RFQ 95332421Q0093 Amendment 0002.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a)By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE

DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable naranjoj Typewritten Text Jacqueline H. Naranjo, Contracting Officer naranjoj Typewritten Text 10/20/2021

95332421Q00930002

Summary of Changes

Header Information

Close Date is changed from 26-OCT-21 17:00:00 to 01-NOV-21 12:00:00.

Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The following clauses are modified (changes shown in red):

Clauses incorporated by full text

STATEMENT OF WORK

Announcement Number: 95332421Q0093

Title: Economic Research Assistant, Department of Policy and Evaluation

Position Information: Full-Time Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

One (1) one-year base period (2,087 hours per year), renewable for up to four (4) one-year option periods at the sole discretion of the Government.

Pay Band: 05 $49,000 – $88,620 ($23.48 – $42.46 per hour), with advancement potential to Pay Bands 4C, 4B and 4A.

See https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands. In addition to the direct compensation referenced above, the PSC will receive a pay supplement of 15% of the employee's direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits.

Closing Date for Questions: 5:00pm Eastern Time (ET), 28 September 2021 (Wednesday)

Questions must be submitted via email to Ms. Daniela Dimitrova, dimitrovad@mcc.gov and Ms. Jacqueline Naranjo, naranjoj@mcc.gov.

Submission Deadline: 12:00pm Eastern Time (ET), 1 November 2021 (Monday)

Quotations must be submitted via email to Ms. Daniela Dimitrova, dimitrovad@mcc.gov and Ms. Jacqueline Naranjo, naranjoj@mcc.gov.

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

Who May Be Considered: U.S. citizens

Place of Performance: Principal place of performance in Washington, DC, USA and/or PSC's home of record. Travel to MCC eligible countries and other US and foreign cities (for outreach purposes) may be required.

Type of Contract: Time-and-material (T&M) with one (1) one-year Base Period and four (4) one-year Option Periods.

Multiple awards may result from this solicitation. All quotes will be retained and may be utilized for requirements for a period of 12 months after the RFQ deadline.

https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands mailto:dimitrovad@mcc.gov mailto:naranjoj@mcc.gov mailto:dimitrovad@mcc.gov mailto:naranjoj@mcc.gov

1. Introduction and Background

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is committed to delivering sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction throughout the entire lifecycle of its investments. MCC's mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC's partner countries enter into a five-year agreement (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives, regular benchmarks to measure progress, multi-year financial plan, and a plan to ensure accountability for the use of MCA assistance.

This model is defined by core principles of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results. MCC's values define how we behave daily, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. Our values identify who we are and what is important to us. They guide how we make decisions, set priorities, address challenges, manage tradeoffs, recruit and develop staff, and work together with our country partners and stakeholders. Our Values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas.

As an evidence-driven agency committed to ensuring the integrity of the evidence it produces and uses for decision-making, MCC is committed to achieving the following objectives:

· Build evidence through investments in data activities,

· Share evidence underlying data activities, to the extent feasible while still maintaining promises of confidentiality, and

· Use evidence to inform decisions about current and future programming.

These objectives are rooted in the MCC model established in the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as well as Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016, Foundations for Evidence-based Policy Making Act of 2018, and Federal Data Strategy.

2. Scope of Position

The position is located within the Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The mission of the Policy and Evaluation Department is to provide management oversight for the development and implementation of policy and best practices related to country eligibility, economic analysis and monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and policy reform. DPE manages the MCC's Threshold Program and formulates strategies that leverage MCC impact with foundations; international donors and other U.S. Government agencies.

The Economic Research Assistant will assist the Economic Analysis Division with a variety of administrative duties, provide analytical support, and produce high quality analyses and research.

This position is not authorized to supervise any Federal employees.

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, https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/senate-bill/1160 https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3766/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3766/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/4174 https://strategy.data.gov/ https://strategy.data.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar

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.

• Performance in Washington, DC, USA, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC's home of record.

• Domestic and international travel may be required.

• 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 (this is a free, Government website) and be listed as sole proprietor.

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

• MCC is precluded from permitting Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) from permanently working overseas without Chief of Mission Authority or an approved Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) Agreement.

5. Duties

a) Major Duties and Responsibilities

· Assists Economic Analysis Division in conducting economic research and data analysis in support of MCC's results framework, including constraints analysis, economic rate of return analysis, beneficiary analysis, monitoring and impact evaluation.

· Assists in analysis and data cleaning for cost benefit analysis, including the economic rate of return (ERR) and beneficiary analyses; formats, fills documentation gaps, and moves finalized products through the clearance process for publication.

· Participates in economic research and special projects for lead economists, department and corporate management when requested.

· Presents findings and recommendations to higher graded staff on issues or problems impacting established policies, programs and procedures.

· Maintains frequent contacts with coworkers both overseas and in the U.S. to render advice and assistance.

· Develops recommendations and proposals designed to resolve issues that are identified in the research and analysis process.

· Participates in managing information for results pages on mcc.gov, which includes assisting in drafting new content, reviewing technical data and analysis for a public audience, and coordinating regular updates.

· Maintains web content for Economic Analysis Division, including management of the clearance process and posting of content.

· Maintains updated content on internal servers, including research libraries, consultant databases, and other content as requested.

· Monitors and supports the procurement of contractors and consultants when necessary.

· Assists in administering the divisional travel budget and handles travel and reimbursement issues for division.

· Supports the drafting of position descriptions, advertisement of positions, and movement of administrative steps in hiring staff.

· Organizes divisional meetings and coordinates the agenda.

· Provides other logistical and administrative support as needed; and performs other related duties as assigned.

b) Knowledge Required by the Position

· Understanding of economic analysis and evaluative techniques sufficient to identify, consider and resolve issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature.

· Knowledge of the theory and principles of management and organization.

· Ability to use established qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques.

· Oral and written communication skills to obtain information and discuss issues and operations with supervisors and employees.

http://www.sam.gov

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 factfinding 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 a moderately structured setting. 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. Domestic and international travel may be required.

i)Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting.

6. Position Security Level

Non‐Sensitive/Low Risk (T‐1)

The PSC start date is contingent upon a successful background investigation conducted by the MCC Security Office (MCC Domestic & International Security (DIS)).

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:

a) Required Qualifications:

1. Experience conducting economic research, policy analysis and data analysis on issues related to economic development, design or implementation of development interventions

2. Experience with and knowledge of quantitative methods for statistical and economic applications

3. Proficiency in applying statistical software, including data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis of economic data, including the analysis of large data sets such as household and/or firm surveys

4. Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel, including understanding and building complex formulas, creating graphs and charts, and manipulating large amounts of data

5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present and explain findings to economist and non-economist colleagues

6. Experience writing and editing technical reports, for both specialized and general audiences

b) Desired Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of or experience with cost-benefit analysis and distributional analysis for development interventions

2. Knowledge of or experience with growth diagnostics (constraints analysis) using the methodology of Hausmann, Rodrik, and Velasco, or with microeconomic topics relevant to growth diagnostics

3. Knowledge of or experience with monitoring and impact evaluation

4. Experience working in developing countries or other professional interactions with various developing country stakeholders (e.g., governments, donors, private sector, civil society, research organizations)

5. Experience preparing briefers for use at meetings and external events

6. Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese (include reference to level of proficiency for reading, writing, and oral communications)

c) Education:

A. Applicants must have a degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours each in statistics and calculus

OR

B. A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education

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 for 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 (see Section J List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation) with proposed salary (see Subsection 12(c) below regarding permissible signature types);

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

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

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

Interested offerors may submit the following desired, but not required, documentation:

1) A cover letter, not to exceed one (1) page, to highlight your interest and suitability for this position. The cover letter is not considered a part of the required written narrative (Subsection 8.3 above); and

2) A copy of unofficial 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).

Overtime is not authorized on this contract. However, credit hours and compensatory time off for travel may be authorized for a full-time PSC.

The pay range for this position is Pay Band 05, $49,000 – $88,620 ($23.48 – $42.46 per hour), with advancement potential to pay bands 4C, 4B and 4A (see 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 Pay Band 05 will not be entertained or negotiated at the time of initial award.

MCC issues W-2s to its PSCs and makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSCs. MCC also withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of 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, full-time PSCs may receive a pay supplement of 15% of the employee's direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits. This pay supplement is in addition to the compensation negotiated in accordance with paragraph 9 above.

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 (4), six (6), or eight (8) 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 place of performance is not at the 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 — refer to MCC 52.237-70 Personal Services – General Terms and Conditions, section for Compensatory Time Off for Travel. PSCs may be compensated for the credit hour balance upon termination subject to availability of funds.

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 will not be considered.

Offerors must address each qualification factor listed under Section 7. Qualifications and demonstrate how s/he meets each qualification. Unless stated otherwise, all required qualification elements will be weighted equally.

a) Offerors 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.

https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands

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 (see Section J List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation). It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure that all pages are properly formatted to fit and that all information properly fits within the margins of each page.

c) Offerors must submit a completed and formally signed Bio-Data Form (see Section J List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation). 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 result in the offeror being rejected for award.

d) Offerors must submit a curriculum vitae or a resume, which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, and skills and abilities as they relate to the qualification elements. Resume 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. Resume 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 offeror's education, skills, and years of relevant experience.

e) Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in a written narrative not to exceed five (5) pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is relevant to the duties of this position as listed under Section 5. Duties and the qualifications listed under Section 7. Qualifications. The narrative 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) Offerors 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 (1) reference should be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the offeror's knowledge and experience in the relevant field. Preferably, the references should be from within the last five (5) years of the offeror's professional employment history.

g) To be considered for award, submissions must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified above. Only physical signatures or electronic signature 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 Ms. Daniela Dimitrova, dimitrovad@mcc.gov and Ms. Jacqueline Naranjo, naranjoj@mcc.gov, before the deadline stated on the first page of Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement 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 to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on the first page of Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement 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 Ms. Daniela Dimitrova, dimitrovad@mcc.gov and Ms. Jacqueline Naranjo, naranjoj@mcc.gov, before the question deadline stipulated on the first page mailto:dimitrovad@mcc.gov mailto:naranjoj@mcc.gov mailto:dimitrovad@mcc.gov mailto:naranjoj@mcc.gov of Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

15. Selection Process

In order to be considered for 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 required documentation listed in Section 8, offerors are encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one (1) page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter is not required and will not be accepted in lieu 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 possible discussion/interview if conducted, and information provided by references if contacted.

Please note that for evaluation purposes, MCC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate, including the pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits. All submissions will receive one of three scores for each of the required qualifications:

Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds; desired qualifications will be evaluated on a meets/does not meet basis. 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 thoroughly and clearly document the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly relevant to this requirement 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 a quote in response to this announcement. The contract award is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement.

16. Contract Award

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 funding, this solicitation may be canceled without an award and a new solicitation for this position may be issued in the future.

17. Contract and Period of Performance

The successful offeror(s), who is/are found to represent the best value to the Government, may be offered a time-and-materials (T&M), personal services type contract for a one-year base period plus four (4) one-year option periods, for a total potential contract period of five (5) years.

All option periods are exercised at the sole discretion of MCC based upon performance, agency requirements, and availability of funding. The contract will be for a full-time PSC position with a maximum of 10,435 hours over the total duration of the contract (2,087 hours/year * 5 years).

Section H – Special Contract Requirements

The following clauses are added:

Clauses incorporated by full text

MCC 52.237-73 ADVANCEMENT LADDERS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS (NOV 2019)

During the performance of this contract, the PSC may be eligible for advancement to a new pay band level as designated in the PSC's Position Description and as established in the solicitation for this PSC contract. Currently, PSC is at the designated pay band level 05. Potential designated pay bands the PSC may receive advancement to are: 4C, 4B and 4A. Advancement will not be effective prior to the option exercise date and/or the date the contract modification implementing the advancement, whichever is later. Advancement is also purely at the discretion of the MCC and subject to all of the following conditions:

1. The PSC has performed under this contract at the current designated pay band level for a period of at least twelve (12) months. Prior federal service at MCC or any other federal agency or service in a PSC role at another agency shall not be considered for purposes of this twelve (12) month period.

2. An existing equivalent career ladder associated with the PSC's position description has been approved and established by the MCC Human Resource Division identifying additional pay bands to which PSC may advance.

3. A written evaluation of the PSC's performance prepared by the PSC's COR has been provided to the MCC Contracting

Officer in CPARS format establishing that the PSC has performed at a level satisfactory or above.

4. Funds are available in sufficient amount to be obligated for an increase in the PSC's designated pay band, to include adjustments to pay supplements and any associated increase in FICA payments, for the remainder of the current contract period.

5. The advancement is approved by the procedures designated in COM 37.1053-2 and executed via a formal modification to this contract.

(End of Clause)

- Extend the quotation submission deadline to Monday, November 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET;

- Incorporate Clause MCC 52.237.73 - Advancement Ladders for Personal Services Contracts (NOV 2019); and

- Revise Section C - Statement of Work, to reflect the possibility of advancement potential to pay bands 4C, 4B and 4A.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.