Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
Added: Apr 16, 2018 10:58 am SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72028018R00003ISSUANCE DATE: April 16, 2018 CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 7, 2018 SUBJECT: Solicitation for United States/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC)Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist, GS-13Dear Prospective Offerors:The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I tough V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.Sincerely,Jeffry B. SharpContracting OfficerATTACHMENT 1I. GENERAL INFORMATION1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72028018R00003Number of Positions: 2POSITION #: 1: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for supporting the Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) with travel to Frankfurt and other client missions.POSITION #: 2: Senior Acquisition & Assistance for supporting USAID/Tunisia and USAID/Libya remotely, with travel to both USAID/Tunisia and MERP.For both positions, at a minimum, quarterly travel is required to client mission with an expectation of four months of travel during a 12 month period. TDY duration will normally range between 2 - 4 weeks depending on the task at hand, but could be longer or shorter depending on requirements.If a candidate wishes to apply for both positions, they are required to send separate CVs for each position. However, it would be up to the TEC panel to determine whether they would like to interview the candidates for both positions or not.2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 16, 20183. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 7, 20184. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist5. MARKET VALUE: $75,628 - $ 98,317 equivalent to GS- 13Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period or service shall commence from the date of execution of this contract and continue for the space of one year, with the option to extend annually as needed and performance is at least satisfactory and subject to availability of funds.7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Remote Work from the home country of the candidate other than USA. "The place of performance shall be remote at the location of his/her primary place of residence, with routine travel to client missions and/or Frankfurt to perform duties. The contractor should be available and is expected to travel as much as is needed based on the needs of the supported units and the Middle East Regional Platform and as directed by the Contracting Officer. In general, travel requirements will be known and communicated at least four weeks in advance of the actual travel. At a minimum, quarterly travel is required to client mission with an expectation of four months of travel during a 12 month period. TDY duration will normally range between 2 - 4 weeks depending on the task at hand, but could be longer or shorter depending on requirements." The selected candidate is expected to work eight hours per day out of which the incumbent should ensure that s/he is available during the core working hours of Middle East Reginal Platform (MERP) which is 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Frankfurt, Germany time) excluding half an hour lunch time.8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:1. Basic Functions of the PositionThe Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist is a key advisor to the Contracting/ Agreement Officer and team leader for specific A&A actions within the Office of Acquisition and Assistance in the Middle East Regional Platform, located in Frankfurt, Germany (MERP OAA). MERP OAA provides A&A support to several USAID offices in the Middle East region, including northern Syria, Tunisia and Libya. S/he will be readily able to apply comprehensive US Government contracting experience (either directly or via private industry experience performing US Government contracts at the prime and/or subcontract level) to a full range of Acquisition and Assistance challenges. S/he will do this by applying high-level Acquisition and Assistance knowledge, skills and abilities while working as independently as possible on activity design, solicitation and negotiation, as well as during activity implementation. Responsibilities involve a wide range of Acquisition and Assistance actions, including term, award fee or completion cost type contracts, task orders, international and interagency agreements, grants and cooperative agreements. S/he will be responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions. S/he will also mentor and train the new Acquisition and Assistance staff in Germany and at client offices.Individual actions will be unique and multifaceted. MERP OAA has a varied and complex portfolio, including high value, multi-sector programs with numerous projects. Besides being able to apply professional procurement skills tough all manner of Acquisition and Assistance instruments, the incumbent will be expected to deal with multiple types of implementers and the complications of cross cultural business dealings. Routine temporary travel to client offices is expected.2. Statement of Duties to be Performed The Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist will be the principal advisor for a broad range of USAID Acquisition and Assistance activities, to include high dollar, complex competitive procurement actions, but also assistance (grants and cooperative agreements), modifications, delivery and purchase orders, interagency agreements and supply schedule or other related actions. S/he shall exercise leadership skills in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner. S/he may have a formal decision-making authority in the many aspects of the broad areas of acquisition and assistance.1. Pre-Award Expertise and Services: Performs or directs all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award many kinds of acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. a. Reviews requests for Acquisition and Assistance actions (to include consulting on scope of work or program description documents), and manages the Acquisition and Assistance process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed tough the entire offer/application solicitation process. The incumbent must manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Finally, the incumbent manages the award process from beginning to conclusion with fully executed contract or assistance documents. b. Develops long-range plans for new or complex programs. Responsible for procurement planning activities, which may include reviewing and clearing project papers and representing OAA at program planning meetings. Identifies within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Develops objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations. Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serves on project review committee. c. Serves as advisor to program officials in project planning meetings. Advises program officials of the procurement instruments to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work. Provides counseling and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and FAR requirements. Collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria. 2. Post-award Expertise and Services. Performs all actions required to administer the complete variety of Acquisition and Assistance instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization tough to closeout. Relies on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Strategic Objective (SO) Plan, FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services. a. With the objective of mitigating performance risks, exercises a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal officers, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting contract or award provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted. b. Coordinates special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, primarily including the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), General Accounting Office (GAO), and Small Business Administration. Ensures that the results contractually required are documented and that Acquisition and Assistance actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests. c. Advises on resolution of special procurement problems associates with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims. Conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval. d. Responsible for contract administration sufficient to ensure contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency's projects and programs. Responsibilities typically include periodic site visits, approval of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of level of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, sub-awards consents, approval of key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition reviews and approvals, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout. Advises technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract. Evaluates the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting procedures, and results of the financial audits.3. SO Team Membership and Support Services. Serves on one or more SO Teams and/or provides support to SO team located at client missions. Collegially represents the Office of Acquisition and Assistance viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet SO time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. Government's best interests.4. Mission Support Services. As one of the Mission's Senior Acquisition and Assistance Technical Advisors, provides crucial knowledge of the international and local contractor and NGO community via consultation and advice to Senior Mission Management. Establishes and maintains an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g. other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.). a. Serves as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) Acquisition and Assistance staff, providing advice, training and support for FSNs. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job-specific technical training, informal day-today counseling and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The incumbent will counsel on consensus-building in a team environment, and methodology on professional conflict resolution technique. b. Responds to protests and audits findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Works with the Regional Legal Advisor in preparing the mission's position and provide assistance to the Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO, and programmatic and financial audits conducted by OIG and GAO.3. Supervision and Evaluation of PerformanceThe incumbent will be supervised and evaluated by the Regional Contracting Officer located at MERP, Frankfurt. The incumbent is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative as the Senior A&A Specialist performing many assignments independently, such as providing guidance to others involved in the management of the MERP OAA portfolio, developing a negotiation position, conducting negotiations, and developing and drafting of solicitations and awards. Performance is evaluated in terms of the overall MERP OAA achievement and success and the ability to train, mentor and upgrade the professional capacity of the local A&A Specialist(s).4. Other important information The selected candidate must provide at least 20 hours of training during a tee months period to Cooperating Country National(s) (CCN) designated by USAID/MERP. The Regional Contracting Officer will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the contractor's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S Citizens and Third Country Nationals12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.13. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional question you may contact Diane Moore at dimoore@usaid.govII. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITIONA. Education: A course of study leading to a degree or equivalent, in any the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management required.B. Work and Professional Experience:A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in acquisition and assistance functions. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge of latest federal contracting and assistance techniques, principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures. Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C Level I or its predecessor PMCP) is required. Completion of courses leading to the Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting II or III is highly desirable.Must be able to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential. Proven ability in the following: negotiation, issuance of fixed-price contracts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contracts and agreements, business evaluations, administration, termination and award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Demonstrated knowledge of team management strategies, mentoring and knowledge transfer to provide training for junior staff members.D. Language: Excellence in oral communication in English and strong English writing skills are required.III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORSA. Education: (10 points)B. Work and Professional Experience: (35 points)C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (35 points)D. Language: (20 points)Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate. After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.As part of the selection process, the short listed candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be conducted only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain at least a Facility Access (NSPD - 12) Security Clearance level and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these requirements to the selected candidate). A substantial delay in obtaining either the medical clearance or background check may make the applicant ineligible for selection.PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKSApplicants must provide at least tee references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/MERP reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.IV. APPLYINGSubmission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: frankfurt@usaid.gov, citing the Solicitation number and the Position title.Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:• Offer form AID 302-3, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. • Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing.• Applicants must provide a minimum of tee references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to frankfurt@usaid.gov.3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position. Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number (position reference #1 or #2) in the offer submission.V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRESOnce the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms will be provided. http://www.usaid.gov/forms1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)5. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)*The above listed forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCESAs a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:1. BENEFITS (if applicable)(a) Employer's FICA Contribution(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation(f) Annual and Sick Leave(g) Medevac insurance(h) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Frankfurt2. ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable)The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/: (a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)(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 Allowance (Section 650)VII. TAXESIt is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCsUSAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .[The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.]4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .
72028018R00003 US Agency for International Development Middle East Regional Program Office Frankfurt
4/16/18, 10:58 AM