SOL_72016820R00006_USAID Bosnia_USPSC Controller_GS-15.pdf

SOL: 72016820R00006 – USPSC Controller

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72016820R00006

ISSUANCE DATE: 06/05/2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 06/19/2020/5:00 p.m. Sarajevo/Local Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

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 contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V 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 offers.

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

Attachment.

Sincerely, Bradford Palmer, Supervisory Executive Officer / Contracting Officer

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Roberta C. Frasurea 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: (387-33) 704-000 Fax: (387-33) 219-298 www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/bosnia http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/bosnia

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72016820R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/05/2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 06/19/2020 at 5:00 p.m. Sarajevo

Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Bradford Palmer, Supervisory Executive Officer, email at bpalmer@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Controller

6. MARKET VALUE: $109,366 to $142,180 equivalent to position grade level GS-15

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six-month base period, estimated to start o/a August 2, 2020, with an option for a six month extension. Option may be exercised based upon satisfactory Contractor performance, mutual agreement between the Contractor and USG, continued Mission requirements and the continued availability of funds. The performance dates are estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a August 2, 2020 to February 1, 2021;

Option Period: o/a February 2, 2021 to August 1, 2021.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful Offeror must obtain a U.S. Government

“Secret Clearance”. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The Regional Financial Management Center (RFMC) provides full financial management services to three Balkan Countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia), provides financial services to support regional activities in Hungary, where the bilateral program has ended, and supports USAID employees stationed in Budapest, Stuttgart, Ankara, Istanbul, Brussels, Paris, Rome, and Geneva. In these countries USAID has technical and economic assistance programs.

The USPSC Controller oversees the Regional Financial Management Center (RFMC) which is responsible for all financial management operations including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, financial and progress reporting, and audit liaison in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The RFMC

Controller also oversees services that the RFMC provides to its serviced clients: processing accounts receivable and accounts payable; performance of monthly reconciliations; budgeting and mailto:bpalmer@usaid.gov accounting support; and providing ad hoc accounting services as mutually agreed to.

Assignment of work is communicated only in terms of general objectives. The Contractor shall plan and organize the work in the RFMC office and review such work for the achievement of the overall objective. S/he shall supervise and evaluate the performance of employees in the RFMC office in conformance with policy, regulations and procedures.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Serve as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices and procedures. Responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting systems designed to provide senior Mission management with timely financial information for making operating decisions.

2) Guide financial management of all appropriated funds available to USAID/BiH and clients

Missions, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets. Oversee operations to ensure effective use and accountability of all USAID-financed assistance.

3) Oversee the formulation and preparation of the annual operating expense budget; analyze proposed forward funding and existing obligation pipelines. For current year budgets and allowed funds, assure effective management and funds controls are applied over operating expense and program funds.

4) Coordinate implementation of Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) internal control review process. Identify the appropriate accountability units and operating environment within the Mission. Lead the Mission in the assessment of risks and development of control techniques and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

5) Serve as the USAID/BiH and client Missions focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from the RIG, and reviewing actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations. Manage the financial audit program for host country recipient organizations.

6) Be responsible for conducting pre-award assessments of proposed award recipients and financial reviews of awardees. Provide leadership to enhance the financial management capacity of local partner organizations.

7) Assess the operations of the Payments section to identify opportunities for best practices to maximize efficiency. Assist in the establishment of business processes to enhance USAID/BiH

RFMC as a value-added provider of financial information and services to USAID/BiH as well as our partners and stakeholders.

8) Provide direct support to the Chief Accountant (CA) in supervision and management skills to ensure the Administrative Budgeting, Accounting and Payments Sections run effectively and efficiently.

9) Review USAID/BiH RFMC staff workloads and propose staffing changes as needed.

10) Be supportive to staff development and training for all RFMC staff.

11) Serve as the Mission’s authorized certifying officer. Take the lead in resolving method of payment, cash management, cost reasonableness and disbursement issues for projects

12) Provide Mission staff with assistance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures. Contribute to Mission-wide policy and strategy formulation, staff development and resource management decisions.

13) Participate in the analysis of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services

(ICASS) budget and serve as a USAID member in the ICASS Budget Committee; coordinate with mission management on ICASS matters, including ICASS invoice review.

Other Considerations:

Decision Making: The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and must be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up. Work produced by the incumbent is considered authoritative. S/he must be proactive and self-directed.

Knowledge Level: The incumbent will exhibit mastery of specialized knowledge required for the position as described above.

Available Guidelines: 4FAM, 3FAM, ADS, AID Handbooks, Standardized Regulations, GAO audit guidelines, Agency policy and notices, Mission orders and instructions issued by the USAID

Regional Controller. Frequent interpretation of existing guidelines that are not well defined is frequently required.

Complexity: Duties are significantly varied and may require many different unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of analyses. The work will involve a continuing effort to establish concepts, theories or programs.

Exercise of Judgement: The incumbent must exercise judgment in dealing with individuals within and outside the Mission prioritizing work demands and assuring that transactions processed are valid and correct.

Scope and Effect: This position requires a high level of customer service orientation and interpersonal skills while supporting USAID staff and dealing with the Embassy, OIG, Implementing Partner staff, regional clients, and government ministers/senior officials. The work involves many different, complex and interrelated processes as described above with unknown conditions that required the development of new theories to resolve critical problems.

Personal Contacts: Contacts with highest levels of officers and employees, as well as employees on other levels, vendors and Contractors. The incumbent also interacts with counterparts in the U.S.

Embassy, Institutional Contractors, NGOs and local government institutions responsible for implementing USAID projects.

Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will actively participate in meetings with senior staff/officials to justify, defend, and negotiate matters involving significant issues.

3. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The Contractor shall report directly to the USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina Mission Director.

4. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The incumbent will supervise USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina RFMC Office staff. He/she may be required to facilitate high level meetings, lead teams, etc.

5. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Possibly, occasional short trips to Albania and Macedonia.

6. SUPPORT ITEMS:

USAID BiH will provide the support services, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the work

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education (10 points):

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level in accounting, finance or business administration; CPA certification is desired.

Prior Work Experience (40 points):

Ten years of progressively responsible experience performing and supervising USAID financial management operations, including accounting, audit management, budget formulation and execution, financial analysis, and management controls is required. Experience as a USAID

Controller, Deputy Controller, Acting Controller or Acting Deputy Controller is a plus. Strong working knowledge of USAID systems such as Phoenix, E2, ASIST, GLAAS and other Agency systems is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (40 points):

Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted procedures of U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management and a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID’s financial management policies and regulations, is also required. Strong understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations is highly desirable. A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required.

The position requires proven management and organizational expertise as well as developing and motivating a team to effectively supervise OFM staff and direct the various elements of a complex financial management operation. The position also requires excellent interpersonal and training skills, and the candidate must have a genuine interest in developing the abilities of OFM staff. The ability to perform in an energetic and fast past environment while maintaining cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, Host Government, NGO and Contractor personnel is a must. Excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing, are essential.

Language: (10 points)

Fluent Reading & Writing English at native speaker level is required.

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.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

1. Education: 10 points

2. Experience: 40 points

3. Knowledge, Skills and Ability: 40 points

4. Language Proficiency: 10 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be requested to complete writing sample and will be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion.

The hiring official may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors at the conclusion of evaluations. USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina will not reimburse expenses associated with the application and evaluation process (e.g. interviews, writing samples, writing tests).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A US citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a security clearance at the secret level. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government

Agency.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. Details of how to obtain US

Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

4. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

5. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as and when requested.

6. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:

1. A signed offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms by e-Mail only to: bpalmer@usaid.gov.

2. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying to (with clear explanation how you meet the minimum requirements);

3. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as outlined in the solicitation;

4. Three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, peer and/or subordinate in current or previous employment) with current email address and telephone number;

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in the Section I, Item 4.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the

Solicitation number in the offer submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO)/Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the S/EXO/CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit all required forms, including:

A. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

B. Medical History and Examination Form/Medical Clearance Update (Department of State

Forms DS-6561/DS-3057)

C. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86) or

D. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

E. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:bpalmer@usaid.gov

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U. S. citizen/Alien (offshore) PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(f) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(g) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government

Civilians Foreign Areas)

A. Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

B. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

C. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Section 210)

D. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 220)

E. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

F. Education Allowance (Section 270)

G. Education Travel (Section 280)

H. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

I. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable state income taxes.

VII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing US PSC 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Item No Services Quantity Amount

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs

(ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

10001 Option Period – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

4. 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.

USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen commencing as early as practically possible, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

USAID PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN

EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX,

NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS,

OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

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