Senior Contracts and Agreements Officer PSC Solicitaion Announcement Two.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-OAA-10-001A

ISSUANCE DATE:

December 27, 2009

CLOSING DATE:

January 28, 2010 16:30 hrs GMT +2 Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Senior Contracts and Agreements Officer (Juba, Sudan) The United States Government, represented by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Sudan), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with this solicitation at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

· Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

· Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612

· Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

· Covering letter highlighting applicant’s reason for applying and supplemental documents specifically addressing the four (4) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation

USAID/Sudan reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered.

Applications must be e-mailed to:

Ms. Sawsan Abdelmouti (sabelmouti@usaid.gov), Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Sudan.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which may accompany their applications.

Sincerely, R. Douglass Arbuckle Deputy Mission Director/Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

USPSC Senior Contracts and Agreements Officer

USAID/SUDAN - Juba

1.

SOLICITATION No:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-OAA-10-001A 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 1, 2010 3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

March 28, 2010, 16:30 hrs (GMT +2)

4.

POSITION TITLE:

SENIOR CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS OFFICER

5.

MARKET VALUE:

GS-15 ($98,156-$127,604) or

GS-14 ($84,697-$110,104)

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One (1) year, with possibility of extensions up to a maximum of five years.

7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Juba, Sudan

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals 9.

SUPERVISOR:

Supervisory Contracting Officer (Khartoum)

10. BACKGROUND:

USAID programs in Sudan promote stability, recovery, and democratic reform and provide basic health and education services to the Sudanese people. Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provides a guiding framework for USAID development programs, which totaled $289.5 million in FY 2009. These programs provide administrative and technical assistance for the upcoming national elections and popular consultations, build the capacity of national and state-level officials and institutions, and endeavor to avert renewed conflict in geographic flashpoints. In full partnership with the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), USAID also works to meet high citizen expectations for tangible benefits of peace: quality healthcare, potable water, basic education, increased economic opportunity, and new or improved physical infrastructure, mainly roads.

USAID humanitarian programs provide life-saving assistance to Sudan’s most vulnerable populations, including those in Darfur, where conflict affects more than 4.7 million people. In other areas of Sudan, USAID meets immediate humanitarian needs while funding activities that support the CPA, lead to longer-term recovery, and support Sudan’s transition to peace and security. In FY 2009, USAID provided $140 million countrywide for water sanitation and hygiene, health services, shelter and camp management, livelihood support and infrastructure rehabilitation. Also in FY 2009, USAID provided $512.9 million countrywide toward food aid to support vulnerable people throughout Sudan. Food aid priorities include assisting returnees and displaced people, providing basic services in underserved areas, and improving food security through increased agricultural production. Complementing USAID’s development and humanitarian programs in Sudan are the Agency’s transition programs. These promote the emergence of responsive, effective, and inclusive civil authorities; promote the emergence of an empowered and active civil society in support of peace processes and dialogue with civil authorities; and increase the availability of high-quality and independent information on transition issues.

11. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

A. Basic Function of the Position

In general terms, the successful applicant for the Senior Contracting and Agreement Officer (SCAO) position will possess extensive knowledge of US federal contracting and assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) principles, policies, and procedures from pre-award through post-award phases; solid experience with formal advertising and negotiating methods; and will exhibit thorough familiarity with acquisition and assistance (A&A) procuring and administration requirements. In addition, for this senior PSC position, the applicant will need to demonstrate a well-seasoned familiarity with USAID development principles, federal procurement mechanisms and donor/NGO partnering. If warranted, this senior PSC position will be considered the functional equivalent of a GS-15, Series 1102, Supervisory Contract Specialist. If the contractor can not obtain a warrant, the position will be filled at the GS-14, Series 1102, Contract Specialist level. The incumbent will report to, and receive general supervision from, the Supervisory Contracts Officer based in Khartoum.

Specifically, the SCAO ensures that all USAID/Sudan’s A&A obligations and awards’ terms and conditions effectively support USAID/Sudan’s Technical Teams in achieving implementation of the Mission strategy. The SCAO will apply expert-level contracting and procurement knowledge, skills and abilities in performing duties. The SCAO leads his/her team with full technical independence on activity design and implementation after Mission upper management elaborates broad policy objectives and desired outcomes, and supports the other teams as required. The SCAO will directly manage (pre-award, award, and post-award) the assigned portfolios.

Owing to the breadth of the USAID intervention in Sudan, individual A&A actions may be unique and multifaceted, which demand extensive coordination, negotiation, and close administration. USAID Mission/Sudan has already evolved into a varied and complex country program replete with numerous multimillion dollar A&A actions. The program comprises many diverse projects – both complementary and discrete, and high funding levels. Lastly, all of the A&A actions and administration activities undergo the most rigorous public scrutiny, owing to international and US domestic political sensitivities.

In addition to utilizing expert A&A skills in multiple focal areas requiring a wide breadth of technical subject matter and country-specific program and policy comprehension in a problematic environment, the SCAO will also provide supervision and mentoring for Third Country Nationals and/or Foreign Service National (FSN) employees. The SCAO will interact substantively with many US and host government entities and conduct diplomatically sensitive cross-cultural business dealings. In addition, as the Deputy Office Director, the SCAO will represent a source of A&A expertise and practical know-how for other Mission personnel and will provide training and mentoring services for other members of the OAA and Mission staff. Work assignments that the SCAO will direct comprise typical and atypical short-term procurement actions, but more commonly, the large, multi-year, phased A&A instruments. Lastly, besides A&A expertise, knowledge of economic and project management best practices are essential.

This position will be based in Juba, Sudan.

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Pre-Award through Award functions (20%): The SCAO will be a core member of the Mission’s program teams for the assigned technical portfolios. The SCAO will be responsible for all the A&A pre-award through award functions including development of realistic and thorough procurement (acquisition & assistance) plans. Illustrative tasks: a) determination of the appropriate type of instrument to be used; b) interpretation of USAID’s A&A policies and procedures; c) coordination with the Mission’s SO teams and implementing partners to ensure consistency of interpretation; d) ensuring the integrity of the A&A process by reviewing and approving RFA/RFPs before posting and ensuring that source selection documentation complies with USAID policy directives and required procedures; e) ensuring that all A&A pre-award representations and certifications required of the competitors are completed as necessary; f) determination of responsibility for potential A&A awardees; g) performance of cost or price analysis, cost realism, etc and negotiation of major awards for implementation of a development program; h) development of A&A awards that comply with all Federal, Agency and Mission policies, procedures, and practices, etc.

2. A&A administration (50%): SCAO will be responsible for all post-award functions through close-out and will manage active awards for the assigned portfolios. The incumbent will also be responsible for continuing the close-out actions for expired, but not-yet-closed contracts and cooperative agreements. Illustrative tasks: a) maintaining contact with the responsible technical team, the Activity Manager, the COTR and the awardee for proper award administration, including monitoring reporting requirements; b) preparing and executing modifications to awards as necessary; c) determining the allowability of questioned costs in financial audits; d) initiating actions when disallowances, suspensions, or terminations are necessary; e) reviewing regularly status reports detailing task completions; f) authorizing payments of presented invoices; g) maintaining the official Agency file for each A&A instrument in accordance with the guidelines provided, etc.

3. Office Management (30%): SCAO shall work independently and report directly to the USAID/Sudan Supervisory Contracting Officer. He/she manages a small team consisting of two to three FSN and/or TCN PSC Acquisition & Assistance Specialists. Incumbent provides daily direction, assigns work, establishes priorities, mentors and conducts on-the-job training in A&A policies and practices, and re-directs efforts when necessary. The SCAO shall prepare or review performance evaluations directly for this team.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations of his/her team, the actions of the staff and the execution of contracts/assistance and modifications, the SCAO shall ensure that the necessary documentation (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, technical papers, subcontract consent requests, authority to make grants under contracts, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries) for all current A&A actions are maintained according to USAID records management regulations.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervision Received: Supervision will be provided by the Supervisory Contracting Officer, the Office Director of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, USAID/Sudan.

B. Available Guidelines: USAID and Federal Acquisition Regulations, USAID assistance regulations, OMB Circulars, A&A cost principles, the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) and USAID AAPDs.

Reference and guidance materials to be used by the SCAO in performing the duties described in this solicitation shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR)

USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS)

USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPD/CIB)

USAID Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBS)

C. Exercise of Judgement: The employee exercises independent judgment and initiative as the sole procurement representative on the SO team or Project team to 1) identify those aspects of regulations which apply to the particular procurement; 2) develop justification for adopting a procurement posture; 3) tailor provisions to meet special requirements and develop criteria or justifications involving contractor claims; and 4) to recommend the selection of winning contractors or grantees. S/he also determines and uses special clauses, clearances, and determinations applicable to certain procurements. The candidate should demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of USG contracting and assistance procedures and a thorough knowledge and understanding of Federal contracting and procurement regulations, policies, practices, and procedures is necessary. It is also important that the incumbent have knowledge of USG project development and implementation regulations and practices.

D. Authority to make commitments: The incumbent will be authorized to make commitments on behalf of the government in accordance with the terms of his/her contracting/agreement warrant, if any.

E. Nature, level and purpose of contacts: Contacts include local and national firms, small businesses, disadvantaged business firms, and other suppliers. Typical contacts with contractors include officers and technical experts representing these firms. The incumbent works with technical staff, attorneys, auditors, and others from within the Agency or other agencies. The contacts occur in moderately unstructured settings, with the roles and authorities being developed during the negotiation or discussion. The purpose of contacts with external groups is to conduct conferences, share USAID policies on recent procurement innovations, techniques and reforms, to conduct fact finding, negotiate contracts, and modifications, and resolve numerous problems during contract administration. Contacts with internal Mission teams are to advise on developing procurement plans and strategies leading to implementation. Contacts at host country counterpart institutions are to represent USAID overseeing briefing sessions by potential contractors, and ensure that the counterpart employees understand USAID procurement processes fully. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to meet and deal effectively with cooperating government officials, business and industry officials and Mission's staff at all levels.

F. Supervision Exercised:

The incumbent will provide supervision for at least two (2) FSN and/or TCN PSC Acquisition & Assistance Specialists.

G. Interpersonal Skills: The Contractor must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work, for which there often is not a clear solution. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills as the incumbent works with and coordinates with a broad range of Mission employees, partners, analysts, program implementers and senior officials in a multicultural setting.

H. Time required to perform the full range of duties: Immediate. The candidate is expected to qualify for a contracting warrant of a minimum $1 million. The candidate will have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, and have the authority to make decisions that have the effect of binding the Government. The incumbent will have considerable latitude in dealing with problems arising during the pre-award or post-award phases of the procurement action, and to independently manage full and open competitive transactions from inception to completion, including award within the limitations of his/her warrant. If the incumbent has no warrant, s/he will be responsible for preparation of award documentation for signature by the Supervisory Contracting Officer. S/he makes decisions on the basis of analysis of alternatives, adaptation, or modification of procedures, or resolution of incomplete or conflicting technical or contractor data. Decisions that are unsound result in legal conflicts and put the Agency at risk.

I. Period of Performance: The Personal Services Contract will be for 12 months with possible extensions up to a total of five years, subject to program needs and availability of funds and provided that performance has been satisfactory.

J. Logistical Support: Assignments of U.S. personnel to Juba are unaccompanied. Current post danger pay for Juba is 25%. Current post differential pay is 25% and cost of living allowance is 20 %. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. In addition, employees will be authorized limited household effects (HHE), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee), and limited consumables. Shipment of a POV is not currently authorized.

USAID/Sudan will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. The Contractor will have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with DOS rules and regulations.

K. Estimated Start Date:

The target start date for this position is May, 2010. Within 15 days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed to Juba to perform the above services.

L. Other Requirements: This position is open to US Citizens and Third Country Nationals only. If eligible, the selected candidate must obtain a “Secret” security clearance. Those ineligible for “Secret” security clearance must obtain a USAID/SEC employment authorization. The selected candidate must be able to obtain a “Class 1” medical clearance.

13. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA:

A. Skills and qualifications

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

1. At a minimum, a graduate degree in business administration, public administration, law, marketing, industrial management, accounting or other directly related fields (or OPM authorized equivalent) is required. Five years of relevant experience (in addition to the ten years of continuous, progressive experience in Acquisition (Contracts, Purchase Orders), US Government Agreements (PASAs and RSSAs) and Assistance (Grant and Cooperative Agreements) execution, administration, termination, cost and price analysis, procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals) may substitute for a graduate degree. The training/experience requirement of the position is that the incumbent has completed or has substantially completed the requirements for certification under the USAID/OFPP FAC-C Certification. Certification requires successful completion of eight specified courses in procurement, plus the achievement of certain competencies, through a combination of training and experience. Under normal circumstances, it is anticipated that an individual who lacks all, or some, of the required training and competencies will obtain the training as quickly as possible as a condition of commencement of employment.

2. At least ten years of continuous, progressive experience in Acquisition (Contracts, Purchase Orders), US Government Agreements (PASAs and RSSAs) and Assistance (Grant and Cooperative Agreements) execution, administration, termination, cost and price analysis, procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals is required. At least five years’ experience working overseas preferred, but not required.

B. Selection Criteria

Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

1. Education (10 points): As described in Section 13.A.1., above.

2. Previous Developing Country Experience (5 points): A minimum of five years of living /working experience in developing countries is preferred. One point will be given for each year of developing country experience, up to a maximum of 5 points.

3. Work Experience (30 points): As described in 13.A.2, above, a minimum of ten years of professional, progressively responsible experience in the acquisition/assistance field is required. The successful applicant will demonstrate solid experience in and thorough understanding of all phases of the acquisition and assistance process.

4. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (25 points): Broad understanding of issues related to international development, Sudan, and living/working in conflict/post-conflict environments is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required.

5. Interpersonal Skills (20 points): Good coordination, teamwork and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work setting are required. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative.

6. Language Proficiency (10 points): Excellent English writing and oral communication skills are required. The ability to speak and read Arabic is a plus, though not a requirement.

14. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

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

A. 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 B. 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)

(11) Sunday Pay

C. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE

The Contractor will be required to obtain a class one (1) medical clearance from State M/MED prior to departure to post. Also, a temporary security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty. If eligible, until a final adjudication of a secret clearance is received, the contractor shall:

· have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials,

· travel to post by himself/herself only, and

· be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post.

If the contractor fails to obtain and maintain at least an employment authorization, this contract shall be terminated.

D. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. FICA, and Medicare.

E. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Optional Form 612

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622)

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)SF-86), or

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

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

Forms in 3-6 should not be submitted unless specifically instructed to do so by the Contracting Officer.

F. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 06-12

Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12)

Implementation (2006)

AAPD 06-11

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and

Holidays (August 2006)

AAPD

06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

(October 2006)

AAPD 06-07

AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase

AAPD 06-03

Updated Contractor Salary Approval Threshold

Policy/Procedures

AAPD 06-01

Medical Evacuation Update

AAPD 05-10

Calculation of Vacation Leave for U.S. Personal Services

Contractor’s (USPSC)

AAPD 05-08

Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance

Costs

AAPD 05-02

Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years

AAPD 04-15

Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal

Services Contracts

CIB 01-10

Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens

CIB 00-08

Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen

CIB 00-3

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

CIB 99-7

Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

CIB 98-25

Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List

CIB 98-24

Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs

CIB 98-23

Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-16

Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 97-16

Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

CIB 97-3

New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

CIB 96-19

U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave

CIB 96-8

Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14

CIB 94-9

Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)

CIB 93-17

Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)

15. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Qualified applicants are requested to submit an Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF612) 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 to the attention of Sudan Contracting Officer, at one of the addresses indicated below. 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.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted via e-mail to the Contracting Officer (darbuckle@usaid.gov) with a copy to Ms. Sawsan Abdelmouti (sabdelmouti@usaid.gov).

NOTE: FINALIZATION OF THIS RECRUITMENT IS CONTINGENT ON THE MISSION’S ABILITY TO OBTAIN FINAL APPROVAL FOR THE POSITION AND ON FUNDS AVAILABILITY.