OPIC-17-R-0027_-_SMEF_PSC_Solicitation.pdf

A. POSITION TITLE: Program Manager, Innovative Financial Intermediaries Program

B. POSITION INFORMATION: Personal Services Contractor (PSC), One year, renewable up to a total of 2 years.

C. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 Equivalent, $53.68- $69.78 per hour. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history, and educational background.

D. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION POSITION: Washington, DC

E. CLOSING DATE FOR QUESTIONS: October 4, 2017

F. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 12, 2017

G. SECURITY ACCESS: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance.

H. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalyzes new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfills its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers.

OPIC’s Small and Medium Enterprise Finance (SMEF) seeks the services of a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for the Innovative Financial Intermediaries Program (IFIP). IFIP supports smaller-scale financial intermediaries/vehicles investing in enterprises in OPIC-eligible countries, with a specific focus on impact and innovation. IFIP has enabled OPIC to develop a process to consider these unique, smaller structures and respond more effectively to them while leveraging the expertise and best practices within the Agency’s finance and investment funds departments.

The incumbent will report directly to the IFIP Chair.

2. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

OPIC is authorized under Section 239(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, "to enter into limited-term contracts with nationals of the United States for personal services to carry out activities in the United States and abroad under subsection (d) and (e) of section 234" of the FAA.

Section 234(d) of the FAA authorizes OPIC to "initiate and support through financial participation, incentive grant, or otherwise, and on such terms and conditions as the Corporation may determine, the identification, assessment, surveying and promotion of private investment opportunities..."

Section 234(e) of the FAA authorizes OPIC to "administer and manage special projects and programs, including programs of financial and advisory support which provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings and intermediate financial and investment institutions and cooperatives and including the initiation of incentives, grants, and studies for renewable energy and other small business activities."

A. Definitions

i. Personal Services Contract means a contract which establishes an employer-employee relationship between OPIC and the Contractor for the performance of services personally by the contractor. The services may include general continuing services as well as specifically identifiable tasks.

ii. Employer-employee relationship means an employment relationship in which the employer supervises or has the power to supervise the performance of the work including, for example, the manner in which it is to be performed or controlled and the days of the week and the hours of the day in which it is to be performed.

3. KEY REQUIREMENTS

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

• The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance.

• Performance at OPIC Headquarters in Washington, DC

• Domestic and international travel may be required.

• Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (i.e. Office of Government Ethics “OGE

Form-450”, or similar statement) may be required.

• Active and approved System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration and be listed as sole-proprietor.

• Designated and/or random drug testing required.

4. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the guidance and supervision of the IFIP Chair, the Contractor will support all aspects of the operation of IFIP, including the following:

• Prepare for and plan each quarterly review and screening of applications for IFIP.

• Coordinate with the IFIP consultant retained by OPIC to support review of the applications.

• Review and assess IFIP applications to support the pre-screening process.

• Participate in and document the various IFIP committee meetings.

• Provide follow up to IFIP applicants regarding the status of their applications, including requests for feedback from applicants that do not pass screening and information regarding next steps to applicants that do pass screening.

• Respond to inquiries from potential applicants regarding IFIP.

• Interact with OPIC staff regarding IFIP underwriting guidelines, policies and procedures.

• Ensure IFIP guidelines, policies and procedures are appropriately updated.

• Support public communications regarding IFIP, including updating of IFIP information on the

OPIC website as needed.

• Coordinate and prepare reports for the IFIP steering committee, OPIC management and external parties, as needed.

• Maintain statistics on IFIP’s pipeline and portfolio.

• Develop and maintain internal communication and reporting templates.

• Undertake assignments to support IFIP business development and marketing plans.

• Represent IFIP in meetings with financial institutions, government agencies, and other entities supporting international development.

Secondary, Prospective Duties:

Participate as part of a project team in the evaluating, committing, and closing of IFIP or other transactions in the Small and Medium Enterprise Finance (SMEF) Department. SMEF project teams structure complex international project financing in a variety of industries/sectors. The work of the team involves providing medium to long term funding through direct loans and loan guaranties for investment projects located in emerging markets. Project team members evaluate loan applications, perform detailed financial and legal due diligence, structure viable financings on a project finance basis, seek internal credit approvals and negotiate comprehensive structures for the long term success of the project.

This activity will be conducted for training and advancement purposes as time permits. Specific responsibilities may include the following:

• Perform with other SMEF team members in-depth analyses of: the nature of the proposed funds/projects; the viability of the fund strategy/business model; the market opportunity; the financial conditions and track record of sponsors, management and other project parties; country-related legal, macroeconomic and microeconomic risks; and other related factors.

• Build, audit and test financial models and performing sensitivity analyses as a basis for determining the robustness of the project and defining key covenants.

• Prepare loan papers for presentation to approval committees using strong writing capability.

5. DELIVERABLES

The PSC shall provide the following:

-Successfully planned, organized, and executed activities associated with the IFIP Screening(s), as assigned by the IFIP Chair.

-Completed correspondence on business development inquiries to IFIP and relevant information inputted to OPIC’s Customer Relationship Management system.

-Updated IFIP Underwriting Guidelines document, working in close coordination with internal stakeholders such as OPIC’s Small and Medium Enterprise Finance Department, Investment Funds Department, and Credit Policy.

-Updated IFIP program statistics presentation.

6. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor or an advanced degree in economics, business, global development, or a related field. Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level. Specialized experience at this level is defined as expert knowledge and experience in the evaluation of private equity investment funds, project finance transactions, and/or financial intermediaries operating in international markets, preferably developing countries, and the ability to participate in project finance transactions from initial review through due diligence, negotiating and structuring, approval, documentation, and closing. Must demonstrate the ability to evaluate projects for the IFIP in accordance with the defined criteria and the program, as well as an ability to work effectively with high-level business people, U.S. and foreign government representatives, and representatives of companies and lending and investing institutions. Knowledge of OPIC programs and policies is preferred.

NOTE: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the Submission. All aspects of the Submission must specifically show how the candidate meets the qualifications required.

Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, Submissions must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.

7. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

a. Qualified individuals must submit:

• A written narrative of up to five pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements.

• Applicant’s current resume to be included as an attachment.

• College Transcripts (may be “unofficial” for offer submission purposes).

• No less than three and no more than five professional references including phone and email contact information.

b. Desired Documentation:

• Cover Letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight your suitability for this position.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

Emily McLaughlin Contracting Officer Overseas Private Investment Corporation Emily.McLaughlin@opic.gov

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and on the subject line of cover letter, if applicable. The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview, in person or by telephone. Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to October 12, 2017 (2:00pm EST), unless revised. See Section 8 for detailed instructions.

8. INSTRUCTIONS TO PSC CANDIDATES

In accordance with FAR 52.214-34 & 52.214-35, all submissions are to be in the English language and US Dollars. Submissions in other languages or monetary denominations shall not be considered.

mailto:Emily.McLaughlin@opic.gov

The QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (Section 6) are the basis for evaluating all Submissions.

Candidates 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 be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submission. Candidates without a SAM registration may be rejected.

B. Submissions shall be formatted to fit on 8 ½ x 11 paper only. Suggested margins are 1” x 1”.

Font to be TIMES NEW ROMAN no larger than 12 int. Hourly rates shall not be mentioned anywhere in your submission.

C. Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Section 4). 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:

• Name of reference

• Candidate’s relationship to reference

• Title of reference at current job

• Reference current telephone number (work or personal)

• Reference e-mail address (work)

9. RESPONSE DEADLINE

Electronic submission is required. Mailed copies of any submission shall not be accepted. Electronic packages shall be submitted by e-mail per Section 7 before the deadline stated on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submission shall reference the position title AND the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail.

OPIC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any submission.

Candidates are responsible for submitting their package so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on page one (1) of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

Submissions received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of submissions in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission. Any submission is at the sole risk of the Candidate.

10. QUESTION DEADLINE

Any questions regarding this announcement should be submitted in writing via email only to the point of contact listed in Section 7 before the deadline as given on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

11. SELECTION PROCESS

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

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation in accordance with the Required Qualifications. In addition to the materials listed above, Candidates 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 Submissions will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the Candidate’s evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential discussion/negotiation session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. Please note that for evaluation purposes, OPIC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate and any requested pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits. All submissions will receive one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. OPIC reserves the right to conduct interviews with only the most qualified candidates and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly related to this requirement in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. OPIC is not obligated to make any 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. OPIC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement.

12. COMPENSATION

PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest).

This is a full-time position for a Program Manager. The contract will have a maximum period of performance of 3 years if extended. Extension periods are to be determined at the sole discretion of

OPIC.

Overtime is NOT authorized on this contract.

The pay range for this position is $53.68 to $69.78 per hour. 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.

OPIC issues W-2s to PSCs and makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSC.

OPIC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSC. The PSC is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

13. BENEFITS

Under the OPIC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, 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 agreed upon between the Government and the PSC before the award of a contract, the PSC may receive a pay supplement in addition to the employee’s direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits.

14. TRAVEL

PSCs are subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and OPIC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as OPIC direct-hire employees.

15. CONTRACT AWARD

This contract shall be awarded solely to an individual, 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 submission.

16. ADDENDA

Addendum 1: PSC Draft Contract Body

Note: The PSC draft contract body includes required federal contract clauses and OPIC Terms and Conditions. Please review carefully before submitting an offer for this position.