RFP_7200AA18R00028.pdf

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA18R00028

ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2018

CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 13, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. EST

POSITION TITLE: Activity Manager, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia

MARKET VALUE: GS-11 equivalent ($68,036 - $88,450) includes locality pay). 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.

OTHER DETAILS: Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in

Washington, D.C.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year with four (4) one-year option periods, Subject to satisfactory performance, requirements of the program, and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Europe & Eurasia Bureau, Technical Support Office, Energy and Infrastructure Division (E&E/TSO/EI), USAID/Washington with possible overseas and domestic travel.

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens. Candidates who live outside the

Washington, D.C., area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

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PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks an experienced professional to provide administrative and program support as an Activity Manager in the Energy and

Infrastructure (EI) Division of the Technical Support Office (TSO) of USAID’s Bureau for

Europe and Eurasia.

Background

USAID is committed to its long-term vision of a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful Europe and Eurasia and is squarely focused on its mission to achieve the transformation of E&E countries into sustaining partners by supporting democratic development, economic growth, and broad based human progress. The legacy of communism and the subsequent degradation of infrastructure followed by renewed conflict in important energy supply and transit regions leaves

E&E countries facing significant security challenges. Development of capacity to address these problems and meet international and European environmental standards has been an objective of

USAID programs in these transition countries.

The Energy and Infrastructure Division supports field Missions with technical and strategic expertise on program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The Division also assesses and evaluates programs and activities; identifies research needs and lessons learned in furthering the state-of-the-art knowledge and backstops Mission energy and infrastructure programs. The Division manages a significant number of regional programs engaged in countries throughout the region. This position represents an exciting opportunity to engage on energy and infrastructure programs, particularly in the area of improving energy security in a challenging and dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing and strengthening the EI Division’s capacity to manage and monitor several regional programs. The Activity Manager will support the effective management of EI resources by ensuring the effective implementation of monitoring and oversight systems for EI- funded assistance programs, with a particular focus on energy supply diversification and energy market development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

The work of the Activity Manager requires knowledge initiative and judgment to ensure effective management and monitoring of select EI-funded regional programs, especially those supporting energy supply diversification and energy market development. The incumbent must have the ability to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners and function successfully as a member of a multi-functional team. The incumbent must also have demonstrated initiative and ability to manage competing work priorities and work independently when required. The incumbent must also have strong writing and editing skills. The incumbent should also be team-oriented and able to take direction from and interact effectively with a number of team members. The incumbent must also be able to meet tight deadlines.

The incumbent of this position will carry out the following specific duties and functions:

1. Provide assistance to EI Division staff to improve program management of regional activities

2. Provide assistance to relevant EI implementing partners and contractors in activities to strengthen partner monitoring and oversight systems, including review of performance monitoring plans.

3. Liaise with key USAID partners on EI-related performance indicators.

4. Liaise with key external partners on the EI’s Division’s monitoring and oversight agenda to develop shared objectives and a collaborative approach to performance measurement.

5. Maintain official files and ensure proper reporting requirements are adhered to.

6. Work with members of the EI Division to improve and standardize quarterly and annual reporting processes with implementing partners.

a. Assist in overseeing the collection and reporting of the results and impact of regional and bilateral non-presence awards.

b. Provide recommendations for new approaches through which EI staff can communicate program successes, lessons learned, and useful examples for improved performance and long-term impact. Working with staff, develop a reporting framework through which the EI Division can better disseminate results to USAID internal and USG external stakeholders.

c. Working with primary Agreement Officer Representatives (AORs), devise systems and strategies to streamline reporting processes and keep stakeholders abreast of new developments and future action items.

d. Serve as a point of reference for comparative and aggregate information on program performance.

7. Serve as primary and/ or alternate AOR and/or Activity Manager for several regional non-presence country activities, particularly in the media sphere.

8. Keep abreast of specific trends in the energy sector that may impact project results.

Guidelines

Pertinent sources of information consist of the EE Bureau’s authorizing and appropriating and legislative initiatives, Bureau-issued guidelines and information bulletins, and USAID Agency rules and regulations. The incumbent must exercise judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to seek innovative approaches to problem resolution.

Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent takes direction from and reports to the EI Division Chief. With guidance from the Division Chief and other team members, the incumbent exercises a moderate degree of independence and initiative in defining and carrying out duties, prioritizing overall objectives and managing available resources. Under the supervision of the Division Chief, the incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating the work with others as necessary. With input from the Division Chief, the incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the EI Division Chief informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. The incumbent will also work closely with and receive mentorship from the Division’s senior energy advisors.

Completed work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID’s E&E Bureau objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/ resource request submissions.

Period of performance

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility to renew annually for up to four additional years. USAID reserves the right to end the employment contract before the end of the initial one-year contract.

Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for temporary duty assignments to consult with implementing partners may, however, may expose the successful candidate to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

Work Environment

The incumbent will be based at USAID headquarters in Washington, DC. While in the post of assignment, work is generally performed in an office environment, the position may require travel to the Europe and Eurasia region, which may involve special safety and/or security precautions. The incumbent will travel as a representative of the U.S. government, subject to

Chief of Mission authority. As such, the incumbent will be expected to conform to all embassy and/or USAID mission policies and procedures at his or her assignment location regarding lodging, work hours, security and diplomatic protocol.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not meet all the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

Once an applicant has been identified as the selected individuals, then the applicant will begin at the salary level appropriate to the selected candidate’s qualifications and salary history.

A candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to be considered for the position:

Education

The applicant must have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internally recognized institution with moderate study in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to, international relations, Eastern European and/ or Eurasian studies, political science, international development, public policy, engineering, economics, business management or other related fields. A Master’s degree in a pertinent field is preferred.

Experience

This position requires a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience with a track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. One (1) year of project or program management experience in a transitional or developing country setting- either though repeated short-term assignments or a longer-term residential posting- is preferred. The candidate must have a minimum of three (3) years of knowledge and demonstrated practical expertise in the following areas:

Experience in program management, oversight and/ or implementation;

Experience or training in evaluations or studies of EI technical sectors, including project finance/development, utility management, and/or energy sector legal and regulatory reform;

Experience in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of energy and infrastructure assistance programs; and

Experience in one or more of the former communist countries of Eastern Europe and

Eurasia (preferred).

Other Requirements

U.S. Citizenship;

Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID within a 6 month period.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The successful candidate will be selected based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, skills, and abilities; an interview; writing sample; and the results of reference checks.

Each sub-factor will be weighted equally within the rating factor. Applicants who receive the highest scores will be invited to be interviewed by the selection committee. The candidate with the highest overall score will be selected based on the criteria below. Security clearances will be required after selection of candidate.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the position will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QFR) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

QRF#1 Demonstrated experience in managing or implementing energy and infrastructure assistance programs at the project or country level. (30 points)

QRF #2 Demonstrated experience in conducting monitoring and oversight activities related to energy assistance programming, including assisting with the development of performance indicators and targets, overseeing collection of performance monitoring plans, analyzing performance metrics and synthesizing and disseminating monitoring results. (25 points)

QRF #3 Knowledge of key energy sector issues and priorities in the Europe and Eurasia region, focused on regional development trends and energy security vulnerabilities. (20 points)

QRF #4 Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through the preparation of formal reports, briefing memoranda, and other communications for a range of audiences, including technical experts, high ranking officials, and laypersons. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member. (15 points)

QRF #5 Strong organizational skills. Demonstrated experience in refining file systems to track program performance, including preparing documentation, maintaining tracking systems to monitor performance and impact, and/or maintaining databases. (10 points)

Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or QRFs may result in an applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1- 30 points

QRF #2- 25 points

QRF #3- 20 points

QRF #4- 15 points

QRF #5- 10 points

Total Possible Points: 100

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

IV. APPLYING

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the email address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3 “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts,” with hand-written signature (available at the

USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms).

2. A resume must be attached to the AID 302-3. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume.

Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates

(month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

b. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

c. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

4. Academic transcripts

5. Professional writing sample, of no more than five pages, preferably on a subject relevant to the position.

6. Names and current contact information of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.

7. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors: Each applicant’s supplemental documentation must specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email. EE/TSO will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews and will evaluate the applicant’s professional references and academic credentials.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

All individuals contracted as USPSCs are required to have a DUNS Number.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

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

1. AID 302-3 Form.

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). **

6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9). **

** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Do not submit forms 2 through 6 with your application.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

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

1. BENEFITS:

a) Employee'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 & Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120).

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210).

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d) Post Allowance (Section 220).

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

f) Education Allowance (Section 270).

g) Education Travel (Section 280).

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500).

i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

j) Danger Pay (Section 650).

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State

Income Taxes.

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

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

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

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

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116

(available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0).

Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal

Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM

520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General

Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

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(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider

(FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the

General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense

Payment Responsibility 6 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and

Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization

Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or

Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under the corresponding

General Provision, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or

Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to

USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The

Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM

521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that

USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the

Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

End of Provision

HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12)

(SEPTEMBER 2006)

In response to the general threat of unauthorized access to federal facilities and information systems, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12. HSPD-12 requires all Federal agencies to use a common Personal Identity Verification (PIV) standard when identifying and issuing access rights to users of Federally-controlled facilities and/or

Federal Information Systems.

USAID will begin issuing HSPD-12 “smart card” IDs to applicable contracts, using a phased approach. Effective October 27, 2006, USAID will begin issuing new “smart card” IDs to new contractors (and new contractor employees) requiring routine access to USAID controlled facilities and/or access to USAID’s information systems. USAID will begin issuance of the new smart card IDs to existing contractors (and existing contractor employees) on October 27, 2007. (Exceptions would include those situations where an existing contractor (or contractor employee) loses or damages his/her existing ID and would need a replacement ID prior to Oct 27, 2007. In those situations, the existing contractor (or contractor employee) would need to follow the PIV processes described below, and be issued one of the new smart cards.)

Accordingly, before a contractor (including a PSC* or a contractor employee) may obtain a

USAID ID (new or replacement) authorizing him/her routine access to USAID facilities, or logical access to USAID’s information systems, the individual must provide two forms of identity source documents in original form and a passport size photo. One identity source document must be a valid Federal or state government-issued picture ID. (Overseas foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the Regional Security Office.) USAID/W contractors must contact the USAID Security Office to obtain the list of acceptable forms of documentation, and contractors working in overseas Missions must obtain the acceptable documentation list from the Regional Security Officer. Submission of these documents, and related background checks, are mandatory in order for the contractor to receive a building access ID, and before access will be granted to any of USAID’s information systems. All contractors must physically present these two source documents for identity proofing at their

USAID/W or Mission Security Briefing. The contractor or his/her Facilities Security Officer must return any issued building access ID and remote authentication token to USAID custody upon termination of the individual’s employment with the contractor or completion of the contract, whichever occurs first.

The contractor must comply with all applicable HSPD-12 and PIV procedures, as described above, and any subsequent USAID or government-wide HSPD-12 and PIV procedures/policies, including any subsequent related USAID General Notices, Office of

Security Directives and/or Automated Directives System (ADS) policy directives and required procedures. This includes HSPD-12 procedures established in USAID/Washington and those procedures established by the overseas Regional Security Office. In the event of inconsistencies between this clause and later issued Agency or government-wide HSPD-12 guidance, the most recent issued guidance should take precedence, unless otherwise instructed by the Contracting Officer.

The contractor is required to include this clause in any subcontracts that require the subcontractor or subcontractor employee to have routine physical access to USAID space or logical access to USAID’s information systems.

4. 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.

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations