USPSC - Support Relief Group (SRG) Agriculture Advisor - Worldwide
Added: Oct 22, 2010 10:05 am SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-11-000004ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2010CLOSING DATE: November 22, 2010 5:00 p.m. ESTSUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Support Relief Group (SRG) - Agriculture Advisor located WorldwideLadies/Gentlemen:The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Support Relief Group (SRG) - Agriculture Advisor under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:• Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed).NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.• Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to:GlobalCorps529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 20045E-Mail Address: srgagriculture@globalcorps.comFacsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:Eleanor Henning or Paulo CoutoTelephone Number: (202) 661-9334 or (202) 661-9316 E-Mail Address: srgagriculture@globalcorps.comWebsite: www.globalcorps.comFacsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244Sincerely,Lance Butler IIIContracting OfficerSolicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Support Relief Group (SRG) - Agriculture Advisor1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-11-0000042. ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 20103. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: November 22, 2010 5:00 pm EST4. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group (SRG) - Agriculture Advisor5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent ($84,697 - $110,104 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year optionsSTATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as part of the Support Relief Group (SRG). It is the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) / Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)'s intent to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 days per calendar year.The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by DCHA/OFDA and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, DCHA/OFDA will contact the contractor and provide the following information:1. Date contractor is needed to report to DCHA/OFDA or assignment in the field2. Duration of Assignment3. Place of PerformanceThe contractor will notify DCHA/OFDA within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 days). The Contractor shall notify OFDA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist DCHA/OFDA in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give DCHA/OFDA 10 days notice for release from the assignment.7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide8. STATEMENT OF WORKPOSITION DESCRIPTIONBACKGROUNDThe Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into tee divisions. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance tough a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), the United Nations agencies and to partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction. DRM also coordinates with other organizations and donors for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations with a focus on disaster risk reduction. It encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA's Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies tough several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed.The Technical Assistance Group (TAG) within DRM was created in order to provide OFDA with a skilled cadre of technical experts in a variety of fields relevant to its disaster response and risk reduction activities. It is divided into a number of subgroups that include but is not limited to Food Security, Health, Most Vulnerable Populations, and Natural Hazards groups.INTRODUCTIONThe Support Relief Group (SRG) is a program developed by OFDA to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. In response to numerous disasters worldwide, it became clear that OFDA could not find, in a timely manner, adequate staff to cover all positions in the field and in Washington, and to backfill for permanent staff deploying to the field. The SRG program brings on board select candidates who could work on a part-time basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year, and who can be deployed within hours to facilitate OFDA's response to disasters, or to backfill staff in Washington and other locations. SRG positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to extend up to five years.Activation of the Agriculture Advisor will be coordinated with OFDA/TAG. USAID/OFDA activities are intended to minimize the adverse impacts of natural hazards by reducing vulnerability to disasters, increasing regional, national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters, and enhancing the resiliency of vulnerable groups and communities to recover from recurrent natural disasters.OBJECTIVEOFDA requires an Agriculture Advisor to provide expert technical advice and assistance for the analysis of potential agricultural vulnerabilities and risks and to increase sustainable agricultural capacities at the community level. This person will also be expected to provide expert advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies for agricultural activities world-wide.9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe Agriculture Advisor's responsibilities will include the following:• Conduct sector-specific assessments and make expert technical recommendations for appropriate activities, both for the initial disaster response phase and for longer-term disaster risk reduction or rebuilding of livelihoods. Assessments may be conducted at the regional, sub-regional, or national level, and may be related to disaster response or to comprehensive strategy development.• Understanding of the seed security framework, seed system security assessments and how both the framework and assessment information inform emergency programming in the agricultural sector. Apply assessment information to programming decisions.• At the field level, provide assessments of the agricultural situation as it relates to food security. Assess seed needs and the parameters of the problem, and make expert recommendations to regional teams and Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) on how to best respond to those needs programmatically.• Actively represent USAID/OFDA in emergency agriculture and food security sector discussions and activities. Serve as a USG emergency agriculture and food security sector resource person. Display expert technical and organizational leadership in sectoral activity commensurate with the role as a primary resource person for emergency agriculture and food security.• Guide OFDA thinking on agriculture and food security activities, and formulate sector strategies and recommendations, both for response and disaster risk reduction, and provide expert technical support for OFDA field offices, other offices within USAID, and to OFDA's Technical Assistance Group (TAG). Exercise independent judgment and decision-making related to agriculture activities, both in the U.S. and in the field.• Provide expert technical support for OFDA field offices, other offices within USAID, and to OFDA's Technical Assistance Group (TAG) for the agriculture and food security sector.• Coordinate agriculture response and recovery activities across a wide range of actors (UN, NGOs, governments, etc.) to ensure consistency of programming.• Facilitate and coordinate actual U.S. Government emergency response activities within the agriculture sector with the USAID Mission, other donor agencies, and the U.S. Embassy.• Provide coordination and managerial oversight of OFDA-funded agriculture activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds.• Provide technical review of submitted proposals and/or concept notes to ensure that proposed activities and programs align with best practice in the agriculture sector. Apply new developments in the agriculture and food security sector to OFDA programming.• Provide expert technical support in developing disaster risk reduction programs that mitigate the effects of disasters on populations and communities. Identify disaster mitigation measures that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review disaster risk reduction principles and make expert recommendations on course(s) of action.• Serve on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), Response Management Teams (RMTs) and assessment teams. Responsible for leading teams or for guiding and coordinating the work of other technical staff in the agriculture and food security sector.SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:During activation, day to day work is under the general supervision of the TAG supervisor. The incumbent will also take administrative direction from and report to the Overseas Administration team leader or his/her designee and the person designated as his/her supervisor in the Staffing Authorization.SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction and will have a wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in responding to needs.10. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).11. WORK ENVIRONMENTWork is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)Bachelor's degree in relevant agriculture field (including, but not limited to, agronomy, horticulture, pest management, agroecology) plus nine (9) years relevant work experience with the U.S. Government, an international organization or a non-governmental organization, of which at least two (2) years will have been in the disaster or emergency response field;ORMaster's degree in relevant agriculture field (including, but not limited to, agronomy, horticulture, pest management, agroecology) plus seven (7) years work experience with the U.S. Government, an international organization or a non-governmental organization, of which at least one (1) year will have been in the disaster emergency response field;SELECTION FACTORS(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)• Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;• Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted;• All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements.• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted;• Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID.• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)QRF #1 Describe your relevant work experience in disaster response/ preparedness/ mitigation and humanitarian assistance within the agriculture and food security sector.QRF #2 Discuss your experience with the seed security framework and how you have applied it within a disaster response scenario.QRF #3 Describe a previous experience serving with the USG or with an NGO while working in a disaster or humanitarian relief situation overseas, and discuss any lessons you learned from the experience.QRF #4 Discuss your experiences with program development, assessment, strategic planning, and/or administrative coordination in the field of disaster response, preparedness, mitigation, and humanitarian assistance, particularly as related to agriculture and food security.QRF #5 Discuss your ability to work with a diverse array of individuals and organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, including U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID, State Department, Department of Defense, CDC, NOAA, USGS), international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and UN agencies, and include any relevant experience.BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:QRFs have been assigned the following points:QRF #1 - 15 pointsQRF #2 - 15 pointsQRF #3 - 8 pointsQRF #4 - 7 pointsQRF #5 - 5 pointsInterview Performance - 30 pointsSatisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 20 pointsTotal Possible Points: 100APPLYING:Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.Qualified individuals are required to submit:1. A complete U.S. Government OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com).NOTE: Submission of a resume 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.2. A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.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.DOCUMENT SUBMITTALSVia mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: srgagriculture@globalcorps.comThe most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.NOTE: If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATIONThis 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 application.NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERSAll individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.htmlLIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCsForms outlined below can found at:http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do1. Optional Form 612.2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). **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). **6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **** Forms 2 tough 6 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) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCsCIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer tohttp://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#pscto determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITYAAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:BENEFITS:Employer's FICA ContributionContribution toward Health & Life InsurancePay Comparability AdjustmentAnnual IncreaseEligibility for Worker's CompensationAnnual & Sick LeaveALLOWANCES (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).FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and MedicareALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.ATTACHMENT 1ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITYGeneral Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY(OCTOBER 2006)(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. "MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES."(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer's liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled "Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation." In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor's invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or tough any other available debt collection mechanism.(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual's behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
SOL-OFDA-11-000004 US Agency for International Development Washington Office
10/22/10, 10:05 AM