USPSC Solicitation-DRC EXO -FINAL-B.doc

Solicitation for a USPSC – USAID/DRC Executive Officer No.623-EA-09-026

SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP # 623-EA-09-026

ISSUANCE DATE: May 28, 2009

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July15, 2009- 4 P.M Kenyan Time POSITION TITLE: USAID/DRC Executive Officer

MARKET VALUE: $ 83,445 - $ 108,483 (GS-14 equivalent)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: o/a Oct. 2009 – Oct. 2011

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

SECURITY ACCESS:

Secret Clearance Required

SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Service Contractor for USAID/ DRC Executive Officer The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/EA), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing US Personal Services Contract (USPSC) services, as described in this solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants must submit

(i) his/her most current curriculum vitae or resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with stated evaluation criteria.

(ii) (ii) signed form OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment; and Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

(iii) (iii) three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/EA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Applicant must be available to start work o/a October of 2009.This availability shall be indicated on the OF 612. Applications shall be submitted by either mail, facsimile or ordinary mail to reach USAID/EA/RAAO by the closing date and time.

Form OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID/East Africa P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Courier Address:

USAID/East Africa c/o American Embassy

United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya U.S. Postal Address:

USAID/East Africa Unit 64102

APO AE 09831-4102

Tel: 254-20-862 2000 Fax: 254-20-862 2680 / 2682 http://eastafrica.usaid.gov

Late applications shall not be considered and will be handled in accordance with federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 15.412.

Applicants are requested to provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address.

USAID/EA/RAAO reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Salary range is equal to a GS-14 and shall be based on the applicant’s experience and salary history.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their submission. Any attachments provided via email shall be in Microsoft Word 2000.

Application packages may be submitted via e-mail to Mary Wambugu at mawambugu@usaid.gov with a copy to lgilpin@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your email application.

Sincerely, Lauralea Gilpin Regional Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Solicitation for US Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) for USAID/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) –USAID/DRC Executive Officer

1. SOLICITATION NO.: RFP 623-EA-09-026

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 28, 2009

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 15, 2009 - 4 P.M Kenyan Time

4. POSITION TITLE: USAID/DRC Executive Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($ 83,445-$ 108,483). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with possibility of extension

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The position is based at the USAID/DRC office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

8. STATEMENT OF WORK

TITLE: USAID/DRC Executive Officer

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The USAID Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located in the DRC's capital city, Kinshasa. USAID/DRC is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's program of assistance focused on promoting peace and security, strengthening of democratic institutions, improving health and education status, supporting economic growth and providing humanitarian assistance. The DRC is a country emerging from conflict following successful, democratic elections in 2006. After years of political strife and civil war, its people are tired of violence and insecurity, and pushing for peace and stability.

The DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world, and among the very lowest on UNDP's human development index. USAID implements most of its programs in health, democracy and governance education, environment, and agriculture/food security through grants to international organizations, such as UNICEF and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Mission has a core staff of 10 US Direct Hires, 5 PSC, 3 Third Country Nations, 2 Participating Agency Service Agreement (PASA) personnel, 1 Fellow and 39 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). Employees may bring family members, including minor dependents, to the DRC. Significant travel is required by the USDH, USPSC, and FSN staff members to provide the oversight and management support for programs and administrative operations over this huge country, the size of the US east of the Mississippi. Maximum use is made of teams. The USG total budget for FY 08 for the Congo was over $200 million including emergency assistance.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties of the Executive Officer may include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

· Plans, directs, and administers the management program of the Mission. Supervises the Executive Office staff and directs the management planning and services activities within the Mission's management and administrative complex.

· Develops, interprets and assures implementation of administrative management policies, regulations and procedures and maintains a constant awareness of and assures compliance with cooperating country statutory regulatory requirements affecting administrative management services of the Mission and its employees.

· Establishes effective working relationships with the DRC government, the business community, and with other U.S. Government agencies, voluntary agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), other institutions, and contractors operating within the Congo.

· Participates in the formulation of Mission management policies on results frameworks, resources requests, program planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the USAIDIDRC approved strategic framework. Reviews Mission development assistance projects for their management support requirements, and in collaboration with appropriate Mission officials, develops manpower and logistical support requirements within budgetary limitations.

· Procures goods, services, supplies, facilities, and equipment for administrative operation of the Mission.

· Serves on several boards and committees, but not limited to the Interagency Housing Board, the Joint Country Awards Committee, the Post Employment Committee, and the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) Budget Committee.

· Develops and prescribes appropriate internal Mission management systems and policies, including Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Plans and directs continuous evaluation of the organization, staffing and services of the Mission. Assures optimal use of material and human resources.

· Plans and directs the personnel management program for American, Foreign Service National and third country national employees. Advises on manpower development, employee relations, and employee benefits. Participates with U.S. Embassy and other U.S. agencies in local surveys and other joint personnel policies and operations. Serves as career counselor to employees. Serves as the USAID classification officer for FSN and USDH personal services positions.

· Analyzes Mission management requirements and works with the Controller in the development of the administration and technical support budgets.

· Provides overall direction for the Mission's general services functions, which include leasing and maintenance of housing and office space, warehousing, personal property acquisition, disposition and disposal of expendable and non-expendable supplies and equipment. Serves as the Property Management Officer, which includes Information Technology (computer) equipment. Serves as the CTO for the labor force contract, which provides most general services support to the mission.

· Administers the Mission's security program under the guidance of the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and serves as unit Security Officer for the Mission and Information Systems Security Officer.

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Mission Director.

C. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT OVER OTHERS:

Provides supervision for one local-hire USPSC Deputy EXO and eight FSN staff (Systems Manager, Computer Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Clerks and Secretary).

D. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Masters Degree in Business Administration or comparable degree is desirable. Additional work experience may be considered in lieu thereof.

Must have procurement experience and warrant for simplified acquisition purchases.

Experience:

At least ten years progressively responsible government administration experience with any U.S. Government agency desirable, USAID in particular.

Proficiency in French is desirable.

E. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Education and Experience – 40 points

· Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural management skills enabling him/her to establish and maintain strong contacts with customers both within and outside USAID. A solid grasp of the issues and alternative approaches to administration management in a developing country and demonstrated experience in working in a team setting. Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective contacts within the business community.

Knowledge – 30 points

· Demonstrated understanding of USAID programming policies, USG regulations, budgeting, and documentation. Familiarity with USAID systems, including acquisition and assistance, management, human resource management, activity design, and implementation.

Skills – 20 points

· Demonstrated ability in providing leadership and management. Operational, analytical, and computer skills.

Communication – 10 points

· Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including the ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret reports, and to effectively communicate USAID's mission and policies to the public. Must have the ability to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to other donors, the non-governmental community, researchers, business, and USAID and other U.S. Government officials. Must be fluent in the English language and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Proficiency in French is desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

F. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Subject to the availability of funds, this will be a two-year contract, with 3 one year options to extend up to a maximum of 5 years, depending on the continued need of the services, the availability of funding and demonstrated performance.

The position has been classified at a US Government GS-14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earnings history.

G. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

USAID/DRC shall provide office space, and telephone/fax/e-mail (for communication with USAID officials and others in support of program objectives) as well as travel, lodging, and transportation for official purposes.

H. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE

The position is open to U.S. Citizens. The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security (USPSC) and appropriate Medical Clearance from STATE/MED. The selected applicant must obtain these clearances prior to departure for post. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post.

If the contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated.

I. FEDERAL TAXES

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

J. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy however, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS

Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution*

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Salary increase

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Shipment and storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized at present]

Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service

* Note: US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below]

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(6) Educational Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650) K. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms 1 through 4 outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business-opportunities/psc-solicitation.html

1. Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF612)

2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622) **

3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) **, or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office) **

Note:

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

L. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualified individuals are requested to submit an Application for Federal Employment U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices) and a resume containing the following information:

1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);

3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers.

Interested candidates should send above via the internet, facsimile or express mail, to the attention of Regional Contracting Officer, at one of the addresses indicated on the cover letter. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter.

M. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract.