SOL-519-13-000012_ROAA_SR_REGIONAL_CO.pdf

SOL-519-13-000012

SOLICITATION FOR U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (USPSC)

Senior Regional Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-519-13-000012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2013

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 26, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. (San Salvador, El Salvador, Local Time)

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional Contracting Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($99,628 to $129,517). The standard compensation package also includes contribution for life and health insurance and contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will receive post differential approved for San Salvador, El Salvador, (currently set at the rate 15% of base pay), housing, international travel, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances. If the selected candidate is a resident hire under USAID regulations (a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hiring as a PSC, resides in El Salvador), then s/he will not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance and life insurance), allowances or differentials (AIDAR, Appendix D).

This position has been classified at the GS-15 level. Salary will be negotiated within the GS-15 level based on prior salary history.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: San Salvador, El Salvador

8. CLEARANCES: The final selected candidate must be able to obtain a security clearance at the “secret” level and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only

10. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. INTRODUCTION

The USAID Mission to El Salvador has management authority for the bilateral El Salvador program and the Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance portions of the Central America and Mexico (CAM) Regional program. It also manages the Regional Services Support Center (RSSC/El Salvador), which provides financial, acquisition and assistance, legal and executive support to the CAM programs, and to the bilateral missions in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico.

USAID/El Salvador's Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance requires an experienced United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC) Senior Regional Contracting Officer (SRCO) with warrant capabilities to provide Acquisition and Assistance services/support to the office during the absence of a Deputy RCO from September 2013 through September 2014. The USPSC SRCO will be expected to manage acquisition and assistance activities for Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, estimated at over $250 million

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

The USPSC SRCO will be expected to manage acquisition and assistance activities for Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador and to provide A&A expertise to those missions with little or no supervision. This also includes making decisions involving the highest level of the client mission and providing recommendations to the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director of those missions.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Degree of responsibility for decision-making: Will be responsible for advising the technical offices on acquisition and assistance.

2. Knowledge level & skills required: Extensive knowledge of USG regulations including

FAR, AIDAR, ADS, AAPD, CFR and other USAID acquisition and assistance procedures and processes is required. The position also requires a thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing USG and USAID development and humanitarian programs; a thorough understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations in general.

3. Level of complexity of the work environment: There is a high level of complexity as the

USPSC must ensure that USAID acquisition and assistance regulations and procedures are properly followed by all technical offices throughout the CAM Region. At the same time, the contractor will be expected to manage and provide A&A support to those missions, including obligating funds on behalf of the USG. Candidate will be expected to interact with host Governments.

4. Level and purpose of contacts: The contractor will advise and make recommendations to USAID senior staff including client USAID Front Office personnel and will have consultation meetings with Embassy staff, government officials and other donors in the CAM Region.

5. Supervisory Controls: The contractor will be responsible for independently managing acquisition and assistance in CAM region by temporarily filling the role of a Deputy Regional Contracting Officer and provide A&A expertise in procurements to the missions. At the same time, the contractor will be expected to manage and provide A&A support to those missions, including obligating funds on behalf of the USG. The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and must be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up. Work produced by the incumbent is considered authoritative, as it is expected the contractor will obtain an intermediate warrant level (either $5 or $10 million). S/he must be able and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside the established Monday-Friday workweek as may be required or necessary (especially during the 4th quarter of the fiscal year). S/he must be proactive and self-directed.

6. Supervision/oversight of others: The incumbent will manage a professional staff of up to

10 FSN's and 1 USDH.

7. Available Guidelines:

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) ADS 302 (USAID Direct Contracting) & ADS 303 (USAID Grants and Cooperative

Agreements to NGOs) Code of Federal Regulations- 22 CFR 226 Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) USAID acquisition and assistance procedures and processes USAID/ROAA list of activities and brief description Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS).

8. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position’s responsibilities: Given the size and complexity of the USAID/El Salvador’s regional contracting portfolio, the position is demanding, and the services of a senior/experienced A&A professional with prior USAID A&A procedures and systems experience is required to facilitate continuity of operations during the contract period. Duties are varied, and assignments often require the participation and support of others.

9. Scope and effect of the work performed: The USPSC SRCO will be responsible for independently managing acquisition and assistance in the CAM Region, specifically Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Extensive knowledge of USG contracting and assistance regulations and procedures is required. The USPSC is expected to temporarily fill the role of a Deputy Regional Contracting Officer, and provide A&A expertise in procurement to client missions, as well as provide training and mentoring to other RCOs in the office. The USPSC will have responsibility over Regional and bilateral programs, which include reducing crime through the Merida Initiative and the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), improving governance, maintaining environmental diversity, and expanding trade and economic opportunities.

D. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Education (5 Points)

The successful candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant major (i.e. business, contracting, legal). Advanced studies (i.e. a Master's degree) and course work in a related field are preferred.

2. Professional Experience (35 Points) Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible duties in an overseas A&A office, including the operations of GLAAS. A high level of analytical skills and sound judgment is required. Must be able to apply for and receive ad-hoc warrants. Experience in a regional A&A office is a plus. Also requires a thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing USG and USAID development and humanitarian programs; a thorough understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures in addition to USAID organization and operations in general.

3. Leadership/Professional Development (30 Points) The incumbent will manage a professional staff of up to 10 FSN's and 1 USDH.

Minimum of five years in a supervisory role, preferably in a regional capacity, is required.

4. Interpersonal, Team Management and Communication Skills (25 Points) Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must have a demonstrated ability to work in teams, and organizational and administrative skills. Must be able to compile and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner. Must be capable of directing, coordinating and supervising the various clients of A&A with a professional and administrative A&A staff of varying nationalities and technical expertise. Must be able to maintain an effective working relationship with personnel in USAID and other U.S. Government agencies at client missions. High degree of professionalism and discretion in representing the use are essential elements of the position.

5. Language Proficiency (5 Points) Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are essential. Must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear written and oral formats. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.

Maximum Points Available: 100%

E. PERIOD OF PERFOMANCE:

One year, from September 2013 to September 2014.

F. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE:

The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance. The selected applicant, and any eligible family members who will accompany the applicant to post, shall be required to obtain a Department of State Medical clearance to work and/or live in El Salvador as a precondition for employment and/or residence in El Salvador.

G. BENEFITS:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

BENEFITS:

(1) FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & life insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual & Sick Leave

(6) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(8) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Education Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES:

PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income under the foreign earned income exclusion.

H. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO

PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC):

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract:

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

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf.

I. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

a) List of required forms for personal services contractors:

For initial consideration:

1. Cover letter

2. OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment Form. (Downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com).

3. Curriculum Vitae

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms:

4. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

5. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561)

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

7. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington).

b) Application Process:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit an application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment) with hand-written signature, a current resume, and a cover letter including experience, salary history and references no later than August 26, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. (San Salvador, El Salvador Local Time). Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) must be submitted by E-mail.

Please send your application package to this e-mail account: iescolan@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

USAID/El Salvador expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen for a period of 12 months commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is El Salvador.

J. PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

Irma de Escolán Acquisition Specialist Executive Office USAID/El Salvador Telephone: (503) 2501-3428 Fax: (503) 2298-0885 E-mail: iescolan@usaid.gov

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