SOL-72067519R00003.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: APRIL 29, 2019

CLOSING DATE: MAY 31, 2019 midnight Guinea Local Time (GMT)

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER 72067519R00003 FOR AN OFF-SHORE HIRE US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – SENIOR ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST FOR USAID/GUINEA

AND SIERRA LEONE

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone, is seeking applications of qualified U.S Citizens and Third Country Nationals, interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with the Attachment 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 offers.

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

Sincerely, /signed/ Cheryl Wilson Supervisory Executive Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72067519R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: APRIL 29, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: MAY 31, 2019 at midnight Guinea local time (GUINEA)

4. POSITION TITLE: SR. ACQUSITION & ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($76,687.00 to $99,691.00) is the equivalent market value for this position. 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.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with an option to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services, availability of funds and subsequent hiring freeze guidance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Conakry, Guinea

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: US citizens – FACILITY ACCESS. TCNs: FACILITY

ACCESS/EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The USAID Mission based in Guinea oversees operations in both Guinea and Sierra Leone, with programs focusing on health, food security, governance and women’s empowerment. The Mission’s combined financial responsibility for these country programs is $40 million. There are 14 active awards in the two countries and 2 new procurements under development.

The Senior Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist (Contractor) is a member of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance located in Conakry, Guinea. The team is comprised the Senior A&A Specialist (Contractor), a Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A Specialist, and an FSN Administrative Assistant. The Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer with signatory authority is located in Dakar.

The optimal applicant for this Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist position will possess extensive knowledge of US federal contracting and assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) principles, policies, and procedures from pre-award through post-award phases. In addition, this senior PSC will need a well-seasoned familiarity with development principles, federal procurement mechanisms and donor/Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering. S/he exercises leadership in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner.

Basic Function:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is located within USAID/Guinea and reports to the USAID/Guinea Mission Director or his/her designee. The Sr. A&A Specialist ensures that all A&A activities conform to the defined Development Objectives (DOs) of the Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission, serves as a core team member of the Mission’s technical teams, provides guidance, assists on acquisition and assistance related matters, and contributes to overall Mission team work.

The Contractor shall provide support on all aspects of A&A award administration relating to and affecting USAID Mission-funded acquisition and assistance activities. The Contractor will be responsible for pre and post award stages of activities including planning, developing, negotiating, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement relating to and affecting USAID’s A&A programs, policy, project planning, activity design, solicitation, evaluation and award. In addition to these functions, the Contractor will participate in Mission strategic planning and policy formulation. S/he will lead the development and implementation of the Mission procurement plan advising the Contracting Officer and Mission Management of progress made.

The Contractor must be able to integrate issues, apply creative problem solving, and introduce innovative procurement mechanisms to realize Mission objectives. The Contractor will serve as an Acquisition and Assistance resource for the Office of Acquisition and Assistance as well as technical team members, providing A&A training and mentoring to both A&A and technical staff. Travel may be necessary to Sierra Leone.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be responsible for planning, developing, soliciting, negotiating, managing, and advising on procurements in relation to the Mission's acquisition and assistance programs. The Senior A&A Specialist will participate in "cradle to grave" actions - from project design through negotiation, administration and close-out. The Sr. A&A Specialist must provide technical assistance necessary to execute a full range of procurement actions in support of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone. He/she must also be available for consultation on acquisition and assistance issues. The incumbent will be required to mentor and conduct on-the-job training to junior/less experienced OAA and technical staff on A&A policies and practices.

The incumbent, in consultation with the Contracting Officer, shall perform the following specific functions including but not limited to:

Pre-Award Expertise and Services (50%)

Perform all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conduct A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone development objectives and related results and requirements.

Organize, direct, conduct and/or coordinate continued engagement with Agency stakeholders including updating the Agency A&A Plan and Business Forecast, responding to inquiries on a timely basis and organizing, when needed, pre-bid/pre- proposal conferences for procurement actions and preparing Requests for Information (RFI).

Review requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on scope of work, program description, and other pre-award documents), and manage the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Award Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), Mission Orders, etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire activity design and proposal/application solicitation process.

Prepare instructions for Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) members and Chairperson and manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at best value and instrument decision. This includes ensuring fully documented files in the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking System (ASIST) and on the Mission’s p: drive with certifications, Agency and Mission-specific authorizations, justifications for exception to competition when required, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, and a comprehensive record of commitments, obligations, and key correspondence of the parties. Manage the award process from beginning to conclusion (all pre-Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) and PALT requirements) with fully executed award or assistance documents.

Assist the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepare defensible justifications and Source Selection Memoranda. Guide technical teams in pre-PALT requirements for awards and modifications.

Prepare awards and modifications in Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) with complete supporting documents including comprehensive Negotiation Memorandum with detailed cost analysis, for the Contracting Officer’s signature.

Develop long-range plans for new or complex programs in collaboration with Mission technical offices, lead in the preparation and update of procurement plans, provide OAA guidance on pipeline / forward funding analyses and portfolio reviews, review project papers and represent OAA at program planning meetings. Identify services to be acquired by award, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Prepare and monitor milestone plans for every award, ensure timely implementation, and keep the Contracting Officer informed of anticipated workload demands.

Anticipate problems and provide advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serve on activity development teams.

Serve as an advisor to the program office and activity planners. Advise on the procurement instruments to be used, assist in the preparation of program descriptions and prepare technical evaluation committee guidance. Provide guidance and training to project/technical staff on USAID regulations, CFR and FAR requirements.

Collaborate in the development of evaluation criteria.

Post-Award Expertise and Services (35%)

Perform all actions required to administer the complete variety of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. Rely on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars, PEBs, Mission Orders, and other procurement/assistance sources to assure output-based administration and achievement of the Mission's programs and timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services.

Exercise a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal offices, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting award or award provisions, reviewing and preparing requests for Contracting Officer approval, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted.

Guide and oversee the FSN A&A Specialist and Administrative Assistant in all post- award functions through close-out, ensure there are no pending administrative actions, the award is complete in every aspect, and all approvals have been obtained including final audits, indirect cost matters, and any needed final modifications.

Coordinate special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, including the Regional Inspector General (RIG) and Small Business Administration (SBA). Ensure that the results required are documented.

Ensure award terms and conditions are met and that the implementing partner delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Mission’s projects and programs. Interpret award provisions for recipients and contractors. Perform periodic site visits, limited financial reviews, prepare rate and cost adjustments, redirect levels of effort, review and prepare modifications and/or approvals for time and cost extensions, change orders, stop work orders, sub-award consents, incremental funding, key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition, cure notices or show cause letters, and oversee award closeout. Advise technical office counterparts and implementing partners on their administration responsibilities contained in awards. Advise technical offices on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

Respond to protests, audits and limited financial review findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Work with the Regional Legal Officer (RLO) and Controller in preparing the Mission’s position and provide assistance to the Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the General Accounting Office (GAO), and programmatic and financial audits conducted by the Regional Inspector General (RIG).

Assist Contracting Officer with conduction of pre-award and post award surveys when needed. Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's / recipient’s business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, procurement, insurance, sub- contracting procedures, financial management, and results of financial audits, for ability to perform and for compliance with federal regulatory requirements, when needed. Resolve audit findings on post-award audits. Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations to managers as a result of the reviews. Conduct in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented award actions requiring higher-level approval. Ensure that award terms and conditions are met.

Recommend issuing cure or show-cause notices when the Contractor is not in compliance. Prepare termination of awards for the convenience of the government or default by the awardee.

Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiate termination claims settlement.

Other Duties (15%)

Serve as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A staff and Agreement/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) in USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone as needed by providing them with advice, training and support. The training/mentoring will include formal presentations/job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day training and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The training shall encompass procurement planning, design and solicitation processes, negotiation and award, award compliance monitoring and administration, cost realism analysis, market research, forward funding/pipeline analysis, design of tools and templates to utilize in training, and other topics as assigned.

Represent the OAA viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S.

Government’s best interests.

Track new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures and prepare presentations/guidance on new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures for A&A staff and AOR/CORs. Provide advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g., other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.).

Recommend new or improved processes in or related to procurement, e.g., develop pre-PALT checklist and timeline for technical teams, formulate guidelines, implement new developments, and provide policy interpretation for contracting activities.

Ensure that all necessary documentation (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, technical papers, sub-award consent requests, authority to make grants under awards, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries) for all current A&A actions are maintained by A&A staff according to USAID records management regulations in ASIST and on the Mission’s p:

drive. Ensure A&A staff provide timely reminders to COR/AORs of their Continuous Learning Point (CLP) requirements for FAITAS and GLAAS and to maintain current certifications in FAITAS and active roles in GLAAS. Ensure all Supervisors maintain active authorizations in FAITAS and in in GLAAS.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will report to the Contracting Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Will provide oversight to two FSNs

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. citizens & Third Country Nationals

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.

A Third Country National by definition is an individual who is neither a citizen of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and who is eligible for return travel to the TCN's home country or country from which recruited at U.S. Government expense.

11. HIRING PREFRERENCE

In order to comply with the order of preference in section 309.3.1.4 of the ADS, offers received from U.S. Nationals will be evaluated first. If no USNs are qualified, then offers from TCN PSCs will be considered.

In addition, should a Third Country National (TCN) PSC be selected for award, during the period of the contract, the TCN contractor shall devote at least 10% of working hours to training a Cooperating Country National (CCN). The Supervisor of the Senior A&A Specialist will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the contractor's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

POINT OF CONTACT: Any questions about this solicitation may be directed to:

Conakryhr@usaid.gov

12. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must have the following minimum qualifications.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a four-year U.S. University degree (equivalency accreditation if a non- U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is required. In addition, applicants must have completed the Federal Acquisition Certification- Contracting Level I & II.

Prior Work Experience:

Applicants must have a minimum of seven (07) years of Acquisition and Assistance experience with the U.S. government in complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment and lead teams in the full range of responsibilities -procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

Experience that demonstrates pre-award skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

mailto:Conakryhr@usaid.gov

Knowledge:

Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following A&A competencies: knowledge of FAR, USAID A&A regulations, and agency-specific policies and procedures; knowledge contract types and possession of requisite skills for the particular A&A assignments (e.g. task orders, commercial items, etc.); analytical skills to review of a statement of work (or program description) for contract ability, consistency, readability and completeness;

ability prepare solicitations and review and assist in the development of instructions for offerors/applicants and evaluation criteria; verbal skills sufficient to present information to A&A staff and other Mission (non-procurement) personnel

Other Skills and Abilities:

Applicants must demonstrate their skills, and abilities in advanced conceptualization, analyzing and organizing a large amount of complex information simultaneously, and strategic planning. Attention to detail and an ability to work calmly and skillfully under pressure are essential.

Ability to analyze business proposals and negotiate to orchestrate “win-win” settlements between disparate parties is required. The abilities to organize and manage a large volume of work; establish and sustain high-level missions/agency, host country/business community relations hips; and collaborate with, lead and supervise professional-level staff are required.

Skills in researching, preparing and presenting oral and written reports and ability to influence opinions of others are necessary.

Required computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, web-based applications, and data base front-end programs.

Fluent spoken/written English (Level IV) and the ability to compose administrative correspondence and contractual language are required. French familiarity but not required.

13. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

The Evaluation Factors listed (b) below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. In order to be considered, applicants will be scored based on the documentation outlining their responses to the evaluation factors. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

(a) 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 scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. 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; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must:

- Be a United States or Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (USPSC or TCNPSC). “Third Country National” means an individual: (1) Who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty (Mali), and (2) Who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expenses.

- Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled APPLYING &

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS;

- Be able to attain Medium Risk/Public Trust employment authorization;

- Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

- Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour work week, including weekends, as may be required or necessary;

- Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested

(b) EVALUATION FACTORS AND BASIS OF RATING:

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The applicants are required to provide at least three (3) references who can provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one of the references provided should be a current or former supervisor.

Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) and work experience, requirements, as specified, at the time of submitting the applications. There is no exception for meeting the minimum requirements.

Education: (20 points) Prior Work Experience: (30 points) Job Knowledge: (30 points) Other Skills and Abilities: (20 points)

TOTAL POINTS: 100

Satisfactory professional Reference Checks will be conducted but yield no points.

14. APPLYING:

All applications must be submitted electronically by e-mail with the subject line – SOL 72067519R00003 – SENIOR ACQUISAITION & ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST to conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov

Attention: Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone

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

(Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences.)

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.

mailto:conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov

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

• Cover letter highlighting experience, education and job knowledge and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant’s professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• Application letters and Form a309-2 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered. ALL DOCUMENTS

MUST BE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH

The final selected candidate must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

15. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

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

1) Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3).

2) Medical History and Examination Forms (DS-6561 and 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). *

*Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance prior to service overseas. Also, a temporary employment authorization security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty.

16. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D and other relevant Agency and Mission polices.

BENEFITS:

Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across board salary increase) http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

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Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If applicable).

(A)Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D)Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(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)

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income Taxes.

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