SOL-267-17-000002-000001_(deadline_extended).pdf

USAID/Iraq US Embassy Compound

International Zone Baghdad-Iraq

USAID MISSION/IRAQ

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-267-17-000002

ISSUANCE DATE: February 13, 2017 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 18, 2017 (deadline extended) 17:00 Baghdad time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. or Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (PSC) – Deadline extended.

Dear Prospective Applicants:

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

Application must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all application 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 application.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Leslie C. Petersen Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL-267-17-000002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-267-17-000002

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: Budget Analyst.

5. MARKET VALUE: $52,329 - $ 68,025 equivalent to GS-11. 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

This Budget Analyst position is located in the USAID/Iraq Financial Management Office and reports directly to the Chief Accountant and/or his/her designee. The incumbent is responsible for the complete management of the Operational Expense (OE) and Program (PR) funds supporting the USAID/Iraq Mission, including budget development and administration, financial planning, formulation, forecasting, analysis, accounting and execution. The incumbent records all accounting transactions in Phoenix, maintains the integrity of the automated accounting system and produces and presents financial reports to senior management.

S/he is responsible for preparing and monitoring the annual OE and PR funded operational support budgets of the Mission. S/he proposes opportunities for cost savings and alternative methods of covering budget shortfalls. Additionally, the incumbent ensures that the funds are efficiently managed in accordance with USAID and applicable U.S. Government directives, regulations, policies and procedures.

DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads the preparation of all OE and PR funded operational support budgets for joint review by the Chief Accountant, the Supervisory Executive Officer (EXO) and the MERP/ME Regional Controller, as appropriate.

Collects appropriate financial and staffing data for preparation of the OE and PR operational support budget estimates, consolidates the data and prepares draft budgets in accordance with USAID policy, including the use of proper Expanded Object Class Codes (EOCCs). Provides the Chief Accountant and the Supervisory Executive Officer with information and guidance regarding the formulation and modification of budgets and transactions, as well as measures for tracking key activities. As required, the incumbent modifies budgets in order to meet the mission’s requirements.

Enters and maintains information in the Agency’s Budget Formulation and Execution Manager (BFEM) tool, as directed by USAID/W and the Chief Accountant. Drafts the supporting narrative for the BFEM submission. Prepares special budget reports as requested by AID/W, including anticipated spending plans on a quarterly basis.

Regularly monitors and verifies the accuracy of OE and PR operational support fund levels against budget line items throughtout the fiscal year. Alerts management to problems and/or trends that result from significant deviations from the projected OE or PR funded activities.

Accounts for all OE and PR operational support funds in Phoenix. Performs initial reviews of all commitment/obligation documents to ensure that accurate funding is applied. Assigns EOCCs to obligating documents. Verifies the accuracy of financial and accounting data for document validity and sufficiency to ensure that accounting entries accurately communicate the condition precedent to disbursement. After review of documents for compliance with regulations and mathematical accuracy, the incumbent enters commitments and obligations into Phoenix for employee allowances, recurring obligations, procurements and travel authorizations. Provides funding details and verifies the availability of funds for contracts and purchase order requisitions placed through the USAID Global Aquistion and Assitstance System (GLAAS) and the Department of State Ariba Procurement System.

On a quarterly basis, and in coordination with EXO, the employee will contribute to the preparation and analysis of the Master Funding Document which provides cost estimations for local-hired employees.

Conducts quarterly Section 1311 reviews and analyes for all OE and PR operational support funded obligations and recommends de-obligation of funds determined to be in excess of actual requirements. Initiates deobligation Journal Vouchers or upward adjustment funding, as appropriate.

Obtains necessary approvals, takes required actions to update the accounting system and maintains files for audit purposes. Assists the Chief Accountant in gathering data needed to respond to AID/Washington data calls and/or other audits requirements. Calculates and posts accruals for OE and PR obligations every quarter. Generates periodic reports for senior management detailing obligations and expenditures.

Performs other duties required in order to maintain official operations of the office and any other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Accountant.

A. Reporting

Gathers all required information and prepares the quarterly data call report to USAID/Washington on spend plans, Property, Plant and Equipment, Payroll-related Accruals (unfunded annual leave for Personal Service Contractors (PSCs), locally engaged employees and estimated repatriation costs for PSCs, as applicable.

Initiates periodic, supplementary and ad hoc OE and PR financial reports as required by the USAID/W management. Generates relevant reports from Phoenix, Phoenix Viewer and BOE for senior management. Responsible for maintaining all OE and PR operational support cost reports.

Supervisory Relationship: After initial training, works independently with minimum supervision, setting own priorities and establishing deadlines. Supervision, as needed, is received from the Chief Accountant.

Supervisory Controls: No direct supervision will be exercised.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. The 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.

mailto:frsantos@usaid.gov mailto:LPetersen@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: A university degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, bookkeeping or closely related work is required. At least two years of experience in an international donor organization or U.S. Government agency in an accounting or financial management capacity is desirable.

3. Language Proficiency: Level IV, both written and spoken, English is required.

4. Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of professional budgeting and accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology is required. Must be able to identify financial documents or reports that require correction or modification.

5. Skills and Abilities: Must have the ability to analyze numerous accounting records and determine the need for adjustments, as well as to record, reconcile, and balance accounts. Computer skills with application of spreadsheet (Excel) and word processing is required to prepare and record budget information and supporting worksheets and reports. Must be able to compile and present financial and related information in a concise and fully professional manner. In all tasks, must keep the Regional Controller informed of any discrepancies, problems, or potential noncompliance issues, and develop recommendations for their resolution. Must be able to communicate issues verbally with non-accounting individuals. Must maintain cordial working relationships. Must be able to work as part of a team.

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. 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.

- Knowledge (30 points)

- Skills and abilities (30 points)

- Work experience (20 points)

- Education (10 points)

- Language (10 points)

Total possible points: 100

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. 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc mailto:IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov

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