SOL-675-16-000005-000001_-_SOL_TEXT_ONLY.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

675-16-000005-000001

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 01, 2017

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

March 24, 2017 AT 16:30 pm, Guinea local Time

POSITION TITLE:

SENIOR ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

MARKET VALUE:

($74,584.00 – $96,958.00) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-13 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

Open to U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals

A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

A Third Country National by definition is an individual who is neither a citizen of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and who is eligible for return travel to the TCN's home country or country from which recruited at U.S. Government expense.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One (1) year with an option to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Conakry, Guinea, with frequent travel to Sierra Leone

SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCES:

Security Clearance: FACILITY ACESS/ EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

1.0 Background Information.

The USAID Mission based in Guinea oversees operations in both Guinea and Sierra Leone, with programs focusing on health, food security, governance and women’s empowerment. The Guinea health program had a fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget of $18 million (M), primarily in support of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). In FY 2015, both countries became aligned under the President’s Feed the Future (FtF) Initiative, receiving $6M each to begin five year FtF programs. Ebola recovery efforts are at the forefront of development efforts in Guinea and Sierra Leone, and supplemental funding for Ebola recovery brought an additional $68M in health and $9M in governance funding for activities in the two countries. Together with additional funding made available for governance activities, the Mission’s combined financial responsibility for these country programs increased from $29M to $116M in a matter of a year. In addition, in FY 2016 both countries were approved for the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and Power Africa initiatives. There are 10 active awards in the two countries and seven procurements under development.

The Senior Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist (Contractor) is a member of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance located in Conakry, Guinea. The team is comprised of one warranted Agreement/Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer), the Senior A&A Specialist (Contractor), a Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A Specialist, and a nFSN Administrative Assistant.

The optimal applicant for this Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist 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. In addition, this senior PSC will need a well-seasoned familiarity with development principles, federal procurement mechanisms and donor/Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering. S/he exercises leadership in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner.

2.0 Basic Function:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is located within USAID/Guinea and reports to the USAID/Guinea USDH Contracting Officer or his/her designee. The Sr. A&A Specialist ensures that all A&A activities conform to the defined Development Objectives (DOs) of the Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission, serves as a core team member of the Mission’s technical teams, provides guidance, assists on acquisition and assistance related matters, and contributes to overall Mission team work.

The Contractor shall provide support on all aspects of A&A award administration relating to and affecting USAID Mission-funded acquisition and assistance activities. The Contractor will be responsible for pre and post award stages of activities including planning, developing, negotiating, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement relating to and affecting USAID’s A&A programs, policy, project planning, activity design, solicitation, evaluation and award. In addition to these functions, the Contractor will participate in Mission strategic planning and policy formulation. S/he will lead the development and implementation of the Mission procurement plan advising the Contracting Officer and Mission Management of progress made.

The Contractor must be able to integrate issues, apply creative problem solving, and introduce innovative procurement mechanisms to realize Mission objectives. The Contractor will serve as an Acquisition and Assistance resource for the Office of Acquisition and Assistance as well as technical team members, providing A&A training and mentoring to both A&A and technical staff. Travel may be necessary to Sierra Leone.

3.0 Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be responsible for planning, developing, soliciting, negotiating, managing, and advising on procurements in relation to the Mission's acquisition and assistance programs. The Senior A&A Specialist will participate in "cradle to grave" actions - from project design through negotiation, administration and close-out. The Sr. A&A Specialist must provide technical assistance necessary to execute a full range of procurement actions in support of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone. He/she must also be available for consultation on acquisition and assistance issues. The incumbent will be required to mentor and conduct on-the-job training to junior/less experienced OAA and technical staff on A&A policies and practices.

The incumbent, in consultation with the Contracting Officer, shall perform the following specific functions including but not limited to:

Pre-Award Expertise and Services (50%)

Perform all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conduct A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone development objectives and related results and requirements.

Organize, direct, conduct and/or coordinate continued engagement with Agency stakeholders including updating the Agency A&A Plan and Business Forecast, responding to inquiries on a timely basis and organizing, when needed, pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for procurement actions and preparing Requests for Information (RFI).

Review requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on scope of work, program description, and other pre-award documents), and manage the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Award Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), Mission Orders, etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire activity design and proposal/application solicitation process.

Prepare instructions for Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) members and Chairperson and manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at best value and instrument decision. This includes ensuring fully documented files in the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking System (ASIST) and on the Mission’s p: drive with certifications, Agency and Mission-specific authorizations, justifications for exception to competition when required, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, and a comprehensive record of commitments, obligations, and key correspondence of the parties. Manage the award process from beginning to conclusion (all pre-Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) and PALT requirements) with fully executed award or assistance documents. Assist the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepare defensible justifications and Source Selection Memoranda. Guide technical teams in pre-PALT requirements for awards and modifications. Prepare awards and modifications in Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) with complete supporting documents including comprehensive Negotiation Memorandum with detailed cost analysis, for the Contracting Officer’s signature.

Develop long-range plans for new or complex programs in collaboration with Mission technical offices, lead in the preparation and update of procurement plans, provide OAA guidance on pipeline / forward funding analyses and portfolio reviews, review project papers and represent OAA at program planning meetings. Identify services to be acquired by award, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Prepare and monitor milestone plans for every award, ensure timely implementation, and keep the Contracting Officer informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipate problems and provide advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serve on activity development teams.

Serve as an advisor to the program office and activity planners. Advise on the procurement instruments to be used, assist in the preparation of program descriptions and prepare technical evaluation committee guidance. Provide guidance and training to project/technical staff on USAID regulations, CFR and FAR requirements. Collaborate in the development of evaluation criteria.

Post-Award Expertise and Services (35%)

Perform all actions required to administer the complete variety of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. Rely on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars, PEBs, Mission Orders, and other procurement/assistance sources to assure output-based administration and achievement of the Mission's programs and timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services.

Exercise a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal offices, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting award or award provisions, reviewing and preparing requests for Contracting Officer approval, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted.

Guide and oversee the FSN A&A Specialist and Administrative Assistant in all post-award functions through close-out, ensure there are no pending administrative actions, the award is complete in every aspect, and all approvals have been obtained including final audits, indirect cost matters, and any needed final modifications. Coordinate special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, including the Regional Inspector General (RIG) and Small Business Administration (SBA). Ensure that the results required are documented.

Ensure award terms and conditions are met and that the implementing partner delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Mission’s projects and programs. Interpret award provisions for recipients and contractors. Perform periodic site visits, limited financial reviews, prepare rate and cost adjustments, redirect levels of effort, review and prepare modifications and / or approvals for time and cost extensions, change orders, stop work orders, sub-award consents, incremental funding, key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition, cure notices or show cause letters, and oversee award closeout. Advise technical office counterparts and implementing partners on their administration responsibilities contained in awards. Advise technical offices on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

Respond to protests, audits and limited financial review findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Work with the Regional Legal Officer (RLO) and Controller in preparing the Mission’s position and provide assistance to the Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the General Accounting Office (GAO), and programmatic and financial audits conducted by the Regional Inspector General (RIG).

Assist Contracting Officer with conduction of pre-award and post award surveys when needed. Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's / recipient’s business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, procurement, insurance, sub-contracting procedures, financial management, and results of financial audits, for ability to perform and for compliance with federal regulatory requirements, when needed. Resolve audit findings on post-award audits. Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations to managers as a result of the reviews. Conduct in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented award actions requiring higher-level approval. Ensure that award terms and conditions are met. Recommend issuing cure or show-cause notices when the Contractor is not in compliance. Prepare termination of awards for the convenience of the government or default by the awardee. Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiate termination claims settlement.

Other Duties (15%)

Serve as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A staff and Agreement/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) in USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone as needed by providing them with advice, training and support. The training/mentoring will include formal presentations / job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day training and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The training shall encompass procurement planning, design and solicitation processes, negotiation and award, award compliance monitoring and administration, cost realism analysis, market research, forward funding/pipeline analysis, design of tools and templates to utilize in training, and other topics as assigned.

Represent the OAA viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. Government’s best interests.

Track new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures and prepare presentations / guidance on new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures for A&A staff and AOR/CORs. Provide advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g., other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.).

Recommend new or improved processes in or related to procurement, e.g., develop pre-PALT checklist and timeline for technical teams, formulate guidelines, implement new developments, and provide policy interpretation for contracting activities.

Ensure that all necessary documentation (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, technical papers, sub-award consent requests, authority to make grants under awards, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries) for all current A&A actions are maintained by A&A staff according to USAID records management regulations in ASIST and on the Mission’s p: drive. Ensure A&A staff provide timely reminders to COR/AORs of their Continuous Learning Point (CLP) requirements for FAITAS and GLAAS and to maintain current certifications in FAITAS and active roles in GLAAS. Ensure all Supervisors maintain active authorizations in FAITAS and in in GLAAS.

4.0

QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA:

Education (10 points): A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year U.S. University degree (equivalency accreditation if a non- U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is required. In accordance with Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Letter 05-01 dated April 15, 2005 and State Department pilot programs, direct relevant work experience may substitute for a degree at the discretion of USAID.

In addition, applicants must have completed the Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Level I & II.

Work Experience (40 points): Applicants must have a minimum of seven (07) years of Acquisition and Assistance experience with the U.S. government in complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment and lead teams in the full range of responsibilities - procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

Knowledge, skills & Abilities (40 points): Demonstrated knowledge of federal contracting and assistance principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures.

· Proven ability in the following: issuance of fixed-priced contracts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contracts and agreements, issuance of personal service contracts, business evaluations, cost & price analysis, conducting negotiations and writing negotiation memorandums, contract administration; contract termination; and award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Ability to perform sophisticated analysis of budgets and contract/ proposals is required.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines.

· Demonstrated excellence in oral communication in English and strong writing skills. Ability to work collaboratively with cooperating government officials, business and industry officials and mission staff at all levels is required.

· The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential.

· The ability to maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards relating to all areas of acquisition and assistance matters are required.

· Proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, GLAAS, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) is required.

Language (10 points): Fluent spoken/written English (Level IV) and the ability to compose administrative correspondence and contractual language are required. French familiarity is desirable but not required.

Total: 100 points

5.0

SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision Received: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will report to the USDH Contracting Officer or his/her designee.

Supervision Exercised: Will provide oversight to two FSNs.

Exercise of Judgment: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Position requires a high level of ability with regard to understanding Contracting and assistance policies and regulations and the ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations and make sound judgment.

Authority to make commitments: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist does not have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, and no authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel, contractors and assistance recipients.

Time required to perform full range of duties: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting, unless travel to Freetown or site visits in Guinea and Sierra Leone are needed.

6.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested individuals are required to submit the following:

• Fully completed and hand-signed copy of Form a302-3 can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ (Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences.)

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

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

• Applicants also must address the above Section 3.0: Selection Criteria in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page. Failure to provide this summary statement may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

• Application letters and Form a302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

7.0 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1) Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3);.

2) Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). *

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

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

5) Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

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

8.0 ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to locate relevant AAPDs.

9.0 CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSC CIBs and AAPDSs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. AIDAR Appendix D and J apply to USPSC and TCNPSC respectively and can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

10.0 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D and other relevant Agency and Mission polices. Third Country Nationals (TCNs), as a matter of policy and as appropriate are authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and other relevant Agency and Mission polices.

BENEFITS:

Employee’s FICA and Medicare (US Citizens only)

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across board salary increase)

Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (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)

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal and State Income Taxes.

11.0 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

TCN PSC Contractors are compensated in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D titled “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad, paragraphs 4(c), (d), (e), (g), (h), and (i) and also according to the Compensation and Allowances Matrix approved by the Mission Director.

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Guinea provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Guinea also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.