MCC-RFP-14-0068_Executive_Assistant_5-30-14_FBO_Amendment_1.pdf

Amendment #1

Date Posted: May 30, 2014

Purpose of the Amendment: To extend the due date for questions and the deadline for application. See yellow highlighted below. All other aspects remain the same.

Announcement Number MCC-14-RFP-0068

Title Executive Assistant

Position information Full-Time, Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

One year (2,087 hours per year), renewable for up to four years at the sole discretion of the government

Pay Band 05 ($23.00 - $36.30 per hour)

Closing date for questions June 6, 2014 no later than 3:00pm EST

Application deadline June 18, 2014 no later than 5:00pm EST

Who may be considered U.S. citizens or legal, permanent residents with five years of residency history

Duty location Washington, D.C., US

Note: more than one position may be filled under this announcement

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a United States government-owned corporation created in 2004, whose mission is to provide assistance that will 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) with the

MCC that includes a multi-year 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.

Executive Assistant MCC-14-RFP-0068

SCOPE OF POSITION

In direct support of MCC’s overall mission, this position is involved in all aspects of executive level support, staff coordination and office management for the MCC Department to which assigned. Position is responsible for performing a wide variety of organizational duties including the development and implementation of work management procedures to ensure that office goals are met and may oversee other administrative staff. Position is responsible to assess unusual circumstances or non-standard situations and develop solutions based on experience and knowledge of existing policies and circumstances.

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 contact:

(1) Performance on site.

(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.

PLEASE NOTE: This contract shall be awarded solely to an individual(s), not to a firm. The individual must have an active DUNS # and a fully approved and active record in the System for

Award Management (SAM).

https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2037_1.html#wp1082924 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%207_5.html#wp1078200 http://www.sam.gov/

KEY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizenship or legal, permanent resident with five years of residency history

Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance

Performance at MCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Relocation expenses will not be paid

Overseas travel may be required (to MCC eligible countries)

Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (i.e. Office of Government Ethics form-

450, or similar statement) may be required

Active and approved SAM record (listed as sole-proprietor)

DUTIES

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Performs and monitors established administrative management requirements. Applies administrative policies, maintains various systems, and handles travel or other staff requirements.

Drafts correspondence, recommendations, reports, and memoranda related to management and administrative programs and issues. Provides advice and guidance to managers and employees on questions and situations related to the administrative services provided.

Implements administrative procedures and management systems to improve the work flow and efficiency and ensures that office work load is allocated, reassigned, and prioritized to meet deadlines. Recommends methods to improve the accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency of administrative and support tasks within the organization. Applies qualitative and quantitative methods toward the assessment and improvement of administrative effectiveness and/or the improvement of management processes and systems. Creates and manages recordkeeping and filing systems for all documents. Creates and maintains departmental travel calendars, timekeeping records and travel authorizations and vouchers for the organization.

Receives a variety of requests for material on matters for which the organization is responsible.

Determines time and resources needed to address various matters, advising the requesting official, and personally resolving the inquiry or request and following up to ensure completion.

Identifies and analyzes critical problems and issues, the timing and sequence of administrative events and milestones, resource utilization and constraints, and coordination of management controls. Documents findings and conclusions, and develops reports of findings.

May provide service as back-up to Senior Executive Assistant regarding drafting, clearing and finalizing internal administrative procedures and delegations of authority. Screens inquiries submitted, assuming responsibility for answering non-technical inquiries or securing the desired information when appropriate, and referring other matters to appropriate personnel or obtaining the requested data from other offices. Schedules supervisor's appointments. Secures participation http://www.oge.gov/Financial-Disclosure/Confidential-Financial-Disclosure-450/OGE-Form-450/ http://www.oge.gov/Financial-Disclosure/Confidential-Financial-Disclosure-450/OGE-Form-450/ of officials with related interests and responsibilities to assure that plans, arrangements or commitments are carried out as agreed.

Conducts extensive research and compilation of data from diverse sources; extracts and assembles information, conducts analysis and develop reports or presentations; and uses standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to special projects involving administrative or program issues.

Participates with supervisor or other managers in reviewing office needs, plans, and goals to develop data and justification for review and approval. Reviews reports and resolves discrepancies with the appropriate offices.

Using formal procedures, serves as the organization's focal point for providing office management services for an organization with subordinate units. Maintains the supervisor's appointment calendar and schedules appointments based on knowledge of the supervisor's preferences and current commitments. Coordinates with subordinate managers to schedule staff meetings, briefing the supervisor and staff on the subject matter prior to meetings. Arranges conference details such as location, schedule, agenda, and attendance list. Assembles background material for the supervisor.

Performs the full range of procedural work of the office. Assists the supervisor's subordinates in the procedural aspects of expediting the work of the office, including redistributing clerical assignments to take care of fluctuating workloads. Justifies and requests office equipment replacement. Identifies outdated equipment, gathers relevant information on new equipment, and requests replacements.

Screens visitors and telephone calls to the supervisor. Coordinates with subordinate managers to determine which organizational segment should handle the more technical requests. Personally provides non-technical information to visitors and callers with information from office files.

Reads incoming correspondence, publications, regulations, and directives that may affect the organization. Determines which items are of interest to the supervisor and which ones affect subordinate segments of the organization. Coordinates with subordinate supervisors to establish any action required, briefing the supervisor on progress.

Using formal procedures, serves as the organization's focal point for providing correspondence services for an organization with subordinate units. Responds to requests for information concerning organizational functions, personally preparing a variety of administrative reports.

Anticipates the need for information and systematically prepares material so that it is immediately available for the supervisor's needs. Decides whether important or emergency matters should be brought to the supervisor's attention when he/she is not in the office.

Reviews non-technical correspondence prepared by others for proper attachments, signatures, and compliance with organizational policies. Returns such materials to the originator for correction when they are not in compliance with policies, or when correspondence rules have not been followed. Coordinates with subordinate supervisors to ensure that the appropriate organizational segment receives technical mail and correspondence. Maintains control records on incoming correspondence and action documents, and follows up to ensure that deadlines are met.

Provides assistance selecting and integrating several types of software, such as spreadsheet, database, word processing, publishing, and graphics applications, to generate specific working documents and forms. Selects an appropriate system, application, and format for producing program support materials to meet specific requirements.

Provides office automation advice, guidance, and assistance to other staff. Works with users to define required data elements, desired format, and any arithmetic manipulation needed for the specified output. Evaluates the automation needs of the immediate work area and suggests off-the-shelf solutions or participates in documenting the requirements for developing a specialized application.

Performs other duties as assigned.

DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in DUTIES to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The Contractor will provide a monthly progress report as a regular deliverable. Monthly progress reports will consist of the following format to measure the progress of each task:

Task: XXXXXX

Status: XXXXXXXX

Recommendations: XXXXXXX

Monthly reports are due the first workday of each month.

In addition to monthly progress reports, the Contractor will submit biweekly timesheets on a schedule and format determined by MCC. Timesheets will include a list of hours worked per biweekly reporting period.

The Contractor also will produce other reports and analyses as requested by MCC.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education and all qualifying specialized experience described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired qualifications will be considered only once all education and qualifying specialized experience requirements are met. Please clearly demonstrate that you possess the following:

Education/Certification:

The following certifications, education and experience is desirable. Please submit relevant information, including copies of relevant certification and education/training information with your application materials

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent

Qualifying specialized experience:

The position requires skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature.

Knowledge of the theory and principles of management and organization; ability to use qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques.

Communication skills to obtain information and discuss issues and operations with supervisors and employees.

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products, to include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and

Outlook.

Desired qualifications:

A minimum of four (4) years of experience as an executive level assistance, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of higher education and experience in the sum of four (4) years.

NOTE: All experience must be well-documented on your resume and within your application.

All aspects of your application must specifically show how you meet the QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED.

COMPENSATION

PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the 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 and thus, the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 per year.

The contract will have four one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $36.30 per hour, inclusive of Washington, DC locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. A salary above this pay range will NOT be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside of the

Washington, DC area may be considered for this contract, but relocation expenses are not compensable under the resulting contract.

MCC issues W-2s to the PSC. For U.S. citizens and legal resident aliens, MCC makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSC. MCC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax, and state tax on behalf of the PSC. The PSC is not eligible for the Foreign Earned

Income Exclusion.

Benefits:

Under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal retirement benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSC is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the

Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSC is ineligible to receive Federal

Health and Life Insurance or participate in the federal Thrift Savings Plan.

The full time PSC does earn sick leave, annual leave, and holiday pay.

The 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 duty station is overseas is not eligible for this subsidy.

Travel:

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Interested applicants must submit all required documents to include, but not limited to:

Completed and signed Biodata Form;

Curriculum vitae or resume (limit ten (10) pages);

A written narrative of up to five (5) pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the Qualifying Specialized Experience requirements, and any

Desired qualifications.

No less than three (3) and no more than five (5) professional references with current contact information;

NOTE: Submittals shall be in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS. Please ensure that applicants’ most recent contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail address) are accurate. Any other documentation will not be accepted.

Delivery:

Electronic submission is required. Electronic application packages shall be submitted by e-mail to MCCPSC@mcc.gov. Submission shall reference the position title AND the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail. Electronically submitted packages must include a scanned signature on the Bio-data form to be considered.

MCC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application.

Applicants are responsible for submitting the application package so as to reach the designated

Government office by the closing date and time specified above. Applications 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 an application in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Any submission is at the sole risk of the applicant.

Questions:

Any questions regarding this announcement should be submitted in writing via email only (no phone calls) to MCCPSC@mcc.gov, before the deadline as given on p.1.

Submission of applications to this announcement must be received via e-mail to

MCCPSC@mcc.gov before the deadline as given on p.1.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

The QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED are the basis for evaluating all applications. Applicants must separately address each listed qualification requirement and demonstrate how s/he meets each. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally.

(a) Qualified individuals must submit a completed and signed Biodata form. Please ensure that you provide a current, valid e-mail address and telephone number for notification purposes. The Biodata form must be fully completed including a proposed hourly rate and signed for the application to be considered.

(b) Qualified individuals must submit a resume (or a curriculum vita) 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 applicant; as well as formal title, and duration (start date / end date) for each listed mailto:MCCPSC@mcc.gov mailto:MCCPSC@mcc.gov mailto:MCCPSC@mcc.gov position. Resume is limited to ten (10) pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information.

(c) Describe your experience and knowledge of each of the Qualifying specialized experience requirements and Desired qualifications, if applicable, in no more than five

(5) pages (page = 8 ½” x 11” paper; 11 point font or larger; double sided pages count as two (2) pages). Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under DUTIES. 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.

(d) Qualified individuals must submit no fewer than three (3) and no more than five (5) professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references

MUST include current information, as follows:

a. Name of reference

b. Applicants’ relationship to reference

c. Title of reference at current job

d. Reference current telephone number (work or personal)

e. Reference e-mail address (work)

At least two (2) references must be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge and experience. All references must be from within the last seven (7) years of the applicant’s professional life.

(e) Applications must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified above to be considered for this position.

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

SELECTION PROCESS

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the qualifications listed above.

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of applicant’s vis-à-vis the

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED. In addition to the materials listed above, applicants are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one (1) page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter does NOT count toward any other page limitation of the proposal.

All applicants will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the applicant’s evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential interview, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. All applicants will received one of three scores for each of the required qualification: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. Only qualified applicants will receive one of two scores for the desired criteria: Present, Not Present. MCC reserves the right to call the highest qualified candidates for an interview and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals. Reference checks may be conducted on the highest qualified applicants.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion 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 & MCC is not obligated to make an award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this announcement. Award of this contract is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this announcement.