Solicitation_72026718R00001.doc

USAID MISSION/IRAQ

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026718R00001

ISSUANCE DATE:

January 31, 2018

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

February 21, 2018

17:00 Baghdad time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens or and U.S. Resident Aliens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

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

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

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Leslie C. Petersen Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

72026718R00001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72026718R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2018.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: February 21, 2018 no later than 17:00 Baghdad time.

4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Executive Specialist.

5. MARKET VALUE: $89,370 - $116,181 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is one year, with the possibility of extensions. The contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Secret level security clearance (if U.S. Citizen) or Moderate Risk Public Trust certificate (if U.S. Resident Alien), as a pre-condition for employment.

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1) BACKGROUND

Since 2003, USAID has been a major contributor to the U.S. government (USG) relief, stabilization and reconstruction effort in Iraq. USAID works closely with other USG entities, the Government of Iraq (GOI), provincial and local governments, international institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank, and a network of partners from non-governmental organizations, local community groups, and Iraqi citizens.

U.S. assistance to Iraq has changed substantially over the past years, especially since the Da’esh offensive beginning in 2014. From 2003 to 2006, USAID focused on restoring essential services, such as in health, education, water and electricity; improving economic opportunities; building the foundation of democracy and governance; and managing conflict. In 2007, the focus shifted to strengthening the effectiveness of government and civil society, expanding private sector opportunities, supporting focused stabilization activities, and providing humanitarian assistance and support for internally displaced persons. These types of activities continued until 2009 when USG assistance began shifting from reconstruction to enhancing Iraq’s capacity to rebuild itself and improving Iraq’s ability to govern itself effectively. In December 2012 the mission’s staffing profile changed dramatically when it was forced to reduce expatriate staff by 70 percent. Since October 2014, all projects are managed by one technical office, with support from in-country Executive and Program Offices and contracting and legal support from the Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) based in Frankfurt, Germany.

In 2014, Da’esh launched a brutal attack and secured an estimated 40 percent of Iraq’s territory. In response, the USG joined other coalition partners in the Integrated Campaign Strategy to rid Iraq and the Middle East of Da’esh. The glide path for the closure of the USAID Mission was reversed and the current portfolio targets humanitarian assistance, stabilization, and economic and governance reform. The Mission now plans assistance through 2020. Given the urgent and dynamic nature of the challenges facing Iraq and its vital role as a strategic partner, USAID/Iraq is a critical USAID Mission in the world, a CPC country managing $1 Billion includes Mission's current active development portfolio and planned estimated budget up to year 2020 as well as the Mission’s Operating Expense (OE) budget amounting to about $12 million per annun.

2) STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The Supervisory Executive Specialist serves as Deputy to the Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Iraq, reporting directly to the Supervisory Executive Officer (EXO), or the Deputy Mission Director in the absence of the EXO. In addition to backstopping the EXO, the Supervisory Executive Specialist is directly responsible for managing all aspects of Human Resources management, including USDH, USPSC, FSNPSC and TCNPSC personnel management; travel management; Communications and Records (C&R) and logistics for USAID/Iraq with the assistance of subordinates. The Supervisory Executive Specialist serves as an advisor on all administration work of the USAID/Iraq Mission. The incumbent supervises and manages the USAID/Iraq Human Resources section with overall responsibility for recruitment (international and local), coordinating position management (development of position descriptions and classification of position), performance management, training and award program management, liaison with the Embassy HR section on matters of mutual interest and other human resource management functions.

DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

a) Human Resources (HR) Manager Responsibilities: The Supervisory Executive Specialist plans and manages personnel management programs for USDH, USPSC, TCN, and FSN employees; and, advises on human resources development, employee relations, and employee benefits. The Supervisory Executive Specialist participates with US Embassy and other US agencies in joint personnel policies and operations. The Supervisory Executive Specialist is specifically responsible for management of the Mission employment program for USDH, USPSC, TCNPSC, and FSNPSCs, both long and short-term, local-hire and off-shore, and both OE-funded and project-funded, in a manner that will include knowledge transfer to the local FSN staff. The Supervisory Executive Specialist is responsible for ensuring that NSDD-38 approvals are in place for all USDH/TCN/USPSC positions. The incumbent is responsible for managing the recruitment process for new and newly vacated positions, working with HCTM on cables, DIP titles, and other required HCTM approvals. This includes obtaining needed Mission and USAID/Washington clearances, verifying positions to be recruited, obtaining Scopes of Work and/or Position Descriptions and other required documents to initiate the employment process, and drafting solicitations and position announcements. The incumbent is also responsible for space planning for Mission staffing and any new positions. The incumbent, with the assistance of subordinate HR staff, fully participates in and coordinates the selection process, and oversees the interviewing, testing, and selection of applicants. The incumbent conducts negotiations and prepares or oversees the preparation of contracts and contract modifications for USPSC, TCNPSC, and FSNPSC employees, as required, and provides oversight to assure required clearances, contracts, contract modifications, and personnel actions, including promotions, reassignments, and terminations, are in place. The incumbent provides career development and performance counseling services for Mission FSN employees. Manages the Mission FSN performance management/employee evaluation program & provides logistical support for the USDH performance evaluation program. The incumbent coordinates the completion and approval of the Mission-wide annual training plan with Mission Management, ensuring that all employees have equitable access to and consideration for training opportunities in accordance with the applicable Mission Order. Analyzes the training plan and makes recommendations for courses. As the Awards Program Coordinator, works closely with the Supervisory EXO to administer and monitor USAID/Iraq’s Awards Program including honor awards, cash awards, on-the-spot awards, meritorious step increases, certificates of appreciation and length of service certificates administered under the Mission Awards as well as Agency Awards systems.

The Supervisory Executive Specialist is relied upon to interpret human resources and personal services contracting regulations, and to assure employees are informed of all matters affecting employment and employee placement, PSC contracting, performance evaluation, leave and retirement policies, health benefits, and insurance allowances. The incumbent oversees the preparation of various Mission and USAID HR reports, as required or requested, and oversees the upkeep and maintenance of all HR records. The incumbent prepares or oversees the preparation of correspondence, memoranda, and reports concerning recruitment, selection, and contracting. The incumbent is responsible for reviewing Mission Orders and Notices and ensuring that these are updated as needed.

b) Travel Responsibilities: The Supervisory Executive Specialist is responsible for overseeing the travel management functions for USAID/Iraq in coordination with the Financial Management Office. The incumbent oversees the travel of all Mission employees, especially the coordination of arrivals and departures of off-shore Mission staff, assures proper check-in and check-out processing and clearances, travel to/from post, and the provision of housing accommodations for USAID/Iraq personnel assigned to post, and for TDYers. S/he needs to be thoroughly familiar with U.S. Government regulations on travel and transportation. S/he develops processes and procedures to deal with Mission travel needs in the most effective and efficient way. Interprets Federal Travel Regulations, Mission travel policies and other travel regulations; makes sure employees are well informed on all matters related to the post-funded travel; provides guidance to the traveler and mission management on travel rules and regulations.

c) Training Responsibilities: The Supervisory Executive Specialist is responsible for knowledge transfer to other staff in all assigned EXO/HR functions. In addition to the general D/EXO responsibilities outlined above, the Supervisory Executive Specialist participates in planning, directing, and administering management programs within the Mission. The work is accomplished by developing, interpreting, and assuring the implementation of administrative policies, regulations, and procedures in assigned areas of the Executive Office, and assuring compliance with Government of Iraq statutory and/or regulatory requirements affecting management services to the Mission and the USG and its employees.

In the absence of the USDH Supervisory Executive Officer, the incumbent shall perform all duties of that position except those which require a direct hire signature or warrant, as authorized by the Deputy Mission Director.

3) SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The Supervisory Executive Specialist will report to and work under the general supervision and guidance of the Supervisory Executive Officer. The S/EXO will review and approve the incumbent’s work plan and performance measures. Supervision will be generally confined to informal daily and/or weekly consultations.

4) SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This is a supervisory position. The incumbent provides direct supervision to at least one TCNPSC and two local employees. Also provides guidance to other employees of the Mission as required.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens (According to ADS 309.3.3).

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts; or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. The work requested is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. The selected applicant must meet new fitness for duty standards for Iraq (stated in 15 State 11055) which includes: (1) a full medical evaluation, and (2) must obtain medical clearance from State/MED in order to deploy to post.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: Mohammad Ibrahim, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Iraq, Mibrahim@usaid.gov or Leslie C. Petersen, Supervisory Executive Officer, LPetersen@usaid.gov (inquiries only). Applications will NOT be accepted to these email addresses. Please see item IV for instructions on how and where to submit applications.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

1. Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, public administration or related subject is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: The incumbent is expected to have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources/Administrative Management out of which at least 6-8 years should have been in a senior position in Human Resource Management. S/he is expected to have at least 3-5 years of overseas experience with a U.S. Government agency working in countries in conflict or post-conflict situations at a supervisory level position wherein establishing human resource systems and training local nationals have been the primary duties and responsibilities.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a summary statement of no more than one letter-size page, which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. The Contracting Officer will establish a competitive range and only shortlisted candidate will be contacted for interview.

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored.

1. Education (10 points): A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, public administration or related subject is required.

2. Prior Work Experience (40 points): The incumbent is expected to have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources/Administrative Management out of which at least 6-8 years should have been in a senior position in Human Resource Management. S/he is expected to have at least 3-5 years of overseas experience with a U.S. Government agency working in countries in conflict or post-conflict situations at a supervisory level position wherein establishing human resource systems and training local nationals have been the primary duties and responsibilities.

3. Language Proficiency (10 points): Fluent English (Level IV) reading, speaking and writing ability is required.

4. Knowledge (20 points): USAID/US Government regulations/procedures as appropriate for carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Work requires mastery of management principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques of business management and human resources management sufficient to apply new developments and theories to major problems that may not be susceptible to treatment by previously accepted methods. Knowledge of HR practices related to determining workload projections and current and future competency gaps to align human capital with organizational goals. A solid knowledge of business and human resources practices (with focus on achieving results in an overseas and post-conflict environment) based upon experience is desirable.

Expert knowledge of USG, international, and host-government laws and regulations, documentation, and reporting requirements sufficient to make decisions or recommendations significantly impacting on important aspects of conducting U.S. Government activities and programs in Iraq. A thorough Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, WEBPASS, Employee Information Management System, MCLASS and other HR systems is required.

5. Skills and Abilities (20 points): The candidate must possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Evidence of effective team leadership skills through supervision responsibilities or informal mentoring is required. The candidate must have excellent management, interpersonal, and team building skills. Must have ability to make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals. Ability to work with clients and customers, including the individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the U.S. Government to assess their needs, provide information or assistance when required. Ability to resolve problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Excellent inter-personal skills showing understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Total possible points: 100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented within the application. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to establish a competitive range. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be invited to participate in an interview. Only those applicants in competitive range, if established, will be contacted. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion of evaluations and prior to negotiations to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.

IV. APPLYING

1. Qualified applicants are requested to submit:

A. Most current Curriculum Vitae or resume;

B. Completed and signed USPSC Application Form, a302-3 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts), which can be found at the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc ;

C. Three professional references, who are not blood-related, with telephone and e-mail contacts;

D. Brief appendix of no more than one letter-size page to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described in the solicitation.

2. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov.

3. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, Applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

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

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

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

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

5. OF-306

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Personal Service Contracting (PSC) employee is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(a) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(d) Education Travel (Section 280)

(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(g) Danger Pay Allowance (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 .

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 .

USAID/Iraq

US Embassy Compound

International Zone

Baghdad-Iraq