SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC), General Development Officer GS 14, # 121-2003-03 ISSUANCE DATE: Monday, November 10, 2003, 10:30AM Eastern Standard Time CLOSING DATE: Friday, December 12, 2003, 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Mission for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, is seeking proposals from U.S. citizens interested in providing the USPSC services below. PLEASE NOTE: THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS POSITION WILL BE IN CHISINAU, MOLDOVA. THE PERSONNEL OFFICE WHERE ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING TIME/DATE IS USAID KIEV, UKRAINE. APPLICANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BUT USAID ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBLITY FOR DELAY IN TRANSIT, MIS-ROUTING, ETC. SUBMISSIONS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION AT THE PLACE AND TIME SPECIFIED. IT IS THE APPLICANTS FULL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE ALL THEIR DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED IN READABLE CONDITION AT THE ABOVE OFFICE BY THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME. Applicants shall submit Optional Form OF-612, Resume and 3 references including full name, telephone number and address. (Note: applicants who submit the SF-171 and 3 references will be considered as having submitted the proper forms for consideration. However, since the SF-171 has been updated through the OF-612, candidates should strive to submit, using the 612 and attaching a resume). The OF-612 form is located at the USAID Agency website: www.usaid.gov, click on USAID Forms. Applications may be: (1) sent by fax to 380-44-4625834 (USAID Kiev, Ukraine) (2) sent as an email attachment to Victoria Grib, A.I.D. Development Specialist at
[email protected] and to Paul D. Guild, Supervisory Regional Executive Contracting Officer at
[email protected] (3) sent by courier (DHL, Federal Express, UPS or other courier) to Regional Executive Office USAID 19 Nyzhny Val Street Kiev 04071, Ukraine REF 121-2003-03 All applicants are reminded it is incumbent upon them to assure that materials they send no matter what method they choose are received by the above office prior to the closing date and time above. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Victoria Grib or Mr. Paul D. Guild who may be reached at FAX No. 380-44-462-5834, or E-Mail:
[email protected] and
[email protected]. Telephone calls can be made to country code 380 city code 44 office number 462-5678. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All potential offers are contingent on receipt of medical clearance and security clearance. Signed: Paul D. Guild, Supervisory Regional Executive Contracting Officer USAID Belarus/Moldova/Ukraine 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 121-2003-03 2. ISSUANCE DATE: Monday, November 10, 2003, 10:30AM Eastern Standard Time 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Friday, December 12, 2003, 10:30AM Eastern Standard Time, USAID Kiev Ukraine 4. POSITION TITLE: General Development Officer, USPSC, GS 14 5. MARKET VALUE : GS-14, current salary level $72,381-$94,098 . 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years, with renewal options for up to 3 additional years. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Chisinau, Moldova. 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: USAID/Chisinau and USAID/Kiev have program responsibility for the formulation of the Moldova technical assistance strategy and the development, implementation and oversight of USAID-financed activities in Moldova. USG assistance programs are focused on three primary strategic objectives: (a) private enterprise growth to create jobs and economic opportunities; (b) effective, responsible and accountable democratic institutions; and (c) social and humanitarian assistance. USAID activities in a fourth strategic objective, fiscal and financial reforms to support market-led growth, are currently being phased out under USAID/Moldova¡¦s 2001-2005 strategy. USAID/Moldova manages a portfolio of over 20 activities implemented by institutional contractors and grantees. The FY 2003 USAID program level for Moldova was $22 million, and is expected to be approximately $20 million annually in FY 2004 and 2005. Basic Functions of the position This position is located in the Chisinau Moldova Office of the regional USAID Mission for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. The incumbent reports directly to and receives guidance from the Supervisory General Development Officer (SGDO) locate in Chisinau. The incumbent will provide technical support and advice to Project Management Specialists and Project Management Assistants in Chisinau to facilitate their responsibilities for project management in all Moldova Strategic Objectives. The GDO will have the full range of project management, implementation, monitoring and reporting responsibilities in his/her role as CTO for projects within the USAID portfolio in Moldova. The position is accomplishment and impact oriented. The incumbent will assist in resolving program implementation problems and provide the support and assistance necessary to maximize program impact of USAID activities across all strategic objectives. The incumbent will participate in all aspects of planning, programming and strategy development related to USAID¡¦s assistance in Moldova and serves as Activity Manager and/or Cognizant Technical Officer for one or more activities in the USAID/Moldova portfolio. The GDO will work across a broad range of activities in a number of strategic objectives and sectors such as land privatization, agriculture and agri-business development, micro-enterprise development, energy distribution and regulation, health and humanitarian assistance, and democracy and local government. In addition he/she will be the primary technical officer responsible for managing cross-cutting activities that touch on elements of multiple Strategic Objectives throughout USAID/Moldova¡¦s portfolio. The GDO will assist the Project Development Officer (PDO) in the completion of the Moldova Annual Report and other USAID strategy documents, and will assist in preparing the input of FSN technical officers. He/she will coordinate the preparation of briefing materials covering USAID activities in Moldova as well as the drafting of communications from the USAID Country Program Officer and the United States Ambassador to host country government counterparts with respect to accomplishments, performance, and/or legislative issues of concern to USAID programs. Specific Duties and Responsibilities 1. The incumbent provides technical support to FSN technical officers in their roles as SO Team Leaders, where appropriate. The GDO may serve as SO Team Leader under any of Moldova¡¦s Strategic Objectives. 2. Provides technical support to FSN technical officers in their roles as CTOs of USAID programs and activities, to ensure prompt and efficient implementation of programs, and in conjunction with the PDO, regular evaluation of results. Where appropriate, the GDO will assure prompt response and appropriate follow-up to audit recommendations. The GDO may serve as CTO for one or more activity under any of Moldova¡¦s Strategic Objectives. 3. USAID/Moldova is phasing out its assistance in the energy sector. Through the final close-out of energy sector programs, the incumbent will serve as an advisor, together with the PDO, on the development, utilization and management of all USAID energy sector projects in Moldova, including providing technical oversight to USAID activities in the energy sector, and maintaining current knowledge of the regulatory and tariff situation and various reform issues in the sector. 4. Assist in the development and oversee the implementation of programs across Moldova¡¦s Strategic Objectives, in consultation with the Country Program Officer (CPO), SGDO, PDO, Moldova SO Team Leaders, and where appropriate, USAID/Kyiv staff, E&E Bureau staff, and US Embassy/Chisinau staff. 5. Through field observation, consultation and analysis with host government counterparts and USAID implementing partners, the incumbent will provide technical advice and support to SO Team Leaders and assist the PDO in the conceptualization, design and implementation of USAID programs. 6. Provides regular and frequent reporting to the Country Program Officer, Regional Mission, and E&E offices as required on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, opportunities and issues related to the implementation of USAID programs in Moldova. Supervision Exercised None. Qualification, Experience and Language Skills The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor¡¦s degree, though a Master¡¦s degree is highly desirable, plus experience in a field related to international development or an appropriate technical field. Candidates must possess at least five years¡¦ experience in project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably with USAID. Although not mandatory, experience in USAID programs in the Europe and Eurasia region, knowledge of the Romanian and/or Russian languages, and a certificate as a Certified Cognizant Technical Officer are highly desirable. Other Factors The USAID Office in Moldova is responsible for a large array of portfolios, although the resident staff is relatively small. The Moldovan program is the ultimate responsibility of the USAID Regional Mission to Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, located in Kyiv, Ukraine. Living conditions in Moldova are moderately difficult. The post carries a 20% hardship differential. Levels of Contact „a Chiefs of Party „a NGOs, PVOs „a Counterpart officials in Moldova „a International donors „a USAID/Ukraine „a USAID/Washington 9. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: I. Education (20 points) A Bachelor's degree in a field related to International Development or an appropriate technical field is required. Master¡¦s Degree in a field related to international development or appropriate technical field is desired. Certification of Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) is desired. II. Experience (40 points) (a) Required: a minimum of five (5) years experience in project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. (b) Required: documented ability to work collaboratively and productively in a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team environment with proven organizational and administrative skills. (c) Desired: good demonstrated knowledge of and use with USAID procedures and systematic processes for activity development, including strategic planning, results frameworks, activity design, and evaluation. Points will be given in this category for previous experience working with teams comparable to the USAID Strategic Objective Team model, and in teams that involved non-USAID development partners and clients. (d) Desired: experience in USAID programs in the Europe and Eurasia region. III. Skills (35 points) (a) Required: fluent in English with proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Demonstrated ability to produce professional-quality analytical pieces through writing samples (5 pages in length) will be requested of those individuals who are short-listed for final consideration. Strong computer and word processing skills in order to manage activity goals and achievements, both programmatic and financial. Points will be given in this category for candidates with documented proficiency with computer word processing programs. (b) Required: demonstrated ability to make logical and persuasive oral presentations to senior government officials and leaders of the non-government sector. Demonstrated technical expertise in developmental and international issues. (c) Desired: demonstrated effective and collaborative skills especially in a cross cultural setting, that can be confirmed through resume/biodata/reference checks. IV. Language (5 points) Required: full fluency in English. Desired: through informal testing, current demonstrated reading and speaking in either Russian or Romanian at the 2/2 level. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN OFF-SHORE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO OFF- SHORE USPSCs 00-5 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-3 2000 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 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 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form OF-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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.