20220718 72066822R00014-USPSC_TCN Construction Management Specialist-fully executed.pdf

Embassy of the United States in South Sudan Kololo Road, adjacent to the European Union's compound

Juba, South Sudan Telephone: +211.912.105.107

Website: https://www.usaid.gov/south-sudan

Solicitation Number: 72066822R00014 Issuance Date: July 18, 2022 Closing Date and Time: July 25, 2022, at 1700 Juba time

SUBJECT: Solicitation # 72066822R00014 for U.S. Personal Service Contractor

(USPSC)/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) Construction Management Specialist (CMS).

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under the Contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Anthony R. Raneses Contracting Officer

Solicitation # 72066822R00014 for USPSC/TCNPSC Construction Management Specialist

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066822R00014

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 18, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 25, 2022, at

1700 Juba time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Anthony R. Raneses at araneses@usaid.gov and Warran

Bully at wabully@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Construction Management Specialist.

6. MARKET VALUE: $895,973 - $124,764, equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Juba, South Sudan, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Overseas UPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission Policy. In addition, telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on August 15, 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for one year option for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: August 15, 2022 – August 14, 2023 Option Period (O.P.)

1:

August 15, 2023 – August 14, 2024

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S citizens (including lawful permanent U.S.

residents) or Third Country Nationals.

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there is no qualified U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be considered. References ADS 309.3.1.4 and 309.3.1.10.

mailto:araneses@usaid.gov mailto:wabully@usaid.gov

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Secret; TCNPSCs – Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

(1) General Statement of the purpose of the Contract.

The Construction Management Specialist is responsible for providing management and technical oversight and quality assurance for construction and/or renovation projects at USAID/South Sudan’s office and residential complexes in Juba. The projects may consist of the construction of new buildings and related structures; installation of modular office/residential units; renovation (both exterior and interior) of existing structures;

and/or installation of life support infrastructure, including, but not limited to electrical power generation and distribution, potable water and waste disposal systems, internal and external electrical systems, telephone, internet, and television systems, walkways, roadways, security systems, access gates, safe havens, dining, and recreational facilities, communications facilities, laundry and maintenance facilities. It is estimated that construction management-specific duties will take up to 90% of the incumbent’s full-time level of effort.

(2) Statement of Duties to be performed.

The incumbent will be serving as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) under a letter of appointment. While a COR has reporting responsibilities to the cognizant Contracting Officer, the incumbent is assigned to the Executive Office in Juba and is subject to administrative supervision and direction of the Supervisory Executive Officer/Juba (S/EXO Juba). As a senior member of the Executive Office staff, 10% or more of the incumbent’s full-time level of effort will be dedicated to recurrent and administrative management functions as assigned by the Executive Officer. Accordingly, the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Management Specialist are prioritized as follows:

The Construction Management Specialist is responsible to the Contracting Officer in accordance with applicable letter(s) of appointment as COR, and in that capacity:

Maintains thorough familiarity with applicable contracts and, as appropriate, subcontracts, including all associated modifications.

Reviews and analyzes Contractor submittals of plans, drawings, construction technical data, and material samples to ensure contractual compliance; reports all deficiencies and/or instances of non-compliance immediately to the Contracting Officer and the S/EXO Juba.

Reviews Contractor’s requests for deviation or changes to the contract or contract plans;

reports, with appropriate recommendation, such requests to the Contracting Officer and the S/EXO Juba, and reports to the Contracting Officer and S/EXO Juba or designee any perceived contractual shortcomings that, if left unchanged, would threaten the quality of the work, the safety of individuals or property or the timely completion of the project(s);

makes appropriate recommendations for modification(s) to the Contract (s).

Monitors construction/renovation work in progress and immediately reports to the supervisor any work (completed or in the process) that fails to comply with the Contract and/or with any applicable construction standards; reports immediately to the S/EXO Juba any instance of apparent lack of adequate Contractor oversight (e.g. inadequate or unprofessional supervision of the workforce by the Contractor or a subcontractor).

Confers with the Contractor staff, maintaining an open line of communication and, in consonance with applicable Contract and COR letter of appointment language, remains responsive to Contractor queries and requests as appropriate, and compiles and maintains contract data, maintaining appropriate contract files in accordance with applicable U.S.

Government and Agency regulation and policy in accordance with applicable contract/s convenes and chairs periodic USAID/Contractor reviews of project progress.

Plans and organizes prioritizes work so as to support the progression of quality work in accordance with timely completion of the project/s.

Responsible for review, recommending approval/withholding of payments, tracking vouchers and invoices from contractors, and reconciling accounts with the Contracting Office and Office of Financial Management.

(3) USAID Consultation or orientation, if applicable: Contacts include high-level

USG officials at the U.S. Embassy, USAID Office of Security, Dept. of State Overseas Building Operations, Diplomatic Security, and USAID Headquarters. S/he must have the ability to communicate effectively, using tact, diplomacy, and technical knowledge. S/he must be a good listener, stay abreast of USG priorities, policies and practices, and be able to manage and/or reconcile differences of opinion or conflicts regarding construction priorities and strategies.

(4) Supervisory Relationship: CMS will report to the Supervisory Executive Officer/Juba (S/EXO Juba) and/or designee and is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities.

(5) Supervisory Controls: The incumbent directly supervises one Maintenance

Supervisor. And he/she will be required to supervise staff in the Executive Office in the absence of the Executive Officer.

“If a third country national (TCN) is selected for an award, during the period of this Contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.”

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not pose undue physical demands.

[END SECTION I]

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: At a minimum, a university degree, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Design, or other directly related fields is required. Formal certifications of technical training in construction management and/or directly related technical areas are highly desirable.

2. Work Experience:

(a) Am minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of construction/construction management is required, with three or more years of overseas experience working in an international organization required.

(b) This experience must demonstrate an ability to work in difficult environments where there is little or no modern support infrastructure

[END SECTION II]

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the C.O. determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the C.O. may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including a reference from individuals who have been specially identified by the Offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first, and if the C.O. determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.”

http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. Then, the highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

1. FACTOR ONE: (50%) applicants must submit a summary statement of no more than one letter-size page, which describes how their relevant professional experience and education have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. The Contracting Officer will establish a competitive range, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored.

2. FACTOR TWO: Language Proficiency (5%); Level 4 English language proficiency is required. Incumbents must have excellent oral and written English communication skills and the ability to write Mission Notices and policies and make recommendations in the clear written and oral formats.

3. FACTOR THREE: Knowledge: (15%); A demonstrated knowledge of U.S.

construction standards, safety practices, and procedures is required. Knowledge of U.S Government regulations for overseas construction is highly desirable. The work requires that this knowledge be specific to, or related to, the logistical and security constraints prevalent in conflict areas and remote parts of the world.

4. FACTOR FOUR: SKILLS AND ABILITIES; (30%): A demonstrated knowledge of construction management with a focus on achieving results in a difficult overseas environment; the ability to independently organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments and proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) is required. Other skills such as job-related training courses (title & year), demonstrated job-related skills; for example, tools, machinery, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested) are highly required.

5. Interview Performance: 70 points, and Total Possible Points: 100 points.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After the closing date for the receipt of applications, applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements, and a short list of applicants will be developed.

2. Following this initial review and shortlisting, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them per the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

3. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

4. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter;

USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

[END SECTION III]

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offerors must also submit the following documents:

(i) Updated resume/CV

(ii) Cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the Offeror’s technical knowledge, skills and abilities, and relevant experience.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

4. Offeror submissions must reference the Solicitation number on all Offeror submitted documents.

5. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3), and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the Offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

6. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The

Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the Contractor does not meet this requirement the Contract may be terminated. *

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of EO 14042 in Section VIII below.

[END SECTION IV]

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Form)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Position for National Security (SF-86), or

3. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-85)

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

a. OF-306

[END SECTION V]

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS: (If applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at:

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Post-Allowance (Section 220)

(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(d) Education Travel (Section 280)

(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(g) Danger Pay (Section 650)

[END SECTION VI]

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are required to pay income taxes of his/her country of origin.

[END SECTION VII]

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

And Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22- 01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause – http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands;

and (5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the Contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the Contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 is available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T (D)

UNIT

PRICE (E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits

1 LOT $

_TBD

$_TBD at and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award after

- Award Type: Cost negotiations

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] with http://www.usaid.gov/forms

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s)

Contractor_ from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

1 LOT $

_TBD

$_TBD at

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Award after

- Award Type: Cost negotiations

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] with

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS] Contractor_

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals are available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the Contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

6. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific Contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

[END SECTION VIII]

[END OF SOLICITATION]

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov