95332420Q0045 - Results Reporting Analyst (RRA) PSC Solicitation (READ ME FIRST).docx

US Millennium Challenge Corporation Combined Synopsis and Solicitation Results Reporting Analyst – DPE, Monitoring and Evaluation

Announcement Number: 95332420Q0045

Title: Full-Time Results Reporting Analyst – DPE, Monitoring and Evaluation

Position Security Level: Non-Sensitive/Low Risk (T-1)

Who May Be Considered: U.S. citizens

Duty Location: Principal place of performance in Washington, DC, USA and/or PSC's home of record (for telework purposes)

1. Introduction and Background

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a United States Government-owned corporation created in 2004, whose mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. To receive assistance, eligible countries are required to enter into a public agreement (Compact or Threshold Program) with the MCC that includes a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives. Our model is defined by core principles of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results.

2. Scope of Position

This PSC position is located within the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Division of MCC’s Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE). DPE’s mission is to provide management oversight for the development and implementation of policy and best practices related to country eligibility, economic analysis, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and policy reform. DPE manages MCC’s Threshold Programs and formulates strategies that leverage MCC impact with foundations; international donors and other U.S. Government agencies. Results Reporting Analysts support the results reporting function of the M&E division by carrying out data validation, database management, literature reviews and other background research, data entry, report layout and production, and website support. The analysts report to the Managing Director of the M&E Division in the Department of Policy and Evaluation.

3. Personal Services Contract

MCC is authorized to enter into a contract with an individual as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) under the authority of Section 614(a)(8) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003.

A personal services contract is different from non-personal services Government contract, which establishes an independent contract relationship. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor or employees of the contractor are subject to the technical direction but not the supervision of the MCC. As defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.104, a personal services contract is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the Government and the contractor personnel. Thus, the PSC is subject to the relatively continuous technical direction, supervision, and control of the MCC. PSCs may be assigned inherently governmental duties (see FAR 7.502). By law and by the contract’s terms, the PSC is subject to most of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the direct hire employee such as MCC regulations, conflict of interest, under some circumstances MCC authorized employment security clearances and financial disclosure. However, under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The following elements apply to this contract:

1) Performance in Washington, D.C., US, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC’s home of record.

2) Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government.

3) Services are applied directly to the integral effort of agencies or an organizational subpart in furtherance of assigned function or mission.

4) Comparable services, meeting comparable needs, are performed in the same or similar agencies using civil service personnel.

5) The need for the type of service provided can reasonably be expected to last beyond 1 year.

6) The inherent nature of the service, or the manner in which it is provided, reasonably requires directly or indirectly, Government direction or supervision of contractor employees in order to—

i. Adequately protect the Government’s interest;

ii. Retain control of the function involved; or

iii. Retain full personal responsibility for the function supported in a duly authorized Federal officer or employee.

4. Key Requirements

Awardee must satisfy the following key requirements:

· U.S. citizenship.

· Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

· Primary place of performance at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

· Domestic and overseas travel may be required (to MCC eligible countries).

· Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (e.g., Office of Government Ethics “OGE Form-450” or similar statement) may be required.

· Active System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration and be listed as sole-proprietor (note: this is a free, Government website).

· Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.

5. Duties

a) Major Duties and Responsibilities

The PSC will be expected to complete a number of tasks to support MCC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Division. Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

· In conjunction with sector and front-office staff, collect, manage, package and disseminate preidentified program data by country and sector on a quarterly basis.

· Assist with review and management of submissions of quarterly Indicator Tracking Tables (ITTs) from all Compact and Threshold Program countries, including conducting quality control for completeness and accuracy, managing changes to historical data, updating country ITTs as necessary based on revisions to Monitoring and Evaluation plans, working with countries to address any corrections or updates, and tracking timeliness of quarterly submissions.

· Prepare new quarterly ITT templates for all Compact and Threshold countries, which includes a detailed review and quality audit of all historical data.

· Prepare post-Compact ITT templates for closed Compact and Threshold programs, and support the overall implementation of post-Compact M&E Plans.

· Provide research, analysis and presentation support for short-notice results reporting/information requests and ad-hoc reports for Management and external sources (such as the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Management and Budget).

· Assist MCC M&E staff in managing monitoring and evaluation tasks, including M&E Plan development and evaluation support.

· Perform quarterly updates to the M&E pages of MCC’s external website. This may include:

· Preparing updated tables each quarter of key performance indicators (KPI) for each country in implementation;

· Updating and conducting quality control each quarter of sector data posted on the M&E website;

· Assisting with copy editing, fact-checking, and quality control for both data and text content for the website;

· Updating select funding and financial data each quarter for posting on the M&E website; and

· Updating information related to impact and performance evaluations.

· Provide support as necessary to the development of guidance and templates related to results reporting for M&E staff and M&E country counterparts.

· Work with MCC’s Management Information System (MIS) team on user acceptance testing, requirements definition, data modeling, data migration, and guidance documents as part of the system development process.

· Coordinate with M&E Management to manage the annual Independent Evaluation budget, including forecasting and reporting.

· Work with M&E staff and management to develop and maintain workflow tracking documents, including tracking MCC’s evaluation pipeline.

· Develop other related materials such as fact sheets and other public communication tools for use on the M&E website or for other external reporting purposes.

· Develop, maintain and manage an internal M&E SharePoint site, including development of site structure, transfer and upload of key documents, and maintenance of content.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

b) Travel

MCC estimates that the incumbent may undertake international travel to MCC-eligible countries on an as-needed basis, and to other U.S. and foreign cities as required for outreach purposes.

c) Supervisory Controls

The supervisor and/or higher graded staff assign specific projects in terms of issues, organizations, functions, or work processes to be studied and sets deadlines for completing the work. The supervisor or higher-graded staff provide on-going assistance/guidance on issues or assignments for which precedent studies are not available. The employee plans, coordinates, and carries out the successive steps in fact-finding and analysis of issues in accordance with accepted office policies, applicable precedents, organizational concepts, management theory, and occupational training. Work is reviewed in-progress and upon completion for conformance with overall requirements, contribution to the study objectives, consistency of facts and figures, choice of analytical methods, and practicality of recommendations.

d) Guidelines

Guidelines consist of procedures, policies, and manuals covering the application of analytical methods and techniques, and reference material, instructions, and regulations covering the subjects involved. The guidelines are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity, requiring the employee to use judgment in choosing, interpreting, and adapting guidelines to specific issues or subjects studied.

e) Complexity

The work principally involves dealing with problems and relationships of a procedural nature. Projects usually take place within organizations with related functions and objectives, although organization and work procedures differ from one assignment to the next. Findings and recommendations are based upon analysis of work observations, review of production records or similar documentation, research of precedent studies, and application of standard administrative guidelines.

f) Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to identify, analyze, and make recommendations to resolve conventional program or organizational issues, problems, or situations. The employee is assigned portions of broader studies, or participates in the evaluation of program effectiveness at the operating or local level. Completed reports and recommendations influence decisions by higher-graded specialists or managers concerning administrative or program operations.

g) Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts

Personal contacts are with MCC employees, supervisors, and managers, as-well-as employees and representatives of private concerns in moderately structured settings. The purpose of contacts is to provide advice and assistance on non-controversial organization or program-related issues and concerns. Contacts typically involve such matters as identification of options and alternatives; evaluation of progress in meeting program or organizational goals; or recommendations for resolving administrative problems.

h) Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, bending, or carrying of light items may be involved.

i) Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting.

6. Deliverables

Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in Section 5. Duties to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

The Contractor shall submit biweekly timesheets on a schedule and format determined by MCC. Timesheets will include a list of hours worked per compact or country program, along with a brief description of the tasks undertaken for each program during the pay period.

The Contractor also shall produce other reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Examples of such reports and analyses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Quarterly updates of the MCC evaluation tracking pipeline for M&E management

· Quarterly updates of the impact and performance evaluation budget for M&E management

· Quarterly Indicator Tracking Tables

· Ad hoc reports and information, as requested by the COR

7. Qualifications

Offerors must meet all the Required Qualifications described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired Qualifications are not required but preferred and will only be considered once all Required Qualifications are met. Offerors must demonstrate that they possess the following:

7.a) Required Qualifications:

7.a.1) Education/Certification: Offerors must hold, at a minimum, an undergraduate degree in Economics, International Development, International Relations, or a related discipline.

· Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications.

· Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

7.a.2) Strong quantitative skills relating to economics, international economic development or related disciplines 7.a.3) Demonstrated ability for attention to detail, particularly in work involving quantitative data 7.a.4) Strong capability with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint 7.a.5) Excellent written and oral communication skills, including document editing and layout design 7.a.6) Education and/or work experience involving international economic development.

7.b) Desired Qualifications:

7.b.1) Training/experience with data visualization 7.b.2) Training/experience with management information systems 7.b.3) Training/experience with statistical analysis software (e.g. Stata, R, SAS, SPSS) 7.b.4) Training/experience with quantitative evaluation methods used in international development 7.b.5) Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, Office 365, and/or website development 7.b.6) Proficiency in Spanish, French or Portuguese (include reference to level of proficiency for reading, writing, and oral communications)

Note: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the Submission. All aspects of the Submission must specifically show how the offeror meets the required qualifications. Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, Submissions should clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.

8. Required Documentation

Interested offerors must submit following required documents:

1) A completed and signed Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2) with proposed salary (see Subsection 12(c). Submission Instructions to PSCs Candidates (Offerors) in regard to permissible signature types);

2) A curriculum vitae or resume (limit 10 pages);

3) A written narrative clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification factors listed in Section 7 above (limit 5 pages); and

4) At least 3 and no more than 5 professional references with current contact information.

Desired Documentation:

1) A cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight your suitability for this position. The cover letter is not considered as part of the required written narrative (item no. 3 above); and

2) A copy of the offeror’s academic transcript(s). Transcript(s) may be requested by MCC before award to validate the offeror’s education history.

9. Compensation

PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest).

This is a Full-Time position for a Results Reporting Analyst and the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 hours per year for each position. Each contract will include four (4) one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC.

Overtime is not authorized on this contract. However, compensatory time (also called “credit hours”) may be authorized.

The pay range for this position is 05 ($23.48 – $40.44 per hour) (https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands), inclusive of locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful offeror’s work experience. A salary above this pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

MCC issues W-2s to the PSCs and makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare. MCC also withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSCs. PSCs are not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

10. Benefits

Under the MCC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, PSCs are not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, PSCs are ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan.

Notwithstanding the above, and if agreed upon by the Government and the PSC before the award of a contract, PSCs may receive a pay supplement of 15% of the employee’s direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits.

a) Sick Leave

A full-time PSC earns sick leave on the same basis as direct-hire MCC employees, that is, maximum four (4) hours for every biweekly pay period.

b) Annual Leave

A full-time PSC earns four, six, or eight hours of annual leave for each biweekly pay period depending on the number of years of previous federal government employment based upon determination made by MCC.

c) Parking & Transit Subsidy

A full-time PSC working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds. The full-time PSC whose primary duty station is not at MCC Headquarters is not eligible for this subsidy.

d) Credit Hours

A full-time PSC is eligible for credit hours (up to 24 hours earned) under the MCC Credit Hour Program. PSCs may not receive credit hours for time spent in travel status. PSCs should be compensated for the credit hour balance upon termination, subject to availability of funds.

NOTE: An intermittent PSC is not eligible for sick leave, annual leave, payment for holidays and other days closed, parking/transit subsidy, compensatory time off for travel or credit hours.

11. Travel Rules

The PSC is subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and MCC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as MCC direct-hire employees.

12. Submission Instructions to PSC Candidates (“Offerors”)

In accordance with FAR 52.214-34 and 52.214-35, all submissions are to be in the English language and US Dollars. Submissions in other languages or monetary denominations may not be considered.

Offerors must separately address each qualification factor (required and desired, if applicable) identified under Section 7. Qualifications and demonstrate how s/he meets each factor. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally.

a) Qualified individuals must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submission, either in “Active” or “Submitted” status. The approval of your record in SAM may take weeks and the Government cannot award a contract without an “Active” SAM registration. Offerors without a SAM registration (neither “Active” nor “Submitted”) at the close of the RFQ submission deadline may be rejected. MCC will extract pertinent representations and certifications from the offeror’s SAM account.

b) Submissions shall be formatted to fit on 8 ½ x 11” paper. Suggested margins are 1” all around and the font should be Calibri or Times New Roman, no larger than 12-point. Hourly rates shall not be mentioned anywhere in your submission other than on the Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2). It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure that all pages are properly formatted and that all information properly fits within the margins of each page.

c) Qualified individuals must submit a completed and formally signed Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2). Typed signatures are not acceptable. Either physically sign or save the Bio-Data Form as a PDF and electronically sign it. Please ensure that you provide a current, valid e-mail address and telephone number for notification purposes. The Bio-Data Form must be fully completed including a proposed hourly rate and signature. A Bio-Data Form without a proposed hourly rate and/or signature may cause an offeror to not be considered.

d) Qualified individuals must submit a curriculum vitae or a résumé, which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, and skills and abilities as they relate to the qualification elements. Résumé must indicate: the earliest possible start date for the offeror, as well as formal title, and duration (start date / end date) for each listed position. Résumé is limited to 10 pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information. Note that any salary negotiations will be based on the number of years of relevant experience.

e) Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is relevant to the duties of this position as listed under Section 5. Duties and to the qualification factors as listed under Section 7. Qualifications. The responses should describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Cite specific examples where appropriate.

f) Qualified individuals must submit at least three (3) but no more than five (5) professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references must include current information, as follows:

1) Name of reference

2) Offeror’s relationship to reference

3) Title of reference at current job

4) Reference current telephone number (work or personal)

5) Reference e-mail address (work)

At least one reference should be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge and experience in the relevant field. Preferably, the references should be from within the last 5 years of the applicant’s professional employment history.

g) To be considered for this position, Submissions must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified on page 1. Only physical signatures or electronic signatures are permitted; typed signatures are not acceptable, e.g. “/s” or “[typed name of the offeror].”

h) To ensure consideration of submissions for the intended position, please reference the position title and announcement number on the subject line of your submission email and on supporting documentation and any cover letter.

13. Response Deadline

Electronic submission is required. Mailed copies of any submission will not be accepted. Electronic packages shall be submitted by e-mail to whitleyah@mcc.gov and naranjoj@mcc.gov before the deadline stated on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submission shall reference the position title and the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail.

MCC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any submission. Offerors are responsible for submitting their package so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submissions received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of submissions in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission. Any submission is at the sole risk and expense of the offeror.

14. Question Deadline

Any questions regarding this announcement must be submitted in writing via email to whitleyah@mcc.gov and naranjoj@mcc.gov before the question deadline identified on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

15. Selection Process

In order to be considered for contract award, an offeror must, at a minimum, meet the Required Qualifications listed above in Section 7. Qualifications. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the offeror’s qualifications. In addition to the materials listed above, offerors are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter is not required and is not acceptable in place of the required written narrative.

All Submissions will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the offeror’s evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential discussion/interview session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. Please note that for evaluation purposes, MCC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate. All submissions will receive one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. MCC reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most qualified offerors and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals.

Offerors are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion of their résumé thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly related to this position in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.

The U.S. Government and MCC are not obligated to make any award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an offer in response to this announcement. Award of a contract is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement.

16. Contract Award

A time-and-materials (T&M) type contract with options will be awarded to the offeror(s) found to offer the best value to the Government. This contract shall be awarded directly by MCC to an individual, not to a firm. At the Government’s discretion, e.g. unable to identify a best-value offeror or secure sufficient funding, this solicitation may be canceled without an award. The Government may consider opening a new solicitation for this position in the future.

17. Contract and Period of Performance

The successful offeror(s) may be offered a personal services type contract for a one-year base period plus four (4) option periods, to be exercised based upon the PSC’s performance, agency requirements, and available funding.

The base period of performance shall be from date of award through 12 months thereafter. All option periods will be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC. The contract will be for a Full-Time PSC position with a maximum of 10,435 total hours over the potential five-year duration of the contract.

18. Place of Performance

The principal place of performance is at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC, USA and/or at the PSC's home of record for teleworking purposes. Occasional travel may be required as specified in Section 5b above.

19. Addenda

See attachments for:

1. Position Description

2. Bio-Data Form

3. Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

4. Frequently Asked Questions 13 | Page