MCC-15-RFQ-0067.pdf

Date Posted April 6, 2015

Announcement Number MCC-15-RFQ-0067

Title Program Analyst – Environmental & Social Performance

(ESP)

Position information Full-Time, Personal Services Contractor (PSC) One year (2,087 hours per year), renewable up to one additional year solely at the discretion of the Government

Pay band 5 ($21.56 - $36.65 per hour)

Closing date for questions April 20, 2015 no later than 3:00pm EST

Application deadline April 27, 2015 no later than 3:00pm 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 Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) assistance.

Program Analyst (ESP) MCC-15-RFQ-0067

SCOPE OF POSITION

This position is located in the Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) Division of the Department of Compact Operations, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

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.

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). The approval of your record in SAM may take a few weeks.

Therefore, please register in SAM immediately after submitting your application.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

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

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Non-critical Sensitive 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

The PSC provides assistance to other MCC staff to help ensure compliance with MCC’s Environmental Guidelines and promote sound environmental and social performance of Compact activities. 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.

Major Duties and Responsibilities of the PSC:

Perform cost analysis both within and outside organization on costs associated with environmental and social management, including resettlement and health and safety;

compile, organize and synthesize data and information in various forms;

Assists in archiving key ESP-related files for projects recently closed and currently under implementation, such as conducting a comprehensive audit of project hard files, creating a list of existing documents through the use of trackers, searching for missing documents through electronic sources, developing a list of missing documents, and creating audit report outlining status of documents;

Supports the development and maintenance of an ESP Lessons Learned database;

synthesizing and organizing relevant Compact-related information; creating links/folders to key documents and resources, and assisting with version control;

Supports in the organization, planning and execution of events, conferences, and meetings to focus on knowledge sharing of ESP issues amongst MCC, MCA and external audiences

Provides general administrative support including providing organizational support to conferences and workshop; compiling list of relevant training opportunities and conferences, and journal subscriptions.

Provides support to ESP team members as needed to assist them with their duties on country teams developing and implementing compacts.

Provides technical (e.g. research and analytical), and administrative support to ESP staff on a variety of recurring assignments related to Compact development, implementation and/or closure.

Assists on Compact development and implementation activities to help ensure that MCC-funded activities comply with host country laws and regulations, the MCC Environmental Guidelines and the International Finance Corporation’s Social and Environmental Performance Standards.

Assists staff in the evaluation and management of environmental and social risks and performance of Compact-funded activities and helps to identify and leverage opportunities for enhancing project design and implementation. Supports integration of environmental and social considerations and good international practice into project design and implementation.

Assists in reviews and technical assessments of project-related documents including concept papers, feasibility studies, environmental and social and management plans, consultant terms of reference, construction bidding documents, work plans, and performance monitoring plans to ensure environmental and social considerations are appropriately taken into account in the design, feasibility, implementation, timing, and costs of Compact activities.

Assists ESP staff with the management of contractors, consultants, and interagency agreements as appropriate to ensure that related deliverables and work products are acceptable. Prepares and/or reviews terms of reference, budgets, timelines and cost estimates for ESP related international and national procurements for civil works and consultant services, and provides contract and project management support.

Undertakes occasional site visits to Compact countries to assist in providing support of project development and implementation oversight to ensure sound environmental and social performance.

Supports capacity building initiatives to strengthen the capacity and understanding of MCA partners and MCC staff on key environmental and social issues relevant to Compact development and implementation.

DELIVERABLES

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

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

Deliverables will be considered “draft” upon initial receipt. Drafts will be reviewed and accepted or concerns raised/comments provided within two weeks of receipt. The PSC shall appropriately address the Corporations’ concerns and provide final deliverables within one week of receiving the MCC response.

In addition to monthly progress reports, the PSC will 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.

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. Please clearly demonstrate that you possess the following:

Undergraduate degree or current enrollment in advanced degree program in environmental, social or natural sciences or field related to international development is required.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and/or Access, including displaying data with charts, using formulas, sorting and filtering data, and organizing databases.

General knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint for document and project management.

Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities.

Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

Ability to organize and manage workload, meet deadlines, and juggle shifting priorities with minimal oversight.

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 one option to extend the period of performance for one additional year that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC.

The pay range for this position is $21.56 - $36.65 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.

Notwithstanding the above, MCC does permit reimbursement of a portion of the PSC’s cost of health insurance premiums incurred during the contract’s period of performance. To be eligible for the health insurance reimbursement the employee must provide proof of insurance coverage and payment of premium for which s/he is responsible. Examples of acceptable proof are bank statement, receipts, cancelled checks or other proof of payment. Individuals covered under another health insurance plan, or have subsidized health insurance are not eligible for this reimbursement. Subject to the availability of funds, MCC may pay up-to-15% of the employee’s base salary towards a health insurance policy as mentioned above.

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 10 pages);

A written narrative of up to five pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements, No less than three and no more than five 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 and jimenezja@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 and jimenezja@mcc.gov before the deadline as given on p.1.

Submission of applications to this announcement must be received 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 & 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 position. Resume is limited to 10 pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information.

(c) Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages (page = 8 ½” x 11” paper; 11 point font or larger; double sided pages count as two 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 and no more than five 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 references must be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge & experience in the field of Program Analyst – Environmental & Social Performance (ESP). All references must be from within the last 5 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 in accordance with the QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED. In addition to the materials listed above, applicants 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 included in the required written narrative.

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. 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.