Solicitation_-_Venezuela_Coordinator.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051419R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: October 11, 2018

CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 25, 2018 - 16:00 (Colombia Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Short-term –

Venezuela Coordinator, GS-15

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. For further information about USAID/Colombia please visit https://www.usaid.gov/colombia.

Offers 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 BogotaHR@usaid.gov . Please ensure to include the solicitation number and position name in the subject line of the email.

Sincerely, Joseph Sidari

Supervisory Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development

Cra 45 # 24B – 27, Gate 2

Bogotá

COLOMBIA

Tel: (571) 2752000 www.usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/colombia mailto:BogotaHR@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL #72051419R00002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL: 72051419R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 11, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

October 25, 2018 no later than 16:00

Colombia Time

4. POSITION TITLE:

Venezuela Coordinator

5. MARKET VALUE:

GS-15 ($105,126 - $136,659)

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 6 months with option for extension up to a year.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Colombia

8. WHO MAY APPLY: United States Citizens

(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.)

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: As an employment precondition, the successful applicant is required to obtain a Secret Security

Clearance.

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

10.1 General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

USAID/Colombia has an FY 2017 assistance budget of $187 million plus an additional $37.1 million for emergency assistance for the Venezuela crisis; this represents a dramatic 69 percent increase over the Mission’s FY 2016 budget. USAID/Colombia also has an operating expense budget of $5.7 million, and an active portfolio valued at over $800 million. This additional funding allows USAID to expand into new regions where economic, social and security situations are changing rapidly. For example, USAID is integrating new programming with public security and counternarcotics, as coca cultivation has reached historic highs, threatening United States (US) national security. The inflow of over 1 million Venezuelan migrants in need of healthcare, education, food and other services, jeopardizes regional security, and further strains a government struggling to implement peace and reduce coca cultivation. USAID is also engaging in citizen security, building stronger and more resilient communities that can withstand the increasing pressures of violence from domestic and transnational criminal groups, including those competing to fill the space previously occupied by the FARC. Due to the expansive country with distinct cultures and regional dynamics, USAID is seeking to further integrate programming while developing a new, five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

The Venezuela Coordinator plays a crucial lead role in coordinating USAID/Colombia’s portfolio of Venezuela-related activities presently valued over $37.1 million in support of the Government of Colombia's response priorities, including the planning, management, coordination, implementation, and tracking of all USAID/Colombia Venezuela response-related programs. The

Venezuela coordinator liaises with CORs/AORs managing Venezuela response activities, as well as high-level Government of Colombia (GOC) representatives, US Embassy staff, other donors, implementing partners. In addition, he/she will provide technical and advisory support to the Front

Office, senior management, and technical offices in terms of response strategy, new projects/activities, and/or organizational/programmatic adaptation needed to respond to the

Venezuela situation, improve use of resources, integrate programming, and avoid duplication of efforts. This position is located in USAID/Colombia's Program Office (PRO), which provides

Mission-wide support for strategy development, planning, project and activity design, monitoring and evaluation, and resource management. The incumbent will play an import role in the Mission’s strategic planning efforts regarding Venezuela and will provide input into the development and implementation of the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) set to begin in early 2019.

10.2 Duties to be Performed

The Venezuela Coordinator will provide leadership, guidance, and overall direction and support to

USAID/Colombia’s Venezuela response strategy:

1. Strategic Planning, Coordination, and Implementation (50%)

● Advises senior Mission and Embassy management on strategies to advance US

Government priorities and objectives.

● Coordinates a portfolio of Venezuela-related activities valued at over $37 million, in support of the Government of Colombia’s response priorities.

● Advocate with Washington colleagues and other actors for increased funding levels

(currently anticipated at $25-30 million annually)

● Identifies innovative solutions to respond to the Venezuelan migrant situation.

● Stays informed on GOC strategic goals regarding the response and advises Mission senior leadership on how to align US Government support with GOC strategic planning.

● Organizes regular GOC-USG Bilateral Consultative Group meetings to discuss the needs of the Colombian government and ensure close coordination.

● Coordinates with USAID technical offices, the USG interagency (Office of Foreign

Disaster Assistance, Food For Peace, the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration

(PRM), etc.), key stakeholders in Washington, implementing partners, and Government of

Colombia officials to ensure that USAID’s Venezuela strategy is aligned with host country efforts.

● Stays apprised of other donor efforts in Colombia and the region.

● Leads a Venezuela working group, within the Embassy, designed to strengthen coordination, solve challenges that arise, and make recommendations to senior leadership and technical offices to revise USAID’s response priorities, as appropriate.

● Presents USAID updates and coordinates with the interagency in regular working group meetings chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission.

● Serves as coordinator of USG Venezuela-related programming, ensuring that activities are aligned with Mission priorities and that development results are maximized.

● Presents the Mission’s Venezuela-related priorities to internal and external audiences, guiding discussions and decision-making, and making recommendations to Mission senior leadership.

● Leads Mission project design efforts for the Venezuela response to ensure integrated

Mission programming; total funding covered under this portfolio’s new designs is expected to exceed $100 million.

● Advises the Mission Director, Program Office, technical teams, and other staff on issues affecting programming, planning, development, budgeting, procurement, implementation, monitoring, and managing for results.

● Writes talking points, speeches, cables, factsheets, reports, and various communications for high-level USG, GOC, and international audiences.

● Serves as Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative, as needed, for designated

USAID/Colombia Venezuela response activities, including activity management, financial management, progress monitoring, communications, grant/contract revisions, and other issues as they arise (appropriate certificate required).

2. High-Level Relationship Management (25%)

● In coordination with USAID/Colombia staff, implementing partners, the Office of Foreign

Disaster Assistance, and other interagency colleagues, establishes and develops critical relationships with multiple stakeholders at the national and/or regional level, as appropriate, including national-level GOC counterparts (Ministers, Vice Ministers, Agency leads), other donors, civil society organizations, and others.

● Works with leaders across all sectors and governments to identify development opportunities, challenges, and bottlenecks in the response, and strengthen coordination among the USG, GOC, implementing partners, UN agencies, other donors, and numerous actors.

● Develops strong relationships with senior-level US Government and Colombian

Government officials; has an in-depth understanding of the roles of key sections/agencies, in order to identify synergies among them.

● Represents USAID before civil society, private sector, host government, and international counterparts, primarily at the senior-level.

● Plans, coordinates, and leads high-level Congressional Venezuela-related visits, requiring significant coordination with the interagency, implementing partners, and host country counterparts,.

3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation (25%)

● Develops and maintains a Venezuela assistance map, encompassing humanitarian assistance and medium- to long-term development activities that includes all sectors and donors in Colombia.

● Compiles and conducts analyses that will inform the Country Development Cooperation

Strategy, as well as the selection of geographies to focus Venezuela response assistance.

● Provides strategic guidance on a variety of performance management actions such as the monitoring and evaluation reporting system and other performance management tasks.

● Collaborates with technical teams to gather regular updates for cables and update reports.

● Informs the portfolio review process, ensuring deadlines, internal and external reviews, and necessary follow-up to ensure improved results.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

● Be a U.S. citizen;

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;

● Be able to obtain a HSPD-12 level security clearance;

● Be able to obtain a medical clearance;

● Employment is subject to funds availability and required approvals.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Bogota /

Colombia. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

13. POINT OF CONTACT:

Any questions must be directed in writing to BogotaHR@usaid.gov. Please ensure to include the solicitation number and position name in the subject line of the email.

Note: No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: Master’s Degree in international development; political science;

organizational learning; public policy or administration; business administration;

management; international relations; development administration; migration management;

economics; agriculture or agricultural economics; public health; education; social studies;

social research; Latin American Studies; or other fields closely related to international development is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of professional experience in complex, rapidly-evolving humanitarian and development contexts, including coordination, project/activity design, project implementation, and/or monitoring and evaluation.

Experience in the collection, analysis, and presentation of information is required .

c. Knowledge: The Incumbent must possess the ability to plan, organize, and implement programs, plans, and proposals involving substantial agency resources or that require extensive changes in established procedures. S/he must have sound, evidence-based knowledge of a wide range of relevant issues, policies, and practices; must possess thorough knowledge of the political, economic, and development realities of Colombia as well as Colombian international laws, protocols, and agreements pertaining to international mailto:BogotaHR@usaid.gov cooperation. Must be knowledgeable about project implementation, monitoring, and management, as well as project financial management. The position also requires the ability to write effectively in order to develop policies and standards for Mission-wide activities, and to deal tactfully and convincingly with others regarding the coordination of policies and procedures.

The work requires expert knowledge of USG, international, and host government laws, regulations, documentation, and reporting requirements sufficient to make decisions and/or recommendations that significantly affect, interpret, or expand important USAID programs in a very sensitive environment. Knowledge at this high level is required in order to fully capture the myriad of programs, projects, and activities in Colombia, and to conceptualize national and sub-national solutions and recommendations. In addition, knowledge of, or the ability to obtain knowledge of, USAID processes including project design, procurement, and monitoring and evaluation is required.

d. Skills and Abilities: A high level of analytical skills and sound judgment is required.

Must be able to work independently and as a member of a team, and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner. Must be capable of motivating a team to accomplish a long-term task. Also requires operational and management skills; computer skills; multi-tasking skills; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and programmatically

The position also requires excellent interpersonal and training skills, and the candidate must have a genuine interest in coordinating with Mission staff. Must be able to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, other USG agencies at post, Host

Country officials, NGOs, and contractor personnel, among others.

e. Language Proficiency: Fluent English (spoken/written) is required; and professional proficiency in Spanish - Level 2/2 (spoken/written) is required.

III. EVALUATION FACTORS

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application.

Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

FACTOR #1: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The extent to which the applicant's relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities meet or exceed the requisite levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities set forth above.

FACTOR #2: Prior Work Experience: The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above

FACTOR #3: Communication Skills: The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required oral and written language ability set forth above. The summary statement and writing sample submitted will be considered in scoring this factor.

FACTOR #4: Education: The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education described above.

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application.

Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

3.1. BASIS OF RATING

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on their responses to the evaluation factors in the supplemental document. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and on their professional reference checks. The applicant rating system is as follows:

Evaluation Factors

Factor #1 25 points

Factor #2 25 points

Factor #3 20 points

Factor #4 5 points

Interview: 25 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

IV. APPLYING

All applications must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line SOL: 72051419R00002

- Venezuela Coordinator to bogotahr@usaid.gov

Attention: Executive Officer

USAID/Colombia

Human Resources Office

Applicants must submit their application by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item

3. Late applications will not be considered.

Qualified applicants must submit the following documents in English or their application will not be considered for this position:

mailto:bogotahr@usaid.gov

1. Completed and signed USAID form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services

Contracts with individuals”, which is available at the following website https://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. Cover letter (1 page).

3. Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the requirements of the position (education/experience) in order to evaluate the application in accordance with the evaluation criteria; provide periods of performance where possible (maximum 3 pages).

4. Supplemental document with written responses to the evaluation factors describing specifically what experience, training, education, etc., the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria (maximum 3 pages).

5. Minimum of three (3) professional references with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with working/accurate telephone and e-mail numbers. These professional references must not be family members or relatives. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor

(1 page).

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

The applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance from the U.S.

Department of State Office of Medical Services, to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

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

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

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

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

Positions (SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. FS-258 Finger Print Cards

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

9. FACT training certificate.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

VI. 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 policies.

Salary: Will be determined by the USAID Contracting Officer within the GS–15 salary range based on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

Benefits:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution.

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired

U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts. Additionally, a USPSC who is a spouse or same-sex domestic partner of a current or retired U.S. Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military

Service member and who is covered by their spouse or same-sex domestic partner’s government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions).

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment.

(d) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation.

(e) Annual and Sick Leave (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days).

Allowances (if applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

a. Post Differential beginning with the 43 rd day at post (Chapter 500 and Tables in

Chapter 900)

b. If available at the time of arrival, Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) and

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) will be provided. Otherwise, per diem (in lieu of Living Quarters Allowance) will be provided at rates prescribed by the Federal

Travel Regulations, as from time to time amended, during the time such short-term employee spends at post of duty in the Cooperating Country under this contract.

c. Post Allowance (Section 220)

d. 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/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.

END OF SOLICITATION

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations