ISSUANCE DATE: August 17, 2004 CLOSING DATE: September 17, 2004 Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Solicitation for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Position, Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist USAID Bogotá RFP No. 514-04-0001 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bogota is seeking proposals (Optional Form OF-612 or Standard Form 171), resume and 3 references including full names, telephone numbers and addresses from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services as described in the attached Statement of Work (SOW). The U.S. Government encourages others to apply, but that the hiring priority is for US citizens. Non U.S. citizens will be considered only if there are no qualified U.S. citizens applicants. Submissions shall be in accordance with the information below at the place and time specified. Point of Contact: Any questions may be directed to Ms. Helena Pardo, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bogotá, who may be reached at the following numbers and e-mail address: Phone: 011-571-423-6880 Facsimile/Fax: 011-571-423-6859 E-mail:
[email protected] Proposal may be submitted by means of mail, e-mail to
[email protected] Late applications shall not be accepted. Offerors are requested to provide your 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. You should retain for your records copies of all enclosures that accompany your proposal. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application. Submission made via e-mail should be in WORD2000, and shall not exceed 300 MBs total. Funds for this activity have not yet been made available. This solicitation 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, Denise Herbol Executive Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 514-04-0001 ISSUANCE DATE: August 17, 2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 17, 2004 AT 2:00 P.M. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST MARKET VALUE: GS-13 Range $62,905 - $81,778 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: SHORT TERM, NOT TO EXCEED 12 MONTHS PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID – BOGOTA, COLOMBIA SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET LEVEL AREA OF CONSIDERATION: CONTRACTS OFFICE 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. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The incumbent shall assist the USAID/Colombia Contracting Officer (CO) in providing efficient, timely and effective service on behalf of the Contracts Office (CO) to the USAID Mission. The CO staff of one warranted Contracting Officer, two Foreign Service National Acquisition Specialists and one contracts technician manages an estimated $600 million portfolio. The function includes negotiations with USAID contractors and counterparts on politically sensitive, complex and critical contractual related issues. The incumbent formulates recommendations on contractual matters which may impact the Mission’s operations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent shall provide personal services as a Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist in executing: 1. Direct contracts, task orders, purchase orders, grants and cooperative agreements, US Government Interagency Agreements such as PASAs and RSSAs, grants to public international organizations and other agreements 75% 2. Modifications to all of the above 15% 3. Other miscellaneous administrative requirements associated with acquisition and assistance (A&A) awards, such as contractor performance reporting 10% Specifically, the incumbent shall assist one or more Mission operating units or strategic objective teams in preparing A&A plans, preparing announcements and solicitations, preparing and submitting pre-solicitation notices, creating pre-award documents and providing advice on developing evaluation criteria, managing the solicitation process for cost-type negotiated procurements or grants and cooperative agreements, instructing and providing expert guidance to technical evaluation committees, performing cost and price analyses, conducting negotiations, preparing award documents and award file documentation for the CO’s review and signature as more fully described below. The emphasis is on awarding both acquisition and assistance instruments incorporating performance-based principles. The incumbent also shall be available for consultation on A&A issues with Cognizant Technical Officers (CTOs) or strategic objective (SO) teams. This requires extensive knowledge of USAID and Federal Acquisition Regulations, USAID assistance regulations, OMB Circulars, assistance cost principles, the USAID Automated Directive System and USAID A&A Policy Directives and Contract Information Bulletins. In addition to execution of direct basic awards and modifications as identified above, the incumbent shall also research issues contained in, and draft responses to, administrative and other items of correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to: subcontract consent requests, authority to make grants under contracts, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, requests for waivers and Congressional inquiries. 1. Representative Duties: Responsible for the planning, design, negotiation, administration and closeout of contracts and agreements for one or more Mission operating units or strategic objective teams. This includes, but is not limited to providing advice on policy, regulatory and statutory issues. The incumbent perform the following duties: (i) Review procurement/assistance requests and recommend to the CO the type of action necessary to satisfy the requirement. (ii) Coordinate the development of Acquisition and Assistance Plans with technical office(s) or SO team(s). (iii) Prepare all necessary pre-award and solicitation documents for new acquisition or assistance awards using USAID’s automated solicitation generating software (currently ProDoc), and assist in development of USG budget estimates. (iv) Receive proposals/applications and oversee the technical evaluation process. This includes briefing the technical evaluation committee, participating in discussions, as necessary, and reviewing the technical evaluation committee’s methodology and recommendation. (v) Conduct cost/price analyses of the proposals/applications. This includes coordinating audits or field support reviews of the cost proposals. (vi) Negotiate acquisition and assistance awards, modifications, claims, and termination settlements. (vii) Prepare award using USAID’s automated award generating software (currently ProDoc) and file documentation for signature by the CO. (viii) Ensure timely completion of Contract Performance Reports. (ix) Ensure timely submission of Acquisition and Assistance data to OP using the automated reporting system, ProDoc. (x) Administer contracts and assistance. (xi) Serve as Administrative CO in absence of CO. 2. Overall Management Functions: The incumbent will not have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant nor the authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government. 3. Utilization of Regulations: Reference and guidance materials to be used by the incumbent in performing the duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) Code of Federal Regulations OMB Circulars A&A Policy Directives (AAPDs)/Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS) QUALIFICATIONS a. Education: BA in public law, accounting or business or related field required. A Master’s degree with five additional years of progressively responsible duties in the procurement field preferred. b. Work Experience: At least ten years of continuous, progressive experience in USG acquisition (contracts, task orders and purchase orders), including procurement planning, solicitation, negotiation, cost and price analysis, award, administration, and closeout required. Similar experience with USG assistance awards is desirable. Experience, preferably in procurement, in an overseas setting is highly desirable. The training/experience requirement of the position is that the incumbent has completed or has substantially completed the requirements for certification under the USAID Procurement Management Certification Program (PMCP) or an equivalent program. Certification requires successful completion of specified courses in procurement, plus the achievement of certain competencies through a combination of training and experience. Among the required PMCP courses are Federal Acquisition and AID Regulations (FAAR), Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Federal Contract Law, Contract Administration, Cost and Price Analysis and Competition in Contracting Act (CICA). c. Knowledge: A thorough and complete knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio in accordance with USG regulations Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of USG contracting, and preferably also USG assistance policies and procedures, and a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and federal contracting practices and procedures required. Specific familiarity with the AID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) and USAID contracting practices and procedures desirable. d. Skills and Abilities Attention to detail, good analytical skills, and excellent organizational skills to execute and administer awards. Discretion, tact and the ability to work under sometimes stressful conditions to meet deadlines and to effectively complete required actions. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and teamwork skills and the ability to work independently are a must. Computer skills in Word, Excel and award generation software are highly desired. e. Post Entry Training: The incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures. USAID specific training will be offered, either on the job or in training courses, as available. f. Language Proficiency: Level II Spanish is required. Level IV Spanish is preferred. POSITION ELEMENTS: a. Supervision Received: Receives administrative supervision from the CO. Incumbent must perform all duties with infrequent functional supervision. b. Supervision Exercised: In the absence of the CO, the incumbent will supervise one or more Colombian Foreign Service National Personal Service Contractors (FSN PSCs) functioning as Acquisition Specialists in the Regional Contracts Office at the level of FSN-10 (or above). c. Available Guidelines: : FAR, ADS, USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, Mission and Office operating orders. d. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the award and administration of awards. Judgment is required in identifying problems and issues and in solving and/or making recommendations to solve them. g. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contracts: The incumbent responds and interacts with all Mission staff (up to and including the Mission Director), but particularly with those offices or SO teams for which the incumbent provides A&A support; US and Colombian contractors and recipients, GOC officials, representatives of other agencies for international cooperation. and USAID personnel to carry out assigned responsibilities. The incumbent, based on his/her knowledge and experience, will influence Mission management or other officials to accept findings and recommendations of a substantial nature. h. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after entry: None. The incumbent is expected to be completely proficient in the area of Acquisition and Assistance. SELECTION CRITERIA 30 points: Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing contracting operations in the Federal Service. i.e. fixed price contacts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contract and agreements, business evaluation, contract administration, and contract termination. 10 points: Ability to represent the Agency – Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills, formal presentations to groups or organization meetings. 20 points: Ability to develop, prepare and complete contracting documents based upon extensive research of issues. Experience that demonstrates preparing pre-award packages, contract termination paperwork and related documents such as letters and memorandums. 25 points: Number of years of specialized Experience in USG acquisition (contracts, task orders and purchase orders), including procurement planning, solicitation, negotiation, cost and price analysis, award administration. And number of years of general experience. 15 points: Evidence of Level II Spanish writing and oral skills, strong English writing and oral skills, interpersonal skills and work initiative (based on reference checks, resume, and self-assessment). The three highest ranking applicants may be required to attend a one on one interview in Bogota, Colombia. Costs associated with this travel will be covered by USAID/Colombia. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Medical/Security Clearances As a condition of employment, the candidate selected must be able to obtain any required agency security and medical clearances. Length of Contract The term of the contract will be short-term not to exceed (12) months. This contract will be awarded subject to availability of funds. Contact Information: Helena Pardo Human Resources Assistance USAID/Bogotá Cra. 45 No. 22 D 45 Bogotá D.C., Colombia E-mail:
[email protected] Fax: 011-571-423-6859 Telephone: 011-571-423-6880 APPLYING: Qualified individuals must 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); C.V. or Resume References to include name, telephone number and e-mail. 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 Differential (Chapter 500) (4) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (5) Danger Pay (Section 650) (6) Air tickets, round trip (Section (7) Airfreight for Household and Effects (Section * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. In the event that the individual selected is a Third Country National (TCN), contract terms and conditions shall depend upon the incumbent’s prior experience as a TCN and to be negotiated in accordance with agency regulations. The incumbent at a minimum shall be provided: Benefit Explanation Salary Based on skills/qualifications of GS classifications, Payable in US Dollars, Similar to U.S. PSCs Housing Same as international recruited USPSCs Differential/Allowances Same as internationally recruited USPSC (post differential, living quarters, TQA, post, educational, SMA, evacuation coverage, danger pay) See Note 1/ Medical Unit As allowed per U.S. Embassy Policy Commissary Privileges As allowed per U.S. Embassy Policy APO As allowed per U.S. Embassy Policy Repatriation Modified to allow return to home country in lieu of U.S., if a TCN is hired. Note 1/: This plan specifically excludes the payment for the shipment of a POV or for any customs/duties/taxes for the repatriation of a POV purchased locally or internationally. Shipment of POV and HHE are excluded, as well as payment of any customs or duties. In addition, this plan excludes payment for customs/duties/taxes in the repatriation of HHE to the TCN’s country of record.