USPSC - Support Relief Group (SRG) Generalist - Worldwide
Added: Sep 30, 2010 11:55 am SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-10-000013ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2010CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2011, 5:00 p.m. EDT,Open and Continuous AnnouncementSUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Support Relief Group (SRG) - Generalist (Multiple Positions) 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) - Generalist 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 tee (3) 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: srggeneralist@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) 661-9316E-Mail Address: srggeneralist@globalcorps.comWebsite: www.globalcorps.comFacsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244Sincerely,Lance Butler III, Contracting OfficerSolicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Support Relief Group (SRG) - Generalist (Multiple Positions)1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-10-0000132. ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 20103. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 30, 2011 5:00 pm EDTThis announcement is open and continuous until September 30, 2011, although selections may be made in advance of that date.NOTE: It is OFDA's intent to contract with multiple Personal Service Contractors (PSCs) under this solicitation. All applications received on or before the following dates:November 1, 2010April 1, 2011September 30, 2011will be reviewed for the number of available positions on that date.A candidate not contracted with during an earlier period is required to reapply for additional positions available in subsequent review periods. Applications will be reviewed for all available positions under this solicitation subsequent to the date of receipt.4. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group (SRG) - Generalist5. 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.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.The SRG program is managed by the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) in OFDA/OPS. This team maintains a database for all contracted Support Relief Group staff and provides information to the rest of the office on their availability, skills and previous OFDA experience. OAT assists the program offices within OFDA in choosing the best qualified SRG for any specific task, and provides administrative and personnel support to existing SRG. Each SRG incumbent will provide enhancement to the OFDA team according to his/her skills. They will be considered part of OFDA-Washington resources that can be deployed worldwide. At times they may also be a resource for the DCHA. Foreign language ability in one or more major world languages is preferred.OBJECTIVEOFDA requires SRG generalists to meet its surge capacity objectives, and to strengthen its capability to support OFDA's mandate and the delivery of humanitarian assistance around the world.9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSRG personnel respond to humanitarian emergencies - natural, technological and conflict-related disasters - as required, worldwide. The contractor may serve in the OFDA Washington offices as staff enhancement when critical shortages of staff occur and on Response Management Teams (RMTs), which provide program, administrative, technical and logistics support to OFDA Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) from Washington. The contractor may also be required to travel on short notice as a critical component of a U.S. Government (USG) disaster assessment team or a DART or to backfill staff members in OFDA regional or program offices overseas.• Conduct initial assessments of the vulnerable populations and recommend appropriate relief activities. Facilitate and coordinate USG emergency response activities with the USAID Mission, with other donor agencies, and with the U.S. Embassy. Provide timely reporting cables and other written analysis of events;• Coordinate and liaise with other responders, i.e., government agencies, international organizations or private voluntary organizations. Brief host governments, U.S. Embassy, USAID Mission, and the U.S. Military as necessary;• Coordinate and manage oversight of OFDA-funded activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds. Monitor financial statements from the grantee(s) and the timeliness and quality of response(s);• Identify disaster mitigation measures, where appropriate, that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review mitigation principles and recommend course(s) of action to OFDA/Washington staff;• Develop various types of country/regional strategies for field offices, DARTs and assessment teams. Provide briefings and written reports as required;• Conduct personnel-related activities, property management, safety and security assessments, supply management, contracting services, leasing, travel, and records management, as needed and when tasked;• Coordinate delivery of relief supplies provided by OFDA. Ensure that distribution is carried out in accordance with USAID policies and regulations and with OFDA strategies;• Interpret USAID policies and apply them to OFDA activities as appropriate;• Determine availability of support resources including staff, equipment, storage, office space, and communications; identify the obligating authority for procurement of supplies, commodities and services;• Participate in appropriate training either as a participant and/or trainer;• Operate DART communications equipment and operate a four-wheel drive or standard-shift vehicle in cross-country conditions;• Provide expert advice to OFDA DARTs, RMTs, regional missions, and/or OFDA's Washington-based staff on humanitarian issues for populations at risk in conflict, disaster affected, or otherwise food-insecure areas;• Foster an effective team environment; guide and coordinate the work of other team members when serving as Response Manager, DART Leader, or other supervisory capacity;• Adhere strictly to Embassy and Mission security guidelines, coordinate all travel with the DART Leader, the DART Security Officer, the USAID Executive Officer and/or the Washington-based RMT.SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:The incumbent will take direction from and report to the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Leader or his/her designee, and that 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 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 with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, human rights, economics, food policy, public health, gender studies, disaster management or a related field) plus nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience working in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, tee (3) years of which were obtained overseas.ORMaster's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, law, human rights, economics, food policy, public health, gender studies, disaster management or a related field) plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, two (2) years of which were obtained overseas.ORAt least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience working in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, tee (3) years of which were obtained overseas.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 experience participating in on-the-ground disaster response efforts with relevant organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, including U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foreign governments and other donors. Experience to include conducting needs assessments, program development, and/or strategic planning. If you have specific educational and professional experience that you believe qualifies you as an expert in one of the following humanitarian sectors, please also describe that experience: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH); Food Security, Agriculture, and Livestock; or Shelter and Settlements.QRF #2 Describe your knowledge of and experience with U.S. Government policy and regulations for responses to overseas natural disasters and complex emergencies.QRF #3 Provide specific examples of your ability to represent organizational interests and cultivate partnerships across organizational or cultural boundaries with (1) foreign governments, local authorities and beneficiaries, (2) international organizations, (3) international and local non-governmental organizations, and (4) U.S. Government agencies and other donors, as related to humanitarian assistance.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 - 20 pointsQRF #2 - 15 pointsQRF #3 - 15 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 tee (3) 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: srggeneralist@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-10-000013 US Agency for International Development Washington Office
9/30/10, 11:55 AM