SOL_Sr._POS_720FDA18B00070.pdf
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- USPSC Senior Program Operations Specialist Federal contract opportunity
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- 720FDA18B00070
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Solicitation for USPSC Senior Program Operations Specialist, Washington, D.C.
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Request for Personal Service Contractor
United States Agency for International Development
Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
Position Title: Senior Program Operations Specialist Solicitation Number: 720FDA18B00070 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $96,970 - $126,062 Issuance Date: June 14, 2018 Closing Date: July 5, 2018
Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
Dear Prospective Applicants:
The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Program Operations Specialist (SPOS) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.
Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:
(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.
(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
(e) U.S. Citizenship
(f) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
Solicitation for a USPSC Senior Program Operations Specialist
720FDA18B00070
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3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:
https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b& sysparm_search=kb0013183
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.
Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume must be emailed to:
OFDA Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov Website: www.OFDAjobs.net
Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.
Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer http://sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b& https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b& mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov http://www.ofdajobs.net/ http://www.ofdajobs.net/
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Solicitation for USPSC Senior Program Operations Specialist
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720FDA18B00070
2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 14, 2018
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 5, 2018, 12:00 P.M.
Eastern Time
4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Operations Specialist
5. MARKET VALUE:
GS-13 equivalent ($96,970 - $126,062 - includes locality pay). 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. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.
8. STATEMENT OF WORK
POSITION DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.
The Africa (AFD) Response Division and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East (ALE) Response Division are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations including United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. AFD and ALE Response Divisions also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and complex disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of operations specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality and strategic function of disaster response and risk reduction activities. The AFD Response Division is divided into two teams: East and Central Africa (ECA), and Southern, West, and North Africa (SWAN). The ALE Response Division is divided into four teams: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and South Asia.
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The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages operations for OFDA’s disaster responses by readying people and systems; projecting U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian capacity quickly into the field; and delivering material and technical assistance. The OPS Division maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Urban Search and Rescue Teams, coordinating, staffing, training, and equipping Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), and stockpiling emergency relief commodities in key locations around the globe to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Urban Search and Rescue, Operations Center management, activation/readiness, Civil-Military Liaison, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division is divided into four teams: the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Military Liaison Team (MLT), Operations Support Team (OST), and Overseas Administration Team (OAT).
The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology, human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA's mandate by providing innovative solutions in the areas of Information Technology, staffing, funds control, budgeting, human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses. The PS Division is divided into four teams: the Award, Audit, and Risk Management (AARM) team, Human Resources Management Team (HRM), Budget, Finance, and Information Technology (BFIT) Team, and the Acquisition and Management (ACQ) Team.
The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management. The PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and Food and Livelihoods Team.
The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners;
recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; and engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and promote humanitarian principles within the USG and
5 | Page internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences. It serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division staff manages global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency training and engagement. HPGE is divided into seven teams: Policy Team, Global Programs Team, Strategic Interagency Team, Strategic Communications Team, Interagency Training Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) in New York, Geneva, and Rome.
INTRODUCTION
The Senior Program Operations Specialist position is part of the Acquisition and Management Team within PS. The core functions of this team are: management of contracts for program-funded personnel, including processing of personnel security clearance; procurement and procurement planning; general administrative services; and policy review and guidance. The Acquisition and Management Team supports OFDA’s humanitarian assistance mandate by ensuring OFDA is appropriately staffed in a timely manner and that its processes, systems and policies for resource management are streamlined and efficient. The Acquisition and Management Team focuses on management of personal services contracts (PSCs) and on institutional contracts, facilitating completion of personnel and administrative actions, and liaising with various offices within USAID, including, but not limited to, DCHA’s Administrative and Management Services (AMS), the Bureau for Management Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA), and Office of Security (SEC).
OBJECTIVE
The Acquisition and Management Team requires the services of a Senior Program Operations Specialist to strategically manage OFDA’s growing procurement needs and engage in coordinating efforts to advance the Agency’s procurement reforms.
9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Program Operations Specialist (SPOS) will be responsible for providing support for various operational aspects of the Acquisition and Management Team and PS Division, specifically functions related to procurement, management of contracts for program-funded personnel, program planning, budget/finance, office administration, and security.
The SPOS will have primary responsibilities for the following:
Financial Management
• Advise high level budget and financial support for managing Acquisition and Management Team’s annual budget by maintaining processes, preparing documentation
6 | Page to transfer funds and providing advice and guidance regarding appropriate use of funding mechanisms and commitment/obligation of funds.
• Assist with oversight of Division’s contracts by reviewing budgets before recommending approval and properly advising technical offices to ensure that their requirements are within the statement of work.
• Independently review, prepare budgets and oversee acquisition documentation especially for cases involving technical positions needed for high priority humanitarian assistance activities and which require in-depth research and documentation associated with deploying staff to overseas locations experiencing complex emergencies.
Contracting Management
• Provide expert advice and guidance to assist OFDA regional and technical teams in the development of statements of work (SOWs) for requirements for personal services contracts and professional services contracts which include, but are not limited to, purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements or buy-ins to indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contracts, and contracts requiring subcontracting.
• Provide expert procurement advisory services on matters such as interpretation of contracting policy and procedures, and as appropriate, prepare written communication to advise of current and updated policy and procedural changes.
• Draft a wide variety of acquisition and assistance documentation, correspondence, and reports involving both technical and specialized terminology. Perform independent research and assemble background information as needed.
• Manage the procurement planning process for PSC contracts and work with technical teams so that sufficient advance procurement planning is conducted and is in compliance with Agency requirements.
• Provide expert guidance to team members in preparing market value determinations for proposed new positions so that relevant work at appropriate grade level is captured in the analysis. Review final documents prior to forwarding to the Contracting Officer.
• Review professional services contract SOWs and Independent Government Cost Estimates, and provide guidance as it pertains to humanitarian assistance programming.
• Serve as the approving official/program manager for the processing of contract actions in USAID’s procurement and financial systems.
• Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for contracts and/or task orders.
• Become certified and continue to maintain Agreement Officer’s/Contracting Officer’s
Representative (AOR/COR) Certification.
• As needed, on a temporary basis not to exceed six months, may perform in an alternative role based on operational needs of the Division, upon request of the Team Lead or Division Director.
Representation
• Serve as liaison with the M/OAA as well as with the M/OAA Policy Division, M/OAA Evaluation Division, the Office of the General Counsel, managers and technical experts.
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• Facilitate communications between OFDA divisions and M/OAA for procurement actions.
• Take initiative, act independently, and perform with minimal direction in providing services in support of various functions related to procurement, management of contracts for program-funded personnel, program planning, budget/finance, office administration, and security.
• May represent Deputy Team Leader or Team Leader in senior level meetings.
• Advise, guide, and train all new team personnel on team processes, templates, and standard operating procedures.
Portfolio Management & Policy
• Advise office personnel regarding status of clearance and the necessary documentation required. Maintain documentation regarding status of security clearances, requests for clearances, and expirations of current clearances.
• Serve as backup point of contact for security clearances. Ensure that security clearances and requests for security clearances meet the Agency standards and appropriate regulations.
• Provide expert advice on acquisition and assistance practices and policies, on a range of workforce, organizational and human resource functions, on contract management and on procurement planning.
• Analyze and apply complex policy to make recommendations for management consideration. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation, USAID Acquisition Regulation, and relevant USAID policy as it pertains to acquisition and assistance mechanisms.
• Analyze where deficiencies are and work with technical offices and institutional contractors to ensure actions are adequately processed.
• Coordinate and guide the work of other team members. Serve as the primary point of contact for review of actions for the Team Leader’s clearance and/or approval.
• Advise and guide team members in the use and application of federal laws, regulations and policy resources. Guide the work of other staff in this area to ensure applicable regulation and/or policy is cited and that the authority selected is appropriately interpreted especially in cases of deviation from, or exception to, standard procedure.
• Ensure that reports created and used to track the flow of work related to (but not limited
to) recruitment, contract actions and security clearances, are developed and maintained.
Review reports for accuracy and to ensure that all necessary updated information and/or other required collected data is included, especially as the data impacts other major processes and compliance requirements.
• Periodically review and analyze reports, operating procedures, manuals and other related data, to determine efficiency and effectiveness and recommend ways to improve procedures and processes.
• Conduct various ad hoc analyses, prepare reports and compile information from a variety of sources for management review in response to requests from Congress, Agency Senior Management, DCHA Bureau leadership, etc.
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• Oversee all actions associated with recruitment and security, which are administered by other team members, for timeliness and appropriate approvals. Ensure security requests submitted by team members meet Agency standards, regulations and documentation requirements. Ensure contracting colleagues as well as OFDA personnel are advised of the status of security actions in a timely manner.
• Recognize and resolve problems which may impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Keep the Acquisition and Management Team Leader or his/her designee apprised at all times of the status of responses, and any potential problems which may arise and require higher level intervention.
• Sign-up for and serve as needed, on Washington-based RMTs, which provide services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied.
• As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.
• Serve as the OFDA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis, for approximately one week every six months.
• As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office, not to exceed six months.
Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The USPSC will take direction from and report to the Acquisition and Management Team Leader or his/her designee.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Supervisor sets overall objectives and resource available; the USPSC consults with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments. The USPSC is responsible for planning approach or methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.
10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
11. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
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EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
Bachelor's Degree and at least seven (7) years of relevant experience in providing administrative or program support, five (5) years of which must be specifically in the areas of recruitment, contracting, procurement of goods or services, and policy analysis.
OR
Master’s Degree and at least five (5) years of office experience in providing administrative or program support, three (3) years of which must be specifically in the areas of recruitment, contracting, procurement of goods or services, and policy analysis.
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
● Applicant is a U.S. Citizen.
● Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
● USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
APPLICANT RATING SYSTEM
The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.
The rating factors are as follows:
Professional Experience (20 points)
Financial Management
• Experience with independently reviewing and preparing budgets for cases involving technical positions needed for high priority humanitarian assistance activities and which require in-depth research and documentation associated with deploying staff to overseas locations experiencing complex emergencies.
• Experience advising, preparing and justifying budget requests for a diverse programmatic portfolio.
• Experience providing budget and financial analysis for data calls and accruals processes.
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Portfolio Management & Policy
• Experience advising on and facilitating the security clearance process.
• Experience conducting various ad hoc analyses, preparing reports and compiling information from a variety of sources for management review in response to requests from Congress and Agency Senior Management.
• Experience providing advice and guidance on office processes, templates, and standard operating procedures.
• Experience performing highly critical administrative tasks in a fast paced and demanding environment.
• Experience interpreting and analyzing USG regulations such as the FAR, AIDAR, ADS and other USG regulations as it pertains to federal procurement.
Contract Management
• Experience providing pre-award and post-award contract management for U.S.
Personal Services Contracts/ Professional Services Contracts for competitive and non-competitive actions.
• Experience in the development of Statements of Work (SOWs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), and other Source Selection documentation.
• Experience writing, reviewing and editing a wide range of action/informational memorandums pertaining to pre-award and post-award contract actions.
• Experience providing guidance in the preparation of market value determinations.
• Experience serving as liaison with a program office and Contracting
Officer/Specialist on contractual issues.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (20 points) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants.)
QRF #1 Please demonstrate your ability to solve problems in a complex, fast paced, and demanding work environment with a staff mix that is composed of a variety of levels (administrative assistant to executive management) and skills. Please provide examples of these experiences.
QRF #2 Please provide examples of your administration of policies and rules to support departments and special projects in the areas of senior management, operations, contracts, and special projects task groups (whether emergency response or inventory collection, company/department relocation). Please provide details of how you would enforce the policy and assist the support team’s understanding of the policies.
BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Professional Experience factors and the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance, timed writing test and satisfactory professional reference checks.
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Applicants are required to address each factor under Professional Experience in their resume.
This must specifically and accurately describe what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Applicants are required to address the QRFs in a separate document in accordance with the factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Professional Experience and the Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.
OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.
The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:
Professional Experience: 20 points
Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs): 20 points QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1: 10 points QRF #2: 10 points
Interview Performance: 40 points
Timed Writing Test: 5 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: 15 points
Total Possible Points: 100
APPLYING:
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.
Qualified individuals are required to submit:
1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:
(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
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(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.
(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
(e) U.S. Citizenship.
(f) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.
3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.
By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email.
DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS
Via email: recruiter@ofda.gov
NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
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 application.
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NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs
Forms outlined below can be found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do
1. Resume.
2. USPSC Application Form, (AID 302-3)
3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **
4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **
5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
6. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **
7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **
** Forms 3 through 7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.
AIDAR Appendix D can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar
ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:
https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf
AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf
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AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs)
AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.
AAPD 18-02 - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
BENEFITS:
Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment 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), and
(J) Danger Pay (Section 650).
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE,
COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-
DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,
AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT
FACTOR.
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ATTACHMENT 1
USPSC PROVISION “MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
(OCTOBER 2006)”
MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)
(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.
(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.
The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)
SERVICES.”
(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).
(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:
(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;
(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and
(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.
(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.”
In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0
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Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS- 3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.
(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.
In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.
(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.
(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7 Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
End of Provision
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ATTACHMENT 2
GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2015)
(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-1c)
(a) Annual Leave
(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.
(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:
Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation 0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to 15 years
Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period
USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.
(3)
(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.
(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.
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(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.
(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.
(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S. direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work.
Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.
(c) Home Leave.
(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.
(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:
(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.
(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1)
19 | Page year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than 20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;
(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;
(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of work days authorized for home leave;
(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.
(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii) (that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.
(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:
(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and
(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and
(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years…
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