Sol_72062020R00010 - USPSC-TCNPSC Senior Power Sector Advisor.docx

Senior Power Sector Advisor 72062020R00010

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) for Senior Power Sector Advisor - USAID/Nigeria

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 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 Contract specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Patrice Lopez Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062020R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 19, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/ TIME for RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 18, 2020 (4:30pm Nigeria time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Clementina Edereka, e-mail at Abujahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Power Sector Advisor

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) base years period, estimated to start o/a 10/2020 with an option of three (3) one-year extensions for a maximum of five (5) years. years not to exceed a total of five (5) years. Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and Washington’s approval.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional option period(s) for three (3) years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals

Hiring Preference: References ADS 309.3.3 and 309.3.1.4.

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be evaluated.

If a Third Country National (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) must provide at least (2 days/16 hours per week) of training to a Cooperating Country National (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC’s progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a security clearance at the “Secret” level for USPSC; “Facility Access/Employment Authorization” level for TCNPSC.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The USAID/Nigeria Office of Economic Growth and Environment (EGE) is a growing team of 16 professionals, including five U.S. Direct Hire FSOs, three USPSCs and eight CCNPSCs. With a portfolio valued at $310 million over five years and $40 million in public-private partnerships, the Office aims to increase income, create employment and reduce poverty. The portfolio includes programs in agriculture, trade, energy, private sector engagement, and water and sanitation. The Office is responsible for implementing several key U.S. initiatives, including Power Africa, Feed the Future, the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, and the Paul Simon Water for the World Act.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The specific duties and responsibilities of the Senior Power Sector Advisor (SPSA), shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Serve as Technical Advisor (30%)

Serve as the Mission’s expatriate technical expert in private sector-driven power sector development, particularly as it relates to implementing the Power Africa program. The SPSA will identify and analyze energy policy issues of salient interest to USAID's overall objectives. The SPSA will also advise the Economic Growth and Environment Office and Mission management, individual technical officers, and other staff regarding power sector development, power sector capacity, power-related environment concerns, and cross-cutting themes. S/he provides guidance to the Mission, and/or other USG groups/forums; coordinates information; and builds consensus among various organizations to prepare and approve various documents and activities. The SPSA applies broad technical knowledge of the power sector and trends in order to prepare implementation documents, concept memoranda and decision papers, briefing memoranda, authorizations, Congressional Notifications, and to contribute to cables.

The SPSA will provide technical guidance on a variety of issues, including:

· Power sector development using a private sector led, market-demand driven model.

· Enabling environment (e.g. capacity development at key government agencies, financial institutions, markets, and promotion of regional energy markets).

· Power-related environment concerns (e.g. gas flaring, sustainable natural resource management and global climate change adaptation and mitigation).

· Cross-cutting concerns (e.g. gender equity, nutrition, and reducing poverty).

2. Program/Activity Development and/or Management Work (15%)

The Senior Power Sector Advisor, in collaboration with the Energy Project Management Specialist Cooperating Country National (CCN), will provide analytical leadership and contribute to Mission strategy development to enhance the long-term impact of the USAID power and energy investments. The SPSA will also plan and design mission-specific activities under established and/or proposed program objectives, and is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of power sector initiatives. The SPSA will collaborate with the Deputy Office Director who has overall responsibility for monitoring and evaluation reporting. The SPSA will also analyze matters that affect host country policies relating to power, climate change or rural electrification; design and/or manage programs addressing the power sector, power sector capacity, power sector related environmental concerns, and cross-cutting concerns. The SPSA will leverage USG, Federal Government of Nigeria (GON), and other development partner resources to achieve the Mission’s goals and objectives.

