SOL-267-17-000001-000001_(deadline_extended).pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL-267-17-000001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-267-17-000001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 13, 2017.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 18, 2017 no later than 17:00 Baghdad time.

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist.

5. MARKET VALUE: $74,584 - $ 96,958 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen months with the option of renewal.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq.

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, U.S. resident aliens and Third Country Nationals.

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Secret level security clearance (if U.S. Citizen) or Moderate Risk Public Trust certificate (if Third Country National or U.S. resident alien), as a pre-condition for employment.

10. BACKGROUND

Since 2003, USAID has been a major contributor to the U.S. government (USG) relief, stabilization and reconstruction effort in Iraq. USAID works closely with other USG entities, the Government of Iraq (GOI), provincial and local governments, international institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank, and a network of partners from non-governmental organizations, local community groups, and Iraqi citizens.

U.S. assistance to Iraq has changed substantially over the past years, especially since the Da’esh offensive beginning in 2014. From 2003 to 2006, USAID focused on restoring essential services, such as in health, education, water and electricity; improving economic opportunities; building the foundation of democracy and governance; and managing conflict. In 2007, the focus shifted to strengthening the effectiveness of government and civil society, expanding private sector opportunities, supporting focused stabilization activities, and providing humanitarian assistance and support for internally displaced persons. These types of activities continued until 2009 when USG assistance began shifting from reconstruction to enhancing Iraq’s capacity to rebuild itself and improving Iraq’s ability to govern itself effectively. In December 2012 the mission’s staffing profile changed dramatically when it was forced to reduce expatriate staff by 70 percent. Since October 2014, all projects are managed by one technical office, with support from in-country Executive and Program Offices and contracting and legal support from the Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) based in Frankfurt, Germany.

In 2014, Da’esh launched a brutal attack and secured an estimated 40 percent of Iraq’s territory. In response, the USG joined other coalition partners in the Integrated Campaign Strategy to rid Iraq and the Middle East of Da’esh. The glide path for the closure of the USAID Mission was reversed and the current portfolio targets humanitarian assistance, stabilization, and economic and governance reform. The Mission now plans assistance through 2020 and is engaging additional staff.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) team performs the pre-award and post-award Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) functions supporting the entire USAID/Iraq portfolio for the Governance and Economic Opportunity Office, the Program Office, and the Financial Management Office. The incumbent will be expected to perform all pre-award functions to include but not limited to participation in portfolio reviews, procurement planning, the development of possible new activities, preparation of all documentation for new awards, negotiation of new awards, and drafting of award documents for the Contracting Officer. The incumbent will also be expected to perform all post-award actions as well as to foster training and development of that skill set amongst any Iraqi A&A Specialist positions or USDH trainees later added to the office.

DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (with estimated percentages)

The incumbent will provide personal services as a Senior A&A Specialist for USAID/Iraq/OAA.

The incumbent will be responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions, such as development of requests for proposals/applications, drafting of documents for the Contract Review Board, preparation of award instruments, modifications to acquisition and assistance actions, claims, change orders, post-award approvals and actions, terminations, audits, and closeout. The incumbent must be experienced and be able to independently perform the pre-award functions, such as drafting solicitations and requests for applications and associated documents, instructing and providing expert guidance to technical evaluation committees, performing cost and price analyses, cost realism analysis, conducting negotiations, and preparing award documents and award file documentation for review and signature of the Contracting Officer (CO). The incumbent will be expected to provide on-the-job training to any future FSN acquisition specialist(s), any future USDH trainees in A&A pre-award and post-award functions and client office employees on A&A procedures and policies.

An estimated breakdown of duties based on Iraq/OAA’s current work load is as follows:

a. Pre-Award and Post-Award function for acquisition and assistance awards. (70%)

b. Provide advice and guidance to client offices, comply with internal and external reporting requirements, administrative duties such as maintaining electronic file systems. (20%)

c. Provide A&A training to USAID/Iraq personnel. Serves as mentor for any local A&A staff. (10%)

Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent will report directly to a Contracting Officer. The incumbent will work independently with limited supervision.

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will work closely with one or more FSN acquisition specialists and be responsible for their on-the-job training if USAID adds additional positions.

While the incumbent will not have direct supervisory responsibilities, the incumbent will be evaluated not only on the quality of his/her own work products, but on the progress and performance of any other employee under his/her tutelage.

Overall Management Functions: The incumbent will neither have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, nor the authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government. If a US citizen, the incumbent may be eligible for a warrant, but this is not guaranteed.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. During site visits, there will be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, wearing personal protection equipment, etc. Selected applicant must meet new fitness for duty standards for Iraq (stated in 15 State 11055) which includes: (1) a full medical evaluation, and

(2) must obtain medical clearance from State/MED in order to deploy to post.

13. POINT OF CONTACT: Francisco Santos, Supervisory Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Iraq, frsantos@usaid.gov or Leslie C. Petersen, Supervisory Executive Officer, LPetersen@usaid.gov (inquiries only). Applications will NOT be accepted to these email addresses. Please see item IV for instructions on how and where to submit applications.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in, law, business, accounting or other related field.

2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the field of acquisition and assistance is required. Demonstrated experience in negotiation and administration of all types of A&A awards is required, particularly in the negotiation and administration of technical assistance contracts. Experience with negotiation and administering assistance awards is required. Experience with GLAAS and ASIST systems is highly preferred.

3. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in both spoken and written English is required.

4. Knowledge: A thorough and complete knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio in accordance with USG regulations is required. Knowledge of reference and guidance materials to be used by the incumbent in performing the duties shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) Code of Federal Regulations OMB Circulars A&A Policy Directives (AAPDs)/Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS)

The above USAID-specific materials are available via the USAID website: www.usaid.gov

5. Skills and Abilities: Attention to detail, good analytical skills, and excellent organizational skills to perform the pre and post award functions are required. Discretion, tact and the ability to work under accelerated schedules and deadlines and to effectively complete required actions are a must.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills and the ability to work independently are required. Written English capability to prepare correspondence and contractual documentation in a professional and competent manner requiring little or no editorial changes is required. Computer mailto:frsantos@usaid.gov mailto:LPetersen@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/ skills in Word and Excel etc., so as to independently prepare correspondence and documentation with minimal office administrative support are required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a summary statement of no more than one letter-size page, which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements listed in Section III for education, work experience and language proficiency are considered non-responsive and will not be scored. Following the interview, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided. The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process.

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored.

• Experience o Demonstrated experience in negotiation and administration of all types of A&A awards, particularly in the negotiation and administration of technical assistance contracts. (30 points) o Demonstrated expertise with GLAAS and ASIST systems. (10 points) o Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency; a thorough working knowledge of USG operations, regulations, policies, procedures and programs desirable. (10 points)

• Skills and Abilities o Written English capability to prepare correspondence and contractual documentation in a professional and competent manner. (10 points) o Strong interpersonal and communication skills including ability to collaborate and interact with partners, contractors and other stakeholders at senior levels. (10 points) o Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical information to both expert and lay audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters. (10 points)

• Education o See Section III. Education for minimum requirement. (10 points)

• Training Experience o Demonstrated experience in training junior colleagues. (10 points)

Total 100 points

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria. In addition, the references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

IV. APPLYING

1. Qualified applicants are requested to submit:

A. Most current Curriculum Vitae or resume;

B. Completed and signed USPSC Application Form, a302-3 (Offeror Information for Personal

Services Contracts), which can be found at the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc ;

C. Three professional references, who are not blood-related, with telephone and e-mail contacts;

D. Brief appendix of no more than one letter-size page to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described in the solicitation.

2. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov.

3. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, Applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86),

3. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-85)

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

5. OF-306

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc mailto:IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(d) Education Travel (Section 280)

(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(g) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCs

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D and J that apply to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf