USPSC - OTI Travel & Operations Specialist - Washington, DC
Added: May 08, 2015 1:47 pm Request for Personal Services ContractorUSAID Office of Transition InitiativesPosition Title: OTI Travel & Operations SpecialistSolicitation Number: SOL-OTI-15-000028Salary Level: GS-9 Equivalent: $52,668 - $68,465GS-11 Equivalent: $63,722 - $82,840GS-12 Equivalent: $76,378 - $99,296Issuance Date: May 8, 2015Closing Date: May 26, 2015Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. Eastern TimeDear Prospective Applicants:The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Travel & Operations Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.Submittals must 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:1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship.Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing:Each of the two (2) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the EFs must be mailed or emailed to:Office of Transition Initiatives529 14th Street, NW, Suite 807Washington, DC 20045E-Mail Address: OTIjobs@usaid.govApplicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:OTI Recruitment TeamTelephone Number: (202) 706-6100E-Mail Address: OTIjobs@usaid.govWebsite: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely,Cristina Sylvia Contracting OfficerSolicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Travel & Operations Specialist - Washington, DC (Multiple Positions)1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-15-0000282. ISSUANCE DATE: May 8, 20153. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 26, 2015 5:00 pm Eastern Time4. POSITION TITLE: Travel & Operations Specialist5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "tandem/ladder" position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-9 ($52,668 - $68,465 per annum) or GS-11 ($63,722 - $82,840 per annum) equivalent level. The highest level of this position is a GS-12 ($76,378 - $99,296 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-9 or GS-11 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.Following at least one year at the GS-9 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-11 equivalent grade. Following two years at the GS-11 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade and receive an excellent performance rating in their most recent annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee is performing successfully at the current grade and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed.Note: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-11 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-9 positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-9 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-9 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-11 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-11 position. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-9 and the GS-11 positions.6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with tee one-year option periods.7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.8. STATEMENT OF WORKPOSITION DESCRIPTIONBACKGROUNDUSAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives tough adaptive and agile programming.Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation.To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office's programmatic goals and objectives. USPSCs are considered employees of USAID for all purposes except programs administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - such as federally sponsored health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, there are several other similar benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers' compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see page 17 of this solicitation.For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiativesINTRODUCTIONThe Travel & Operations Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating travel for program-funded U.S. Personal Service Contractor staff, and providing operations services (e.g. information management and technology, finance and general administrative) in support of OTI's program implementation. Given the contingent, operational, and flexible nature of OTI's political transition work overseas, the Travel & Operations Specialist's duties may evolve and change depending on the operational and programmatic needs of the office.9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe work of the Travel & Operations Specialist requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Travel & Operations Specialist is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI.Under the direct supervision of the OTI Travel Team Leader or his/her designee, the Travel & Operations Specialist will perform the following duties:At the GS-9 Level:• Prepare travel authorizations in the Agency travel system for Washington based program-funded staff traveling on temporary duty assignments within the United States and overseas, including processing of travel requests, ensuring that all clearances have been obtained and that required documentation (itineraries, country clearances, and funding) has been prepared. Prepare assignment to post travel authorizations. On an as-needed basis, prepare travel authorizations for overseas field staff. Process amendments to travel authorizations as needed;• Process applications and requests for renewals of Diplomatic and Official passports for OTI program funded staff and facilitate the receipt of required visas and country clearances. Coordinate with the traveler and with the USAID travel agent to provide the traveler with a travel authorization, ticket, travel voucher package, etc.;• Prepare, review and process travel vouchers for payment for program funded staff. Monitor processing via the Agency travel system to ensure timely payment by the Office of Financial Management (M/FM). Intervene when necessary to assist travelers in the resolution of problems arising in connection with their travel vouchers. Conduct periodic reviews of travel-related obligations and disbursements to identify funds for de-obligation;• Support OTI program staff on the preparation of documentation in support of international travel requests for country clearances, cable notifications of assignment to post for field staff, etc.;• Provide support on regulations and policies relating to the transportation and storage of personal effects (household effects, personal vehicle, air freight) to and from overseas posts on assignment/repatriation orders. Assist employees with the resolution of problems relating to the transportation and storage of effects;• Assist with staff notifications on changes in policy and procedures and issue periodic reminders on key aspects of travel planning and execution, including regular updates to OTI Travel Office Order OTI Office to reflect changes in OTI office, Agency, Federal, and State Department policies and procedures;• Provide administrative or other support for other OTI operations and/or program functions as required;• Provide travel fund management in areas such as reconciliations, upward adjustments, deobligations, reporting/management, accruals, assisting with year -end close outs, forwarding funding travel actions, processing Personal Service Contractor expense vouchers and/or travel comp time calculations, etc.;• Participate on Agency panels or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new travel systems;• Establish and maintain the official electronic travel files, including travel authorizations and vouchers. Monitor file holdings to ensure timely disposition of files in accordance with Agency records management guidelines;• Maintain accurate records of the current status of diplomatic passports, visas, inoculations and medical evacuation policies to ensure that all travelers have the appropriate documents and current medical evacuation coverage when traveling;• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with administrative and financial personnel in USAID Missions, M/FM, regional financial management service centers, USAID Travel Office (M/AS/TT) and the Agency's Travel Agent to facilitate the timely processing of requests and resolution of problems encountered;• After an initial learning period, provide orientation, training, and mentoring for incoming staff on matters related to travel and as delegated; communicate with supervisor to recognize good performance and communicate where performance needs to be improved;• After an initial learning period, provide advice and guidance to OTI personnel on all aspects of the travel program. Coordinate with the agency's central travel office as needed to obtain clarifications of policy as it pertains to OTI travelers. With the assistance of the supervisor, serve as a POC for the Agency's travel office on matters pertaining to the implementation of the travel system, as requested. Assist with the maintenance of a library of resource documents of interest to travelers: per diem rates, travel regulations, travel allowances, etc.;• Collaborate with supervisor to discuss improvements to current travel system, providing ideas for innovation;• As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed tee months;• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.At the GS-11 Level:• Incumbent is expected to be an expert in the travel support field for the Agency, in regards to supporting program-funded personnel, policy and technical guidance as it pertains to domestic and international travel for OTI staff;• Prepare travel authorizations in the Agency travel system for Washington based program-funded staff traveling on temporary duty assignments within the United States and overseas, including processing of travel requests, ensuring that all clearances have been obtained and that required documentation (itineraries, country clearances, and funding) has been prepared. Prepare assignment to post travel authorizations. On an as-needed basis, prepare travel authorizations for overseas field staff. Process amendments to travel authorizations as needed;• Process applications and requests for renewals of Diplomatic and Official passports for OTI program funded staff and facilitate the receipt of required visas and country clearances. Coordinate with the traveler and with the USAID travel agent to provide the traveler with a travel authorization, ticket, travel voucher package, etc.;• Prepare, review and process travel vouchers for payment for program funded staff. Monitor processing via the Agency travel system to ensure timely payment by the Office of Financial Management (M/FM). Intervene when necessary to assist travelers in the resolution of problems arising in connection with their travel vouchers. Conduct periodic reviews of travel-related obligations and disbursements to identify funds for de-obligation;• Advise OTI program staff on the preparation of documentation in support of international travel requests for country clearances, cable notifications of assignment to post for field staff, etc.;• Serve as the OTI Point of Contact (POC) on regulations and policies relating to the transportation and storage of personal effects (household effects, personal vehicle, air freight) to and from overseas posts on assignment/repatriation orders. Assist employees with the resolution of problems relating to the transportation and storage of effects;• Notify staff of changes in policy and procedures and issue periodic reminders on key aspects of travel planning and execution, including regular updates to OTI Travel Office Order OTI Office to reflect changes in OTI office, Agency, Federal, and State Department policies and procedures;• Provide travel fund management in areas such as reconciliations, upward adjustments, deobligations, reporting/management, accruals, assisting with year -end close outs, forwarding funding travel actions, processing Personal Service Contractor expense vouchers and/or travel comp time calculations, etc.;• Participate on Agency panels or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new travel systems;• Establish and maintain the official electronic travel files, including travel authorizations and vouchers. Monitor file holdings to ensure timely disposition of files in accordance with Agency records management guidelines;• Maintain accurate records of the current status of diplomatic passports, visas, inoculations and medical evacuation policies to ensure that all travelers have the appropriate documents and current medical evacuation coverage when traveling;• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with administrative and financial personnel in USAID Missions, M/FM, regional financial management service centers, USAID Travel Office (M/AS/TT) and the Agency's Travel Agent to facilitate the timely processing of requests and resolution of problems encountered;• Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for staff as delegated; communicate with supervisor to recognize good performance and communicate where performance needs to be improved;• Provide advice and guidance to OTI personnel on all aspects of the USAID travel program coordinating with the Agency's central travel office as needed to obtain clarifications of policy as it pertains to OTI travelers. Serve as the POC for the Agency's travel office on matters pertaining to the Agency's electronic travel systems, as requested. Maintain a library of resource documents of interest to travelers: per diem rates, travel allowances, etc.;• Provide training for OTI staff on OTI travel procedures, the Agency travel system, and on standard operating procedures for the conduct of travel, and on the automated country clearance system;• Collaborate with supervisor to discuss improvements to current travel system, providing ideas for innovation with close participation on Agency panels or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new systems;• As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed tee months;• When required serve as Acting Team Leader for the OTI Travel Team in his/her absence;• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.At the GS-12 Level:• Incumbent is expected to be an expert in the area of Federal and Agency Travel processes and regulations; being able to provide concrete and concise policy and technical guidance as it pertains to domestic and international travel for OTI staff;• Prepare travel authorizations in the Agency travel system for Washington based program-funded staff traveling on temporary duty assignments within the United States and overseas, including processing of travel requests, ensuring that all clearances have been obtained and that required documentation (itineraries, country clearances, and funding) has been prepared. Prepare assignment to post travel authorizations. On an as-needed basis, prepare travel authorizations for overseas field staff. Process amendments to travel authorizations as needed;• Ensure that applications and requests for renewals are processed for Diplomatic and Official passports for OTI program funded staff and facilitate the receipt of required visas and country clearances. Coordinate with the traveler and with the USAID travel agent to provide the traveler with a travel authorization, ticket, travel voucher package, etc.;• Prepare, review and process travel vouchers for payment for program funded staff. Monitor processing via the Agency travel system to ensure timely payment by the Office of Financial Management (M/FM). Intervene when necessary to assist travelers in the resolution of problems arising in connection with their travel vouchers. Conduct periodic reviews of travel-related obligations and disbursements to identify funds for de-obligation;• Advise OTI program staff on the preparation of documentation in support of international travel requests for country clearances, cable notifications of assignment to post for field staff, etc.);• Serve as the OTI Point of Contact (POC) on regulations and policies relating to ordered departure and emergency evacuation of program-funded staff posted to USAID Missions and/or U.S. Embassies. Assist employees on ordered departure with questions regarding allowances, departure location and other logistics;• Provide assistance on regulations and policies relating to the transportation and storage of personal effects (household effects, personal vehicle, air freight) to and from overseas posts on assignment/repatriation orders. Assist employees with the resolution of problems relating to the transportation and storage of effects. Observe and make suggestions on possible improvements to systems already in place;• Provide travel fund management in areas such as reconciliations, upward adjustments, deobligations, reporting/management, accruals, assisting with year-end close outs, forwarding funding travel actions, processing Personal Service Contractor expense vouchers and/or travel comp time calculations, etc.;• Incumbent will be asked to facilitate Agency panels or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new systems;• Establish and maintain the official office files on travel, including travel authorizations and vouchers. Monitor file holdings to ensure timely disposition of files in accordance with Agency records management guidelines;• Ensure accurate hard copy and electronic records are maintained of the current status of diplomatic passports, visas, inoculations and medical evacuation policies to ensure that all travelers have the appropriate documents and current medical evacuation coverage when traveling;• Ensure that OTI, Agency, and State Department travel information and systems are shared efficiently and effectively with OTI staff, using OTI systems (e.g. OTI Anywhere) tough regular group and one-on-one trainings, ad hoc brown bags, and maintenance of resources documents of interest to travelers;• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with administrative and financial personnel in USAID Missions, M/FM, regional financial management service centers, USAID Travel Office (M/AS/TT) and the Agency's Travel Agent to facilitate the timely processing of requests and resolution of problems encountered. Act as the main point of contact between these offices and the OTI Travel Team;• Work closely with travelers and the Agency's designated TMC to ensure that routings and ticketing is within Agency policy and is advantageous to the Government. Provide monthly reporting to Travel Team Lead to ensure that OTI travel is performed at a continued cost savings;• Provide ongoing mentoring and training for other OTI staff that help manage travel actions for their teams (e.g. Administrative Program Assistants, Program Assistants, Program Managers, and others);• Provide advice and guidance to OTI personnel on all aspects of the USAID travel program coordinating with the Agency's central travel office as needed to obtain clarifications of policy as it pertains to OTI travelers. Serve as the POC for the Agency's travel office on matters pertaining to the Agency's electronic travel systems, as requested. Maintain a library of resource documents of interest to travelers: per diem rates, travel allowances, etc.;• Provide training for OTI staff on OTI travel procedures, the Agency travel system, and on standard operating procedures for the conduct of travel, and on the automated country clearance system;• Serve as a travel expert for the Agency regarding travel support for program funded U.S. Personal Service Contract employees, participating on Agency panels and/or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new systems relevant to OTI travel requirements;• Collaborate with supervisor to discuss improvements to current travel system, providing ideas for innovation with close participation on Agency panels or working groups to develop, improve, or train on new systems;• As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed tee months;• When required serve as Acting Team Leader for the OTI Travel Team in his/her absence;• Perform all other duties as assigned.SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:The Travel & Operations Specialist will be supervised by the Travel Team Leader, as a member of the Operations and Management Division (OMD).SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:At the GS-9 level, the supervisor will assign priorities, deadlines, and work to be accomplished. The employee is expected to use initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently, while referring deviations, problems and unfamiliar situations to the supervisor.At the GS-11 level, the supervisor will create assignments by defining objectives, priorities and deadlines, and will work with the employee on situations that do not have clear precedents. The employee is expected to plan and carry out successive steps, and handle problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy requirements.At the GS-12 level, the supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, methodology, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for carrying out assignments and consulting with the supervisor on policy interpretations. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.10. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands.11. WORK ENVIRONMENTWork is performed in an office setting. Overseas deployments are not required for this position.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. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying." Applicants may satisfy the minimum qualifications tough work experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency or tough the combination of education and position-specific work experience.)At the GS-9 level:(1) Five (5) years of work experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency.OR(2) Bachelor's degree with two (2) years of work experience;ORAssociate's degree with tee (3) years of work experience;AND(3) Two (2) years of experience providing administrative, finance, or personnel support for an organization with domestic and overseas staff;(4) One (1) year of experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency;(5) Demonstrated experience with data entry and database management.At the GS-11 level:(1) Six (6) years of work experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency.OR(2) Bachelor's degree with tee (3) years of work experience;ORAssociate's degree with four (4) years of work experience;AND(3) Tee (3) years of experience providing administrative, finance, or personnel support for an organization with domestic and overseas staff;(4) Two (2) years of experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency;(5) One (1) year of data entry and database management experience.At the GS-12 level:(1) Eight (8) years of work experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency.OR(2) Bachelor's degree with five (5) years of work experience;ORAssociate's degree with six (6) years of work experience;AND(3) Five (5) years of experience providing administrative, finance, or personnel support for an organization with domestic and overseas staff;(4) Four (4) years of experience supporting travel operations for a U.S. Government agency;(5) Tee (3) years of data entry and database management experience.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 resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements;• Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; • Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship);• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position.NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded.EVALUATION FACTORS(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.)Applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.Factor #1 Demonstrated experience researching and applying government travel regulations (FTR, DSSR, etc.) and office policies to process time-sensitive travel requests.Factor #2 Demonstrated experience tracking and maintaining financial, travel, or personnel information with software applications such as Microsoft Access or Excel.BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document 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 specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation 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:Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:Factor #1 - 30Factor #2 - 30Total Possible - 60 PointsInterview Performance - 40 pointsSatisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned)Total Possible Points: 100The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.APPLYING: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. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship.Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.2. Supplemental document specifically addressing:Each of the two (2) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.By submitting your application materials, you agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email.DOCUMENT SUBMITTALSVia mail: Office of Transition Initiatives, 529 14th St. NW, Suite 807, Washington, DC 20045Via email: OTIjobs@usaid.govPlease note in your document submittal where you heard about this position.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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https:/acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.htmlLIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCsForms outlined below can found at: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/forms.shtml or at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/1. Federal Employment Application (OF-612).2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306).3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).Forms 1 tough 5 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 to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to 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.FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONSFAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 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 Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)Eligibility 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 DISABILITY, 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 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/16fam/index.htmNote: 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). ATTACHMENT 2FAR 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009).(a) Definitions. As used in this clause-"Coercion" means-(1) Teats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person;(2) Any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform anact would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or(3) The abuse or teatened abuse of the legal process."Commercial sex act" means any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to orreceived by any person."Debt bondage" means the status or condition of a debtor arising from a pledge by the debtor ofhis or her personal services or of those of a person under his or her control as a security for debt, ifthe value of those services as reasonably assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debtor the length and nature of those services are not respectively limited and defined."Employee" means an employee of the Contractor directly engaged in the performance of workunder the contract who has other than a minimal impact or involvement in contract performance."Forced Labor" means knowingly providing or obtaining the labor or services of a person-(1) By teats of serious harm to, or physical restraint against, that person or another person;(2) By means of any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that, if theperson did not perform such labor or services, that person or another person would sufferserious harm or physical restraint; or(3) By means of the abuse or teatened abuse of law or the legal process."Involuntary servitude" includes a condition of servitude induced by means of-(1) Any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that, if the person did notenter into or continue in such conditions, that person or another person would suffer seriousharm or physical restraint; or(2) The abuse or teatened abuse of the legal process."Severe forms of trafficking in persons" means-(1) Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or inwhich the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or(2) The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor orservices, tough the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntaryservitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."Sex trafficking" means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of aperson for the purpose of a commercial sex act.(b) Policy. The United States Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons. Contractors and contractor employees shall not-(1) Engage in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of performance of the contract;(2) Procure commercial sex acts during the period of performance of the contract; or(3) Use forced labor in the performance of the contract.(c) Contractor requirements. The Contractor shall-(1) Notify its employees of-(i) The United States Government's zero tolerance policy described in paragraph (b) of thisclause; and(ii) The actions that will be taken against employees for violations of this policy. Suchactions may include, but are not limited to, removal from the contract, reduction in benefits,or termination of employment; and(2) Take appropriate action, up to and including termination, against employees orsubcontractors that violate the policy in paragraph (b) of this clause.(d) Notification. The Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer immediately of-(1) Any information it receives from any source (including host country law enforcement) thatalleges a Contractor employee, subcontractor, or subcontractor employee has engaged inconduct that violates this policy; and(2) Any actions taken against Contractor employees, subcontractors, or subcontractoremployees pursuant to this clause.(e) Remedies. In addition to other remedies available to the Government, the Contractor's failure to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (c), (d), or (f) of this clause may result in-(1) Requiring the Contractor to remove a Contractor employee or employees from theperformance of the contract;(2) Requiring the Contractor to terminate a subcontract;(3) Suspension of contract payments;(4) Loss of award fee, consistent with the award fee plan, for the performance period in whichthe Government determined Contractor non-compliance;(5) Termination of the contract for default or cause, in accordance with the termination clause ofthis contract; or(6) Suspension or debarment.(f) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (f), in all subcontracts.(g) Mitigating Factor. The Contracting Officer may consider whether the Contractor had a Trafficking in Persons awareness program at the time of the violation as a mitigating factor when determining remedies. Additional information about Trafficking in Persons and examples of awareness programs can be found at the website for the Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at http://www.state.gov/g/tip.
SOL-OTI-15-000028 US Agency for International Development Washington Office
5/8/15, 1:47 PM