Solicitation_No._SOL-294-17-000010.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: MAY 17, 2017

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF QUESTIONS: MAY 26, 2017

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: JUNE 16, 2017 Close of business 16:30 local (Jerusalem) time (09:30 Eastern time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Supervisory

Executive Officer (S/EXO), USAID/West Bank & Gaza Solicitation No. SOL-294-17-000010

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified United States (US) citizens to provide personal services as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Section I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered.

Offerors should retain copies of all submitted materials for their records. Please note that USAID/West Bank & Gaza does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any offer. Offers received after the closing date and time specified will not be considered.

Submissions shall be delivered to USAID/West Bank & Gaza by the local time & date specified.

Email submissions only shall be sent to the Human Resources Office at email: HRWBG@USAID.GOV . Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail submission.

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. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to the Human Resources Office via e-mail at HRWBG@USAID.GOV .

mailto:HRWBG@USAID.GOV

Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO) Solicitation No. SOL-294-17-000010

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-294-17-000010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: MAY 17, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT

OF OFFERS LOCAL TIME:

JUNE 16, 2017 Close of Business local (Jerusalem) time 16:30 ( 09:30 Eastern time)

4. POSITION TITLE:

5. MARKET VALUE $103,672 to $134,776 per annum, equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Up to 12 months starting as soon as practicable

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/ West Bank Gaza Mission, Tel Aviv Office (with occasional travel to Mission’s office in Jerusalem as stated in the Statement of Duties)

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED Secret Clearance Level

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

a) Introduction

In accordance with USAID policy (Automated Directives System 527), the S/EXO serves as the principal advisor to the Mission Director and Mission staff with full responsibility for providing leadership, advice and staff support in the following administrative management functional areas:

Business Management - analysis, planning, and advice; Program Support; Operating Expense (OE) Budget; Personnel Management, Travel (E-2), General Services and Procurement; ICASS;

Information Technology and Records Management; Motor pool Management; Security and Safety;

and Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response/Disaster Relief Operations (in coordination with USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance).

West Bank/Gaza (WBG) is a multi-platform Mission with offices in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It is currently staffed by 132 ethnically diverse employees of whom 19 are United States Direct Hires (USDH). As Office Director for the Executive Office, the S/EXO supervises a team of 38 experienced local staff, including one locally hired US Personal Service Contractor Deputy EXO and an Eligible Family Member Security and Logistics Manager. The S/EXO manages the support of the Mission’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for ensuring these processes are effective and efficient, setting strategy and vision, managing resources properly, information technology, and safety of the WBG Mission. The S/EXO and/or designee (Deputy javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','')

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EXO) represents USAID interests and resolves issues with US Embassy (Tel Aviv) and Consulate General (Jerusalem) management on matters of importance to USAID. S/he represents USAID on the Embassy Tel Aviv International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) council. S/he is a key member of the Mission Senior Staff, providing advice to the Mission Director (MD) and Deputy Mission Director (DMD).

The WBG Executive Office is currently staffed by 36 Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs), and two local hire USPSCs, one of which is the Deputy EXO, in addition to the S/EXO position. The WBG Mission’s main office is situated in Tel Aviv with a satellite office in Jerusalem. Occasional travel to Jerusalem as well as orientation travel to the West Bank may be required.

The S/EXO plans and directs the administrative management functions of the Mission; leads the EXO team in providing management support services and innovative thinking that helps achieve mission goals; serves as the key communicator of all administrative policies and procedures; and ensures successful implementation of large-scale administrative, Human Resources, and organizational changes as required. These duties include but are not limited to:

b) Statement of Duties to be performed:

• Budget and Program Support: Analyzes Mission management requirements and develops the operating expense (OE) and administrative program support budgets for the Mission in coordination with the Office of Financial Management and the Program Office. Directs the administration of the operating expense budget and administrative portion of the program support budget to ensure prompt and legal obligation of funds. Provides policy advice and guidance on the management and support functions and services required for effective implementation of the Mission’s programs.

