USAID_MERP_SOW_Solicitation.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052318R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 02/07/2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 02/23/2018 COB MERP/Frankfurt time

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $105,123.00 to $136,659.00 equivalent to GS-15.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. If the position is for a

Washington based PSC, candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained and negotiated.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not to exceed (6) months total level of effort within a (12) twelve month period following issuance of contract. Work may be performed intermittently.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The work will be on location in Frankfurt, Germany. With possible travel to the client missions, if required.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Summary Background:

USAID’s ability to provide assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy priorities of the United States is inextricably linked to operational, management and security challenges. Trans-regional threats from extremist organizations increasingly render foreign assistance operations, program implementation and oversight exceedingly difficult. Civil wars in

Syria and Yemen and the terrorist operations of the Islamic State (ISIL) and affiliated groups continue to have profound regional implications. Moreover, as a result of severe security and space constraints and the high security costs incurred in staffing for non-permissive environments, Agency missions and operating units (OUs) around the world are understaffed relative to USAID’s traditional business model. To address these realities, USAID established the USAID Frankfurt Support Center (USAID FSC) in 2015 at the U.S. Consulate General in

Frankfurt, Germany. Bringing together inter-Bureau capacities for operational, technical and program support services, USAID FSC represents a new organizational model that provides field-based capacity for support in response to evolving security and other challenges in the

USAID operating environment.

The USAID FSC consists of two units: the Office of Support Operations (OSO), a worldwide response office of USAID's Management Bureau (M), and the Middle East Regional Platform

(MERP), an office providing technical, programmatic and management support to the OUs of the

Middle East Bureau (MEB). OSO is a team of seven experienced Foreign Service Officers

(FSOs) and one Locally Engaged Staff (LES) who provide crisis surge support, mentor across

SOL NO. 72052318R00001

the USAID world and lead one of the M Bureau’s Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Labs to promote and disseminate innovation and best contracting practices. MERP is comprised of 25

FSOs and 14 LES and delivers the full range of mission functional support, ensuring all administrative and programmatic responsibilities are met at all eleven MEB operating units, especially those that are limited- or non-presence countries. Tunisia, Libya, and Yemen, for example, operate with five, three, and four assigned FSOs respectively with FY17 program budgets of $58m, $44m, and $58m. MERP FSOs provide Program Office functions as well as

Technical Support for education, water and environment, and democracy. Management support delivered by MERP staff ensures Financial, Legal, A&A, and Executive Office functional requirements are met at supported operating units. MERP serves the operational requirements of over 120 MEB staff and administers a program budget of more than $245 million with an active portfolio valued at $1.05 billion in six OUs. The USAID FSC also serves as a training resource for the Agency, and hosted over 1,600 person/days of training in CY 2017.

The MERP business model is evolving from its initial organizational design which was largely characterized by the structures proposed and assumptions contained in the Middle East regional support assessment of September, 2014. To advance its evolution and to better address the needs of customers in supported operating units, the USAID FSC seeks the services of an experienced Senior Advisor to review services, provide insights and make recommendations to

USAID FSC senior management.

Statement of Work:

Two years into the MERP experience, the organization is fully staffed and the challenge is optimizing the quality of service and operations. The Senior Advisor, having prior extensive experience in the leadership of USAID Missions will support MERP efforts to better align and organize its services on behalf of its customers. The tasks under this scope include:

● Advise MERP senior leadership and make recommendations on organizational strategies, objectives and goals to further the MERP mission

● Serve as a POC, interlocutor and participant in ME Bureau processes and efforts to better address the operational support needs of MEB operating units

● Review metrics on service provision that have been generated by MERP and make recommendations on how to use available metrics and improve the metrics obtained in future.

● Mentor, advise and counsel MERP staff on best practices in customer service and establish systems to facilitate the adoption of these best practices in coordination with

USAID FSC management.

● Mentor, advise and counsel MERP staff on their annual performance plans, especially with regard to the new FS/SFS Skills Framework.

● Provide on-the-job training to new staff as requested.

● Contribute to MERP efforts to address the findings of the MERP Customer Satisfaction

Survey in coordination with USAID FSC management and all customers in supported operating units.

● Prior to departing post, the Senior Advisor will provide the Director with a written record of recommendations for the USAID Frankfurt Support Center.

Some Key Questions to Frame this Scope of Work:

● How can MERP optimize service provision across MERP, ME (TS, SPO, NAA, MEA) and other Agency offices or units with regard to Financial Management, Legal Counsel, Executive Office (Human Resources, Travel, Information Technology, ICASS liaison, Property, Communications & Records, etc.), Acquisition and Assistance, Program Office

(Strategic Planning, Reporting, Collaboration/Learning/Adapting, Monitoring &

Evaluation, Development Outreach and Communication), and sector Technical Support for ME Bureau operating units?

● MERP recently completed an exercise to collect data on service provision. How can the data collected inform our decisions and how can the most relevant data be obtained and used in future?

● How can technology be utilized to enhance communications between MERP and supported operating units?

● The Agency has recently issued a report on Remote Collaboration and Non-Permissive

Environments and this continues to be an area of focus for the Bureau and the Agency.

Based on review of Agency Reports and Assessments on this theme, and in the context of the Agency redesign, how can MERP most effectively implement any recommendations received?

● The USAID Redesign (T3) will inform strategic and operational directions that will shape

ME Bureau and Agency operations. How will these new organizational strategies and directions affect MERP, ME (TS, SPO, NAA, MEA) and other Agency offices or units with regard to Financial Management, Legal Counsel, Executive Office (Human

Resources, Travel, Information Technology, ICASS liaison, Property, etc.), Acquisition and Assistance, Program Office (Strategic Planning, Reporting, Collaboration/

Learning/Adapting, Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Outreach and

Communication), and program sector Technical Support for operating units?

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The incumbent will be looked to as the expert in all aspects of administrative management.

Decisions and actions taken by the incumbent will affect the client missions’ operations.

SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

COMPENSATION

This position has been classified at GS-15 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional question you may contact Diane Moore, dimoore@usaid.gov, Jeff Sharp, jsharp@usaid.gov.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education and other Academic Training (5 points):

The successful candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.

Professional experience (35 points):

Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible duties in the management of an overseas development office or operation. A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required. Experience in a regional office is a plus.

Leadership / Professional Development (30 points):

Minimum of 10 years in a supervisory role. Experience in a regional capacity is preferred.

Interpersonal, Team Management and Communication Skills (25 points):

Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must have a demonstrated ability to work in teams (i.e., team player skills), a commitment to the team mode of operation and proven management, organizational, and administrative skills. Must mailto:dimoore@usaid.gov mailto:jsharp@usaid.gov be able to compile and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner. High degree of professionalism and discretion in representing the USG are essential elements of the position.

Language Proficiency (5 points):

Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. Must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear written and verbal formats.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Education and other Academic Training (5 points)

Professional experience (35 points)

Leadership / Professional Development (30 points)

Interpersonal, Team Management and Communication Skills (25 points)

Language Proficiency (5 points)

Reference Verification: (Pass/Fail)

Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone

OR not to interview any candidate.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of the selection process, the short listed candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be conducted only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by

USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain at least a

Facility Access (NSPD – 12) Security Clearance level and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these requirements to the selected candidate). A substantial delay in obtaining either the medical clearance or background check may make the applicant ineligible for selection.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

USAID/MERP reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

IV. APPLYING

Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All application packages are to be submitted via email to:

frankfurthr@usaid.gov.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

Offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.

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

Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant’s professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives.

References should 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.

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 12.

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position. Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

mailto:frankfurthr@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/forms

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms will be provided.

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

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

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 Form)

*The above listed forms (2 through 7) shall only be completed upon the advice of the

Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS (if applicable)

(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

(g) Medevac insurance

(h) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Frankfurt

2. ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable)

The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian

Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/:

https://aoprals.state.gov/

(a) Temporary Quarter 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 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 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.

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 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Contractor Registration

All prospective U.S. Government contractors are required to obtain a DUNS number and to complete the System for Award Management (SAM) registration before a contract may be awarded. To learn more and to begin the registration process, please visit the following websites:

DUNS number: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

SAM registration: http://www.sam.gov

Proposals may be submitted under this RFP without a DUNS number or SAM registration.

However, the successful awardee will be required to obtain both of them and submit evidence of registration to USAID before an award is made. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, offerors are encouraged to obtain them early so that, if selected, the award will not be delayed.

Completion of an early registration does not constitute any commitment on the part of the U.S.

Government to make an award.