Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Executive Officer (Short Term) - USAID/Nigeria.

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062024R00001 ISSUANCE DATE: October 27, 2023 CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 26, 2023 4:30pm (Nigeria time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Executive Officer (Short Term) - USAID/Nigeria. Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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 offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1. Sincerely, ___________________________________ Marva Butler Supervisory Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062024R00001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 27, 2023 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 26, 2023 (4:30pm Nigeria time) 4. POINT OF CONTACT: Clementina Edereka, e-mail at [email protected] 5. POSITION TITLE: Executive Officer (Short Term) 6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 – $129,878 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the official USAID Worksite, or the approved worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. 8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, estimated to start as soon as clearances are received. 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens. 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance. 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: 1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract: The Executive Office (EXO) provides administrative and logistical support services to USAID/Nigeria. The incumbent will serve as Deputy to the Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Nigeria reporting directly to the Supervisory Executive Officer. The Executive Officer is a direct collaborator and support to the Supervisory Executive Officer. While duties are performed under the general guidance of the Supervisory EXO the incumbent operates with a high level of autonomy. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the vision of the Supervisory Executive Officer so that all management and administrative functions for USAID/Nigeria are seamless and successful. These duties include but are not limited to USDH, FSNPSC, TCNPSC, and USPSC personnel management, property management (personal and real property), the International Cooperative Administrative Service System (ICASS), Communications (non-classified), records management, procurement, travel management, office systems and procedures, computer systems, financial management, USAID implementer (Institutional Contractor) support, and staff training. The incumbent is an important member of the Abuja Mission management team. 2. Statement of Duties to be Performed: This USAID EXO will perform 100% of the following duties and responsibilities across a range of areas: ● Actively participates in program strategic planning with a focus on the personnel and material resource aspects of achieving the Mission's objectives; participates in the formulation of Mission policies on program development, implementation, and evaluation; reviews Mission development assistance activities for their management support requirements and participates in the design of the administrative/logistical component of activities. ● Collaborates in developing the Operating Expense (OE) budget for the Mission in coordination with the Controller; collaborates with Program and Technical Offices in the formulation of the annual budget resource requirements; and directs the administration of the OE budget, ensuring prompt and legal obligation of funds. ● Develops and prescribes appropriate internal management systems and implementing procedures; interprets USAID management regulations and directs their application to facilitate the provision of management support; devises and recommends to management the appropriate organizational structure and manpower requirements necessary to meet the program and administrative responsibilities of the Mission and to achieve the mission's objectives; and plans and directs the continuous evaluation of Mission organization, staffing, and services to ensure effective and efficient use of material and human resources. ● Plans and directs the personnel management of the Mission for U.S., local foreign national, and third country employees including the classification of such employees; collaborates with Mission officials in the proper placement of personnel and recommends actions to ensure maximum effective use of personnel; counsels employees and their families on a wide range of subjects, including education, equal opportunity, career development, onward assignments, and employee relations; plans and conducts orientation for new employees and their families and advises on and assists in the development of programs and activities concerned with employee services, such as commissaries and social and recreational activities. ● Manages the Information Resources Management Program of the mission, including all hardware and software applications. Also serves as the backup Information Systems Security Officer. ● Carries out the Mission's administrative management operation; plans and directs the Mission's personal property acquisition, management, and disposal programs, and develops standards for issuing, using, and controlling the personal property of the Mission, including motor vehicles; serves as the alternate Mission representative to the Interagency Post Housing Board; plans and directs the Mission's communications and records program. ● Solicits, evaluates, negotiates, and awards contracts with individuals (personal services contracts), commercial organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local or foreign governments for furnishing products, services, construction, or real property. Responsible for identifying the need for procurement and developing the appropriate acquisition documents. Investigates and develops alternative means of supply. Works in close coordination with the OAA contracting office on major acquisitions. ● Represents the Mission in overseeing the effective participation for Interagency Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS); monitors and ensures that the type, level, and charges for services conform to support agreements and USAID regulations. ● Serves as Unit Security and Safety Officer for the Mission. Provides physical security and safety support to USAID personnel, building (office), official records, and armored vehicles, in coordination with the Embassy's Regional Security Officer. Coordinates security training as required and oversees Embassy service provision. ● It would be advantageous if the incumbent had a warrant. 3. USAID Consultations or Orientation: N/A 4. Supervisory Relationship: The Executive Officer will receive overall supervision on, policy guidance and managerial oversight from the Supervisory Executive Officer. 5. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will provide supervision and training to all EXO staff in USAID/Nigeria consisting of all locally employed staff in the Executive Office POSITION ELEMENTS Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of an array of US Government and Agency regulations, and comprehension of host-country regulations and practices as they affect USAID/West Africa operations. The position involves planning and developing plans to maintain a range of interpersonal relationships important to accomplishing the job. The position requires sufficient understanding of computer network systems and telecommunications to effectively assist Information Technology staff. In particular, the Executive Officer should provide direction of Mission computer systems, to ensure compliance with USAID Information Systems Security Regulations (ADS 545), efficient computer systems operations. The incumbent is required to remain up to date on Agency policies affecting the Mission procurement management. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying USG and USAID-specific regulations and standard operating procedures while carrying out the assigned duties. Authority to Make Commitments: If granted warrant authority, the incumbent will have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents within his/her warrant level. The incumbent will be delegated authority for administrative approvals on various documents processed daily by EXO staff. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel at multiple U.S. Embassies, including other agencies requiring assistance. The incumbent will have frequent high-level working contacts with U.S. Embassy officers in Nigeria, host government officials, PVOs, NGOs, and private sector entities to fulfill the major duties and responsibilities of this contract. Often these contacts will be of a sensitive nature, and discretion is required. Interpersonal skills: The incumbent must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolve challenges that arise during the course of duty, for which there often is not a clear solution. Reports: Upon request or as scheduled, the incumbent will submit periodic status reports of major activities or projects that fall under the incumbent’s responsibility. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not pose undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION A. Education: A Graduate Degree in Business Administration, Financial Management or a related field is required. (5 points) B. Prior Work Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of professional-level progressively responsible work experience in international business, management, or development, of which eight (5) years should be related to performing in the Executive Office in an overseas or Washington DC environment. They must also demonstrate an ability to manage complex operations, supervise a large team, and work across Mission offices, and in coordination with other USG agencies and regional and other country bilateral development initiatives and activities. Emphasis will also be placed on a demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage contracts, and coordinate operations. Previous COR/AOR experience, FAC-C Level I Certification, and possession of an active EXO Basic Level I Warrant will be an added advantage. Experience working in, for or with international organizations is required. (20 points) C. Job Knowledge: Demonstrated experience working and communicating with U.S. Embassies, other international organizations providing transition or development assistance programming overseas, and/or foreign governments to ensure an organization's operational/administrative management systems and procedures are most effective and support the organization's achievement of critical, high-profile objectives. Excellent communication, writing, analytical and social/interpersonal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and an ability to communicate and represent a US Government organization's mission, core values and ethos diplomatically to key partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries both within and outside the USG, within the US and overseas, with host government officials, USG implementing partners, and others from all walks of life. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross cultural situations in developing countries similar to Nigeria, work effectively with large organizations, and be familiar with USAID organizational structure and procedures is also important. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to communicate in a variety of circumstances with senior decision makers of the USG, other donors, and Ministerial and senior level host country officials. This includes successful experience with interpreting the concerns of senior officials into the design of program related analysis and conveying complex ideas resulting from program analysis to the appropriate officials. (20 points) D. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability starting up, managing, and closing out large and small office support functions including support teams in difficult overseas environments, ensuring that offices or U.S. diplomatic locations, are well-supported in human resources, security, procurement, records management, motor pool, housing, property management, and all other necessary functions. A customer service-oriented team player, who also has a keen ability to operate independently and with self-sufficiency, if necessary, in complex situations. (20 points) E. Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral English communication skills (Level 4) are required; Candidate must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear written and oral English. (5 points) III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education (5 points) (As stated above) 2. Prior work Experience (20 points) (As stated above) 3. Job Knowledge (20 points) (As stated above) 4. Skills and Abilities (20 points) (As stated above) 5. Language Proficiency (5 points) (As stated above) Interview Performance (30 points) Total Possible Points: 100 points IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. 3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. 4. A signed cover letter of no more than three (3) pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation factors of the position. 5. A Curriculum Vitae/Resume which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements. Electronic copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/Resume. 6. Names, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references that have knowledge of the Offeror’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: Forms outlined below can be found at: http:/www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. DS-1843 Medical History and Examination - for individuals aged 12 and older. 2. DS-1622 Medical History and Examination - for children aged 11 and younger. 3. DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU). Found at https://www.state.gov/forms-medical-clearances. 4. SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions. 5. OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment. 6. SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. 7. SF-87, Fingerprint Card. * 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. VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (as applicable): (a) Employer's FICA contribution. (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance. (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment. (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation). (e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation. (f) Leave and Holidays. 2. ALLOWANCES: (as applicable): Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 (a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (c) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210). (d) Post Allowance (Section 220). (e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (f) Education Allowance (Section 270), (g) Educational Travel (Section 280), (h) Post Differential (Chapter 500), (i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), Note: As of October 22, 2023, Nigeria became a 30% Post Differential, 25% Cost of Living Allowance, 0% Danger Pay post. VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar. 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below: LINE ITEMS ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTITY (C) UNIT (D) UNIT PRICE (E) AMOUNT (F) 0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS] 1 year LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations. 5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected]. [END OF SOLICITATION]