• Workforce Planning and Personnel Administration: Advises and supports the Mission Director on a full range of personnel matters, including development and implementation of appropriate personnel procedures, workforce planning, employee services to include travel and training. S/he prepares workforce planning scenarios based on various budget forecasts and administers onboarding and attrition processes. Develops appropriate organizational structures and staffing strategies necessary to meet the program and operational requirements of the Mission. Regularly evaluates the Mission’s organization, staffing, and services to ensure the efficient use of material and human resources.

• General Services: Provides overall direction for the Mission's general services functions which include: leasing and maintenance of office spaces, personal property acquisition, disposal of expendable and nonexpendable supplies, maintenance of automotive and office equipment.

• Procurement: In addition to the PSC contracting actions that are part of Personnel Administration, the S/EXO is responsible for several hundred contracting actions (simplified acquisition) per year. Actions are mostly related to the operation and maintenance of the two (2) office locations and the stand alone motor pool (approximately 30 vehicles). Additionally, a wide range of procurement actions, outside normal operations and maintenance, are handled by S/EXO. WBG has not consolidated GSO/Procurement under ICASS and does continue to have a procurement section in EXO.

• Information Systems and Records Management: The S/EXO is responsible for general oversight of the Mission’s information management operations, working in close collaboration, and in compliance with policies, guidance, and direction provided by M/CIO. S/he also manages the Mission's javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','')

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• Quality assurance: Ensures effective and timely delivery of quality services by all management services units. Develops and implements all administrative management policies, regulations and procedures and maintains a constant awareness of internal control measures. Identifies management vulnerabilities in the Mission through formal Management Services Reviews as required and provides hands-on support to correct deficiencies. Assures the Mission and its employees are in compliance with administrative management policies.

• Safety and Security: Oversees all aspects of the Mission's safety and security program, covering all US and local national employees, TDY visitors, and institutional contractor/grantee staff. Manages the Mission’s motor pool operations, including armored vehicle travel into the West Bank and the vehicle life cycle replacement program and driver training/safety programs to ensure efficient and effective use of resources.

• Other management/representational responsibilities: Represents USAID on the ICASS council, the Interagency Housing Board, the Post Employment Committee, and the Joint Country Awards Committee. Serves as the Mission’s Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) and Unit Security Officer (USO). Establishes effective working relationships with other U.S. Government agencies (some of which are subletting space in the USAID Tel Aviv premises), and implementing partners operating within the West Bank and Gaza.

c) Position Elements:

• Supervisory Controls: The Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO) is under the direct supervision of the Deputy Mission Director. Contractor is expected to work with minimum direction and supervision. The need for quick response in high profile, complex and often fluid situations requires the contractor to exercise discretion and good judgment in making decisions and providing advice on USAID management policies, contracting practices, and human resources concerns, and operate with high levels of autonomy, responsibility and authority. Work is evaluated for effectiveness of results and compliance with prevailing policies, regulations, directives and objectives. This USPSC will perform the duties and responsibilities normally delegated to USDH except:

a) The USPSC will not supervise USDH employees

b) The USPSC may represent the agency, except that communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision of the agency must be cleared by a USDH employee

c) The USPSC may participate in personnel selection matters, but may not be delegated authority to make a final decision on personnel selection.

• Supervision Exercised: As Office Director for the Executive Office, the S/EXO supervises a team of 38 experienced local staff, including one locally hired US Personal Service Contractor Deputy EXO and an Eligible Family Member Security and Logistics Manager.

• Available Guidelines, including: USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS); Mission Orders;

established USAID/WBG administrative procedures and regulations; USAID regulations on Overseas Support, Procurement, Personnel; the Foreign Affairs Manuals; Foreign Assistance Act; and any other applicable policies. Guidelines are provided on an Agency wide basis and may not specifically apply to javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','')

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• Authority to Make Commitments: The S/EXO will have authorities related to EXO technical and administrative management, and other assigned activities as specified and delegated. In addition, s/he will play a key role in defining the Mission’s decisions regarding funding and management activities, and the incumbent's recommendations will lay the basis for making commitments and contribute to policy decisions made by the Mission management team.

• Nature, Level and Purposes of Contacts: The S/EXO will work on a daily basis with EXO team members, Mission Front Office leadership, other Mission Office Directors, as well as a wide range of other technical and administrative support staff in the Mission. The incumbent will have frequent contacts with high level officials of other U.S. government agencies, international organizations and USAID implementing partners. These contacts will contribute to coordination among USG agencies and between the field and Washington components of USAID.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Offerors must be US Citizens.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Office via email at HRWBG@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• Education: The candidate must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to business administration/management, public administration, international development, economics, political science, government, sociology, and social studies.

• Work Experience: The candidate must have at least ten years of relevant professional experience as an Executive/Management Officer with a US Government agency overseas. Relevant experience is defined as some combination of administrative and logistics; performance-based management and budgeting; procurement, and strategic planning. Experience directly supervising employees is also required. Must have a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent (Level IV) English speaking, reading and writing proficiency is required.

• Knowledge and Technical Skills: Knowledge, experience and demonstrated competency in the management and evaluation of administrative operations to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in program implementation; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; and the ability to conceptualize -both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and effectively liaise with the Embassy and other agency counterparts. Expert level knowledge and application of government contracting. Exceptional proficiency in oral and written communications to establish and maintain effective relations with all levels of personnel to represent USAID within the USG community at post, javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','') mailto:HRWBG@usaid.gov

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USAID/W and other USG officials. Strong proficient knowledge of USG policies and procedures pertaining to administrative operations. Excellent computer skills including using word processing programs, spreadsheet applications, email, the internet, familiarity with Google, Chrome and Windows applications, and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated ability managing large and small office support functions, including teams in difficult overseas environments, ensuring that offices are well-supported in human resources, security, procurement, records management, motor pool, property management, and all other necessary functions. A customer service-oriented team player, with a keen ability to operate independently as necessary in complex situations.

• Interpersonal and Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively within the Executive Office and as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation. Must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues, must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts.

• Clearances: Must have or be able to obtain Secret Security Level clearance as well as Medical Clearance.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Offerors will be required to have the minimum qualifications expressed in Section II and will be assessed based on the following factors:

1. Education 10 points

2. Work Experience 20 points

3. Knowledge and Technical Skills 30 points

4. Interpersonal and Leadership Skills 30 points

5. Language Proficiency 10 points

USAID WBG reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked offerors in person or by phone or not to interview any candidate.

After the closing date for receipt of offers, a selection committee will be convened to review offers and evaluative them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered or scored.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror. A substantial delay in obtaining either the security clearance or medical clearance will make the offeror ineligible for selection.

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IV. APPLYING

All offer packages are to be submitted to:

Human Resources Office, USAID West Bank & Gaza Email: HRWBG@usaid.gov

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email offer. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped.

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offerors are required 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 offer in accordance with the stated selection criteria. Failure to address the minimum selection and/or evaluation factors may result in the offeror not receiving further consideration.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and local time specified in Section I and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

4. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the Contracting Officer will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Questionnaire for sensitive positions (SF-86)

2. Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)

3. Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)

4. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended

5. Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)

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

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized to receive benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D.

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1. Benefits:

a. Furnished Housing will be provided

b. Employer's FICA contribution

c. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance (72% of premium up to authorized maximum)

d. Pay Comparability Adjustment

e. Annual and Sick Leave

f. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

g. Reimbursement for Medevac insurance

h. Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service for USPSC (Department of

State approval required)

i. Reimbursement for Professional Liability Insurance (50% of premium up to authorized maximum)

j. Family and Medical Leave Act (per AAPD 15-02)

Note: In addition to benefits, off-shore hire US PSC will receive the following Allowances as applicable.

2. Allowances: (If applicable, as found in the Department of State Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below:

1. Temporary Quarters Substance Allowance (If housing not ready)

2. Per Diem

3. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(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, available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

(2) Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

(3) 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

(4) Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','') https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

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Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','') https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations