SOL_for_2_A A_Specialist_Lebanon.docx

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-268-16-000002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 10, 2016

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 01, 2016 - 16:00 Frankfurt time

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at a GS-13 equivalent with an annual salary range of $73,846.00 - $96,004.00. The final compensation will be negotiated within the market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience and educational background.

7. WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs).

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with two (2) one year renewal options subject to the need of the US Government, satisfactory performance of the incumbent and funds availability.

9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Country of legal residence of the incumbent, Lebanon and Frankfurt as required.

10. SUPERVISION: The incumbent will be supervised by the Supervisory Contracting Officer for USAID Lebanon

11. SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Citizens—Secret Level; Third Country Nationals—Employment Authorization/Facility Access

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. Basic Functions of the Position:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is a key assistant to the Contracting/Agreement Officer and a key team leader within the Lebanon Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Senior Specialist is a crucial player for building the professional capacity of the local A&A staff and assisting the Lebanon/Office of Acquisition and Assistance in the A&A actions. A key function of the Senior A&A Specialist will be to mentor and train the two new Acquisition and Assistance staff in Beirut. S/he will transfer and share Acquisition and Assistance knowledge with the new A&A staff in Beirut. S/he will be readily able to apply comprehensive US Government contracting experience (either directly or via private industry experience performing US Government contracts at the prime and/or subcontract level) to a full range of Acquisition and Assistance challenges. S/he will do this by applying high-level Acquisition and Assistance knowledge, skills and abilities while working as independently as possible on activity design and implementation related to Acquisition and Assistance assignments. Responsibilities involve a wide range of Acquisition and Assistance actions, including a preponderance of complex actions, e.g., term, award fee or completion cost type contracts, task orders, international and interagency agreements, grants and cooperative agreements. S/he will be responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Agency. Requirements of the contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and inter-agency agreements are typically highly specialized and involve complex systems or sensitive international programs.

Individual actions will primarily be unique and multifaceted. USAID/Lebanon has a varied and complex country program, including multi-sector programs with numerous projects, high funding levels and significant infrastructure work. Besides being able to apply professional procurement skills through all manner of Acquisition and Assistance instruments, the incumbent will be expected to deal with multiple types of implementers and the complications of cross cultural business dealings. Some TDY travel to Beirut, Lebanon and to Frankfurt, Germany will be required for short periods at a time.

B. Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist may serve in a Team Leader position and will be the principal advisor for a broad range of USAID Acquisition and Assistance activities, to include high dollar, complex competitive procurement actions, but also assistance (grants and cooperative agreements), modifications, delivery and purchase orders, interagency agreements and supply schedule or other related actions. S/he shall exercise leadership skills in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner. S/he may have a formal decision-making authority in the many aspects of the broad areas of acquisition and assistance. The following are the detailed duties and responsibilities:

Training and Mentoring of local A&A staff: The incumbent being responsible for building the capacity of the two local A&A staff, s/he will train the A&A Specialists on all aspects of acquisition and assistance procedures, policy and document formation to include: procurement planning, design and solicitation processes, negotiation and award, contract compliance monitoring and administration, design of tools and templates to utilize in training and other topics as assigned. The PSC serves as a key trainer and advisor for Foreign Service National (FSN) Acquisition and Assistance staff, providing advice, training and support. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day counseling and sharing of experience-based knowledge. This is a key function of this position. A training plan for the A&A specialists including both on-the-job and class room training will be developed by the incumbent in consultation with the Contracting Officer. The incumbent will be responsible for the successful implementation and follow-up of the plan. The main goal of the training plan is to upgrade the professional capacity of the A&A staff in the shortest time possible to be able to work independently.

2. Pre-Award Expertise and Services: Performs and directs all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award many kinds of acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conducts Acquisition and Assistance planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID's strategic and special objectives and related results expectations and requirements.

a. Fully understands performance based Acquisition and Assistance principles with a resulting capability to meld acquisition and assistance services into specific contributions to appropriate USAID objectives and lower level indicators, outputs and inputs.

b. Ensures the proper establishment of requirements for bid and/or performance bonding in applicable requests for proposals.

c. Reviews requests for Acquisition and Assistance actions (to include consulting on scope of work or program description documents), and manages the Acquisition and Assistance process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire offer/application solicitation process. The incumbent must manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Finally, the incumbent manages the award process from beginning to conclusion with fully executed contract or assistance documents.

d. Develops long-range plans for new or complex programs. Responsible for procurement planning activities, which may include reviewing and clearing PADs and representing the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) at program planning meetings. Identifies within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Develops objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations. Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serves on project review committees.

e. Serves as advisor to program officials in project planning meetings. Advises program officials of the procurement instruments to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work and program descriptions. Provides counseling and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations, FAR, ADS and CFR requirements. Collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria.

3. Post Award Expertise and Services: Performs all actions required to administer the complete variety of Acquisition and Assistance instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization to closeout. Relies on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Strategic Objective (SO) Plan, FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services.

a. With the objective of maximizing problem avoidance over reaction, exercises a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal officers, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting contract or award provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted.

b. Coordinates special requirements with other US Government offices and agencies, primarily including the Office of Inspector General (OIG), General Accounting Office (GAO), and Small Business Administration as needed. Ensures that the results contractually required are documented and that Acquisition and Assistance actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.

c. Advises on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims. Conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval.

d. Responsible for contract administration sufficient to ensure 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. Responsibilities typically include periodic site visits, approval of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of level of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, sub-awards consents, approval of key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition reviews and approvals, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout. Advises technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract. Evaluates the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance sub-contracting procedures, and results of the financial audits.

4. Strategic Objective (SO) Team Membership and Support Services: Provides support to SO teams located in USAID/Lebanon as assigned or needed. Collegially represents the Office of Acquisition and Assistance viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet SO time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. Government's best interests.

5. Mission Support Services: As one of the Mission's Senior Acquisition and Assistance Technical Advisors, provides crucial knowledge of the international and local contractor and NGO community via consultation and advice to Senior Mission Management. Establishes and maintains an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g. other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.).

a. The incumbent will counsel on consensus-building in a team environment, and methodology on professional conflict resolution technique.

b. Responds to protests and audits findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Works with the Regional Legal Advisor in preparing the mission's position and provide assistance to the Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO, and programmatic and financial audits conducted by OIG and GAO.

6. Other duties: Performs other work scope, job related duties as required.

PERIOD AND PLACE OF SERVICE

The place of performance shall be the country of legal residence of the incumbent to perform duties remotely under the following conditions:

The PSC must be available on a daily basis (except on weekends and public holidays of USAID/Lebanon) at the same working hours of Lebanon. A time difference of one hour is allowed.

b) The PSC must be willing to travel to USAID/Lebanon in Beirut, Lebanon and USAID/MERP in Frankfurt, Germany on TDY as needed and based on a set plan at the start of the contract to perform the contract duties. The plan will be subject to change according to work priorities. TDY duration will be calculated on a daily basis for eight hours per day for a period determined appropriate by the Contracting Officer.

c) The period or service shall commence from the date of execution of this contract and continue for the space of one year, with two (2) one year renewal options subject to the need of the US Government, satisfactory performance of the incumbent and funds availability.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised and evaluated by the Supervisory Contracting Officer for USAID/Lebanon. The incumbent is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative as the Senior A&A Specialist performs many assignments independently, providing guidance to others involved in the management of the OAA portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of acquisition instruments. Performance is evaluated in terms of ability to train, mentor and upgrade the professional capacity of the local A&A Specialists and overall A&A achievements and success.

Exercise of Judgment: Incumbent is expected to apply independent judgment in providing support to Lebanon staff and partners. Incumbent must be able to evaluate situations, issues, problems, and have the judgment to resolve these issues. The incumbent must be capable of conducting an analysis of a situation, interpret and apply rules and policies, and apply the interpretation. Some of the work performed is sensitive in nature as it applies to approvals, performance issues, top secret information, etc. and requires significant discretion.

The incumbent will interact with USAID Washington, NSC, State Department, and other USG counterparts as needed and must show judgment in working on Lebanon-related issues.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government funds on behalf of the US Government or USAID/Lebanon. The incumbent does have substantial authority in terms of managing USAID partners via contracts and cooperative agreements as the Senior A&A Specialist acting under the guidance of the Contracting/Agreements Officer.

Limitations:

While the contractor may supervise USPSCs and non-U.S. citizen employees, s/he may not supervise U.S. citizen direct-hire (USDH) employees of USAID as part of their regular duties and responsibilities. S/he may supervise USDH employees on a limited basis, not to exceed 60 days in any 180 day period, to cover a temporary USDH absence.

The contractor may participate in personnel selection matters but may not be delegated authority to make a final decision on USDH personnel selections.

The contractor may be designated a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) if he/she has completed required agency training and has been designated in writing. As a COR, S/he may represent the Agency and communicate planning and implementation decisions. Communications that reflect a final policy decision of the Agency must be cleared by a USDH employee.

The contractor may not be authorized to sign (1) grants, contracts, and other obligations that require a warrant and (2) grants to foreign governments and public international organizations.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SELECTION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION PROCESS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EVALUATION PROCESS

In order to be considered for the position, the candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted.

USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID may reach beyond the provided list when checking references.

The factors listed below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants who meet Required Qualifications and Selection Criteria for the position. All applicants are scored based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants arerequired to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the following Evaluation Factors:

(Maximum of 100 Points Available):

QUALIFICATIONS

The following factors will be the basis for determining the qualifications of all applicants.

A. Education (10 Points) A Bachelor’s degree in contracting and procurement, business administration, law, public administration, or related field is required.

B. Work and Professional Experience (40 Points) A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in acquisition and assistance functions in an international organization required. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (40 Points)

Demonstrated knowledge of latest federal contracting and assistance techniques, principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures.

Completion of courses leading to the Federal Acquisition Certification – Contracting (FAC-C level II or III) (or its predecessor PMCP) is required.

Must be able to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential.

Proven ability in the following: negotiation, issuance of fixed-price contracts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contracts and agreements, business evaluations, administration, termination and award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Demonstrated knowledge of team management strategies, mentoring and knowledge transfer to provide training for junior staff members.

D. Language (10 Points) Excellence in oral communication in English and strong English writing skills are required.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants are required provide at least three to five references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided.

17. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

A. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

B. COMPENSATION

This position has been classified at GS-13 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications, experience and previous earning history.

C. TRAVEL

The position requires some travel in the region to support Lebanon activities. Travel may include trips to Frankfurt/Germany and/or Lebanon.

D. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION, FACILITIES, PROPERTY AND SERVICES

The Contractor will NOT be furnished with residential quarters. During travel to Frankfurt/Germany, Lebanon or other locations in the Middle East region, employee will be on temporary duty (TDY) status.

E. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

Benefits:

1. Employee's FICA contribution only for USPSCs

1. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance as per USG regulations

1. Pay Comparability Adjustment, if any.

1. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)

1. Annual and Sick Leave as per USG policy

1. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation as per USG regulations

1. Medevac insurance

1. Access to Embassy medical facilities when available at post.

F. APPLICABLE POLICY DIRECTIVES AND REGULATION PERTAINING TO PSCs

(1) Federal Taxes - US/PSCs and US Resident Aliens (green card holders) are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

(2) Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) or Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Those documents can be found at this website:

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc

(3) USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) applicable to award and administration of USPSC resident hires are contained in AIDAR Appendix D, and can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. This link comprises of prescribed Contract Schedule, General Provisions as appropriate, as well as the FAR Clauses to be incorporated in full text and by reference.

(4) Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch can be accessed at: Standards of Ethical Conduct

G. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

(1) AID 302-3 can be downloaded from:: Employment form AID 302-3

(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*

(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*

(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*

(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

*The above listed forms (2 through 7) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

18. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

A. Qualified applicants are requested to submit a one-page cover letter and a recent CV or resume The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria (for example, month and year for previous employment). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

B. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, training and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the criterion. Failure to address the minimum selection and/or quality factors may result in your not receiving credit for all your pertinent experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, training and/or awards.

(1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade/step held (also give job series and dates held).

(2) Education: High school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received.

(3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week and salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

(4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

C. Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5) references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and abilities.

D. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to):

Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

Employment Form AID 302-3;

Written cover letter of not more than two pages Three (3) to five (5) references who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts.

E. Employment Form AID 302-3 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

F. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

G. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application.

H. Any attachments provided via email must be in or compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or Word 2010 or Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and not “Zipped”.

I. Email submissions shall be sent to FrankfurtHR@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail submission. Incomplete, unsigned, or late applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be accepted. USAID/MERP will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

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