SRCSGT | R | Senior Economic Growth Advisor

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 29, 2012 FBO #3749
SOURCES SOUGHT

R -- Senior Economic Growth Advisor

Notice Date: 2/27/2012
Notice Type: Sources Sought
NAICS: 812990 — All Other Personal Services
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kosovo USAID-Pristina, Department of State, 9520 Prinstina Place, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-9520
ZIP Code: 20521-9520
Solicitation Number: 167-PSC-FY12-02
Point of Contact: Michael B. Stewart, Phone: 381-38-5959 2000, Mimoza Kepuska, Phone: 381-38-5959 2000
E-Mail Address: mbstewart@usaid.gov, mkepuska@usaid.gov
(mbstewart@usaid.gov, mkepuska@usaid.gov)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-PSC-FY12-02 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - Senior Economic Growth Advisor The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Supervisory Executive Officer, Mr. Michael B. Stewart, or the Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Mimoza Këpuska, at USAID/Kosovo's Executive Office in Pristina by: phone: (++381)(38) 5959 2000 fax: (++381) (38) 249 493 email: mbstewart@usaid.gov email: mkepuska@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted via fax or internet as email attachments or by DHL courier as follows: BY EMAIL TO: Michael B. Stewart, Supervisory Executive Officer: mbstewart@usaid.gov Mimoza Këpuska, Human Resources Specialist: mkepuska@usaid.gov, BY DHL, consign documents to: Address: Attention Mimoza Këpuska, Executive Office USAID/Pristina, Kosovo Arbëria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1 10000 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 5959 2000 Sincerely, Michael B. Stewart Supervisory Executive Officer Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167- PSC-FY12-02 2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 27, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE SPECIFIED March 26, 2012 FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Economic Growth Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 99,628.00 - $ 129,517.00 per annum (GS 15 - equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with a possibility for renewal 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: •I. BACKGROUND: The USAID Mission for Kosovo (USAID/Kosovo), located in Pristina, manages one of the most important and complex assistance programs in the region. In line with USG and Kosovo priorities, USAID/Kosovo's five-year strategic plan envisages Kosovo as an effective state, with a viable economy and an inclusive democracy on the path to European integration. The realization of this vision requires close cooperation between USAID/Kosovo, other USG entities, the international community, USAID implementing partners, and, above all, partnership with Kosovo institutions and local stakeholders. Given the enormous and varied needs in Kosovo, USAID's programs focus on: The private sector as the engine of growth, and on civil society as the means for enhanced government accountability. USAID assistance until recently was focused on support for the basic building blocks of an independent Kosovo. For Kosovo to move forward, it needs to establish a clear economic base for development and to consolidate democratic achievements. Consequently, USAID assistance is supporting the private sector, which is best-positioned to determine Kosovo's comparative advantages and best able to increase incomes and jobs. With basic government functions operating with a degree of effectiveness, it is important to ensure that there is a vibrant civil society that is capable of holding the government accountable and demanding rule of law. Increased focus on assistance at the municipal level. Kosovo's central government institutions have achieved remarkable progress in a short period of time. While threats to these gains still remain, the focus now should be on building the capabilities of local government. Kosovo is implementing an ambitious decentralization program with substantial devolution of authorities and responsibilities to municipalities. Most municipalities are not prepared to deliver essential services and require strategic, cohesive assistance. It is also important to establish income and jobs base at the municipal level. These issues are even more urgent in the newly established municipalities and those with predominantly minority populations. At the center, focus is shifting from establishing institutions to making them functional. Central government institutions still require support to varying degrees of involvement. Over the next five years, the task will be to consolidate and build on successes at the center, and begin to scale back support to those ministries and agencies that are capable of successfully fulfilling their mandate without full-time donor assistance. Support for youth and education is a major new area. Youth-oriented programs play a central role in USAID's portfolio. Youth and education interventions are cross-cutting and based on a strong partnership with the GoK and other stakeholders. The realization of this vision requires close cooperation between USAID/Kosovo, other USG entities, the international community, USAID implementing partners, and, above all, partnership with Kosovo institutions and local stakeholders. A key element of USAID's approach is strong synergies throughout the portfolio to maximize impact - such as the coordination between programs to improve the business environment; to institute better contract enforcement and alternative dispute resolution methods in the rule of law sector; and to offer integrated economic growth and governance support programs in municipalities. Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a GDP per capita of around $3,000 with income levels close to two-thirds of other countries in the Western Balkans. Poverty remains widespread but has been declining - according to the latest available data (from 2009), 34 percent of the population is living below the national poverty line, and an estimated 12 percentage extremely poor. Kosovo's economic growth has been steady since the end of the conflict in June 1999, attributable in part to large public investments in post-conflict reconstruction as well as an increase in private consumption and investment. Over the past few years Kosovo's economy has shown significant progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Unemployment, around 40% of the population, is a significant problem that encourages outward migration and black market activity. A limited and unreliable electricity supply due to technical and financial problems is a major impediment to economic development, but Kosovo has received technical assistance to help improve accounting and controls. Privatization of the distribution and supply divisions of Kosovo Energy Corporation is also planned. The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro. Kosovo's tie to the Euro has helped keep core inflation low. Kosovo has one of the most open economies in the region, and continues to work with the international community on measures to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. The global economic crisis has had a significant impact on the European economy, including the countries comprising the Balkans. Due to the nature of Kosovo's small economy, the resilience of the diaspora remittances, and the fiscal stimulus provided by the public budget's capital spending, Kosovo managed to minimize the impact of the global crisis, with GDP growth exceeding 5% in 2011. The growth in public revenue exceeded 18% in 2011, surpassing the growth in the economy by boosting taxpayer compliance. The Government of Kosovo has prepared its 2012 budget in compliance with IMF recommendations, in anticipation of resumption of their Standby Agreement (SBA). The Government has so far resisted the pressures from powerful interest groups, maintaining reasonable fiscal discipline and financial stability, although long neglected infrastructure, education, and health care will continue to place enormous burden on public resources. USAID has been the key donor in establishing economic institutions and systems in Kosovo. The key institutions, laws, and regulations are generally in place, as is a sound fiscal and financial system. Among the institutions supported by USAID technical assistance were the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK), the Tax Administration of Kosovo (TAK), the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA), the Kosovo Pension Savings Trust (KPST), Kosovo Electric Company (Korporata Elektroenergjetike e Kosovës - KEK), Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), Kosovo Veterinary and Food Agency (KVFA), Kosovo Forest Agency (KFA) and others. Much progress has been made in building their capacity. Several, such as the CBK, the KPST, and the privatization agency, now function at a level of proficiency that does not require ongoing donor support. General The Senior Economic Growth Advisor will serve as the lead of USAID/Kosovo's Economic Growth Office and as the principal technical advisor to USAID/Kosovo senior management on all issues and programs pertaining to economic growth. The Advisor will be responsible for: 1) managing and leading the Economic Growth Office of USAID/Kosovo; 2) devising appropriate strategies and plans for supporting economic growth in Kosovo; 3) leading the design and implementation of cost-effective programs that produce meaningful results in strengthening EG; 4) facilitating the proper coordination and integration of USAID economic activities within the Mission's portfolio; 5) ensuring that all Mission EG activities are coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of similar assistance activities of other U.S. government agencies; 6) ensuring that the design and implementation of all EG activities are fully coordinated with international organizations and bilateral donors active in this area; and 7) providing policy advice and analyses to senior Mission management on topics related to economic growth in Kosovo. The Advisor will serve as a principal technical resource on economic growth and as the Mission's primary point of contact on matters related to programming under USAID's Strategic Objective (SO) 1.2 and 1.3. The Advisor will also serve as a day-to-day liaison with other U.S. Government agencies, international organizations and foreign donors engaged in providing assistance for economic growth, and representatives of the Kosovar Government. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The Advisor's major duties and responsibilities include: •1) Program Management Planning and developing new EG programs or activity initiatives as the leader of USAID's EG team. Managing the Mission EG portfolio on a day-to-day basis, including making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, assigning responsibility for program management and implementation matters to subordinates, and assuring that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. May also be called upon to be the Cognizant Officer's Technical representative (COTR) for specific activities in the EG portfolio. Leading or participating on EG strategic objective teams, ensuring regular reporting on SO activities and tracking of the Performance Management Plan. Planning, implementing, participating in, commenting upon, or preparing Mission views on evaluations, assessments or audits of EG activities. •2) Strategy Development Providing analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for assistance for EG and on the management and implementation of those related activities in the Mission's portfolio. Participating, as required, in the development of Mission strategic plans, results analysis and resource requests and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. Determining what additional analyses, assessments, or reviews are required for the development of Mission EG strategy or activities; designing and overseeing the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and following-up as necessary. •3) Office Management and Supervision Serving as the lead of the Economic Growth Office and supervising FSN and USPSC staff Completing staff performance evaluations; review and revise position descriptions; managing staffing issues and determine staff assignments; approving requests for leave and travel; managing office training plan; and determining the need for TDY assistance. Providing technical, administrative and managerial leadership for the EG Office, convening office meetings, ensuring information sharing and collaboration among EG Office staff and projects, and raising issues with senior management as necessary. Providing technical and administrative oversight of all EG Office projects. Ensuring proper management of the EG Office budget, including procurement planning, use of program funds, and monitoring pipelines to avoid funding gaps. Overseeing the EG Office Performance Monitoring Plan (including collection of performance results data), and EG Office Strategic Objective teams. Ensuring response by EG Office to Program Office requests for information or participation, such as participation in strategic planning exercises, or providing project information (for newsletters, AID/W inquiries, etc.). •4) Coordination, Technical Advice and Policy Dialogue Participating in, coordinating, or managing USAID inputs into assessments conducted in conjunction with other USG agencies, international organizations, or other donors. Maintaining close contact, providing technical advice, and engaging in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of the Government of Kosovo, the Kosovar private sector, non-governmental organizations and foreign donors active in providing assistance, USAID assistance providers, and other U.S. Government agencies. •5) General Management Continuously gathering information about, and keeping current on, developments pertaining to EG in Kosovo and reporting such developments as required to Mission management and staff. Carrying out such other tasks related to Mission economic growth activities as might be assigned from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management. The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of teams, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, as in effect from time-to-time; and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID ADS and elsewhere. The Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the employee to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The employee will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. Travel within and outside of Kosovo will be required. Reporting Requirements The Advisor will be required to prepare and provide reports as required to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities described above. The Advisor will also provide, orally or in writing, such reports on work progress or advice on economic growth issues as may be required from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management or other