RFQ_MCC-16-RFQ-0090.docx

MCC-16-RFQ-0090

Senior Operations Advisor (PSC)

Date Posted February 25, 2016

Announcement Number MCC-16-RFQ-0090

One year (1,664 hours per year), renewable for up to four years at the sole discretion of the government

Closing date for questions March 14, 2016 no later than 10:00am EDT

Application deadline March 21, 2016 no later than 10:00am EDT

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

Duty location Washington, D.C., US. MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required), and at the PSC’s home of record.

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

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a United States government-owned corporation created in 2004, whose mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objects. Our model is defined by core principles, of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results.

Our values identity who we are and what is important to us. Our Values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas. MCC’s values define how we behave on a daily basis, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. 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.

The Department of Compact Operations (DCO) is responsible for developing and implementing MCC’s compact programs. The department ensures that MCC compacts are designed and implemented in compliance with agency standards for procurement, financial management, environmental and social performance, and gender integration. Within DCO, the Sector Operations (SO) Division is responsible for the development and oversight of MCC’s agriculture, land, and human and community development investments; partnerships and innovation; gender integration and social inclusion; procurement and fiscal accountability oversight of compact programs; and contracts support to the DCO.

MCC is authorized to 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 (MCA).

SCOPE OF POSITION

The Department of Compact Operations, Sector Operations, Human and Community Development (HCD) Practice Group is seeking an intermittent Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to serve as a Program Officer. The overall scope of this requirement is to work with the Practice Lead/Senior Director of the HCD team to support programs through by providing implementation oversight and support in risk management for 1 or more education projects and/or activities, with specific initial focus on the education project in the Guatemala Threshold Program; and assess and develop education approaches, elements, issues, policies, strategies and propose activities/interventions as part of the process leading to potential compact or threshold programs. The PSC will technically support and contribute to HCD normative, methodological and strategic activities as they relate to human and social capital development as part of the agency’s investments.

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 on Washington, D.C., US, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required), and/or at the PSC’s home of record.

(2) Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government.

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

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

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

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

(i) Adequately protect the Government’s interest;

(ii) Retain control of the function involved; or

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

Please see Addendum I, MCC 52.237-70 Personal Services – General Terms and Conditions (JULY 2012), for additional information applicable to personal services contract.

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, you must be registered in SAM before 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 facilities access clearance

· Performance at MCC-eligible countries, Washington, DC, other US and foreign cities (as required), or at the PSC’s office or home of record. 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 Senior Operations Advisor (SOA) reports to the Practice Lead and Senior Director (PLSD) for Human and Community Development (HCD).

Major Duties and Responsibilities include the following tasks:

1) For country assigned as a HCD/Education technical lead, the SOA: (60% level of effort)

· As project lead, coordinates MCC staff and consultants as related to the project to promote shared ownership and consensus project management. Manages the MCC work plan and coordinates with country counterpart work plans.

· As education technical lead, monitors the implementation, oversight and support of education by eligible countries and works with designated MCC country counterparts and MCC staff to improve and facilitate implementation of related activities. Specifically, provides assistance to country counterparts as they manage procurements and other implementation tasks related to specific program activities including: managing preparation and clearance of official documents; reviewing procurement-related documents such as statements of work; reviewing performance relative to budget and progress benchmarks; and proposing remedial interventions to address implementation challenges; and reviewing and participating in evaluations as needed.

· Provides eligible counties with advice and assistance, as appropriate, to address education program issues and to improve the chances for success of ongoing and planned projects and operations. Such success may be defined either as meeting disbursement and commitment targets, as meeting certain output indicators or in achieving impact objectives.

· Coordinates and collaborates with other donor and in-country counterparts to ensure appropriate policy and program coordination.

· Identifies and takes steps necessary to deploy consultants to augment internal resources to fulfill compact operations.

· When working with other, more junior, HCD staff - provides guidance and direction to on technical program and administrative issues, and provides substantive input of individual staff performance during the annual performance evaluation process. Addresses employee training and developmental needs to enhance the performance.

· Works with countries to develop, implement and/or refine proposals for MCC-sponsored activities in education. Serves as a technical resource and advisor to country teams comprised of staff from other MCC disciplines.

· On assigned countries, assesses and negotiates policy changes with eligible countries in support of proposed compact activities. Evaluates alternative delivery options, program costs, and implementation plans. Identifies beneficiaries and quantifies cost-benefit of proposed changes. Negotiates program changes; prepares necessary changes to existing documentation; and, oversees due diligence efforts.

· Researches, drafts, and prepares effective communications and reports assessing and describing program/project progress, and synthesizes data effectively.

2) In supporting the HCD practice team, the SOA: (20% level of effort)

· Serves as a senior-level member of the practice team led by the PLSD for Education within the Human and Community Development portfolio and coordinates with other staff to strengthen MCC’s current thinking, approaches, strategies, tools and practices in education, training, and capacity building projects.

· Provides expert advice to the PLSD for HCD, and other members of Sector Operations and DCO management as appropriate, on highly complex issues related to MCC’s strategic approach to education at the corporate and compact level.

· As an expert advisor and technical authority on education policy and program issues, develops policies, strategies, and plans for education programs/projects for agency-wide application. Provides specialized expertise to senior MCC management officials and others designing and monitoring policies, strategies, and programs in the development assistance area.

· Consults with all levels of management, other federal agencies, and international development stakeholders. Establishes and maintains liaison with program directors and works closely with their representatives to ensure that concerns, such as proper requirements definitions, are met.

DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in DUTIES to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Monthly reports are due the first workday of each month. The PSC also will produce other reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Examples of such reports and analyses include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Trip reports.

· Bi-weekly timesheet with summary of activities during reporting period.

· Bi-weekly conference calls and/or reports with the HCD Senior Director and/or HCD Team.

· Detailed written reports of findings and compilations of documents to MCC/HCD, as required.

· Detailed and comprehensive written reports on progress of a Project, Project Activities, and Sub-Activities to MCC Management and the HCD Senior Director and HCD Team as appropriate.

Also, 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 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.

The PSC 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:

Mandatory Qualifications:

· Advanced degree in education, international development, economics or other relevant field

· A minimum of 15 years of experience in the policies, principles and practices of project and program design, development and implementation related to large-scale education programs in developing countries.

· Demonstrated knowledge and technical capability in HCD related fields

· Demonstrated project management experience

· Demonstrated international experience in developing countries with evidence of work addressing education issues in Central America

· Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills in working with cross-cultural and multidisciplinary teams

· Spanish Level 2/2 Desired Qualifications:

· Demonstrated knowledge of the MCC model and processes 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 an intermittent position and thus, 1,664 hours have been allotted for this requirement. 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 $59.89 - $81.82 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. An hourly labor rate 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 and if requested by the PSC before the award of a contract, the PSC may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% of the employee’s direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits. Please note that for evaluation purposes, MCC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate and any requested pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits.

The intermittent PSC does not earn sick leave, annual leave, or holiday pay.

The intermittent PSC working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds.

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 brooksac@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 brooksac@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 be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting the application. Candidates without a SAM registration may be rejected.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) 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)

(f) 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 discussion/negotiation session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. All applicants will received one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: 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.

image1.png image2.png image3.png