ISSUANCE DATE: July 16, 2004 CLOSING DATE: July 30, 2004 Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Position, Senior Program Manager USAID Bogotá RFP No. 514-04-014 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional form OF-612 or Standard Form 171), resume and 3 references including full names, telephone numbers and adresses of qualified individuals from U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Point of contact: Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Olga Vallejo Acqusition Specialist Usaid Bogotá TELEPHONE NUMBER: (571)4236880 Ext. 132 FAX NUMBER: (571) 4236861 E-MAIL ADDRESS:
[email protected] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Plase reference the number of this solicitaton when sending your application. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: Olga Vallejo American Embassy / USAID, Bogotá Carrera 45 No. 22 D 45 Bogotá, Colombia Late applications shall not be accepted. Offerors are requested to provide full mailing address (fax, telephone and/or e-mail where applicable). Application forms SF-171 and OF-612 can be obtained from the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ USAID/bogotá anticipates awarding one (1) USPSC as a result of this solicitation. USAID/Bogotá reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Funds for this activity have not yet been made available. This solciitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of any type of documentation. Sincerely, Jonathan Palmer Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 514-04-014 ISSUANCE DATE: July 16, 2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 30, 2004 AT 3:00 p.m POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Manager MARKET VALUE: EQUIVALENT GS 15 – Range ($87,439 - $113,674) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 4 years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID-BOGOTA, Colombia SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET LEVEL AREA OF CONSIDERATION: ECONOMIC UNIT POSITION DESCRIPTION As a USAID employee, the incumbent carries responsibility to understand and incorporate the Agency's five core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are: 1. Customer focus 2. Results orientation, 3. Empowerment and accountability, 4.Teamwork and participation, and 5. Valuing Diversity. BACKGROUND: Colombia – Colombia, Latin America’s oldest formal democracy, is threatened by narcotics trafficking, guerilla and paramilitary violence, human rights abuses, corruption, crime, and a lack of effective government presence in over half of the countryside. The volatile mix of armed insurgency and drug cultivation and trafficking, seriously threatens U.S. national interests and foreign policy goals for democracy, reduced illicit drug exports to the U.S., and regional peace and stability. Since September 2000, the U.S. Government has provided Colombia with over $2.4 billion in support of Colombian efforts to achieve peace and economic prosperity and to strengthen the state. Colombia is the third largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid in the world after Iraq and Afghanistan. There are nearly a dozen other USG agencies at post, and frequent high-level congressional and other delegations. USAID/Colombia is the highest-profile, most politically sensitive program in the LAC Bureau portfolio, with an FY 2004 OYB of more than $120 million. The USAID program addresses the major social, political and economic development challenges resulting from Colombia’s decades-old guerilla insurgency and large-scale production and trafficking of illicit drugs that help finance the operations of terrorist and extremist groups. The conflict has led to the displacement of more that 2.5 million people, the second largest displaced population in the world. Assassinations, kidnappings, extortion and bombings are everyday occurrences in Colombia. Because of the sustained, high level of violence, insecurity and crime throughout the country and direct threats against the U.S. Embassy and staff in Bogota, Colombia is a danger pay, hardship post. USAID/Colombia has a staff of 73, including 11 U.S. direct hire employees, 9 U.S. personal services contractors, 3 third country nationals, and 50 Foreign Service nationals. The Economics Unit serves as the senior advisory unit to the U.S. Mission (the U.S. Ambassador, USAID Mission Director, and USG Country Team), on economic policy/institutional reform issues impacting on the achievement of USG strategic interests in Colombia, with particular focus on issues impacting trade/investment integration, employment, agricultural growth, alternative development, and government efficiency. The Economist Unit leads the U.S. Mission dialogue with key USG/Washington institutions, including the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and with USAID Andean Missions on priority economic reform and regional economic integration issues facing Colombia within the context of the recently initiated Free Trade Agreement negotiations for Colombia. The Economics Unit also plays a strategic role in USG efforts to lead policy dialogue in economic reform-related areas with the Colombian Government and private sector; and with the IMF, World Bank, IDB and the rest of the bilateral donor community. By attending donor meetings and providing critical advice directly to the U.S. Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and the rest of the Country Team, the Economics Unit effectively fosters and promotes USG national policy interests in Colombia. 13. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The USAID/Colombia Senior Program Manager will serve as USAID/Colombia’s program planner and manager for all trade/investment-related economic policy and administrative reform support programs in Colombia. These activities will in turn promote the establishment of a sound trade/investment policy environment and a strong public/private partnership program focus, in a manner which facilitates a buoyant response by the Colombian private sector to economic growth opportunities associated with the economic liberalization process. These crucial program strategy design activities will be carried out within the context of ongoing and path-breaking Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the US. and Colombia. Economic policy reform and trade/investment promotion represents a major component of USAID/Colombia’s overall support program for Colombia. Progress in this area is crucial to the sustainable transition of Colombia to a prosperous country free of narco-terrorism influences. Program management responsibilities will include the identification of the major economic reforms required to establish a trade and investment-related policy and institutional environment conducive to macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth in local and foreign private investment. Also included will be direct management of the prioritization, planning and implementation of trade and investment-related economic policy and institutional reform-related technical support programs and activities; the maintenance of an active dialogue with senior public sector officials and local and international business leaders on the development of key economic policy and institutional reforms to facilitate trade/investment expansion; and on strategies and initiatives for establishing innovative private/public partnership financing mechanisms designed to stimulate trade/investment flows; strategic guidance and managerial oversight of any equity fund support program developed by USAID/Colombia; the development and management of targeted dissemination programs designed to build the capacity of important segments of the public to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with an FTA; and efforts to expand the understanding of key private sector groups regarding the importance of, and core defining elements of, the trade/investment integration process. Additionally, specific responsibility resides with this position for the identification and development of opportunities to link up cross-cutting corporate social responsibility-related initiatives to USAID country strategy and programs. In this regard the position will play the lead role within the Mission on defining and facilitating the effective implementation of a cohesive corporate social responsibility support strategy. These efforts will be designed to promote the extension and sustainability of key mission economic development and democratization objectives, by establishing a strong base of private sector financial and institutional support for critical job and income creation and social welfare enhancement initiatives which are tied to Mission objectives and programs. This will in turn entail the innovative design and management of joint coordination/cooperation efforts between USAID/Colombia SO Teams and both local and international NGO’s and businesses in defining and executing these programs. The end result should be a significant improvement in the sustainability of critical Mission development programs at the national and regional level. In short, the Senior Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the planning and implementation of economic policy and institutional reform-related support strategies and programs tied to trade/investment promotion for USAID in Colombia. Given the high visibility and level of concern for USG activities to restore sustainable economic vitality to a country which is clearly established as the regional lynchpin in the USG fight against narco-terrorism in the Andean Region, the Senior Program Manager will lead presentations, site visits, and dialogue with high level USG representatives and trade/investment promotion officials, as well as with senior representatives of the local and international business community. In addition to program management responsibility, the Senior Program Manager will provide expert technical and policy advice regarding USG support to trade and investment-related economic reform/reactivation programs in Colombia. As a senior level advisor, the Senior Program Manager will exercise significant independent judgment on matters of policy and technical direction, and will make decisions that ensure successful program implementation. He/she will report frequently to senior Mission management, via the Chief of the Economics Unit. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Time % * Analyze and supervise formulation of trade and investment-related reform policies and program strategy and initiatives which promote successful completion of Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Colombia and the United States. 10 % * Develop and manage comprehensive technical and financial assistance and training initiatives related to the effective development of public/private partnership initiatives (including an examination of OPIC, TDA, and EXIM-Bank opportunities) as well as development of equity fund support programs to facilitate significant inflows of private capital into Colombia in response to the opportunities associated with a Free Trade Agreement with the United States 20% * Develop and manage comprehensive technical and training support programs related to the development of a targeted and effective public information and feedback strategy and system designed to improve the understanding of and support for the FTA process by key constituencies and by the public at large. 15% * Develop and manage critical dialogue activities with senior private sector officials designed to boost the commitment of private foreign enterprises to the design and effective implementation of corporate social responsibility programs. Dialogue and coordinate with senior USAID SO Team leaders and technical staff and with implementing partners on the identification and integration of possible corporate social responsibility linkages within their programs. Design and manage implementation of USAID-supported corporate governance programs for Colombia. 20% * Maintain direct liaison and communications with USAID contractors and grantees in the trade and investment-related economic policy and institutional reform area. Coordinate and manage all trade and investment-related economic policy and institutional reform-related reporting activities under USAID programs and projects. Prepare or oversee the preparation of periodic status reports, and other reports and documents on the trade and investment-related economic reform process as required by the Mission. 10% * Advise the USAID/Colombia Mission Director, program and technical offices, and other staff regarding trade and investment-related issues affecting policy, strategic planning, technical direction, programming, activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, managing for results, and other USAID program management matters. 10% * Maintain direct liason and communications with senior GOC officials and with the lead officials of major donor organizations working in Colombia; with a specific focus on facilitating effective prioritization and coordination of trade/investment support programs related to private/public partnership initiatives; FTA-related civil society outreach programs; and corporate social responsibility-related strategy and initiatives. 10% * Perform other tasks, as requested by Mission supervisors, and which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the position of senior economic reform program manager for USAID/Colombia. 5% QUALIFICATIONS a. Education: A Masters degree in economics/business administration/international affairs, with at least fifteen years of experience in a developing country context. A Ph.D in these disciplines is preferred. b. Work Experience: Prior work experience, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to successfully lead and manage multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervise local and U.S. general contractors in developing country situations. c. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain counterpart contacts at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. d. Previous experience living and working under harsh, difficult and/or dangerous conflict or post conflict conditions. Ability to resolve problems in a team context, while maintaining an aggressive work pace, in order to produce results under high visibility circumstances. e. Strong communications, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs. Experience with the management and leadership of teams. Ability to interact and work effectively with organizational management and support offices. Extensive Latin American work experience and fluency in Spanish. f.. Language Proficiency: Level IV - Fluent English and Spanish. g. Medical clearance and security clearance at the secret level required. POSITION ELEMENTS: a. Supervision Received: Director, Economics Unit, USAID/Colombia. b. Supervision Exercised: The individual will oversee program implementation and supervises two FSN staff during the absence of the Director of the Economic Unit in USAID/Colombia. c. Available Guidelines: Available guides establish a broad pattern of operation which requires a frequent need to exercise independent judgment and interpretation, and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. d. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will exercise significant, independent professional judgment in developing program strategy and in implementing program/project objectives, informing the supervisor of major implementation milestones or difficulties. e. Authority to make Commitments: Not authorized to make commitments. f. Job complexity: Work requires the application of different, but interrelated bodies, methods, and techniques, which comprise a broad occupation field, and/or the application of knowledge and skills for the administration of a comprehensive program in a broad field. g. Job Scope and Effect: Work requires expert knowledge of the assigned field(s) of activity, acquired through extensive training and experience at senior levels. Also a high level of analytical ability and a comprehensive understanding of the principles and theories of the assigned field (s) of activity and their application and adaption and the ability to influence policies and decisions through negotiations and recommendations. h. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contracts: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain counterpart contacts at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. Continuous contact is maintained with GOC Ministries, other donors, contractors and the private, for profit sector. Maintains contacts with other agencies/sections of the US Embassy. i. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after entry: One month. j. Funding for this position is subject to availability of funds. SELECTION CRITERIA Work Experience 50% Technical knowledge 20% Communication skills 30% APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: For USPSCs a U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); For CCNs and TCNs a resume and/or Mission specified forms. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. 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. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 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). ** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.