SOL-168-13-000009 _Contract_Specialist _GS_12.pdf

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-168-13-000009

ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina SUBJECT: Personal Services Contractor (USPSC/TCNPSC) - Contract Specialist - two positions

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC/TCNPSC services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Supervisory Executive Officer, Mr. Alexander Bond, or the Human Resources Assistant, Ms. Dijana Prndelj, at USAID/B&H Executive Office in Sarajevo by:

telephone: (+387)(33) 704 000 ext. 4242, ext. 4403 fax: (+387) (33) 219 298 email: abond@usaid.gov email: dlolicausaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted via fax or internet as email attachments as follows:

TO: Alexander Bond, Supervisory Executive Officer: abondc usaid.gov Dijana Prndelj, Human Resources Assistant: dlolic@usaid.gov

If the selected candidate is a resident hire under USAID regulations (a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hiring as a PSC, resides in Sarajevo), then s /he will not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance and life insurance), allowances or differentials (AIDAR, Appendix D).

Sincerely, Alexander Bond Supervisory Executive Officer USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of State 7130 Sarajevo Place Washington, D.C. 20521-7130

Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration.

ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-168 - 13-000009

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-168-13-000009

2. ISSUANCE DATE: Thursday, August 29, 2013

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Friday, September 13, 2013 at 5:00p.m. (Sarajevo, local time)

4. POSITION TITLE: Contract Specialist, USAID BiH - two positions

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-12 ($60, 274.00 to $78,355.00 / Per Year). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The US/TCN PSC contract will be for one (1) year, with the possibility of an annual extension.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

8. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimum. The incumbent reports directly to the

USAID/BiH Program Office Director, but is expected to act independently. USAID/BiH receives A&A support from the USAID Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), USAID/Kosovo. While the incumbent reports directly to the USAID Program Office Director in BiH and is a member of the Program Office team, she/he is also a member of the Kosovo A&A team, receiving policy direction and guidance from the Regional OAA Director.

9. SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level; US residents and Third Country Nationals: Employment Authorization

10. WHO MAY APPLY: All U. S. Citizens/Nationals, U.S. Residents, and Third Country

Nationals (TCN) that meet the education and experience qualifications for this position may apply.

11. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

I. OWERVIEW AND BACKGROUND:

The U.S. Government's foreign assistance priorities are focused on helping BiH solidify its future within the Euro-Atlantic community, and USAID's economic growth and civil society program are helping BiH make the necessary reforms to gain EU and NATO membership. The

Contract Specialist located in USAID/BiH is critical to this effort; serving along with one FSN

A&A Specialist, responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Agency. The Contract

Specialist reports directly to the USAID/BiH Program Office Director, but also works as part of the USAID/Kosovo Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) team, in providing

A&A support to USAID/BiH.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The incumbent will provide Acquisitions and Assistance support to assigned programs within the

USAID/BiH Mission Economic Growth and Democracy portfolios. The types of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements the Contract Specialist will manage are highly specialized and involve complex activities and sensitive international programs directly supporting USAID assistance programs in BiH. The incumbent will also perform and supervise contract closeout activities as required. Close interaction with the US Direct Hire Contracting Officer in Kosovo, as well as the USAID/BiH Program Office, Technical Offices and Financial Management Office, is required for successful performance. Substantial ad hoc reporting is expected.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement Planning:

• Develops long-range plans for new or complex programs. Responsible for procurement planning activities, which may include reviewing and clearing procurement plans and procurement documents and representing the USAID/Kosovo Regional Office of

Acquisition and Assistance at program planning meetings.

• Develops acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions, or financial arrangements.

• Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps Offices informed of anticipated workload demands.

• As part of the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance team, analyzes and collates approved annual procurement plans for BiH.

• Identifies those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant, cooperative agreement, Inter-Agency Agreement, or

International Public Organization, or other appropriate mechanism.

• Advises technical offices in activity planning meetings on the procurement instruments to be used.

• Serves as direct liaison between regional OAA and the BiH Mission.

Design and Solicitation Processes:

• Collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria and assists in the preparation of statements of work for BiH.

• Develops objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs on the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations.

• Provides advice to resolve special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping responsibilities, and claims resolution.

• Prepares solicitation documents.

• Performs detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals. Determines the competitive range and prepares defensible justifications when required.

• Conducts pre-proposal conferences with prospective contractors to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed contract.

• Obtains appropriate data from business and technical officials. Issues necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts. Explores new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement. In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develops creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data.

• Serves as a member of the Program Office's project development team.

Negotiation and Award:

• Serves as lead negotiator responsible for a significant program or for major procurements, which may include several types of instruments.

• In coordination with the USDH Contracting Officer in Kosovo, plans, leads, and coordinates the strategy for negotiations with contractors/grantees to develop the award price and terms.

• Prepares the award documents and recommends their execution.

Contract Compliance Monitoring and Administration:

• Conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval.

• Ensures that contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency's projects and programs.

• Recommends issuing cure or show-cause notices when the contractor is not in compliance.

• Conducts analysis and prepares required documentation for various contracting actions, including: incremental funding, rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, time extension, incorporation of change orders, stop work orders, cure notices or show cause letters, approval of progress payments, final payment to the contractor, and contract closeout.

• Evaluates the adequacy of the awardee's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting and/or sub-granting procedures, and financial management. Ensures compliance with applicable cost principles, and Cost

Accounting Standards and requirements. Performs work associated with the analysis of automated contracting systems, or with providing advice and guidance on contracting and procurement issues including procurement using small/disadvantaged businesses.

• Reviews grantee's procurement systems and procedures. Responds to requests for review by grantees for the purpose of certifying their procurement system and procedures, conducts in-depth on-site evaluations of grantees contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions.

• Interprets award provisions for awardees and for officials of the agency, and provides appropriate advice and guidance. Advises technical office counterparts and contractors

/grantees/recipients on their administration responsibilities contained in the award.

• Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and required timeframes.

• Terminates awards for the convenience of the Government or default by the awardee. The incumbent is responsible for the preparation of all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiates termination claims settlement.

• Responds to protests by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history. Works with USAID Regional Contracting Officer and USAID Legal Officers to develop the Agency position, and Contracting Officer reports in response to protests.

• Analyzes, and takes action to resolve, audit findings, such as cost items questioned or unresolved. Supports recommendations with detailed analysis of each cost, category, or element as necessary. Prepares necessary documents to resolve all aspects of audits, questioned or ineligible costs, and accounting issues. Presents documentation to the

Regional Contracting Officer for signature.

• Reviews completed (after full performance) contract files to determine that all contractual actions are satisfied, and that there are no pending administrative actions to be resolved.

Ensures that all file documents are signed, that there are no litigation actions pending, and that the contract is complete in every respect and ready to be closed. Ensures that contracts nearing annual anniversaries or final completion have a completed performance report from the CORs/AORs, and submits reports to the Contractor for comment.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

III. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

Reporting Responsibilities:

The incumbent will report to the USAID BiH Program Office Director. Operational guidance will be provided by the USAID/Kosovo Regional Contracting Officer.

Supervisory Controls:

The supervisor is the BiH Program Office Director. The supervisor provides both general and technical supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives of the work as well as the available resources. The incumbent, in consultation with the supervisor, develops specific objectives and priorities. The incumbent independently plans and carries out the work, selecting the approaches and techniques to be used, and informs the supervisor and the Regional Contracting Officer of progress and significant problems. Work is evaluated on the degree to which program and regulatory requirements are met.

Physical Demands:

Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary, but occasionally site-visit travel outside

Sarajevo may be required.

Training Local Staff:

The PSC's responsibilities include training local staff in direct contracting and administration of complex projects.

Supervision of Others:

None

IV. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications.

For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Selection Criteria, listed below. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

Education:

A Bachelor's degree, or the host-country equivalent, in a relevant field, such as contracting and procurement, business administration, public administration, economics, finance, marketing, commerce, accounting, international trade, industrial management, law or other related field is required.

Professional Education and Certification:

Required completion required courses under USAID/FAC-C Certification program for FAC-C

Level II. This program entails specified courses in procurement, plus the achievement of certain competencies, through a combination of training and experience. Individual who lacks the training and competencies considered essential to the position will not be considered.

Prior Work Experience:

At least four (4) years of progressively responsible specialized, substantive and professional contracting or procurement work is required. Such experience must include the full range of contracting responsibilities, including: Acquisition and Assistance award execution, administration, termination, cost and price analysis; procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals; negotiation of changes; execution of options; investigation and resolution of contractor delays; contractor performance appraisal; subcontractor surveillance;

and, disposition of claims.

Experience must demonstrate 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; and, the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and demonstrated experience in making formal presentations is required.

At least one (1) year of that specialized experience must have been at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the grade of this position. Direct, specialized experience in USAID

Acquisition and Assistance is preferred. One (1) year of previous experience in an overseas environment is preferred.

Technical Knowledge:

Knowledge of procurement regulations and contracting principles including the latest acquisition procedures and techniques is required. An understanding of U.S. Government procurement rules and regulations is imperative. Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the ability to work with the regulatory context of the FAR is essential. In addition, knowledge of the following is preferred: 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.

Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to work in a highly demanding environment and demonstrate capacity to handle tasks with varying deadlines. The applicant must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills.

The applicant must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues in a manner understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. Must be able to maintain and adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Must be able to function as a team leader during contract negotiations, and personally negotiate the majority of assigned contracts. Skill to manage and coordinate activities sufficient to contract a variety of actions concurrently is essential. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word and

EXCEL is a must. The applicant must demonstrate they have the ability to plan, organize, and manage complex negotiations and meetings.

Training:

The applicant must possess a proven ability to train/transfer knowledge to local staff regarding

USG contracting rules, regulations, procedures and also the ability to train/transfer knowledge regarding proposal evaluation, contract creation and monitoring.

Communication skills:

Fluency in written and spoken English as well as a sound ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is required; there is no requirement for local language proficiency.

V. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Selection will be based on the following criteria (Maximum Points Available: 100).

a. Education and FAC-C level Certifications (15 points):

b. Prior Work Experience (25 Points):

c. Technical Knowledge (25 Points):

d. Skills, Abilities and Training Experience (20 Points):

e. Communications Skills (15 Points):

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

Within 15 days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed to Sarajevo to perform the above services.

Current post differential pay is 15%.

Please note that all allowances are subject to change. In addition, employees will be authorized the standard household effects (HHE), limited shipment allowance for furnished post (7, 2001b), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee; 200 lb. for an accompanying spouse or other EFM) and shipment of POV.

USAID/BiH will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. Contractor may have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with USEP rules and regulations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

This position is opened to U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) as well.

Facility/Computer Access (Employment Authorization) and medical clearance for US/TCNPSCs are required.

10. BENEFITS:

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY

AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

10-1. BENEFITS

Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities and commissary Pouch mail service as per post policy

10-2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). *

(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(F) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(G) Education Travel (Section 280)

(H) (I) (J)

Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 650)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs (US Citizens and Green Card Holders) are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. TCNs are exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

11. APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612. This form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement-bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform. sa.gov, or at local US Federal offices.

OF 612 shall be submitted by fax, e-mail, DHL air courier by the closing date.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

12. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 10-03

Amendment 1

AAPD 10-01

AAPD 06-12

AAPD 06-11

AAPD 06-10

AAPD 06-08

AAPD 06-07

AAPD 05-02

AAPD 04-15

Amendment 1

AAPD 04-13

AAPD 03-07

Revised

CIB

01-10

Implementing Benefits for Same-sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs Personal Services Contracts - Changes in USG reimbursement Amount for health insurance and physical examination costs (2010) Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Implementation (2006) Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays (August 2006) PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility (October 2006) Appendices D And J: Using The Optional Schedule To Incrementally Fund Contracts Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (10/01/2008)

Revised Procedures Allowing for Classification of U.S. Personal Services Contracts Positions Up to the GS-15 Equivalent (09/21/04) Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process (09/30/04) Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services

CIB 01-09

Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S.

Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives (03/30/01)

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the Extension /Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U. S. Citizens

CIB 01-05

Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) (03/01)

CIB 00-08S

Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U. S. Citizen

CIB 00-03

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

CIB 99-22

PSC Policy (10/99)

CIB 99-15

Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations (08/99)

CIB 98-23

Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 98-12

Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs (04/98)

CIB 98-11

Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 (04/98)

CIB 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U .S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

CIB 94-09

Sunday Pay for U. S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)

CIB 93- 17

Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract

(PSC)

CIB 89-29

Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles (11/89)

13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

For initial consideration:

1. Optional Form 612. Resume or CV must be attached.

* Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty Form (DS 6561)

4. USAID/SEC Forms, Declaration of Federal Employment (OF 306)

SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY