Sol_7206202200003 - USPSC Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist -GS 14.docx

Senior A & A Specialist 72062022R00003

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062022R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: December 16, 2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Senior Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist - 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 the attached information.

Sincerely, Janine Scott Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062022R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 16, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 15, 2022 (4:30pm Nigeria time)

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years period, estimated to start o/a March 2022.

“The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on/about March 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three (3) years for the date(s) estimated as follows.”

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria with possible travel as stated in the Statement of duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance Level.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

This position is in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) at USAID/Nigeria. The position’s primary purpose is to execute acquisition and assistance actions in support of critical USAID programs in Nigeria. The mission portfolio includes the technical sectors of the Presidential Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); Health Population and Nutrition; Education; Economic Growth and Environment; and Peace and Democratic Governance. The portfolio is among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa with over fifty awards at total project value over $1.2 billion. It includes critical and highly visible presidential initiatives including HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Global Food Security.

The responsibilities of the incumbent include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in Nigeria. This includes providing policy guidance, project planning, project design, and implementation and the evaluation of on-going programs.

He/she is responsible for planning, developing, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement and contract management relating to and affecting USAID/Nigeria assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. He/she will participate in projects, mission policy formulation, and project design. He/she will develop and execute plans for the procurement of and provide contract management support to achieve program objectives.

He/she is the office’s lead resource on establishing formal and informal procurement training within the mission. This includes training and mentoring of local A&A specialists, AORs/CORS, C3 Foreign Service Officers, other staff within USAID/Nigeria and the larger mission. The incumbent will demonstrate expertise on training/mentoring the full-range of acquisition and assistance functions.

USAID/Nigeria has made significant strides in furthering the USAID Forward procurement reform initiatives. Our award portfolio includes over ten local partners as direct recipients of USAID awards. In addition to training C3 and local staff, the incumbent will also play a lead role in conducting new recipient training, especially in adherence to USAID audit requirements. The incumbent will also be expected to participate as an OAA expert on financial review teams and conduct on-site training and oversight through field visits to recipient locations throughout Nigeria.

Given the sensitivity, scope, and purpose of the role and position of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist and the critical nature and complexity of the Mission programs that are being implemented in a very fluid political environment, it is essential that the incumbent be able to function as an expert in all technical areas of the assignment, and fulfill the position responsibilities with the supervisor’s complete confidence in their understanding of the assignment and ability to integrate issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving, and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will provide a full-range of acquisition and assistance support, including but not limited to:

1. The negotiation, award, and administration of both Assistance- and Acquisition-type instruments to accomplish both emergency-response and traditional development programs. He/she prepares pre-award documents, conducts negotiations, and finalizes award documents and award file documentation for a Contracting/Agreement Officer's review and signature. He/she must be available for consultation on contracting issues with Mission technical staff, other in-country U.S. Government officials and representatives, Government of Nigeria (GON) officials, Implementing Partners, and others, as required. This effort requires extensive knowledge of Federal and USAID regulations, and the associated governing guidance (e.g., the FAR and USAID Supplement (AIDAR), CFR, OMB Circulars, FAM, and FTR) for all types of procurements.

2. In addition to the execution of contracts and modifications as identified above, the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist researches and resolves issues, and draft responses in official correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to: subcontract consent requests, salary approvals, equipment approvals, etc., on a wide variety of contract and assistance awards.

3. Providing expert-level technical assistance to USAID/Nigeria in the execution of program/project-funded contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and US Government Agreements, such as PASAs. This entails providing staff support on all aspects of acquisition and assistance activity including project planning, design, implementation and evaluation; mission policy development and formulation; project resource assessments, sector analyses, and other studies. He/she serves as a primary contractual advisor to major development program initiatives and activities in the Mission. He/she prepares and negotiates modifications of basic contractual text, terms and conditions, specifications, scopes of work, program descriptions, and costs in the full range of award instruments. He/she plans for and provides procurement and contract management support to accomplish program objectives, and proper and timely administration of all assigned Acquisition and Assistance awards. This includes clarifications and interpretations of directive correspondence, and miscellaneous administrative modifications to procurement instruments. He/she seeks resolution and settlement of contract disputes, termination and settlement of procurement instruments, close outs, and reporting of contractor performance. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist composes and prepares all contractual correspondence, signing within their own delegated authority or for a Contracting Officer’s signature.

4. Serving as the office’s lead in training and mentoring on USAID acquisition and assistance procedures. This includes training less-experienced local OAA staff, USAID technical and other mission staff, and local implementing partners. The incumbent manages the office’s routine training responsibilities and mentors local staff to be able to deliver the trainings.

5. Serving as a lead role in preparing mission responses to Regional Inspector General (RIG) audit reports. This may include limited delegated authority to issue management decisions. The incumbent will be expected to transfer audit response skills to local staff.

6. Serving as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Supervisory Contracting Officer, and the U.S. Mission to Nigeria on all manner of Acquisition and Assistance issues. He/she will speak for the Supervisory Contracting Officer on technical Acquisition and Assistance matters, as directed by the Supervisory Contracting Officer or as required.

7. Delegated Authority – the incumbent at the GS-14 level will be expected to undertake a wide range of delegated authority to take responsibility for approving his/her own or subordinate staff’s administrative actions, such as for: key personnel, international travel, equipment, and other actions that do not obligate Government funds. The incumbent may be expected to pursue a warrant, subject to consideration and approval by the USAID Procurement Executive.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): The selected candidate will be required to complete the one-week mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course prior to proceeding to USAID/Nigeria. FACT is a mandatory course for service in Nigeria.

4. Supervisory Relationship: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will receive supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the Supervisory Contracting Officer, Director, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), located in USAID/Nigeria.

5. Supervision Controls: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative. Such initiative is critical to the success of the assignment; however, the actions and decisions of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be discussed with the Office Director, and all acquisition instruments will be signed by the supervisor who is the Mission Contracting/Agreement Officer.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education:

Master’s degree among these disciplines: accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is required.

Professional Certification: Completion of or has substantially completed the requirements for certification under the USAID/OFPP FAC-C Certification program at a minimum of Level II. Certification requires successful completion of FAC-C specified courses in procurement, plus the achievement of certain competencies, through a combination of training and experience. Candidates should successfully demonstrate how they meet FAC-C Level II certification standards.

2. Prior work Experience:

Candidate must demonstrate performance of ten (10) years in directly-relatable professional contracting or procurement work. Directly-relatable experience includes working for USG or other international donor agency, supporting development efforts in challenging environments. Prior work experience with United States Government (USG) in contracting is required. Candidates will be scored based on their level of experience in performing the full range of contracting responsibilities, including performing pre-award negotiations, execution of awards, and administering contracts and agreements. The successful candidate will demonstrate an expert-level knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; the ability to lead others; knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost plus/award fee and performance based contracting procedures. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including experience making formal presentations.

3. Communication and Language Skills: Level IV English (fluent) Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency 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.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

FACTOR #1:

Prior work Experience:

Candidate must demonstrate performance of ten (10) years in directly-relatable professional contracting or procurement work. Directly-relatable experience includes working for USG or other international donor agency, supporting development efforts in challenging environments. Prior work experience with United States Government (USG) in contracting is required. Candidates will be scored based on their level of experience in performing the full range of contracting responsibilities, including performing pre-award negotiations, execution of awards, and administering contracts and agreements. The successful candidate will demonstrate an expert-level knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; the ability to lead others; knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost plus/award fee and performance based contracting procedures. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including experience making formal presentations.

FACTOR #2:

Technical Knowledge: The candidate must effectively demonstrate knowledge of procurement regulations and contracting principles, including the latest acquisition procedures and techniques. This includes showing results that substantiate expert-level knowledge of USG contract regulations, especially the FAR. In addition, knowledge of the following is an advantage: USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR); USAID Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) and Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs); Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs); the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS); Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars; and Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as applicable to USAID.

FACTOR #3:

Skills and Abilities:

The successful candidate will exhibit demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in high stress situations while contributing as a team player and leader in the organization. He/she will show an ability to maintain and adhere to high standards of professional conduct. His or her experiences will reflect how he or she has achieved success in a high demand, cross-cultural environment, handling multiple tasks with varying deadlines. The successful candidate will exhibit the ability to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues in a manner understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. The candidate’s English skills will factor in this criterion. Writing skills will be assessed through a short, relevant technical writing sample which should be included with the application. Oral skills will be assessed based on performance during interview, if selected for an interview. Finally, He/she will exhibit proficiency in the use of computers, especially web-based enterprise applications, Word, and EXCEL.

Evaluation Factors:

Factor #1: Prior Work Experience (As stated above) - 40 points Factor #2: Technical Knowledge (As stated above) - 40 points Factor #3: Skills and Abilities (As stated above) - 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS

(1) After the closing date for the receipt of applications, 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 convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants 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 applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

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 offeror submitted documents.

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 and evaluation factors of the position.

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or 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. Hard copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/Resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the Offers in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

8. Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats. Application packages must be submitted electronically to Abujahr@usaid.gov

9. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

V. 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:

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:

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

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) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(h) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

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. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause - United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

3. 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

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

4. 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

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an

6. 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

[END OF SOLICITATION]

U.S. Agency for International Development 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District, P.M.B. 519, Garki, Abuja.

Tel: +234-9-4614000 Fax +234-9-4619400 www.usaid.gov/ng image1.png