S/he will program Mission resources in an efficient manner; plan, develop, and budget for activities and procurements (acquisitions and assistance); implement, monitor, and manage programs; and close activities when their terms expire. The SPSA will coach and provide formal and informal training to both U.S. Direct Hire and CCN staff in various areas of expertise and will develop and implement improved approaches to activity management. It is critical that the SPSA closely coordinate Mission activities with those of the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office (PACO) in Pretoria, the USAID home office in Washington D.C., the USAID/West Africa Regional Mission, the U.S. Embassy Economic and Political Sections, the Foreign Agriculture Service/U.S. Department of Agriculture (FAS)/Lagos, the Foreign Commercial Service (Lagos), and Washington-based U.S. Government organizations including the Department of Energy, EXIM Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation) to identify and exploit opportunities where funds may be leveraged to achieve objectives and results within a “whole of government” framework.

S/he will oversee the preparation of reports and records of work accomplishments and maintain administrative information such as project working files and official files. Coordinate the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information to the supervisor, and when required, to Mission Management, the Embassy, the GON and others as assigned. Inform the supervisor of personnel performance management issues/problems and recommend/request related actions such as: assignments, reassignments, promotions, peer reviews, performance appraisals, and awards.

3. Representation (20%)

Represent USAID/Nigeria and Power Africa in interagency and intergovernmental meetings related to power sector reform and the Prosper Africa initiative. Provide senior level management and technical support to the Office Director and the Power Africa Coordinator for Nigeria (i.e., the Deputy Office Director). Provide senior level management and technical support to the Power Africa Coordinator who will represent USAID in the Power Sector Donor’s Working Group. Provide opening remarks and talking points at both public and internal events. Work with other development partners, host countries, and the international community broadly and develop familiarity with research sponsored by others and advise appropriate offices within USAID of its relevance to initiatives within Nigeria and the region as they affect the Nigerian power sector. Identify opportunities to cooperate with other development partners or host country institutions that sponsor research and pursue mutually consistent and compatible policy objectives.

4. Project Management Responsibilities (35%)

For all energy-related programs, s/he will review contractor/awardee performance through site visits, detailed written correspondence, and telephone conversations that are later documented in writing in order to complete technical programming. Provide both oversight as well as direction on meeting the goals and objectives of the programs, modification of programs as required and reporting to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance on the status of the work and the quality of the performance. Issue technical directives, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations/Automated Directives Systems (FAR/ADS) for substantial and official communications. Maintain Office of Acquisition and Assistance compliant Contracting/Assistance Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) files for each activity managed and periodically review the official files for each activity. Recommend corrective actions when appropriate (if project implementation is not in compliance), and conduct contract or agreement reviews to evaluate performance. Monitor contractor/grantee activity through personal contact to assure compliance with technical, financial, delivery and other terms of contracts, cooperative agreements or grants. Review official agreement files to ensure there are no pending administrative actions and that agreements are complete in every aspect and ready to close and obtain approval of all close out documentation. Prepare as necessary contract and grantee guidance pertaining primarily to program assistance and approve and provide oversight on annual work plans life of project work plan, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans, and report to the supervisor as required. Ensure that the USAID required indicators from the Strategic Objective/Operational Plan are included and reported in the M&E plans. Perform other similar and related duties as required and assigned by the supervisor.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): Not applicable

4. Supervisory Relationship: The SPSA shall carry out the functions of this position based on general procedural guidelines and strategic/policy direction from the USDH EGE Office Deputy Director, and under delegated authority, use personal judgment and initiative. The SPSA will confer with the Office Deputy Director on matters of Agency policy or matters which may affect programs of other USG agencies, or international organizations.

5. Supervision Controls: The SPSA will be a Team Leader for the Power Africa Team and oversee, as well as mentor, an FSN power/energy specialist and a resident hire USPSC. The Power Africa Team will be responsible for the development and guidance of all Power Africa related programs designed to increase cleaner energy production and reform the power sector.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not pose undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, Economics, or related degree is required.

2. Prior work Experience: A minimum of fifteen 15 years of development related experience, of which ten (10) years should be related to successfully implementing energy/infrastructure development activities, preferably electricity related and including experience with the privatization of utilities. Demonstrated experience in project monitoring, reporting, planning, design, implementation, and evaluation functions, including highly complex programs that are driven by a multi-dimensional management structure. A demonstrated ability to work closely with multiple ministerial and senior level stakeholders in government, the private sector, and civil society is required.

Emphasis will also be placed on a demonstrated ability to act as a senior technical advisor, coordinate activities and stakeholders, develop and manage activities/programs. Certification as COR/AOR or other U.S. Federal Government or equivalent certification or must meet the experience perquisites required to attend certification courses immediately upon employment.

3. Knowledge: Current professional knowledge of energy and infrastructure-related development assistance and development approaches, as well as the related privatization processes and modalities is required. The position requires a thorough knowledge of energy and power sector development, renewable energy resources, economic growth, poverty reduction and the potential for externally financed programs to affect host country policies, institutions and development. The position also requires extensive knowledge of national-level development planning, along with a thorough knowledge of power sector systems. Knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the private sector in relation to the public sector is required in order to analyze the appropriate locus and forms of intervention to meet problems. The private sector includes both the commercially oriented and not-for-profit sectors, both of which should be closely considered as intermediate means of assistance efforts.

The position requires extensive knowledge of USG requirements on foreign assistance, and USAID goals, policies and procedures. Knowledge of governmental acquisitions and assistance regulatory requirements is a plus, as are demonstrated technical skills related to the design, implementation, management, and monitoring and evaluation of development projects to achieve USG objectives.

A demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross cultural situations in developing countries, work effectively with large organizations, and be familiar with USAID organizational structure and procedures is also important. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to communicate in a variety of circumstances with senior decision makers of the USG, other donors, and Ministerial and senior level host country officials. This includes successful experience with interpreting the concerns of senior officials into the design of program related analysis and conveying complex ideas resulting from program analysis to the appropriate officials.

4. Skills and Abilities: Successful candidates must demonstrate an ability to manage complex development activities within a portfolio, across Mission offices, and in coordination with other USG agencies and regional and other country bilateral development initiatives and activities. A demonstrated ability to coordinate with host country government officials, professional consultants, U.S. and non-U.S. military colleagues, and local and third country nationals is essential. A demonstrated ability to analyze activities for both technical content and appropriateness to the conditions in the field is required, as is a demonstrated ability to oversee activities and apply regulatory requirements to ensure implementing partners compliance with government standards. Finally, a demonstrated ability to write high quality reports and constructively edit the work of others is required. An understanding of cultural systems/norms and business practices in Nigeria or the region is a plus.

5. Communication and Language Skills: Level IV English (fluent) Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency is required. Excellent communication skills, strong operational, analytical, managerial, and computer skills including ease and skill with using word processing programs, spreadsheet applications, email, the internet, familiarity with Google, Chrome and Windows applications, and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to represent USAID and promote the Mission’s goals and objectives to outside audiences 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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

1. Education (10 points)

2. Prior work Experience (30 points)

3. Knowledge (20 points)

4. Skills and Abilities (25 points)

5. Communication and Language Skills (15 points)

Total Possible Points: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS

(1) Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.

(2) Following this initial review and short listing, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review eligible applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. Those applications from qualified offerors meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

(3) USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

(4) Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalist.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

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

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements of the position.

5. A Curriculum Vitae/Resume which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements.

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

7. Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/email not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats.

8. Hard copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/Resume.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

Forms outlined below can be found at: http:/www.usaid.gov/forms/

*The above listed forms (2 through 5) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances as listed below per AIDAR Appendix D.

A TCNPSC MAY be eligible for listed benefits as specifically approved by the Mission Director in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4( c )(2)(ii)(B).

1. BENEFITS: (If applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA contribution*

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES: (If applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) Note: As of November 27, 2016, Nigeria became a 35% Post Differential, 25% Cost of Living Allowance, 0% Danger Pay post.

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing 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, and Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National 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

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

(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

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