SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2003-008ISSUANCE DATE: May 6, 2003 CLOSING DATE: June 5, 2003 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US PSC Vacancie – Water Resource Engineering Manager (2 years) – Renewable The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from persons interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Sandy Sakran who may be reached at Fax No. 972-3-511-4893, or E-mail address:
[email protected]. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Leonel T. Pizarro Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2003-008 ISSUANCE DATE: May 6, 2003 CLOSING DATE: June 5, 2003 POSITION TITLE: Water Resource Engineering Managers MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $70,202 to $91,265. In addition, the Mission has 10% Post Differential. The salary will be determined based on past salary history and experience of the successful candidate within the above mentioned salary range. BACKGROUND: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an essential element of the U.S. Government's role in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. USAID assistance supports U.S. interests in promoting regional stability, economic prosperity and adherence to democratic principles, and is designed to put the fundamentals in place for long-term, sustainable development. The Strategic Objective of the Water Resources Office is to provide greater access to and more effective use of scarce water resources. II. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES One Water Resource Engineering Manager is required to assist USAID/West Bank and Gaza program with the management of implementation and design of water and sanitation programs in the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza. The manager is needed to provide adequate project management and meet demands that the USAID Mission establish systems to manage and monitor construction and design work, ensure that contractor quality and milestones are met, and to participate in meetings. The manager will be responsible for either the Gaza Regional Water Carrier or the Gaza Desalination Plant project. The services of the Water Resource Engineering manager is requested for a designated period of two years, after which one year renewable extensions may be possible through the duration of the program (2006) once the position is reviewed in light of the security situation and possible changes in the USAID Mission strategy. III. SCOPE OF WORK The U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) shall act as a project officer, serving primarily as the activity manager/Cognizant Technical Officer and water resources advisor for either the regional water carrier or the seawater desalination facility in Gaza. The USPSC shall provide technical assistance (TA) services to USAID in planning, implementation, and management during the development of infrastructure projects in Gaza, and to a lesser extent, the West Bank. The USPSC will work in the USAID/West Bank and Gaza office in Tel Aviv but shall be required to travel often in Gaza and to a lesser extent the West Bank. General assignments and overall policy direction will be provided to the contractor by the U.S. AID Direct Hire supervisor under the direction of the Strategic Objective team leader. The USPSC shall manage construction and construction management contractors working under Direct AID contracts. This will require close liaison with technical firms and construction contractors. The USPSC shall conduct technical analysis and make activity level decisions without specific guidance, within general USAID policy guidelines and USAID regulations. The USPSC shall also independently establish and maintain relationships with Palestinian and donor organizations active in the water sector. The USPSC's primary responsibilities shall be to provide oversight, contract supervision, contract management assistance, monitoring services, training and reporting for all aspects of the regional water carrier or the seawater desalination facility, as assigned. The USPSC shall provide technical assistance and guidance to the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC), Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry for Environmental Affairs for all project related activities including; professional development, construction monitoring, systems evaluations, training and operation, and maintenance and management practices. The USPSC shall represent USAID, if so designated, in discussions with other Palestinian agencies such as the Municipality of Gaza, other local governmental entities, local NGO's, local community groups, and other donors with respect to project activities and sector coordination. The USPSC shall provide input and provide reports for internal USAID reporting and monitoring relative to the project. The USPSC shall regularly review conditions in the sector and gauge the extent to which progress is being achieved in implementing appropriate construction, operation, maintenance, and management activities of facilities. As required, the USPSC shall provide briefings and conduct tours for USAID and USG staff and congressional delegation, as well as for press and other interested non-USG parties. The USPSC shall keep records of site visits, meetings, key communication, and provide three copies of monthly progress reports and meeting notes of important meetings to the Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Office and/or his/her designee(s). The USPSC shall provide reviews of feasibility studies and other technical reports from all sources, and shall draft Scopes of Work (SOWs) and comment on SOWs for water and wastewater activities. The USPSC shall provide site representation for USAID for capacity building activities that could include presentations, training programs and meetings. The USPSC shall, if so designated, represent USAID at Security Coordination Meetings that are held twice a month with Israeli Military officials, PWA, USAID and Contractors. All water projects require permitting for construction and access of contractor personnel through the various security zones in the West Bank and Gaza. The USPSC may be asked to assist USAID’s development of desalination facilities or the regional water carrier in Gaza through the following tasks; review technical reports and feasibility studies of engineering and financing options from USAID contractors and others, and travel to Gaza to meet with PWA, municipal officials, or others. The U.S. citizen PSC (USPSC) shall supervise one or possibly two Foreign Service National engineers. IV. QUALIFICATIONS The manager shall have the following experience and skills: 1. At least five years professional experience in the management of engineering design, construction or operation of water purveying or water desalination facilities is required. The possession, by the USPSC, of a current and active U.S. Professional Engineering License or an equivalent by comity is highly desirable. Desired areas of knowledge or expertise include any or all of the following: a. Construction management; b. Water transmission, pumping and storage facility design and construction: c. Treatment and desalination design and construction for potable or wastewater; d. Operation and maintenance of water or wastewater facilities. 2. International experience, preferably in the Middle East, is required; 3. Excellent spoken and written English is required; 4. Relevant USAID experience is highly desirable; 5. Strong interpersonal and team building skills are essential. 6. Experience in institutional capacity building and utility management is preferred; 7. Previous experience with international aid agencies is preferred; 8. An academic degree in engineering or a related field, a Masters degree is preferred. V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND SCHEDULE The PSC shall report to the Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Office or his/her designee(s). Reports and recommendations for development and management of desalination or regional water carrier facilities for USAID approval are required weekly. The contractor shall provide active participation in technical, planning and progress meetings, as scheduled. The contractor shall review reports, provide analysis, and provide recommendations weekly, monthly or quarterly as required and appropriate. The contractor shall participate in weekly Water Resources Group meetings. The contractor shall participate in review sessions for draft feasibility and preliminary design of water or wastewater facilities periodically as required. The contractor shall participate in inspection trips at least three times per month, and as required for any demonstration projects. The contractor shall provide detailed reports of all inspection trips along with digital pictures at least three times per month. VI. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Danger pay is provided for travel to West Bank and Gaza and in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The position is at the equivalence of a GS-14 level. ` ` VII. TIMING OF CONTRACT: The contractor should be available to start as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical and security clearances. VIII. APPLICATIONS: Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171. The following forms will also be requested once an individual is selected: *1. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62) *2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF86) or *3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) *4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) NOTE: Form 4 is available from the Contracting Office * The forms listed 1 through 4 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:00 on October 4, 2002 local time, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please send your application to the attention of Mr. Leonel Pizarro, Contracting Officer, using one of the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 0026 APO, AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail: USAID,C/O US EMBASSY 71 HAYARKON ST. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL 63903 This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. ================================================================ AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and 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) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 2. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 98-19 Home Leave under U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs. 97-17 PSCSs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation(MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service 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 (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles. Subject to Availability of Funds.