Construction Management Specialist (CMS) Solicitation final.pdf

Embassy of the United States in South Sudan Kololo Road, adjacent to the European Union's compound Juba, South Sudan

Telephone: +211.912.105.107 Website: https://www.usaid.gov/south-suda

Solicitation Number: 72066824R00001 Issuance Date: February 8, 2024 Closing Date and Time: March 7, 2024, at 1700 Juba time

SUBJECT: Solicitation # 72066824R00001 for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)/Third

Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) Construction Management Specialist (CMS).

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under the Contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Ananciata Muyama Contracting Officer USAID/South Sudan

Construction Management Specialist

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066824R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 8th, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 7, 24, 2024, at 1700 Juba time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Ananciata Muyama at amuyama@usaid.gov and Susan George at skgeorge@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Construction Management Specialist.

6. MARKET VALUE: $139,395 -$181,216 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Juba, South Sudan, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Overseas UPSCs and TCNPSCs are not subject to the local compensation plan but may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission Policy. In addition, telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on June 1, 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods per the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Option Period (O.P.) 1: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 Option Period (O.P.) 2: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Option Period (O.P.) 3: June 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 Option Period (O.P.) 4: June 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) or Third Country Nationals.

mailto:ksampson@usaid.gov mailto:skgeorge@usaid.gov

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be considered. References ADS 309.3.1.4 and 309.3.1.10.

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Secret; TCNPSCs - Facility Access

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

(1) GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT.

The Construction Management Specialist (CMS) will provide technical direction and oversight on all construction activities including but not limited to the installation of electrical systems and support infrastructure, HVAC systems, water and wastewater management, road construction, and renovation and construction of vertical structures at USAID’s compounds in Juba, South Sudan. The CMS will serve as USAID’s on-site representative providing direct oversight of on-going construction activities on both the Residential Compound (RC) and Embassy Compound (EC) and other facilities in Juba. The CMS will also serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for construction-related activities as assigned by the Contracting Officer. In this role, the CMS will be responsible for coordinating directly with various Architectural and Engineering (A&E) design firms and construction contractors.

The CMS must have experience in project management and construction management, with an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously progressing through different stages of the project life cycle from planning through design and construction to close-out. Specific experience with electrical, HVAC, water, and wastewater systems, as well as renovation of vertical and horizontal structures is highly desirable.

The CMS will conduct other engagement that include project management and overseeing the installation of life support infrastructure systems such as diesel engine power backup generators;

renovation (both exterior and interior) of existing structures, walkways, roadways, security systems, access gates, safe havens, dining and recreational facilities, laundry, and maintenance facilities.

The incumbent will ensure all federal regulations, State’s Overseas Building Operations (OBO), and USAID’s Management Bureau’s Overseas Management Division (M/OMD) policies and requirements are met through close coordination with staff in those offices and reviewing applicable policies. The incumbent serves as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) under a letter of appointment.

(2) STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED.

Construction Site Management:

Serve as the technical expert for the planning, management, coordination and integration of electrical upgrade and other electric power, installation of HVAC systems, vertical and horizontal structures construction and water management programs in Juba, South Sudan.

Perform design review of construction drawings and specifications for conformance with contracts as well as accepted standards and codes.

Monitor on-going construction progress and immediately report to the site supervisor any work that fails to comply with the contract or any applicable construction standards;

immediately report any contract or standards compliance issues to the Contracting Officer and S/EXO.

Oversee testing and commissioning of systems and equipment. Investigate and resolve problems and project conditions that impact cost, efficiency, safety, and performance.

Investigate system malfunctions and take or recommend corrective action, per the nature of the problem and equipment involved.

Direct the timely accomplishment of design and construction activities with full local responsibility for technical adequacy and accuracy of all professional engineering data;

ensure timely accomplishments and preparation of design and specification development for locally solicited and administered contracts. Establish and monitor internal controls; ensure uniform application of regulations, policies, directives, and professional practices. Receive preliminary plans and specifications related to proposed construction. Review drawings, specifications, and cost estimates and make recommendations for anticipated scope changes, if needed.

Contractor Management:

Perform and/or review pre-project planning duties, such as concept development, integration planning, and programming design. Ensure system integration, compatibility, modification, redesign, troubleshooting, installation, operation and maintenance, and failure analysis for the electrical, water and wastewater systems, and equipment in Juba, South Sudan, working with others as needed and required.

Assure surveillance over, and direct the inspection of, contractor accomplishment of projects to ensure maintenance of scheduled progress and compliance with standard specifications and safety requirements.

Plan, organize and prioritize work so as to support the progression of quality work in accordance with timely completion of the project/s.

Coordinate and communicate with contractor staff, maintaining an open line of communication and, in accordance with applicable contract and COR letter of appointment language, remain responsive to contractor queries and requests as appropriate, and compile and maintain contract data, maintaining appropriate contract files in accordance with applicable U.S. Government and Agency regulation and policy in accordance with applicable contracts. Convene and chair periodic USAID/Contractor reviews of project progress.

Supervise and coordinate with the A&E firm that handles day-to-day quality assurance (QA) and design review of on-going projects.

Construction Reports and Documentation:

Conduct detailed, comprehensive engineering reports to determine cause of equipment failures, research trends and patterns for electrical and water management systems.

Review Contractor's requests for deviation or changes to the contract or contract plans;

report, with appropriate recommendation, such requests to the Contracting Officer, reporting any perceived contractual shortcomings that, if left unchanged, would compromise the quality of the work, the safety of individuals or property or the timely completion of the project; make appropriate recommendations for modifications to the contract.

Review and analyze Contractor submittals of plans, drawings, construction technical data and material samples to ensure contractual compliance; report all deficiencies and/or instances of non-compliance immediately to the Contracting Officer and S/EXO.

Liaison with USAID, Interagency, Host Nation and Other relevant officials:

Coordinate problem solutions with relevant U.S. Mission, host nation and Washington, DC stakeholders and participate in joint inspection of completed projects. Provide the sole technical engineering recommendations for approval and acceptance of all facility and public works projects.

Review and analyze contractor submittals of plans, drawings, construction technical data and material samples to ensure contractual compliance; report all deficiencies and/or instances of non-compliance immediately to the Contracting Officer and S/EXO.

Responsible for review, recommending approval/withhold of payments, and tracking vouchers and invoices from contractors and reconciling accounts with Contracting Office and Office of Financial Management.

The Construction Management Specialist, in his/her role as COR only, is responsible to the Contracting Officer in accordance with applicable letter(s) of appointment as COR, and in that capacity: Maintains thorough familiarity with applicable contracts and, as appropriate, subcontracts, including all associated modifications.

3) USAID Consultation or orientation, if applicable: Contacts include high-level USG officials at the U.S. Embassy, USAID Office of Security, Dept. of State Overseas Building Operations, Diplomatic Security, and USAID Headquarters. S/he must have the ability to communicate effectively, using tact, diplomacy, and technical knowledge. S/he must be a good listener, stay abreast of USG priorities, policies and practices, and be able to manage and/or reconcile differences of opinion or conflicts regarding construction priorities and strategies.

4) SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: CMS will report to the Supervisory Executive Officer or his/her designee. Work assignments are in the broadest terms and performance is evaluated in terms of accomplishments and compliance with laws and regulations.

5) SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Incumbent supervises one FSN-12 Infrastructure Engineer with the possible addition of further staff.

If a third country national (TCN) is selected for an award, during the period of this Contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

[END OF SECTION I]

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education:

A minimum of a university degree in an engineering discipline or related field (electrical, mechanical, civil engineering) or construction management. A formal certification of construction management or related areas including Project Management Professional (PMP) is beneficial. A license in Professional Engineering (PE) and or Certificate in Quality Assurance by the US Army Corp of Engineers or similar are highly desirable as is water management experience.

2. Work Experience:

(a) A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of construction/construction management is required, with emphasis on experience in one or more of these areas: general construction, electric grid distribution systems and electric panel boards, installation of split units HVAC systems, as well as renovation of vertical and horizontal structures.

(b) Prior experience overseas, especially in austere environments, working with virtual teams, and working on USG construction projects is highly desirable.

(c) This experience must demonstrate an ability to work in difficult environments where there is little or no modern support infrastructure.

[END OF SECTION II]

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 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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including a reference from individuals who have been specially identified by the Offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first, and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.”

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. Then, the highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

1. FACTOR ONE: Education: (10%); applicants for a requirement of minimum of a university degree in Electrical/Civil engineering or construction management. A formal certification of construction management, including Project Management Professional (PMP) is beneficial. A license in Professional Engineering (PE) in Electrical/Civil engineering and Certificate in https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Quality Assurance by the US Army Corp of Engineers are highly desirable as is water management experience.

2. FACTOR TWO: Prior Work Experience: (10%); applicable to a minimum of ten years of experience in the field of construction/construction management is required, with emphasis on experience in construction or renovation of electric grid distribution systems and electric panel boards, installation of split units HVAC systems, as well as renovation of vertical and horizontal structures. Prior experience overseas, especially in austere environments, working with virtual teams, and working on USG construction projects is highly desirable. Experience supervising employees.

3. FACTOR THREE: Job Knowledge: (20%); a demonstrated knowledge of U.S. construction standards, safety practices and procedure (e.g., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ EM 385-1- 1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual), especially the National Electrical Code, Life Safety Code and the National Electrical Safety Code is desirable. Knowledge of U.S.

Government regulations for overseas construction is highly desirable. The work requires that this knowledge be specific to, or related to, the logistical and security constraints prevalent in conflict areas and in remote parts of the world. Knowledge of the applicable local and international building and construction codes, local safety, and security rules. Familiarity with local government structure and jurisdictions and key personnel in order to facilitate authorization and related engagement is beneficial.

4. FACTOR FOUR: Skills and Abilities; (50%); a demonstrated knowledge of construction management with a focus on achieving results in a difficult overseas environment; the ability to independently organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments and proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) is required. Other skills such as job-related training courses (title & year), demonstrated job-related skills; for example, tools, machinery, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested) are highly required.

5. FACTOR FIVE: Language Proficiency (10%); a level 4 English language proficiency is required.

Incumbents must have excellent oral and written English communication skills and the ability to write Mission Notices and policies and make recommendations in the clear written and oral formats.

6. Interview Performance: Total Possible Points: 100 points.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After the closing date for the receipt of applications, applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements, and a short list of applicants will be developed.

2. Following this initial review and shortlisting, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them per the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

3. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

4. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

[END SECTION III]

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

2. Offerors must also submit the following documents:

(i) Cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the Offeror’s technical knowledge, skills and abilities, and relevant experience in relation to the solicitation.

(ii) Resume or CV not to exceed 3 pages.

(iii) Copies of Diplomas, Degrees, or transcripts or other item to support the Education

Requirement in Section II (1)

(iv) Copies of certificates or other items as applicable to support the certifications in Section

II (1)

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

4. Offeror submissions must reference the Solicitation number on all Offeror submitted documents.

5. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3), and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the Offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience.

Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of EO 14042 in Section VIII below.

[END SECTION IV]

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Form)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Position for National Security (SF-86), or

3. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-85)

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

a. OF-306

[END SECTION V]

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

VII. BENEFITS: (If applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

VIII. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at:

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Post-Allowance (Section 220)

(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(d) Education Travel (Section 280)

(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(g) Danger Pay (Section 650)

[END SECTION VI]

IX. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are required to pay income taxes of his/her country of origin.

[END SECTION VII]

X. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar.

And Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar.

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

a. Definition. As used in this clause –

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

b. Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID

Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

c. Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the Contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the Contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 is available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms or https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals are available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the Contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

4. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific Contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

[END SECTION VIII]

[END OF SOLICITATION]

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov