1. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.01 - 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 02-02-2004 3. ISSUED BY Contracts Office USAID/Bogota Diagonal 22 D Bis No. 47 -51 Bogota, Colombia 4. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO. 514-04-005 To all Offerors/Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION The purpose of this amendment is to revise Solicitation 514-04-005 description. Following changes have been made: On the solicitation letter execute following: 1) On SUBJECT of the solicitation letter, delete "Solicitation for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) or Third Country national Personal Services Contractor (TCNPSC)" and substitute with: "Solicitation for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)". 2) On the body of letter, delete USAID/Bogota is seeking proposals, resume and 3 references including full names, telephone numbers and addresses from U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals" and substitute with: "USAID/Bogota is seeking proposals, resume and 3 references including full names, telephone numbers and addresses from U.S. Citizens". At the end of the solicitation letter, delete "USAID/Bogota anticipates awarding one (1) USPSC/TCNS as a result of this solicitation" and substitute with: "USAID/Bogota anticipates awarding one (1) USPSC as a result of this solicitation. In the Solicitation under JOB DESCRIPTION - BASIC FUNTION OF THE POSITION, delete this paragraph in its entirety "The contractor will have experience working with USAID funded activities and will have solid knowledge of USAID implementation and documentation requirements and operational procedures. Given this experience, the contractor will provide guidance to less experienced members of the AADO team" In Allowances, delete following paragraphs in its entirety "In the event that the individual selected is a Third Country National (TCN), contract terms and conditions shall depend upon the ineumbent'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 Home Leave: Modified to allow return to home country in lieu of U.S., same frequency as USPSC. R&R: Modified to allow return to home country in lieu of designated R&R destination on a cost-constructive basis 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. In addition, this plan excludes payment for customs/ duties/taxes in the repatriation of HHE to the TCN's country of record". USPSC ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR AMENDMENT No. 1 SOLICITATION NUMBER: 514-04-005 ISSUANCE DATE: February 2, 2004 CLOSING DATE: February 17, 2004 SUBJECT: Solicitation for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Position, Alternative Development Advisor GS-14 for the Office of Agriculture and Alternative Development, USAID/Bogota. Ladies/Gentlemen: 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. Fanny M. Jorge, Senior Contracts Specialist, USAID/Bogotá, who may be reached at the following numbers and e-mail address: Phone: 011-571-423-6880 Facsimile/Fax: 011-571-423-6861 E-mail:
[email protected] Proposal may be submitted by means of mail, e-mail or facsimile. Mailing Address: Fanny M. Jorge Senior Contracts Specialist USAID/Bogotá Diagonal 22D Bis No. 47-51 Bogotá D.C. Colombia N.B.: Mark submissions “RFP No. 514-04-005” 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, Yvette M. Feurtado Contracting Officer AMENDMENDT No. 1 SOLICITATION INFORMATION: 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 514-04-005 2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 2, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE: February 17, 2004, 2:00 p.m. Bogotá Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Alternative Development Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been graded as the equivalent of a GS-14, with salary ranging from $73,467 to $95,508 per annum. Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background, but shall not exceed the level mentioned above. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bogotá, Colombia 8. SUPERVISION: USAID/Bogotá’s Supervisory Agricultural Development Officer JOB DESCRIPTION: BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Alternative Development Advisor serves in the Agriculture and Alternative Development Office (AADO), USAID/Colombia, Bogota and is supervised by the Office Director. The contractor serves as principal advisor to senior USAID and US Embassy staff on alternative development strategy and program implementation. Additional responsibilities include leading and coordinating USAID and the Government of Colombia (GOC) efforts in the development of a comprehensive alternative development strategy, and in the identification and implementation of private sector led alternative development (AD) opportunities in areas under the pressures of illicit crops. These activities support Mission's Strategic Objective 2 (SO2) -- Promote economic and social alternatives to illicit crop production. The contractor will serve as the key AADO team member responsible for overall planning, tracking and adjustments in AAD program level financial resources. As such, he/she interacts with Senior Mission Management, Program Office, Office Director and Financial Management offices on program resource management and allocation. The contractor will be responsible for the management of several high-profile alternative development programs, with a total portfolio in excess of $26 million. Currently, these activities include the $ 20 million Colombia Agribusiness Partnership Program, our flagship private sector alternative development activity; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the U.S.G’s primary program with the United Nations on alternative development and monitoring of illicit crop cultivation in Colombia; and the Interamerican Institute for Agricultural Cooperation. The contractor will have substantial experience in strategic design and management of alternative development programs and will apply his/her expertise to the highly visible, risky and complex alternative development context of Colombia. This requires the contractor to interact at the highest levels with Colombian officials involved in Plan Colombia. The contractor will work as a member of the AADO team and will collaborate with individuals from other USAID teams and other Embassy units involved in Plan Colombia activities. The contractor will have overseas experience working in alternative development and economic growth in difficult politically sensitive environments, which require astute skills in diplomacy and flexibility. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Planning and Coordination with US and GOC Officials (35%): 1. Serve as a key USAID representative and coordinator for the USG-GOC interagency working group to develop a Plan Colombia Phase II strategy. Follow the development of the strategy, and ensure smooth transition and adaptation of the current programs into the new strategy. Drafts strategy documentation for review by USAID, coordinates and participates in meetings with senior GOC representatives, prepares agendas, provides recommendations and highlights key issues for discussion with Senior Mission Management. 2. Leads AAD team on key public-private partnership issues and project implementation with GOC. Provides leadership in developing detailed plans, goals, objectives for the implementation and administration of related activities. S/he will oversee the public bidding process, evaluation of proposals etc., until such time that the projects that fully meet the bid criteria have been awarded to USAID grantees and contractors. 3. Participates actively in internal USAID Mission strategic planning, drafting documents, making recommendations and articulating AADO positions. 4. Provides guidance and recommendations to AAD Office Director and team members. Program Planning and Resource Management (35%): 1. Track Expenditures and Obligations for the overall alternative development program and ensure that the flow of funds is not disrupted. 2. Coordinates with all other Program Managers in the AAD program on program resource management issues. 3. Prepares assessments and analyses for overall programmatic adjustments to Senior Management, Program Office and Office Director. 4. Provides key inputs into the preparation of SO2 quarterly and annual reports and budgets. Ensures that all SO2 reporting is consistent with the Agency guidance, contractor work plans and budget. 5. Provides guidance and recommendations to AAD Office Director and team members. 6. Prepares Congressional Notification documentation. 7. Prepares issues for senior management briefings to high level congressional and USG visitors. 8. Coordinates with other USAID missions on programs. 9. Represents USAID at meetings with senior GOC counterpart entities and Chiefs of Party on the full range of technical and policy areas related to implementation of overall program. Program Design, Management and Monitoring (30%): 1. Serves as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for: a. the Mission’s flagship new initiative - Colombia Agribusiness Partnership Program (CAPP). b. UNODC cooperative agreement promoting alternative development and generating illicit crop verification data. c. Grant with IICA that is involved in risk analysis and securing USDA approval for Colombia’s exotic fruit exports d. Provides overall coordination for the USAID/GOC Alternative Development Public/Private partnership activity e. Serves as back-up CTO for Chemonics – Forestry Development Project, Chemonics $87 million Alternative Development Project and Aid to Artisans. 2. Review annual work and activity plans for completeness and adherence to assistance objectives. Evaluate program progress and results. 3. Drafts Statements of Work, procurement documents, correspondence and all related documentation 4. Consider factors such as cost effectiveness, attainment of program goals and objectives, and compliance with pertinent legal and regulatory guidelines. S/he will furnish timely submission of documentation for program budgeting and approval, and AID/W results reviews. 5. Provides input into technical portfolio reviews. 6. Keeps partners informed of USAID assistance plans and implementation progress through regular communications and meetings. 7. With UNODC and IICA, fosters donor coordination under alternative development program, between these entities and Plan Colombia. 8. Proposes modifications to activity design or workplans when necessary to better achieve results. 9. Ensure that measurements of progress are accurate and clearly describe the objectives of the program and the results achieved, and are reported accordingly. Qualifications A. Required: A minimum of 15 years professional work experience in economic development, of which at least 10 years experience is in overseas management of such activities. B. Required: Demonstrated ability to understand, and incorporate into flexible work planning, the complexities of managing alternative development and economic growth programs in a conflict situation. C. Required: A Mater’s degree and at least 15 years professional work experience in a development-related field. An MBA is preferred. D. Required: At least 15 years experience with management of similar programs. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: The contractor must be able to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners and clients and function successfully as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team. Language and Communication Skills: Level IV English and Spanish ability is required (fluency). Contractor must possess proficiency in both written and spoken English and Spanish. Information Technology Skills: Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word, EXCEL and PowerPoint is essential. Program Management Experience Prior work experience must consist of senior level experience in managing business development projects. Negotiation and leadership skills with exposure to dealing with senior bankers, CEOs of private firms, senior government officials and politicians is required. A mix of public and private sector experience is preferred. A minimum of ten years of related Project Management experience is required. Technical Knowledge and Skills Knowledge: In depth understanding of economic development and agribusiness development is required. Knowledge of commercial banking and finance would be helpful. In depth knowledge of USAID rules and regulations is highly desirable. Skills and Abilities: Ability to write well is essential. Technical capacity to conduct economic and financial analysis of projects is required. Highly effective interpersonal skills are required. The ability to propose, plan, organize, manage public relations (PR) events is very important. The ability to draft concise informative reports, cables, briefing materials, and talking points on complex subjects with short lead times is required. Language Skills: Excellent English communication skills both oral and written are essential. Ability to converse and correspond effectively in Spanish is necessary. Spoken and written Spanish at the 3/3 language proficiency level is required. Team Work and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work with a team of professionals with varying professional backgrounds and skills is required. Considerable experience in dealing with senior government officials and private sector representatives is desirable. Ability to obtain, analyze and evaluate a variety of complex data relevant to Colombia political and development contexts. Ability to synthesize complicated data and figures. Must be able to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and prepare precise, accurate and complete reports using computer software program applications; and to develop and present briefings. Ability to plan, develop, manage and evaluate important programs and projects as related to alternative development, licit economic opportunities and infrastructure activities. Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. Must have a high level of diplomacy and negotiation skills. The ability to work in a team setting is essential. Ability to convey complex information in simplified formats and build consensus and understanding of PMP is essential. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION The employee will report to the SO2 Team Leader who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Contractor's work plans and performance measures. In carrying out specific assignments, the Contractor will work closely with other SO Teams. S/he will carry out tasks under his/her own initiative, foreseeing constraints and opportunities and taking appropriate action to optimize benefits for the Agency. S/he will work within the Agency policy guidance, interpreting it as required in individual situations. The employee will be responsible for his/her own compliance with the Agency policy, rules and regulations, as well as for ensuring compliance on the part of contractors/grantees. The employee will directly supervise the $20 million CAPP -- ARD contract, and the grants with UNODC and IICA. The ARD contract has three U.S. long -term personnel and at least six Colombian professionals, as well as a range of senior offshore short-term technical assistance staff. The UNODC and IICA grants have three long-term advisors and several field staff. In addition, the contractor will serve as mentor to junior FSN professional staff. SELECTION CRITERIA 40 points: In depth understanding of economic development, and in particular, alternative development programs, and knowledge of and experience in promotion of private sector in development activities. Experience in strategy formulation for alternative development and economic development programs. 40 points: Experience with the design, implementation, and evaluation of rural development activities; Minimum 10 years of experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of economic development activities; Demonstrated experience in managing alternative development programs; In depth knowledge of program resource allocation and management. 20 points: Evidence of strong Spanish/English writing skills, interpersonal skills, and work initiative (based on reference checks, resume, and self-assessment). 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 for two (2) years. This contract will be awarded subject to availability of funds. Contact Information: Fanny Jorge Senior Contracts Specialist USAID/Bogotá Diagonal 22D Bis No. 47 - 51 Bogotá D.C., Colombia E-mail:
[email protected] Fax: 011-571-423-6880 Telephone: 011-571-423-6861 COMPENSATION The term of the contract will be for two (2) years. The position has been classified at a GS-14 level. The actual salary candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualification and previous earnings history. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING: Benefits 1. Employee's FICA contribution 2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance 3. Pay Comparability Adjustment 4. Annual Salary Increase 5. Eligibility for Workers Compensation 6. Annual and Sick Leave 7. Shipment and storage of household effects 8. Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) 9. R&R, dependent travel and other Offshore benefits and allowances as permitted for USAID direct hires Allowances 1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) 2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) 3. Post Allowance (Section 220) 4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) 5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) 6. Education Allowance (Section 270) 7. Education Travel (Section 280) 8. Post Differential (Chapter 500) (5%) 9. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) 10. Danger Pay (Section 650) (15%) FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO USPSCs 99–9 Personal Services Contracts (PSC) Annual Health 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 USPSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Incumbent Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-10 Personal services Contracts (USPSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 98-5 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 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 97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicate Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts 97-3 New USAID Incumbent 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 USPSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Incumbents (USPSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (USPSC). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 2. Incumbent Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62) ** 3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) ** 4. Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions (SF-85) ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) ** 6. Authority for release of information. ** 7. Foreign Residence Data. ** 8. Fair credit reporting Act of 1970, as amended. ** 9. Notice required by the Privacy Act of 1974. ** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** The forms listed as 2 through 9 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.