCE DATE: August 16, 2010 CLOSING DATE: August 30, 2010, 5:00pm EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Senior Media Advisor (Intermittent PSC, Multiple Positions) in Washington, D.C. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Media Advisor under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged. A submitted resume, however, is considered supplemental application material. Submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: seniormediaadvisor@globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Michael Aguilar or Lindsay Miesko Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or (202) 661-9367 E-Mail Address: seniormediaadvisor@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Dean Cabrera, Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Senior Media Advisor - Washington, D.C. (Intermittent PSC, Multiple Positions) 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-10-000012 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 16, 2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 30, 2010, 5:00 EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Media Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($105,211 - $136,771). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local, indigenous partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries by providing fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous local partners such as civil society groups (non-governmental organizations or informal community groups), local governments, private businesses, media groups, and others, through identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public understanding and participation in their country's political process. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office's programmatic goals and objectives. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ INTRODUCTION The Senior Media Advisor position requires individuals to be available to work with OTI for short or extended periods of time from their home location, in Washington D.C., or in the field performing a range of duties outlined in the "Duties and Responsibilities" section below. Work assignments will range in length depending on the needs of OTI, and availability of the individuals selected for the position. OBJECTIVE The objective of this solicitation is to provide on-call media specialist capabilities to the OTI Bullpen. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY This senior level position calls for an experienced professional with the presence, knowledge and the leadership skills to serve as a liaison between the Office of Transition Initiatives and the bureau of Democracy, Conflict, Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), USAID Washington, the State Department, the USAID Field Mission, the U.S. Ambassador or his/her representative (in the absence of a USAID Mission), other agencies of the U.S. Government (USG), international organizations, and the non-governmental community abroad. The incumbent will visit, as necessary, both ongoing OTI media projects as well as proposed and potential country program sites. S/he must be prepared to work or collaborate with senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors, and non-governmental organizations who may be highly important to OTI's programs and objectives. The Senior Media Advisor position reports to the Chief of Field Programs and/or OTI/Washington or his/her designee. In addition to providing technical expertise and guidance, and designing appropriate media programming, leadership, oversight, supervision and backstopping of OTI programs are critical elements of the Senior Media Advisor position. This requires much effort and coordination in both Washington and field programs as activities include assessments, start-ups, programmatic evaluations and strategic planning. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed below, the Senior Media Advisor must be a seasoned professional who is capable of operating with minimal guidance, who has the knowledge and experience to effectively meet the full responsibility of the position. He/she must have the presence to assess politically sensitive situations and respond with on the spot initiatives or actions. This position requires experience in international media development. Prior overseas experience in developing and transitional countries is required, and prior experience working directly with DCHA/OTI overseas will be a plus. In new and existing country programs, the Senior Media Advisor will: • Assess the feasibility of the country as a potential candidate for an OTI program with regard to media-related and other activities; • Conceptualize and design media and other components of new country programs, and in close collaboration with the relevant OTI/Washington Team Leader and/or OTI Country Representative, assist the development of in-country OTI strategies and policies; • Provide media technical support to OTI country programs, travel to current OTI programs to assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of media/communications programming; • Represent OTI interests during meetings with USAID personnel, other USG officials including State Department representatives, United Nations organizations, international and local non-governmental organizations, other international donors and national leaders, civic activists and community members; • Within the guidelines provided by the OTI/Washington Team Leader and/or OTI Country Representative, negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts; • Identify or seek out NGOs, international donors, USG agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field and develop and maintain professional relationships with them on media and communications programming and policy options; • Implement and manage the assigned country program in the absence of the OTI Country Representative in the field, or team leader/program manager in Washington, including assessing project sites and selecting contractor and grantees to work under OTI's country program; • Monitor and evaluate the country program, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance with respect to media-related and other projects, coordination activities and command structures, including the effectiveness of each site's operations; • Provide on site training and mentoring for new OTI or contractor staff both in Washington and the field as required on media/communications, and other arenas based on first hand experience; and • Be prepared to participate in evaluations and review of OTI's media programs and strategy. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Senior Media Advisor will take direction from and will report to the Chief of Field Programs Division or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams or during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments or during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") The Senior Media Advisor is a seasoned professional media consultant able to provide the full range of services related to OTI country media related projects and programs. These include but are not limited to leadership, strategy, project development and conceptualization, daily operations, management and technical guidance. The need for this position emerges from USAID/OTI's continued and expanded use of mass media as a key activity and tool in support of OTI's fast and flexible responses to key transition needs. The incumbent must possess the program, project management and budgetary skills to help ensure successful start-ups, management, and close-outs of OTI country programs in addition to the technical experience and skills to support and guide OTI's media-related projects. The critical demands of the position require that the incumbent be readily available for all assignments, and must be able to adjust and effectively perform in foreign and unstable environments as well as the highly complex and demanding Washington environment. At a minimum, the applicant must have: (1) A Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of nine (9) years of professional experience in media development and production in USG foreign affairs agencies, large international organizations or international media organizations OR A Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience media development and production in USG foreign affairs agencies, large international organizations or international media organizations AND (2) A minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, transition programs, democracy building, or media development programming, of which a minimum of one (1) year includes overseas field experience in conflict-prone countries. 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 hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted (see detailed instructions under "Applying"); • Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Education/Experience requirements, AND each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; • Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; • Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Factor #1 Experience working and communicating with U.S. Government agencies overseas to achieve critical, high profile objectives; Factor #2 Ability to work extremely well on a team as well as independently in complex political or emergency situations in pre/post-conflict countries or countries undergoing political transitions; Factor #3 Experience designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating media development activities, public information campaigns and governmental strategic communications assistance packages; Factor #4 Excellent communication, writing, analytical and social/interpersonal skills, demonstrating an ability to communicate and represent the OTI mission, core values and ethos to key partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries both within and without the USG, and from all walks of life; and Factor #5 An active or recent USG security clearance with a U.S. Government agency. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 20 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Factor #5 - 5 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Be sure to fully respond to each of the Evaluation Factors and include all relevant experience, training, and/or education in your responses. Sample Evaluation Factors are provided on the GlobalCorps website at www.globalcorps.com. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged. A submitted resume, however, is considered supplemental application material. Submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 or on supplemental OF-612 continuation sheets to allow for adequate evaluation of your direct and related experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. Dates (months/years) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: seniormediaadvisor@globalcorps.com Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 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). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. ATTACHMENT 1 ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm. Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs. (b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. "MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES." (c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer's liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision). (d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met: (1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad; (2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and (3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition. (e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled "Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation." In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs. (f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor's invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism. (g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual's behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider. (h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
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