senior USAID officials. The Advisor will also submit a trip report for all travel performed outside of Kosovo during the contract period. Supervision and Relationships All work will be carried out under the general guidance of the Mission Director USAID/Kosovo or her designee. The Advisor will serve as the lead of the Economic Growth Office, and supervise staff of four GS-15 USPSC advisors and nine Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). The Advisor will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of parties, including senior officials of Kosovar government ministries; members of the elected Kosovar assembly, as well as local government officials; Kosovar and international businesspeople; and experts provided under assistance programs sponsored by non-governmental organizations and foreign government donors. The Advisor will also be required to interact with senior officials of the Department of State, and certain other US Government representatives representing the Department of Treasury, Justice, and Agriculture, as appropriate. The Advisor will also closely coordinate with the Mission's other technical offices and Program Office on all matters of mutual programmatic interest. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Selection will be based on the following criteria (Maximum Points Available: 100). 1. Academic Qualifications (15 points): A Master's degree in a relevant area, such as economics, political science, public or business administration. 2. Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (40 points): Candidates must have broad development knowledge in sectors such as economic growth, education, with specialized program management skills and abilities in one or several of these areas. Knowledge of bilateral donor requirements with regard to program design, implementation, personnel management, information management, reporting and accounting, is required. Candidates must have knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to coordinate with senior donor, interagency and host government officials. Knowledge of the Balkan region and specific knowledge of Kosovo's culture, society, history, economy and politics is strongly desirable. 3. Work Experience (30 points): The successful candidate will have at least 20 years of experience in development project and/or program management with at least 5 years in a leadership position. A significant amount of this experience should have been gained from working in developing countries. Prior experience managing programs for bilateral donors is strongly preferred. Outstanding professional performance as evidenced by merit-based promotions and demonstrable development impacts in previous positions will be heavily weighted. 4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (15 points): Excellent English writing and editing skills are required. Demonstrated ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, quality documents is required. Demonstrated ability to engage, communicate and enlist the support of different audiences and stakeholders is required. Length of contract: One year, with a possibility for Renewal (Mutually agreed to by USAID and selected applicant). LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: Within 15 days 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 Contractor shall proceed to Pristina to perform the above services. Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo may be accompanied: Spouses and dependents over 21 years of age are authorized to travel to and/or reside at post. Children under five years of age may also travel to and/or reside at post. While all dependent children may travel to post, those from age 6 to 21 may not reside at post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 5% and current post differential pay is 25%. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. In addition, employees will be authorized the standard household effects (HHE) limited shipment allowance for furnished post (7, 200lb), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee; 200 lb. for an accompanying spouse or other EFM) and shipment of POV. Shipment of consumables is allowed. USAID/Kosovo will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. Contractor may have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with USEP rules and regulations. 9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This position is opened to U.S. Citizens only. The selected candidate must obtain a security clearance (Secret) and all required medical clearances. 10. BENEFITS: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 10-1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities Pouch mail service as per post policy 10-2. 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) (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs (US Citizens and Green Card Holders) are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612. This form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at local US Federal offices. OF 612 shall be submitted by fax, e-mail, DHL air courier by the closing date. 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. 12. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPD 10-03 Implementing Benefits for Same-sex Domestic Partners of Amendment 1 USPSCs AAPD 10-01 Personal Services Contracts - Changes in USG reimbursement Amount for health insurance and physical examination costs (2010) AAPD 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Implementation (2006) AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays (August 2006) AAPD 06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility (October 2006) AAPD 06-08 Appendices D And J: Using The Optional Schedule To Incrementally Fund Contracts AAPD 06-07 Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years AAPD 04-15 Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (10/01/2008) Amendment 1 AAPD 04-13 Revised Procedures Allowing for Classification of U.S. Personal Services Contracts Positions Up to the GS-15 Equivalent (09/21/04) AAPD 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Revised Debt Collection Process (09/30/04) CIB 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services CIB 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives (03/30/01) CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) (03/01) CIB 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB 99-22 PSC Policy (10/99) CIB 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations (08/99) CIB 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs (04/98) CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 (04/98) CIB 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles (11/89) 13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1.Optional Form 612. Resume or CV must be attached. 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) * Forms 3 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty Form (DS 6561) 4. USAID/SEC Forms, Declaration of Federal Employment (OF 306) SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY
Web Link: FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/KOS/167-PSC-FY12-02/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: USAID/Pristina, Kosovo, Arb�ria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo, Pristina, 10000, United States; Zip Code: 10000
Record: SN02684281-W 20120229/120227235442-34402550c80f10dd1eb15638d63ce196 (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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R -- Senior Economic Growth Advisor