SOL-72048622R00003 RH USPSC ARTC Manager.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) Athenee Tower, 25th Floor, Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

SOLICITATION NUMBER : 72048622R00003

ISSUANCE DATE : February 15, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME : March 16, 2022 (11:59 PM Bangkok Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Asia Regional Training Center (ARTC) Manager, GS-14

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified person to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Craig Smith Contracting Officer

USAID/RDMA, Bangkok, Thailand

SOL- 72048622R00003

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048622R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 15, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 16, 2022, at 11:59 PM

Bangkok Time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Asia Regional Training Center (ARTC) Manager

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-14 equivalent ($95,973 - $ 124,764 per annum)

Final compensation to be negotiated only within the market value of the position and will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period of two years, estimated to start in June 2022 or immediately upon receipt of security and medical clearances. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods of up to three years as follows:

Base Period o/a June 2022 – May 2024 Option Period 1 o/a June 2024 – May 2025 Option Period 2 o/a June 2025 – May 2026 Option Period 3 o/a June 2026 – May 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand with possible travel as stated in the Statement of

Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

● Eligible Family Members (USEFMs and EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holders) of U.S. Mission in Thailand; or

● U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens;

● Demonstrated ability to obtain a FACILITY ACCESS level security clearance;

● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance Level

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

The Asia Regional Training Center (ARTC), which opened in Bangkok, Thailand in 2011, is the largest USAID training center outside of Washington, D.C. ARTC is part of the Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), the regional hub managing programs across Asia and the Pacific and providing services such as contracting, administration, and disaster response. ARTC manages over 150 learning and workshop events for USAID, attended annually by about 4,000 U.S. Government employees (as well as a number of non-USG personnel).

ARTC serves as a highly efficient and cost-effective center for the delivery of core professional development courses for USAID staff. Over its nine years of operations, ARTC has handled all aspects of class and event planning, plus logistical support operations and coordination for trainers and organizers, and the in-processing and tracking of participants from all over the world. The ARTC team also works to ensure a comfortable, secure, and safe trip for all visitors attending these events, during their time at our Training Center, and often liaise between our international clientele and local service providers.

The ARTC Manager is responsible for all aspects of operations, planning, and delivery of professional development for RDMA and client missions in the region. S/he ensures the successful operation of ARTC, defined as understanding, anticipating, and providing tailored solutions for the professional development of all staff served by RDMA. Each year ARTC is expected to work with subject matter experts to create new courses, update existing courses, and facilitate other non-classroom professional development including job shadowing, cross training, and professional rotations. All activities are oriented towards the professional development needs of the region.

The ARTC Manager oversees the Logistical Support section and the Learning and Development section, comprised of Curriculum Development and Delivery team and Client Outreach team. S/he reports to and is evaluated directly by the USPSC Supervisory Administrative Management Specialist. S/he receives significant strategic direction from the Client Advisory Board and the RDMA Mission Director. The ARTC Manager will also coordinate with the Washington Learning Center and other USAID regional training centers to avoid calendar duplications and gratuitous offerings of core courses.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties of the ARTC Manager include the following:

Professional Development Program Planning, Oversight, and Implementation (40%)

● Leads the ARTC team in gathering information from clients, training coordinators, the Board, HR Specialists, staffing patterns, and other sources to forecast training needs, schedule course offerings, and create new curricula tailored to the current needs of the region.

● Provides guidance to staff on delivering training courses both at ARTC and other missions in Asia depending on demands.

● Reviews professional development programs to ensure that they fit the needs of RDMA and client missions.

● Applies adult learning techniques, methodologies, and theories in the development and updating of courses.

● Oversees the training of trainers to assure effective pedagogy.

● Coordinates and facilitates the restructuring and harmonization of learning goals, objectives, plans and schedules to align with regional priorities.

● Analyzes the unique operational context of the ARTC programs.

● Coordinates the inter-mission process with the Client Advisory Board to establish a vision and strategy for professional development priorities.

● Assures transparency of process and structure, and maintains a fair approach to equitably meet the needs of client missions.

Stakeholder Outreach, Coordination, and Communication (40%)

● Leads the team in client outreach, forecasting data and analysis, and marketing activities for ARTC.

● Provides guidance on how to forecast training needs and client-driven needs in order to develop existing and new courses.

● Provides guidance on developing marketing plans to promote training plans to Asia region and ensure plans are current, practical, and conform with mission goals and objectives.

● Leads the team in providing consultation and outreach services to Asia region clients and support planning sessions with individual staff and to work with supervisors to match training needs.

● Leads quarterly Client Advisory Board meetings to set and discuss progress on the strategy for professional development priorities.

● Facilitates discussion with the Client Advisory Board regarding determinations of activities to be initiated, closed, or curtailed.

● Facilitates inter-mission strategic decision-making to ensure program effectiveness.

● Facilitates dialogue between the field and HCTM/Center for Professional Development (CPD).

Logistical Support, Procurement, and Budget Formulation (20%)

● Leads the team in providing logistical support from the beginning to the end of each course. Leads the team in managing the scheduling of events, reviewing requests for use of space, assisting visitors with travel logistics, and assisting instructors with classroom set-up.

● Formulates and executes the annual ARTC budget estimation, including cost of salaries and benefits, activities related to training programs, office administrative expenses, travel and transportation, training materials procurement, Information and Technology (IT) and Audiovisual (A/V) equipment and services, printing, and other equipment.

● Develops Statements of Work (SOW) for courses and curricula. Assesses and selects vendors or offerors based on regional training priorities. Monitors vendors’ performance.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

i. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The ARTC Manager is responsible for all aspects of operations, planning, and delivery of professional development for RDMA and client missions in the region. While s/he receives significant strategic direction from the Client Advisory Board and the RDMA Mission Director, the incumbent is responsible for the delivery of coursework that meets the training needs of staff throughout the region. The incumbent has wide latitude to gather training needs through surveys and client feedback to make recommendations for the procurement of courses and vendors.

ii. Supervisory Controls: The ARTC Manager’s supervisor will provide direction with broad goals and objectives; however, the ARTC Manager is expected to independently and strategically plan, design, and implement activities and projects with minimum day-to-day oversight from the supervisor. The position will oversee the operations of ARTC and may directly supervise two (2) Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) positions. Overall team size will be up to ten (10) CCNPSCs.

iii. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements - The incumbent is required to understand major Agency-specific policies and procedures, and to self-educate about RDMA structure, agreements, and strategic vision. The incumbent must keep abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect the delivery of professional development. Incumbent must submit quarterly reports to the Client Advisory Board, as well as report to and provide verbal analysis of data.

Incumbent is also responsible for assuring the ARTC reminds staff of mandatory courses, and reports to Washington on compliance rates, as requested.

iv. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities: The ARTC Manager must exercise considerable judgment and ingenuity within their overall intent to devise and oversee the strategies, tactical approaches, and program initiatives that will strengthen the quality, availability, and accessibility of professional development services. The work of this position requires originating new training techniques and developing new coursework. The incumbent must remain abreast of Agency applications and direction and provide professional development programs to ensure staff capabilities align to meet Agency goals and objectives.

v. Scope and effect of the work performed – The position liaises with many missions affecting many people – problem-solving and consensus building skills are highly critical for the position. The ARTC Manager is the major player working in planning, developing, and carrying out regional professional development program, and leading and directing are key responsibilities. The incumbent is recognized as an expert in adult learning techniques and methodologies and his/her work effects the work of other experts. The work directly affects the professional development of administrative or professional programs of USAID Missions. The work typically requires formal responsibilities for leading teams and guiding/coordinating the work of other professional or technical staff. The work can affect Agency personnel within and outside Asia and their ability to deliver a wide range of agency activities. The work includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating training programs, all of which require creativity.

vi. Level and purpose of contacts – To effectively function, the incumbent will be required to maintain solid working relationships with high level personnel within USAID. The established method of communication and contact will be in person, by phone, or through written communications. The purpose will be: 1) to maintain open lines of communication in support of professional development issues; 2) to maintain regular communication regarding the timely management of activities functions and procedures; and 3) to collect, obtain, and verify data pertaining to professional development events. Consultations between the incumbent and clients can be held for explaining and assisting with strategizing proposals and objectives, securing cooperation, resolving problems, obtaining or furnishing information, and persuading clients to take actions and accept recommendations. Most contacts are senior level personnel within USAID and training vendors. The incumbent provides technical advice regarding training assessments, gaps, and coursework to ensure the Agency has a highly motivated, productive workforce. The incumbent must maintain professional working relationships with high level personnel and, using expert educational advice, influence and motivate people regarding staff development and the development of training materials.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Regional travel may make up 20-30% of the Incumbent’s time, relative to the nature of the tasks assigned to the Incumbent.

E. SUPPORT ITEMS:

The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

The ARTC Manager must have the following qualifications to be eligible for further consideration:

● Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant professional discipline, for example Organizational

Development, Education, Training and Development, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related subject.

● Experience: At least five (5) years of demonstrated successful experience managing or coordinating professional development programs. Proven experience in curriculum development, assessment, and measuring the impact of programs. Proven experience performing successfully in a leadership and supervisory role. Experience working in communications and/or marketing.

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.

Rating factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

The rating factors are as follows:

EXPERIENCE (40 points):

● Proven experience in curriculum development, assessment, and measuring the impact of programs.

● Proven experience performing successfully in a leadership and supervisory role.

● Experience working in communications and/or marketing.

KNOWLEDGE (30 points):

● Strong business acumen, as well as, advanced understanding of and practical experience in principles, methods and tools in the following disciplines: organizational effectiveness, change leadership, organizational design & systems design, cultural integration, performance consulting, team dynamics, executive coaching and high-performance teams.

● Strong knowledge in organizational design, performance management, organizational management and change management practices.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES (30 points):

● Ability to evaluate skill requirements of the organization and develop solutions to fill gaps.

● Proficiency using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and other commonly used software applications.

● Strong Project Management skills, candidate should be self-initiator, well organized and capable of handling multiple projects at the same time.

● Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to engage with personnel at all levels of the organization.

● High level of interpersonal, leadership, and supervisory skills.

Total Application Rating: 100 points Interview Performance: 100 points Total Possible Points: 200 points

IV. SELECTION PROCESS

Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors. The qualified offerors will also be evaluated on his/her interview performance. Only offerors who are in the competitive range will be contacted. No responses will be sent to unsuccessful offerors who are excluded or otherwise eliminated from the competitive range.

Offerors should address the Evaluation and Selection Factors in their application package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors.

Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The qualified offerors may be invited to be interviewed, either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion. USAID/RDMA will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews. Reference checks will be conducted for the highly ranked offeror(s).

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

V. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Email submissions must be sent to RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov with the subject line “SOL- 72048622R00003”. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent in as email attachments.

Eligible Offerors are required to submit the following:

1. Fully completed and signed copy of the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services

Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Offerors should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV);

3. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section III. Evaluation and Selection Factors);

4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s knowledge.

5. For USEFMs of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF-126 with a copy of U.S. Passport biographical page are required;

6. For EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holder) of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF- 126 with a copy of Green Card are required;

7. For U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens – A valid Thai ID card/Thai Passport and U.S. Passport biographical page are required.

NOTE: Submission of a resume/CV alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of all forms and supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in your not being considered.

Late applications may not be considered. Please note all applications must be signed (hand-signed or digitally) – unsigned applications will NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in your email and any cover letter.

- END OF ATTACHMENT 1 -

ATTACHMENT 2

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED

THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

1. BENEFITS:

(1) Employer's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(5) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(6) Annual and Sick Leave

Note: U.S. Resident Hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.

2. TAXES:

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

3. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD:

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

(1) Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

(2) Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

(3) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

(4) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

(5) Finger Print Card (SF-87). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

4. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs:

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC 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.

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

(3) Acquisition and 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

(5) PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

- END OF ATTACHMENT 2 -

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F) 0001 Compensation and Fringe

Benefits/Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

1001 Option Period (OP) 1 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

2001 OP 2 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

3001 OP 3 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD