72049224R00006 Senior Advisor (Financial Management).pdf

72049224R00006

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72049224R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 9, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

September 8, 2024 /11:59 PM, Manila time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Division, e-mail: aidmnlhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Advisor (Financial Management)

6. MARKET VALUE: $123,041 - $159,950 equivalent to GS-15 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Philippines

Overseas USPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan, may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start o/a December 2024 or earlier if required clearances are obtained.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens (USNs), and Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain the appropriate security (HSPD-12) facility access authorization.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The Regional Controller's office provides full financial management services to USAID Philippines and Mongolia, USAID Pacific Islands (Fiji), and USAID Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. There has been a significant increase in workload as a result of the growth in the number of Operating Units that the Mission manages.

Additionally, there has been an increase in fiduciary oversight workload related to Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Government Accountability Office (GAO), Recipient

Contracted audits, financial reviews, pre-award surveys and other mission critical fiduciary oversight activities.

The Senior Advisor to the Regional Controller will support the Controller's staff and oversee the Regional Controller's office in the Regional Controller's absence. RFSC is responsible for all regional financial management operations including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, financial and progress reporting, risk, and audit management. The Senior Advisor will ensure coverage and surge support as needed.

B. Statement of Duties to be performed:

a. Serves as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices, and procedures. Responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting, and budgeting system designed to provide senior mission management with timely financial information for making operating decisions.

b. Guides financial management of all appropriated funds available to USAID Philippines and Mongolia, USAID Pacific Islands (Fiji) and USAID Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets. Oversees operations to ensure effective use and accountability of all USAID-financed assistance.

c. Oversees the formulation and preparation of the annual operating expense budget;

analyzed proposed forward funding and existing obligation pipelines. For current year budgets and allowed funds, assures effective management and funds controls are applied over operating expense and program funds.

d. Coordinates implementation of Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) internal control review process and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) assessment.

Identifies the appropriate accountability units and operating environment within the Mission. Leads the Missions in the assessment of risks and development of control techniques and ensures compliance with reporting requirements.

e. Serves as the USAID/Philippines and client missions’ focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements, and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from OIG, and reviewing actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations.

f. Is responsible for conducting pre-award assessments of proposed award recipients and financial reviews of awardees. Provide leadership to enhance the financial management capacity of local partner organizations.

g. Assesses the operations of the Payment section to identify opportunities for best practices to maximize efficiency. Assists in the establishment of business processes to enhance USAID Philippines and Mongolia, USAID Pacific Islands (Fiji) and USAID Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu as a value-added provider of financial information and services to USAID as well as our partners and stakeholders.

h. Provides direct support to the Chief Accountant in the Philippines in supervision and management skills to ensure Administrative Budgeting, Accounting and Payments Sections run effectively and efficiently.

i. Is supportive to staff development and training.

j. Serves as the Mission's authorized certifying officer. Takes the lead in resolving methods of payment, cash management, cost reasonableness and disbursement issues for projects.

k. Provides Mission staff with assistance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures. Contributes to Mission-wide policy and strategy formulation, staff development and resource management decisions.

l. Participates in the analysis of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) budget and serves as a USAID member in the ICASS Budget Committee.

m. Coordinates with Mission management on ICASS matters including ICASS invoice review.

C. KEY POSITION ELEMENTS

Knowledge required by the position: The Senior Advisor supports overseeing the Regional Controller's office, the offeror is required to possess expertise and comprehensive knowledge of all regional financial management operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, financial and progress reporting, risk, and audit management.

Supervisory Controls: The Senior Advisor works under the general supervision of the Regional Controller. The incumbent performs assigned duties independently where procedures and guidelines have been established. Completed assignments are reviewed for soundness, completeness, and conformity with policies and procedures.

Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR), Mission Orders, etc. The Senior Advisor should have the ability to research, interpret, and apply federal regulations and Agency policies to complex scenarios. S/he must be recognized as an expert in the financial management operations.

Level of complexity for work assignments: The Senior Advisor serves as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices, and procedures. Responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting, and budgeting systems designed to provide senior mission management with timely financial information for making operating decisions. Serves as the USAID/Philippines and client Missions focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements, and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from OIG, and reviewing actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations.

Scope and effect of the work performed: The Senior Advisor is responsible for all regional financial management operations including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, financial and progress reporting, risk, and audit management.

Exercise of Judgement: This position requires a high level of customer service orientation and interpersonal skills while supporting USAID staff and dealing with the Embassy, OIG, GAO, Implementing Partner staff, regional clients, and government ministers/senior officials, The work involves many different, complex and interrelated processes as described above with unknown conditions that require the development of new theories to resolve critical problems.

Nature, level, and purpose of contacts: Extensive and substantial contacts with internal and external customers and clients: USAID Mission Management, U.S. Embassy Financial Management Officers, Office Directors, Financial Management peers in the Accounting, Financial Analysis and Voucher Examination Sections, USAID/Philippines project offices, and a variety of external contractors, grantees, and vendors for the purpose of exchanging information, and researching and resolving issues. The Senior Advisor will have considerable interaction with external audit firms to coordinate recipient contracted audits and discuss audit findings. S/he will interact with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Auditors to submit management decisions and provide responses to their inquiries.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent level in accounting, finance or business administration is required.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Ten years of progressively responsible experience performing and supervising USAID financial management operations, including accounting, audit and management, budget formulation and execution, financial analysis, and management controls is required. Experience as a USAID Controller, Deputy Controller, Acting Controller or Acting Deputy Controller is a plus. Strong working knowledge of USAID systems such as

Phoenix, End to End (E2) Solutions, Agency Secure Image and Storage System Tracking System (ASIST), Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), and other Agency systems is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology. Knowledge or the ability to quickly gain knowledge of the principles and accepted procedures of the U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting, and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management and a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID's financial management policies and regulations, is also required. Strong understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations is highly desirable. A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The position requires proven management and organizational expertise as well as developing and motivating a team to effectively supervise OFM staff and direct the various elements of a complex financial management operation. The position also requires excellent interpersonal and training skills, and the candidate must have a genuine interest in developing the abilities of OFM staff. The ability to perform in an energetic and fast environment while maintaining cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, Host Government, NGO, and Contractor personnel is a must. Excellent English communications skills, both orally and in writing, are essential.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

Rating System

1. Education (10 points)

2. Prior Work Experience (50 points)

3. Job Knowledge (20 points) https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

4. Skills and Abilities (20 points) Maximum score: 100 points

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.”

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

A competitive range may be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through written tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their offers. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors. As part of the selection process, finalist offerors may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion.

The selected offeror must obtain required security clearance level, within a reasonable period of time, from USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, D.C. USAID will provide further guidance to the successful offeror.

USAID expects to award a personal services contract for the period of performance commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms;

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I item 4;

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation Number on all offeror-submitted documents;

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements and evaluation factors of the position;

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (without photo), which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements;

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references;

7. Copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees should be included in the application package to corroborate the CV/Resume;

8. Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/email not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF. Application packages must be submitted electronically to aidmnlhr@usaid.gov.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

1. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

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

5. Fingerprint Card (SF-87). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

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/ads/policy/300/aidar

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and With a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar ]

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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/resources_standards-of-conduct.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

Jun 2023

- End of solicitation -http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman