Solicitation for Burundi USPC 623-09-000013.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: Aug 3, 2009 CLOSING DATE: Sept 21, 2009

4 p.m. Nairobi, Kenya time.

Subject: FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER – NON EMERGENCY

PROGRAM, MONITOR USAID/Burundi

Solicitation Number: SOL-623-09-000013

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens or Third Country National (TCN) with USAID experience, interested in providing the personal services described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified herein.

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae or resume;

(ii) signed form SF 171 or OF 612; and (iii) three (3) to five(5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/EA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Form SF 171 or OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

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

U.S. Agency for International Development USAID/East Africa P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya

Courier Address:

USAID/East Africa c/o American Embassy United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya

U.S. Postal Address:

USAID/East Africa Unit 64102

APO AE 09831-4102

Tel: 254-20-862 2000 Fax: 254-20-862 2680 / http://eastafrica.usaid.gov

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than Aug 20, 2009 in writing to Michael Makosala at e-mail: MMakosala@usaid.gov.

Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted via e-mail: to MMakosala@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application.

OR Via express courier: Tadeusz Findeisen/Michael Makosala

SOL-623-09-000013

USAID/EA/FFP – Burundi - Food for Peace Officer c/o American Embassy United Nations Avenue Gigiri Nairobi, Kenya

Sincerely, Tadeusz Findeisen Regional Contracting Officer USAID/East Africa

Attachment: SOL-623-09-000013

SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-623-09-000013

ISSUANCE DATE: Aug 3, 2009 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 21, 2009 at 04:00pm Nairobi, Kenya time

POSITION TITLE: Food for Peace Officer –Non Emergency Program Monitor

MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at a GS-13 or GS-14 equivalent with an annual salary range of $70,615 to $ 91,801 or $ 83,445 to $108,483 respectively. Salary is not negotiable beyond this range.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

A base of two years with the possibility/options of two-one year extensions up to a maximum of four years. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/EA/FFP/Burundi SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens Only or Third Country National (TCN)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER – NON

EMERGENCY PROGRAM, MONITOR.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bujumbura, Burundi

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This will be Two years from date of appointment with a preferable start date of November 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 end date. The Government may extend the term of this contract for one additional year by written notice to the Contractor, provided that the Government shall give the contractor a preliminary notice of its intent to extend at least thirty (30 days before the contract expires.) This preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

A. COUNTRY BACKGROUND

The Republic of Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa.

It recently emerged from more than a decade of brutal civil war and held democratic elections in 2005. With an estimated 2008 population of 8 million1, and a life expectancy of just 48 years, it remains one of the ten poorest countries in the world.

USAID Burundi Staffing

Burundi is a USAID Limited Presence Country and currently has only one U.S. staff member, the Country Representative, with five other Staff members in other programs.

U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) provides grants for food assistance to private voluntary organizations (PVOs) and the UN World Food Program (WFP) under Title II of Public Law 480. In FY 2008, FFP provided more than 2.6 million metric tons of food, valued at more than $2.6 billion, benefiting people in 49 countries worldwide. FFP provides both emergency food aid (which aims to address food aid needs arising from natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, and complex emergencies often characterized by insecurity and population displacement) and non-emergency food aid (which aims to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity).

Burundi faces a host of complex food issues requiring Title II food assistance.

An estimated 40,000 Burundian refugees remain in camps in Tanzania with the Government of Tanzania targeting the closure of all the camps by mid-2009. Overpopulation means very small plot sizes for the over 90 percent of Burundians engaged in subsistence agriculture. Low agricultural productivity, limited non-farm opportunities, and lack of access to basic social services continue to hinder advancements in food security. An underlying high level of poverty means the average Burundian is vulnerable to even small shocks. The global acute malnutrition rate for children under five (5) years of age is 5.6 %, with pronounced provincial disparities ranging from 11% in the Southeast (Rutana Province) to 2.4% in the Central region (Mwaro Province). The national average for chronic malnutrition stands at 46%, highest in the Northeast (Muyinga Province) at 56.2% and lowest in the South (Makamba Province) at 30.8%. Maternal malnutrition is also widespread at 29.3% (WFP 2008, UNICEF 2007).

In FY 2008, Burundi received $13 million in Title II food aid assistance, of which $5 million was non-emergency food aid and $8 million was for emergency programs. In FY 2009, Burundi will be the recipient of a continuing multi-year non-emergency activity program (MYAP) managed by a PVO, valued at $5 million per year. Additionally, USAID anticipates making one award in Burundi under the new five-year Title II “Preventing Malnutrition in Children Under Two” initiative. The award will be for up to $10 million each year, starting in FY 2009, for up to five years. For further information, see “Supplemental Title II Proposal Guidance for Burundi and Guatemala Preventing Malnutrition in Children Under Two Approach” at the FFP website:

http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/ffp/fy09_final_guidelines.html

Emergency food aid in Burundi is likely to continue due to a fluid refugee population primarily from Democratic Republic of Congo, return and reintegration of Burundian refugees from

1 Burundi’s most recent census was conducted in August 2008 and the official results were released in January 2009.

neighboring countries, internal displacement resulting from any renewed hostilities, and climatic shocks resulting in natural disasters in the form of floods and droughts.

Both emergency and non-emergency Title II food aid grants are signed by the Director of FFP in Washington, and the FFP/Washington Country Backstop Officer is usually the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) who is responsible for the technical oversight of the grants. The USAID/Burundi Country Representative, working closely with the U.S. embassy, has overall responsibility for assistance programs in the country.

To help determine the need for and improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance provided under the Title II food aid program in Burundi, the USAID/Burundi Mission requires the services of a FFP Officer hired through a Personal Services Contract. The position is based in Bujumbura, but the FFP Officer is expected to spend approximately 40 percent of his/her time traveling to field sites throughout the country to monitor program activities and assess food aid needs.

B. POSITION DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW

With technical support from the Regional FFP Office based at the USAID/East Africa regional mission in Nairobi, the FFP Officer will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Burundi. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor Title II-funded non-emergency food aid programs and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the regional FFP Office in Nairobi, and the USAID/Burundi Country Representative. It is anticipated that a significant focus of the FFP Officer in 2009 and 2010 will be the start-up of the “Under Two” program.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The FFP Officer will undertake the following duties:

1. Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in Burundi for the

USAID Country Representative in Burundi, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP Office in Nairobi, other parts of the U.S. government, PVOs, international organizations, host nation governmental ministries and agencies, and others in the country.

2. Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing Title II programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

3. Provide information and guidance to Title II assistance award recipients on Title II regulations, policies and procedures.

4. Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food aid requirements, government policies and actions affecting food aid programs, government food aid programs, and donor pledges and programs.

5. Coordinate with the U.S. Government Country Team, host government, PVOs, international organizations, donors, and others to address issues impacting Title II food aid.

6. Undertake and report on assessments to inform Title II food aid funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.

7. Work with PVOs on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with

WFP and regional FFP staff on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.

8. Work with other parts of the U.S. government and other donors to promote integration of food aid with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

9. When delegated authority to do so by the FFP Director, serve as COTR for Title II programs.

10. Supervise assigned FSN staff.

11. Undertake other tasks, as assigned.

The basic duties and responsibilities do not change between the GS 13 and GS 14 levels. An employee meeting the qualifications for GS 14 and hired at that level, however, is expected to exercise a higher level of autonomy and require less technical support from FFP/Washington and the Regional FFP Office in Nairobi.

Individuals hired at the GS-13 level who during the course of the contract meet the GS-14 minimum requirements, can be considered for promotion based on performance.

C. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The FFP Officer will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the USAID Country Representative in Burundi, but is expected to be in regular contact with the regional FFP office in Nairobi, as well as FFP/Washington, to report any information pertaining to ongoing Title II programs. The regional FFP office is available to provide guidance on technical food aid issues and support through regular visits. The FFP Officer in Burundi will be evaluated annually by the USAID Country Representative in Burundi, with technical inputs from the regional FFP office. The incumbent may supervise one or more FSN staff.

D. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction, but will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. government unless such authority is specifically delegated.

E. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Determines basic eligibility for the position, Candidates not meeting the basic qualifications are NOT qualified for the position):

a. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR HIRING AT THE GS-13 LEVEL (U.S. Citizen or Third Country National (TCN)

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid)

OR

• Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (especially public health,) plus at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid);

• Experience working on development or relief issues in the field;

• Ability to communicate effectively (Level III fluent) in both written and spoken English and

French;

• Basic computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet;

• If a US citizen, ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; and

• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance for Burundi.

b. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR HIRING AT THE GS-14 LEVEL

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (two of which must be related to food aid);

OR

• Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (especially public health,) plus at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (two of which must be related to food aid);

• At least two (2) years of experience working on development or relief issues in the field’

• Ability to communicate effectively (Level III fluent) in both written and spoken English and

French;

• Basic computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet;

• If a US citizen, ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; and

• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance for [country].

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

c. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

i. Professional Experience – 50 pts

(i) Knowledge and experience with international development and relief (20 points)

(ii) Knowledge and experience with Title II food aid programs (20 points)

(iii) Technical expertise in a related field, especially public health (10 points)

ii. Program Management – 30 Points

(i) Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points)

(ii) Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points)

(iii) Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations (10 points)

iii. Interpersonal and Communication Skills – 20 Points

(i) Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing (10 points)

(ii) Ability to work effectively as a team member and supervise staff in diverse cultures (10 points)

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: The 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.

F. Period of Performance

The Personal Services Contract will be for two years with the possibility/options of three-one year extensions up to a maximum of five years. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance funds.

G. Compensation

This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 13 or GS 14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS13 or GS 14 salary depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a [30]% Post Differential allowance.

H. APPLYING:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices);

All applicants must submit a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation).

Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

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. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

I. Basis of Rating.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the criteria listed above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

J. Medical and Security Clearance Requirements

1. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Burundi. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

2. The successful applicant must be able to receive USAID secret security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

K. Benefits and Allowances

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.]

1. BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per post policy

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable*):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 650) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

3. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

L. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR P S Cs

Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each**

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

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974**

** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a background security clearance.

M. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding

Third Country Nationals (TCNs) CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts CIB 99-22 PSC Policy CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor

Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.

CIB 97-17 PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less

CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal

Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:

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

N. Point of Contact

Via e-mail: to Michael Makosala at MMakosala@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than Sept 21, 2009.