USPSC_EXO_solicitation,_Amendment_1.pdf

Issuance Date: May 22, 2017 Closing Date and Time: June 2, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. Burma Local Time

Solicitation Number: SOL-482-17-000003, Amendment No. 01 Subject: Solicitation for U.S Citizens Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) - Executive Officer, USAID/Burma

To All Interested Applicants:

This amendment No. 01 is to change the e-mail address for the submission of questions and applications.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (AID 302-3 and resume) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the instructions to applicants provided in the attachment by the date and time specified. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Submissions must be electronic and sent to Ragheda Rabie, Contracting Officer at rrabie@usaid.gov with copy to Frederique Rakotoarivelo, Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist at frakotoarivelo@usaid.gov by the deadline indicated above. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent as email attachments of a size less than 25MB. Late applications will not be considered.

Any questions regarding this position should be sent to Ragheda Rabie, Contracting Officer at rrabie@usaid.gov with copy to Frederique Rakotoarivelo, Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist at frakotoarivelo@usaid.gov

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 302-3. Applications that are received without a signature or incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.

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.

Sincerely, //S//

Ragheda Rabie Contracting Officer USAID/Burma

U.S. Agency for International Development c/o American Embassy 110 University Avenue Kamayut Township 11041 Yangon Tel: (95-1) 536 509 | www.usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT I

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-482-17-000003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 12, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 2, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. Burma Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Executive Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at GS-15 with annual salary range of $103,672 - $134,776 per annum (hourly rate $49.68- $64.58) . Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed range based on the candidates past salary history, and work history.

6. PERFORMANCE PERIOD: One Year beginning October 2017, with one-year option

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar)

8. SECURITY LEVEL: Secret

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The USAID Mission in Burma was only established in 2012 with the decision by Burma to move toward a more open and democratic form of governance after 50 years of military rule. The pace picked up rapidly with recent fair and open democratic elections. To illustrate, in 2012 the USAID Office consisted of only six staff. The approved workforce level is now 70.

For several years now, the Mission has administered activities whose funding has averaged close to $120 million annually in a very complex operating environment. The RDMA Executive Office in Bangkok has provided much of the Mission’s administrative support to date, but in light of the rapid staffing increase and resulting management challenges, the Mission established an EXO position for the 2017 assignment cycle. Unfortunately, no candidate was assigned to the position, so the mission has been operating with a series of short-term TDY EXO rotations which will continue through mid- October. However, the Mission can’t afford to await the assignment of a USDH EXO next year to begin the process of developing an internal administrative support capacity appropriate to its size and needs. Should the Agency again not assign a USDH employee to the position for next year, the Mission will request authority to exercise the option year.

The Executive Officer position for USAID/Burma has been classified at FS-01, so this PSC position is also classified as the equivalent of GS-15.

B. BASIC FUNCTION

The USPSC Executive Officer (EXO) serves as a member of the senior USAID staff, providing advice and guidance to mission management and staff at all levels on the full range of administrative policy and support issues. He/she is responsible for managing all Executive Office operations, including human resources, training, information technology, procurement, communication and records, OE budgeting, expendable and non-expendable property, and for monitoring and

Solicitation No. SOL‐482‐17‐000003

Attachment I ‐ 2 troubleshooting the provision of services from both RDMA and ICASS. The EXO serves as USAID’s ISSO, Unit Security Officer, Unit Safety Officer and represents the Mission on various Embassy boards and committees.

The Mission will continue to receive varying levels of support from RDMA in FSN management, procurement, IT and property management which the contractor will oversee and coordinate, establishing a close collaborative relationship with the RDMA Executive Office staff.

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Specifically the Executive Officer is responsible for:

Management Analysis and Planning

Develop and prescribe appropriate internal management systems and policies.

Interpret USAID/Washington management regulations, and direct their application to facilitate their provision to the mission for total management support.

Plan and direct the continuous evaluation of Mission organization staffing and services to ensure effective maximum utilization of material and human resources.

Establish and maintain a directives system for internal issuance of policies, procedures, and notices to Mission personnel.

Human Resources Management

Plan and direct the personnel management to the Mission for American, FSN and TCN employees taking into consideration manpower development requirements.

Advise USAID/Burma on appropriate organizational structure and manpower requirements for

American, FSN and TCN personnel assigned to USAID/Burma.

Maintain and manage all staffing records and requirements.

Oversee and manage the continued FSN staffing of the Mission, ensuring classification actions are completed, staff recruited and hired, contracts renewed and records maintained – coordinating with the Embassy and RDMA to do so.

Manage the FS processes and procedures at post including the timely submission of validations, CERTS, cables and other required personnel system.

Work with the Contracts Office on PSC management.

Collaborate with Mission officials in the proper placement of personnel and recommend action to assure maximum utilization of personnel.

Provide general counseling service to employees and manage employee relations problems as they arise.

Plan and conduct orientation for new employees including FSNs, and US/TCN personnel and their families and assume leadership in planning and conducting staff development activities.

Advise and develop programs and activities concerned with employee services such as social and recreational activities, etc.

Ensure the training function is carried out to maximize within available budgets formal training, and provide training to EXO and administrative staff required to optimally perform their duties.

Attachment I ‐ 3

Administrative Services

Provide overall direction for the full range of administrative services customary to operate efficiently and effectively as a Mission:

Oversee IT operations, coordinating service with the USAID CIO, RDMA and Embassy as appropriate. Serve as the ISSO.

Serve as USAID’s primary liaison to the ICASS service provider to help ensure satisfactory levels of services are provided to support the USAID/Burma.

Coordinate support provided by RDMA in the EXO operations area, including close collaboration with EXO staff in Bangkok.

Ensure the provision of sufficient expendable supplies.

Plan and direct the Mission’s programs of acquisitions and maintenance of office equipment.

Work closely with the Embassy in space planning both in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to ensure adequate office space.

Review/approve 1190s, ASIST documents and other documents requiring administrative approvals.

Contract Management

Exercise contracting and/or purchasing functions in accordance with AID Acquisition

Regulations (AIDAR), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) through a Delegation of Authority from the USAID Procurement Executive.

Serve as the lead officer for simplified acquisition OE procurements (the mission may also continue to obtain backup procurement services from RDMA and ICASS GSO).

Service as the Mission’s primary Contracting Officer for personal services contracts.

Mission Security and Safety

Work very closely with the RSO at post and USAID SEC in Washington to ensure the security of staff, as well as providing advice and guidance, in coordination with USAID SEC and the RSO to implementing partners as appropriate.

Ensure the safety of staff, working closely with the Post Safety Officer and GSO and serve as the USAID member of post Safety Committee.

Budget Planning and Implementation

Collaborate with the USAID/Burma Controller (currently RDMA Controller) in the development and implementation of the operating expense budget.

Collaborate with the program and technical offices in the formulation of the Mission Program budget.

Program Planning Participation

Participate in the formulation of Mission policies on program development, implementation and evaluation to ensure HR, administrative, logistical and safety and security aspects are adequately considered.

Review Mission development assistance projects for their management support requirements.

Collaborate with responsible Mission officials in developing manpower needs and logistical support requirements within budgetary limitations.

Attachment I ‐ 4

D. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The contractor will report directly to the Deputy Mission Director.

E. SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The contractor will directly supervise the EXO specialist, the Administrative Assistant, the IT specialist, Mission Director Driver, and when hired, the HR assistant and General Services Specialist.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Contractor must obtain a State Department Medical Clearance. Work is primarily of a sedentary nature but may require some occasional lifting and travel which can be lengthy and over rough roads or a series of short flights. Applicants must be physically and mentally capable of performing these functions efficiently and safely.

11. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The USAID/Burma Executive Office is located in the Chancery. Due to the unexpected fast growth in the program with resulting rapid increase in staffing, (from 6 in 2012 to 70 authorized today), the work demands are heavy and space exceptionally crowded. Logistics can be very challenging given the country’s infrastructure and within the city traffic is heavy. Due to the high profile of the program, there are numerous visits that must be planned and supported adding stress. FSN employees are very junior in general requiring that the incumbent spend more than the normal time in training and mentoring, and in performing some of the duties performed by others by oneself. The mission obtains support from the Regional Mission in Thailand (RDMA).

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR POSITION & EVALUATION FACTORS

a. Requirements

1. U.S. Citizen

2. In possession (verifiable) of, or able to obtain, a U.S Government secret level security clearance.

3. In possession (verifiable) of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance

b. Qualifications and evaluation factors

Education (10 points): Bachelor Degree, preferably in business administration, public administration, International Development, economics, or similar field.

Relevant Experience (35 points): Minimum 15 years of managing logistics, Human Resources, Information Technology, procurement and safety/security operations in a diverse operation. At least 10 years must be at an overseas environment. Experience coordinating and monitoring support services from various support service providers. Extensive and demonstrated effective experience in supervising professional, clerical, technical and Human Resources related staff.

Attachment I ‐ 5

Job Knowledge (35 points): Demonstrated experience working and communicating with U.S.

Embassies and other US agencies, international organizations, host government organizations and private sector. Expert level knowledge and application of government contracting, development activity planning, budgeting and financial management, personnel operations, and administrative systems. A contracting warrant is preferred but not essential. Incumbent is expected to be an expert in these matters, consulted by USAID staff and management and implementing partners where appropriate.

Skills and Abilities (20 points): Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills in working with diverse cultures. Strong customer service orientation, excellent communications, analytical and diplomatic skills are a must. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage operations in complex environments and in high pressure situations in an overseas setting.

Total Possible Points: 100

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applications should include the following:

1. Cover letter or written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation;

2. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

3. Contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for at least three references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills; and

4. Signed application form AID-302-3. The form can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1861/USPSC%20Application%20Form%20 -%20Cover%20Form%20and%20Form%20AID%20302-3.docx.

5. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security clearance and current or prior U.S.

Government/employment medical clearances.

Applications shall be submitted electronically via email to Ragheda Rabie, Contracting Officer at rrabie@usaid.gov with a copy to Frederique Rakotoarivelo, Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist at frakotoarivelo@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late applications will not be considered.

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

Scanned copies are accepted by e-mail. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their application.

[END OF ATTACHMENT I]

Attachment II ‐ 1

ATTACHMENT II

I. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

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 (DS-1843).

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

II. ALLOWANCES

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE

REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE

FOLLOWING BENEFITS.

Individuals meeting the definition of resident hire will only receive the standard compensation package that includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

1. Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,399 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave

2. Allowances* (If Applicable):

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

(1) Post Differential (Section 500)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(4) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)

(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)

Attachment II ‐ 2

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

III. TAXES:

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

IV. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

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

AAPD/CIB

No. Title/Issued Date

AAPD 16-05

(PDF 109K)

DESIGNATION OF USPSCS AS CONTRACTING OFFICERS

AND CCNPSC WARRANT PROGRAM CLASS DEVIATION

TO AIDAR – NO.

M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-5 – DECEMBER 22, 2016

AAPD 16-03

(PDF 305 KB)

AAPD 16-03

(Word 90 KB)

EXPANDED INCENTIVE AWARDS FOR PERSONAL

SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS

ISSUED: JUNE 15, 2016

AAPD 15-02

(PDF 150 kb)

AAPD 15-02

(Word 117 kb)

AUTHORIZATION OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

FOR U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS

(USPSCS)

AAPD 10-03

Amendment 1 (PDF 92 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 08/22/11

AAPD 10-03

(PDF 69 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 04/12/10

Attachment II ‐ 3

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY –

OCTOBER 30, 2006

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 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

[END OF ATTACHMENT II]

Attachment III ‐ 1

ATTACHMENT III

USAID/General Notice

POLICY-REMINDER SEC

05/16/2002

Subject: Dual Citizenship Policy

1. The purpose of this notice is to explain existing national and USAID policy for all employees and to inform potential applicants for Civil Service, Foreign Service and USAID contract positions of the possible effects of dual citizenship on security clearance determinations.

Dual citizenship can present a security issue in whether to permit access to classified information, thereby affecting recruitment, employment and assignments. The general information herein may also be found in State 54446, dated March 21, 2002 which outlines Department of State and Diplomatic Security policy as it concerns dual citizenship in personnel security matters.

2. USAID security clearance evaluations and determinations are the responsibility of the USAID Office of Security (SEC). SEC is required to consider dual citizenship in conducting personnel security investigations and making security clearance evaluations/determinations in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 10450, E.O.

12968, and the March 24, 1997 Adjudicative Guidelines.

3. Security clearance evaluations/determinations must ensure that access to classified information for a specific individual is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security." Under the adjudicative guidelines, "any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security." When making such a determination, SEC must consider all available information, both positive and negative. This is the "whole person" concept. Dual nationality is a relevant element in some cases. While U.S. citizenship is a basic eligibility requirement to be considered for access to classified information, it does not automatically confer the right to a security clearance. Dual citizenship must be considered in context of other circumstances in an individual's background.

4. USAID has not implemented, and does not intend to implement, a "blanket rule" regarding dual citizenship. In making security clearance determinations, SEC will continue to evaluate dual citizenship issues on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire as part of their application and may answer questions about these issues during a subject interview. Current employees will not generally be questioned about any foreign citizenship until the regularly scheduled periodic reinvestigation when they will also be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire. Should an event trigger a review of an employee's access eligibility before their routine update, any foreign citizenship will be addressed at that time.

Attachment III ‐ 2

5. Facts about any subject's conduct and behavior developed through required background investigation is weighed against criteria in the adjudicative guidelines. SEC must be able to determine that granting access to classified information is clearly in the national security interest. A fundamental adjudicative principle is that the mere absence of derogatory information is not sufficient grounds to grant a security clearance. The government must, through an appropriate investigation and evaluation, establish a personal and professional history that positively affirms the individual's judgment, reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty to the United States. If there is any doubt about unquestioned preference for and allegiance to the United States, unencumbered by any undue foreign influence, SEC must render a determination in favor of the national security and determine the individual ineligible for access. These same adjudicative principles are used in all federal personnel security programs.

6. The evaluation element presented by dual citizenship is that it could raise an issue of possible divided loyalty to the United States. Title 32 C.F.R. 174.5, Adjudicative Guideline C, Foreign Preference, provides:

(a) The concern: When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.

(b) Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

(1) The exercise of dual citizenship

(2) Possession and/or use of a foreign passport

(3) Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign country

(4) Accepting educational, medical or other benefits, such as retirement and social welfare, from a foreign country

(5) Residence in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements

(6) Using foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another country;

(7) Seeking or holding political office in the foreign country;

(8) Voting in foreign elections

(9) Performing or attempting to perform duties, or otherwise acting, so as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the interests of the United States. (c)

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

(1) Dual-citizenship is based solely on parents' citizenship or birth in a foreign country;

(2) Indicators of possible foreign preference (e.g., foreign military service) Occurred before obtaining United States citizenship;

(3) Activity is sanctioned by the United States;

(4) Individual has expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.

7. To illustrate the SEC evaluation process regarding dual citizenship, some examples that have arisen recently are provided below. SEC's goal is to maintain consistency in its determinations. There may appear to be many similarities between cases, however, individual circumstances vary greatly and may not be known to the hiring entity. While not all inclusive, the following examples give an indication of how such factors are

Attachment III ‐ 3 evaluated and determinations made: Example A: A subject derived foreign citizenship from his or her parents. In this case, SEC would examine whether or not the subject has exercised the foreign citizenship: by accepting educational, medical or social welfare benefits for himself/herself or family; possessing and using the foreign passport; serving in the foreign military; working for the foreign government; etc. In the absence of the subject's exercising foreign citizenship, and if subject's current and past actions consistently demonstrated preference for and allegiance to the United States, then dual citizenship would not preclude a security clearance. Example B: A subject only recently became a naturalized U.S. citizen through marriage and has no previous ties to the United States. In this case, SEC could not likely grant an immediate security clearance, since the demonstrated loyalty requirement could not be satisfied immediately. Eligibility for access could be reconsidered after a passage of time during which the subject would have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate preference for and unquestioned allegiance to the United States, and in the absence of any undue conflicting influence, as required by the referenced guidelines. Example C: A subject was born in the U.S. as the child of foreign visitors. The subject left the U.S. in infancy, never returned and has no ties or history which indicate a preference for and allegiance to the United States. SEC would not have the background information required to grant a security clearance. Example D: A subject is a naturalized U.S. citizen and dual national who is willing to relinquish his foreign passport but is not/not willing to renounce foreign citizenship of birth.

The subject explains that the reason for this position is:

(1) So that children can continue to enjoy free foreign education benefits;

(2) For possible future employment opportunities; and

(3) For foreign inheritance purposes: SEC would not be able to clearly determine the individual's preference for the United States, sufficient to grant a security clearance.

8. SEC will continue adjudicating security clearances pursuant to the "whole person" concept. The fact that a person holds citizenship with another country, as well as citizenship with the United States, does not automatically result in a security clearance denial. Conversely, the simple renunciation of foreign citizenship would not necessarily result in granting a clearance. An individual must demonstrate unquestioned allegiance to the United States, preference for the United States over any other country and also be free from any undue foreign influence. If this cannot be established, a security clearance cannot be granted. Where a newly naturalized citizen is seeking USAID employment, SEC may be unable to adequately investigate the person's background in the country of origin or elsewhere to make this determination. When SEC is unable to clear a new entrant, SEC will so inform HR, and HR will take steps to withdraw the offer.

9. Should SEC make an unfavorable determination on a security clearance, E.O. 12968 guarantees appeal rights to applicants and employees alike. In cases of appeal, the Agency's final clearance determination is rendered by a panel consisting of the Director of Security (D/SEC), the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Human Resources (DAA/M/HR) and the Assistant General Counsel for Ethics and Administration (GC/EA). Information on the Agency's appeal process can be found in ADS 566.3.12.2.

Attachment III ‐ 4

10. Dual citizenship also presents an issue in the assignment of staff to overseas posts. For example, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does not provide diplomatic privileges and immunities for dual nationals; most countries do not unilaterally grant such privileges and immunities. ADS 566.3.12.1 also describes the potential for exclusion from assignments due to conflicts of interest related to an individual's foreign connections.

11. Human Resources and appropriate Mission staff should ensure that these policies are made known to potential applicants at the earliest possible stage of the recruitment process.

Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Jeff Denale, Branch Chief, SEC/PIDS/PS, (202) 712-1264.

Notice 0535

[END OF ATTACHMENT III]