Solicitation_USPSC_or_TCNPSC_S-SR_A&A_Mali.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development

ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297

B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33 http://mali.usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068818R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 9, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 16, 2018 at 17:00 GMT

4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: $75,628 - $98,317 equivalent to GS-13

Final compensation within the GS-13 grade range will be based on the individual’s salary history, work experience and educational background.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

6. ORGANIZATION LOCATION OF POSITION: USAID/Mali, Bamako, Mali.

7. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Acquisition & Assistance Office Director or Designee.

8. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of security/medical Clearances.

(24 months from date of appointment and with an option to extend for up to five years upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds)

10. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bamako, Mali (with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work)

11. SECURITY ACCESS: Facilities access/Public Trust (Successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency)

12. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The successful candidate shall be required to obtain a medical certification proving aptitude to work and Medical evacuation insurance that is provided through your chosen service provider.

Receipt of Medical clearance and insurance are a prerequisite for employment)

13. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) plays a pivotal role in the successful execution of USAID/Mali Strategic Goals and Objectives through the planning, solicitation, award and administration of contracts and agreements. OAA staff includes a stationed and warranted Contracting/Agreement Officer (CO/AO) and Foreign Service Nationals (FSN), all of whom work with the technical teams to develop, award and administer programs. This Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (US/TCNPSC) is the primary assistant and team leader to the Contracting Officer assisting USAID/Mali Development Objective Teams (DOTs) with achieving implementation results and DO goals and objectives. The incumbent works independently on activity design and implementation of A&A assignments, and is responsible for a wide range of A&A actions of all types. The incumbent must be able to apply professional procurement skills for any sector, program and will be expected to fulfill a leadership, training and supervisory role for USAID/Mali FSN employees. The incumbent is also required to work with multiple U.S. and host government entities and cross cultural issues.

The Specialist is a key assistant to the Contracting/Agreement Officer and team leader for specific acquisition and assistance actions within the Mali Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Incumbent is a crucial player for assisting USAID/Mali Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The incumbent is readily able to apply comprehensive US Government contracting experience (either directly or via private industry http://mali.usaid.gov experience performing US Government contracts at the prime and/or subcontract level) to a full range of Acquisition and Assistance challenges. The incumbent does this by applying high-level Acquisition and Assistance knowledge, skills and abilities while working as independently as possible on activity design and implementation related to Acquisition and Assistance assignments.

Responsibilities involve a wide range of Acquisition and Assistance actions, including a preponderance of complex actions, e.g., term, award fee or completion cost type contracts, task orders, international and interagency agreements, grants and cooperative agreements. The incumbent is responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Agency. Requirements of the contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and inter-agency agreements are typically highly specialized and involve complex systems or sensitive international programs.

USAID/Mali has a varied and complex country program having multi-million dollar Acquisition and Assistance actions, very complex multi-sector programs with numerous projects, high funding levels and significant infrastructure work. Besides being able to apply professional procurement skills through all manner of Acquisition and Assistance instruments, the incumbent will be expected to deal with multiple US and host government entities, not to mention the complications of cross cultural business dealings.

B. Statement of Duties to be performed

The incumbent is the principal advisor for a broad range of USAID Acquisition and Assistance activities, to include high dollar, complex competitive procurement actions, but also assistance (grants and cooperative agreements), modifications, delivery and purchase orders, interagency agreements and supply schedule or other related actions. The incumbent exercises leadership skills 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. The incumbent has a formal decision-making authority in the many aspects of the broad areas of acquisition and assistance.

B.1. Pre-Award Expertise and Services

The incumbent performs or directs all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award many kinds of acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conducts Acquisition and Assistance planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID's strategic and special objectives and related results expectations and requirements.

a. S/He fully understands performance-based Acquisition and Assistance principles with a resulting capability to meld Acquisition and Assistance services into specific contributions to appropriate USAID objectives and lower level indicators, outputs and inputs.

b. S/He organizes, directs, conducts and/or coordinates pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for complex procurement actions, especially construction or architect-engineering actions, but also for complicated services (and perhaps even commodities). Ensures the proper establishment of requirements for bid and/or performance bonding in applicable requests for proposals.

c. S/He reviews requests for Acquisition and Assistance actions (to include consulting on scope of work or program description documents), and manages the Acquisition and Assistance process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Contract 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), etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire offer/application solicitation process.

The incumbent must manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Finally, the incumbent manages the award process from beginning to conclusion with fully executed contract or assistance documents.

d. S/He develops long-range plans for new or complex programs. Responsible for procurement planning activities in assigned organizations, which may include reviewing and clearing project papers and representing OAA at program planning meetings. Identifies within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Develops objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations. Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serves on project review committees.

e. S/He serves as advisor to program officials in project planning meetings, advises program officials http://mali.usaid.gov of the procurement instruments to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work. The incumbent provides guidance and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and FAR requirements and collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria.

B.2 Post-award Expertise and Services.

The incumbent performs all actions required to administer the complete variety of Acquisition and Assistance instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. S/he relies on a comprehensive mastery of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy, FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services.

a. S/He exercises a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal officers, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting contract or award provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted.

b. S/He coordinates special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, including the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), General Accounting Office (GAO), and Small Business Administration. S/he ensures that the results contractually required are documented and that Acquisition and Assistance actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.

c. The incumbent provides backstopping services to the field regional personnel by advising on resolution of special procurement problems associates with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims. S/he conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval.

d. S/He is responsible for contract administration sufficient to ensure contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency's projects and programs. Responsibilities typically include periodic site visits, approval of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of level of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, sub-awards consents, approval of key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition reviews and approvals, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout. S/he advises technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract. S/he evaluates the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting procedures, and results of the financial audits.

C. Development Objective (DO) Team Membership and Support Services.

The incumbent serves on one or more DO Teams and/or provides support to the AA Office. Collegially, s/he represents the Office of AA 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 DO 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.

D. Mission Support Services.

As one of the Mission's Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialists, the incumbent provides crucial knowledge of the international and local contractor and NGO community via consultation and advice to Senior Mission Management. S/he establishes and maintains an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g., other USG agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.).

a. S/He serves as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) Acquisition and Assistance staff, providing advice, training and support for FSNs. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job- specific technical training, informal day-to-day training and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The incumbent will counsel on consensus-building in a team environment, and methodology on professional conflict resolution technique.

b. S/He responds to protests and audits findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Works with the Regional Legal Officer in preparing the mission’s position and provide assistance to the Contracting/Agreement Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO, and programmatic and financial audits conducted by OIG and GAO.

E. Supervisory relationship

The incumbent works closely with all members of OAA and reports directly to Contracting/Agreement http://mali.usaid.gov

Officer. S/he is directly supervised by the Contracting/Agreement Officer or his/her designee, who makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Under the administrative oversight of the Contracting/Agreement Officer the employee independently plans his/her work; carries out successive steps of assignments; handles problems and/or deviations that arise in accordance with instructions, policies, and guidelines; and, refers new or controversial issues to the supervisor for direction. The supervisor reviews work products from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other works, or effectiveness in meeting requirements.

14. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (Offshore)

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

16. POINT OF CONTACTS: Robert P Schmidt – rschmidt@usaid.gov or Aba Diallo abadiallo@usaid.gov - application package at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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

a) Education: A Bachelor's degree one of the following fields: accounting, business, management, finance, law, or economics. The Bachelor’s degree should include at least 24 semester/36 quarter hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. (Educational requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

b) Work Experience: At least eight years of previous employment oriented to actions in the acquisition and assistance with U.S. government department or agencies or other international development organizations field is required. (Work experience requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION 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 listed in paragraph 2, below, in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

(i). 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 workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary;

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

(ii). Evaluation Factors Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills (French FSI S2/R2 level). On a supplemental document included with the application package, mailto:rschmidt@usaid.gov mailto:abadiallo@usaid.gov mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov http://mali.usaid.gov applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

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

Evaluation Factor #1: Knowledge (20 points) In 1000 words or less, Outline how you have demonstrated your knowledge in Acquisition and Assistance;

provide examples of your success in one or more of the position’s responsibilities: planning, solicitation, analysis of proposals, award negotiation, cost and price analysis, etc.

Evaluation Factor #2: Experience (50 points) In 500 words or less, outline how you have demonstrated an ability to work independently, manage competing due dates, and/or manage a complex negotiation.

Evaluation Factor #3: Continuous Learning/training (20 points) In 500 words or less, outline how you applied what you learned in formal education to the workplace, compared to what you have learned through on-the-job experience.

Evaluation Factor # 4: Reference check (10 points)

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 requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of applications, candidates must also meet in full the experience and French FSI S2/R2 level requirement. There is no exception for meeting the minimum requirements.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted, and requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result the rejection of their application from further consideration.

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

IV. APPLYING & INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested applicants must submit:

(a) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume -The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.;

(b) signed AID 302-3, and SF 171;

(c) three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts,

(d) a written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position; and

(e) a written statement that addresses the minimum qualification requirements in this solicitation.

Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. (AID 302-3, SF 17 1 , etc. must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.) Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

The U.S. Agency Forms (available at Federal Offices or at the USAID/State website, https://www.usaid.gov/forms or www.fedforms.gov or http://fillform.gsa.gov).

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://www.fedforms.gov/ http://mali.usaid.gov

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

The individual shall be required to obtain a medical clearance and a security clearance. Applicant must also be available and capable of travel in West Africa region.

V. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION

Subject to the availability of funds, this will be a five-year (5) contract, with a base period of two (2) years and extension options of one (1) year each. Since there’s an immediate need to fill in this position, incumbent is expected to arrive at post upon a successful negotiations and contingent on medical and security clearances.

The position has been classified at GS-13. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D &J.

VI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

(A) Standard Forms A302.3 and SF-171/ CV

** (B) Physical Examination (Form DS-1843; DS-1622; DS-6561 and AID Form 1420-62) ** (C) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF-86) or ** (D) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) ** (E) Finger print Card (FD-258) (available from requirements office)

Note: ** The forms listed (B) thru (E) shall be completed only upon the advice of the contracting officer or designee that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

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.

VII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a USPSC employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below).

b. BENEFITS (if applicable)

Employer’s F.I.C.A & MEDICARE* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy.

c. ALLOWANCES (if applicable or When Eligibility Requirements are Met)* Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized/Ordered Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 650) Consumables Allowance http://mali.usaid.gov

Note: * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

VIII. TAXES

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

IX. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES INFORMATION 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

X. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

● Successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

● Successful applicant must be able to report to post in Bamako, Mali to assume duties promptly upon medical and security clearances being granted.

XI. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT IN U.S. DOLLARS

i. Except to the extent reimbursement is payable in the currency of the Cooperating Country, USAID shall pay the contractor compensation after it has accrued and reimburse him/her in U.S. dollars for necessary and reasonable costs actually incurred by him/her in the performance of this contract.

ii. The amount budgeted and available as personal compensation to the contractor is calculated to cover a calendar period of approximately seven months.

XII. HOW TO APPLY

Qualified individuals are requested to submit full application package at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter and don’t ZIP your files. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

XIII. CLOSING DATE

Applications must be in the USAID/Mali Executive Office no later than April 16, 2018 at 17:00 GMT.

EEO: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

AND PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN

EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX,

NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR SEXUAL

ORIENTATION

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 mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov