SOL Contract Specialist (720FDA20B00022) Amendment.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 www.usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720FDA20B00022

ISSUANCE DATE: February 21, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 20, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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 offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, 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) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level for which you are applying. This information must 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. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

720FDA20B00022

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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 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

Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received.

Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers.

Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs 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& mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov http://www.ofdajobs.net/ http://www.ofdajobs.net/

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720FDA20B00022

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 21, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 20, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: OFDA Recruitment Team, recruiter@ofda.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: Depending on the qualifications of the offeror, this position can be filled at either the GS-12 ($86,335 - $112,240) or GS-13 ($102,663 - $133,465) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-12 or GS-13 level based upon the offeror’s established salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-12 will be considered for the GS-12 level positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13 level only. Lastly, if the position is for a Washington based PSC, offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area, will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year options

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top

Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

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.

mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov

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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 (SA).

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 (HRM) Team, 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

5 | Page 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 the Food Security 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 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, Global Capacity and Leadership Development Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) in New York, Geneva, and Rome.

USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) is the largest government provider of food assistance in the world. FFP works together with UN Agencies and NGOs to reduce hunger and malnutrition and ensures that adequate, safe and nutritious food is available, accessible to and well-utilized by all individuals at all times to support a healthy and productive life. Each year on average, FFP provides more than $3 billion of food assistance, reaching 45-55 million beneficiaries in approximately 50 countries.

FFP works in both emergency and development contexts, with emergency and recovery activities comprising 90 percent of total spending. Through its emergency activities, FFP strives to provide food assistance to save lives, reduce suffering and support the early recovery of populations affected by both conflict and natural disasters.

FFP also recognizes that repeatedly responding to emergencies is not sufficient to end hunger and increase food security. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance by strengthening the capacity of developing societies to ensure access to food for their most vulnerable communities and individuals, especially women and children. FFP also helps individuals and communities better withstand future shocks through resilience-building activities.

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FFP works closely with many other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the President’s Feed the Future initiative, and OFDA. FFP employs a staff of over 100 in Washington and has officers posted abroad.

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of the Management Bureau, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA) is to provide professional expertise in the acquisition and assistance field to the USAID technical teams in order to acquire goods and services to allow the technical team to reach their goals and objectives. The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist is responsible for ensuring that acquisition instruments are completed, negotiated, executed and administered in a timely and effective manner that ensures implementation leading to the most efficient and effective achievement of results. The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist has thorough understanding and knowledge of acquisition laws, principles, policies, regulations and procedures to plan and manage the procurement of A&A instruments which have a variety of multi-million dollar funding levels; are of critical importance and require the resolution of various issues and problems for which few precedents exist. The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist is expected to successfully manage all stages of the acquisition process to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations and Agency policy and procedures.

OBJECTIVE

The USPSC serves as a Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist in M/OAA, specifically supporting OFDA and FFP within the DCHA Bureau (M/OAA/DCHA). The USPSC 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 (including USPSCs) and Interagency Agreements are typically highly specialized and involve complex systems or sensitive international programs. Given the nature of its mandate, OFDA and FFP require a high-volume of procurement support that is critical to the Agency, highly visible, and often urgent. The USPSC must excel at working in a fast-paced, dynamic and demanding setting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist will perform the following duties on behalf of OFDA and FFP, and under the direction and supervision of M/OAA/DCHA:

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

The Contract Specialist’s tasks will require input, guidance and direction from the OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief and Senior Contracting Specialist.

Contract Compliance Review

• Conduct reviews of contracts and other contractual documents.

• Monitor all acquisition strategy, documents, and instruments for a variety of highly specialized, complex, and unique contracts of OFDA’s and FFP’s diverse acquisition and assistance portfolio.

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• Support Contracting Officer and Senior Contracting Specialist by providing contract administration sufficient to ensure terms and conditions are complied with 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:

o Periodic site visits, review of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for Contracting Officer review and approval.

o Advise technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in their award documents.

o Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, subcontracting procedures, and financial management.

o Ensure the contractors and recipient’s compliance with Cost Accounting Standards or other cost principles and requirements applicable to them.

• Assist in the preparation of termination of contracts for the convenience of the Government or default by the contractor for the review and approval by the Contracting Officer. Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions by the Contracting Officer; negotiate termination claims.

• Assist the Contracting Officer and Senior Contract Specialist in resolving audit findings on post-award audits.

• Assist in the drafting of the Contracting Officer responses to protests by researching, analyzing and developing necessary documentation and history.

• Provide assistance to the Contracting Officer and Senior Contract Specialist as they work with the Agency’s Office of General Counsel (GC) in preparing the Agency's position and Contracting Officer reports, to support the Government's defense on protests to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).

• Conduct in-depth on-site evaluations of contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions and make recommendations to the Contracting Officer.

• Ensure compliance with requirements for all phases within the acquisition and assistance lifecycle. Reviews include all types of contracts (fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, incentive provisions, escalation provisions, etc.) for the procurement of major systems, research and development, equipment, construction, services and supplies.

Monitor Contractor's Performance

• Perform contract administration activities for procurements involving long-term, extensive technical service contracts and/or cost type contracts. Contract types vary with the complexity of the acquisition, assistance, and the best interests of the government, ranging from firm-fixed-price through cost-plus-fixed-fee types.

• Assist in the review and monitor contractor's performance on contract, regulatory and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits.

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• Assist in the monitoring of contract performance, review for approval of progress payments, reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems that have arisen and proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities.

• Prepare for the Contracting Officer and other officials of the agency, interpretations of contract provisions as applicable to contractors, and provide appropriate advice and guidance.

• Assist in conducting in-depth analyses of contractors' financial and management systems and facilities for ability to perform and for compliance with Government or contractual requirements.

Procurement Program Planning Work

• Assist in the development of new plans, schedules or methods to accommodate changing program requirements for acquisition and assistance programs for new or complex programs with ability to multi-task within varying assignments. Responsible for procurement planning activities in OFDA and FFP, which may include reviewing project papers and representing M/OAA at program planning meetings and regular status meetings.

• Identify within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract or Interagency Agreement.

• Assist in developing objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and construct the contractual vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations.

• Prepare and maintain current acquisition and assistance plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keep M/OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands.

• Advise OFDA and FFP program officials in project planning meetings of the procurement instruments to be used and assist OFDA and FFP CORs in the drafting of effective statements of work, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, and other supporting documents for Request for Proposals (RFPs), Task Orders and /or any other acquisition and assistance instruments.

• Provide services to OFDA and FFP field personnel during disaster responses by advising on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

• Assure that all information regarding the status of assigned procurement actions are in the Global Acquisition & Assistance System (GLAAS) databases and/or current systems as applicable for completion of work tasks.

Analyze Sources for the Items/Services Procured

• Assist in developing new or innovative acquisition and assistance plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major acquisitions.

• Survey the market to locate new procurement sources and determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements.

• Perform detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals.

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• Assist the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepare defensible justifications when required.

• Assist in obtaining the appropriate data from business and technical officials.

• Draft necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts.

• Assist the Contracting Officer and Senior Contract Specialist in exploring new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement.

• Perform various procurement trainings of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation, Contracts Information Bulletins, Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, and Procurement Executive Bulletins.

Negotiate Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types

• Assist in the planning of the negotiation strategy, coordinating the strategy with the negotiation team, and assist in negotiations, which are conducted with contractors to develop the contract prices and terms.

• Assist in managing the acquisition and assistance process from inception through negotiation, award, administration and ultimately, close-out and make awards recommendation to the Contracting Officer; prepare contractual instruments including PSCs for signature by the Contracting Officer; prepare the memoranda of negotiation;

organize and prepare pre- and post-award debriefs.

• Assist in coordinating with the OFDA and FFP program team on a variety of contract instruments requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and contractual arrangements.

• Forecast labor and material costs when unknowns are involved, locating or developing sources, developing approaches for procurements lacking precedent, and resolving major differences in the interpretation of the statement of work during discussions and negotiations.

• Assist the Contracting Officer in the negotiation process of executing Participating Agency Services Agreements (PASAs) and Resource Support Services Agreements (RSSAs) within delegated authority and in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinate PASAs and RSSAs with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials, as necessary.

Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

• Analyze a variety of contracting policy issues and problems and identify alternative courses of action.

• Provide technical advice to OFDA and FFP management, program staff, and contracting officers on matters pertaining to contracting policies and procedures and provide advice upon request regarding specific situations or problems and upon receipt of changed procedures involving regulations, laws, and good business practices.

• Respond to protests, by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history in conjunction with the Contracting Officer.

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• Provide assistance to the Contracting Officer and Senior Contract Specialist as they work with GC in helping to prepare the Agency's position and Contracting Officer reports to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO.

Other

• Attend OFDA and FFP trainings as necessary to better understand programmatic aspects of the office and how this translates into procurement requirements.

• Assist in conducting brown bags and other informational sessions to educate OFDA and FFP staff on changes in procurement policy or other relevant subject matter.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

Senior Contract Specialist’s tasks will be primarily performed independently with minimal or little input, guidance and direction from the OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief or his/her designee.

Contract Compliance Review

• Conduct reviews of highly specialized contracts, and other contractual documents.

• Monitor all acquisition and assistance strategy and documents and instruments for a variety of highly specialized, complex, and unique contracts of OFDA’s and FFP’s diverse acquisition and assistance portfolio.

• Support Contracting Officer by providing contract administration sufficient to ensure terms and conditions are complied with 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:

o Periodic site visits, review of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for Contracting Officer review and approval.

o Advises technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in their award documents.

o Evaluates the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, subcontracting procedures, and financial management.

o Ensure the contractors and recipient’s compliance with Cost Accounting Standards or other cost principles and requirements applicable to them.

• Prepare termination of contracts for the convenience of the Government or default by the contractor for the review and approval by the Contracting Officer. Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions by the Contracting Officer. Negotiate termination claims.

• Assist the Contracting Officer in resolving audit findings on post-award audits.

• Draft for the Contracting Officer responses to protests by researching, analyzing and developing necessary documentation and history.

• Work with the Agency’s GC in preparing the Agency's position, and Contracting Officer reports, to support the Government's defense on protests to the US GAO.

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• Conduct in-depth on-site evaluations of contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions and make recommendations to the Contracting Officer.

• Ensure compliance with requirements for all phases within the acquisition and assistance lifecycle. Reviews include all types of contracts (fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, incentive provisions, escalation provisions, etc.) for the procurement of major systems, research and development, equipment, construction, services and supplies.

Monitor Contractor's Performance

• Perform contract administration activities for significant, highly specialized procurements involving long-term, extensive technical service contracts and/or cost type contracts.

Contract types vary with the complexity of the acquisition, assistance, and the best interests of the government, ranging from firm-fixed-price through cost-plus-fixed-fee types.

• Independently review and monitor contractor's performance on contract, regulatory and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits.

• Independently monitor status of contract performance, review for approval of progress payments, reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems that have arisen and proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities.

• Prepare for the Contracting Officer and other officials of the agency, interpretations of contract provisions as applicable to contractors, and provide appropriate advice and guidance.

• Conduct in-depth analyses of contractors' financial and management systems and facilities for ability to perform and for compliance with Government or contractual requirements.

• In consultation with M/OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief, advise OFDA and FFP CORs on issues arising during contractor performance to develop solutions related to contractor performance.

Procurement Program Planning Work

• Develop new plans, schedules or methods to accommodate changing program requirements for acquisition and assistance programs for new or complex programs with ability to multi-task within varying assignments. Responsible for procurement planning activities in OFDA and FFP, which may include reviewing project papers and representing M/OAA at program planning meetings and regular status meetings.

• Identify within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract or Interagency Agreement.

• Develop objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and construct the contractual vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations.

• Prepare and maintain current acquisition and assistance plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keep M/OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands.

• Anticipate problems and provide advice to OFDA and FFP project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required to ensure they are met. When designated by the

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Contracting Officer as their representative, serve on project review committee in an advisory capacity.

• Advise OFDA and FFP program officials in project planning meetings of the procurement instruments to be used and assist OFDA and FFP CORs in the drafting of effective statements of work, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, and other supporting documents for RFPs, Task Order and/or any other acquisition and assistance instruments.

• Provide guidance to new OFDA and FFP project/technical staff on USAID regulations and ADS and FAR) requirements.

• Responsible for major OFDA and FFP programs by directing and leading lower graded specialists assigned to the project by reviewing their work and providing on-the-job training.

• Provide services to OFDA and FFP field personnel during disaster responses by advising on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

• Prepare solicitation documents.

Analyze Sources for the Items/Services Procured

• Develop new or innovative acquisition and assistance plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major acquisitions.

• Survey the market to locate new procurement sources and determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements.

• Perform detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals.

• Assist the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepares defensible justifications when required.

• In coordination with OFDA and FFP program staff, conduct pre-proposal conferences with prospective contractors to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed contract.

• Obtain appropriate data from business and technical officials.

• Draft necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts.

• Explore new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement.

• In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develop creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data.

• Perform various procurement trainings of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation, Contracts Information Bulletins, Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, and Procurement Executive Bulletins.

Negotiate Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types

• Serve as lead negotiator responsible for a significant program or for major acquisition and assistance procurements.

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• Plan the negotiation strategy, coordinate the strategy with the negotiation team, and lead the negotiations which are conducted with contractors to develop the contact prices and terms.

• Manage the acquisition and assistance process from inception through negotiation, award, and administration and ultimately, close-out and make awards recommendation to the Contracting Officer; prepare contractual instruments including PSCs) for signature by the Contracting Officer; prepare the memoranda of negotiation; organize and prepare pre- and post-award debriefs.

• Coordinate with the OFDA and FFP program team on a variety of contracts instruments requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and contractual arrangements.

• Forecast labor and material costs when unknowns are involved, locating or developing sources, developing approaches for procurements lacking precedent, and resolving major differences in the interpretation of the statement of work during discussions and negotiations.

• Negotiate and aid the Contracting Officer in executing PASA and RSSA within delegated authority and in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinate PASAs and RSSAs with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials, as necessary.

Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

• Analyze a variety of contracting policy issues and problems and identify alternative courses of action.

• Provide technical advice to OFDA and FFP management and program staff and contracting officers on matters pertaining to contracting policies and procedures and provides advice upon request regarding specific situations or problems and upon receipt of changed procedures involving regulations, laws, and good business practices.

• Respond to protests, by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history in conjunction with the Contracting Officer.

• Work with GC in helping to prepare the Agency's position and Contracting Officer reports to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO.

• Provide guidance and review of debrief letters.

Other

• Attend OFDA and FFP trainings as necessary to better understand programmatic aspects of the office and how this translates into procurement requirements.

• Conduct brown bags and other informational sessions to educate OFDA and FFP staff on changes in procurement policy or other relevant subject matter.

• As needed, may serve on temporary detail 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.

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SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the M/OAA/DCHA Branch Chief or his/her designee. The M/OAA/DCHA Branch Chief sets the overall objectives of the work as well as the available resources.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the USPSC, in consultation with the OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief and the Senior Contracting Specialist, consults with the 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. Work is evaluated on the degree to which program and regulatory requirements are met.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the USPSC, in consultation with the Branch Chief, develops specific objectives and priorities. The USPSC independently plans and carries out the work, selecting the approaches and techniques to be used, and informs the supervisor of progress and significant problems. Work is evaluated on the degree to which program and regulatory requirements are met.

OFDA and FFP staff will provide performance feedback regarding the USPSC through the 360 Review Process to the Branch Chief to be incorporated as appropriate into annual performance evaluations.

12. 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).

13. 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.

14. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

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At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance functions.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance functions.

OR

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance functions.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance functions.

OR

At least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive

16 | Page range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

• Offeror 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 Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors 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.

• Ability to obtain a Physician’s Statement of Physical Fitness.

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

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM

The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors 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:

Acquisition and Assistance Professional Experience (15 Points)

• Demonstrated prior experience in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition instruments, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

• Demonstrated experience with the performance of technical evaluations, cost and price analysis, and monitoring and evaluation of work performed under acquisition instruments.

• Demonstrated experience managing USG acquisition and assistance awards to include post-award administration and regulation compliance.

• Demonstrated experience in acquisition and assistance functions throughout the award cycle such as procurement design and planning, analysis & evaluation of solicitation materials, implementation, and post-award monitoring of contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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Knowledge of Federal Acquisition and Assistance Principles, Laws, Policies and Regulations (10 Points)

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal acquisition and assistance principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions.

• Knowledge of the following:

o Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) o Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) / Acquisition & Assistance Policy

Directives (AAPDs) o Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular o Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as appropriate to USAID.

o Automated Directive Systems (ADS)

Teamwork, Flexibility, Communication, and Organizational Skills (5 Points)

• Demonstrated ability to work collegially with technical officers, peers, and supervisors with good interpersonal skills and past performance in working effectively in a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues in layperson terms without oversimplifying. Excellent oral and written English communications skills and proven ability to produce technical documents.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage complex acquisition and assistance actions occurring concurrently.

Interview Performance (50 points)

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (20 points)

Total Possible Points: 100

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each 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 Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The most qualified offerors 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 offerors being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised

18 | Page that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. OFDA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers 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 offer, 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) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level for which you are applying. This information must 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. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer 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 offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

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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:…