Construction_Managment_Specialist-SOL-668-13-000004.pdf

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ISSUANCE DATE: February 15, 2013 CLOSING DATE: March 25, 2013 16:30Hrs, Juba, South Sudan

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-668-13-000004 FOR A U.S. CITIZEN PERSONAL

SERVICE CONTRACTOR FOR A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

(GS-14 equivalent) JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified U.S citizen individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as:

Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (continuation sheets as needed) including other documentation/information in Instruction to Applicants. (Incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.) Forms can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/. In addition, a cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) must be submitted. 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. Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant’s professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors (unless the incumbent has had the same supervisor or only two supervisors during this time period) who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge, skills and abilities.

Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed under E. Qualifications in the solicitation. Complete applications must be e-mailed to the submission address specified in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria in the solicitation.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Due to the long delivery time of applications placed in the U.S. mail and the fact that local mail delivery in Juba is uncertain, it is highly recommended that all applications be sent via e-mail attachment. Documents requiring signatures should be signed, scanned and attached to e-mails. The required documents should be submitted by e-mail to:

Via email: jubahrexo0313@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. All attachments provided via email shall be

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Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3

MB.

This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID and it is subject to availability of funds. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation.

USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds.

Sincerely, Joseph L. Dorsey, Supervisory Executive Officer

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ATTACHMENT 1

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-668-13-000004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 15, 2013

3. CLOSING DATE: March 25, 2013, 16:30Hrs, Local Time, Juba, South Sudan

4. POSITION TITLE: Construction Management Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS 14 ($84,697 - $110,104 per annum)

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the GS 14 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start o/a May 2013, for a period of two years with the possibility of extensions depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance and the needs of the USAID Mission.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Juba, South Sudan

8. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Level

9. JOB DESCRIPTION:

A. Position Title: Construction Management Specialist

B. Supervision: This position is directly supervised by the Supervisory EXO, Juba, South Sudan.

C. Introduction and Background:

The Republic of South Sudan became an independent nation on July 9, 2011, after Southern Sudanese voted overwhelmingly for secession in a January 2011 referendum agreed to under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended decades of civil war.

The United States for International Development (USAID) acts as the primary service provider for the U.S. mission in South Sudan. Currently USAID operates on seven compounds, with construction services ranging from minor renovation projects to major security upgrades and construction of office space and living quarters. This post is unaccompanied.

The Construction Management Specialist is responsible for providing management and technical oversight and quality assurance for construction and/or renovation projects at USAID/South Sudan’s

- 4 -office and residential complexes in Juba. The projects may consist of construction of new buildings and related structures; installation of modular office/residential units; renovation (both exterior and interior) of existing structures; and/or installation of life support infrastructure, including, but not limited to electrical power generation and distribution, potable water and waste disposal systems, internal and external electrical systems, telephone, internet and television systems, walkways, roadways, security systems, access gates, safe havens, dining and recreational facilities, communications facilities, laundry and maintenance facilities. It is estimated that construction management-specific duties will take up to 90% of the incumbent’s full-time level of effort.

The incumbent will be serving as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) under a letter of appointment. While a COR has reporting responsibilities to the cognizant Contracting Officer, the incumbent is assigned to the Executive Office in Juba and is subject to administrative supervision and direction of the Supervisory Executive Officer/Juba (S/EXO Juba). As a senior member of the Executive Office staff, 10% or more of the incumbent’s full-time level of effort will be dedicated to recurrent and administrative management functions as assigned by the Executive Officer.

D. Roles and Responsibilities:

The Construction Management Specialist is responsible to the Contracting Officer in accordance with applicable letter(s) of appointment as COR, and in that capacity: Maintains thorough familiarity with applicable contracts and, as appropriate, subcontracts, including all associated modifications.

Reviews and analyzes Contractor submittals of plans, drawings, construction technical data and material samples to ensure contractual compliance; reports all deficiencies and/or instances of non-compliance immediately to the Contracting Officer and to the S/EXO Juba.

Reviews Contractor’s requests for deviation or changes to the contract or contract plans;

reports, with appropriate recommendation, such requests to the Contracting Officer and the S/EXO Juba, and reports to the Contracting Officer and S/EXO Juba or designee any perceived contractual shortcomings that, if left unchanged, would threaten the quality of the work, the safety of individuals or property or the timely completion of the project(s); makes appropriate recommendations for modification(s) to the contract(s).

Monitors construction/renovation work in progress and immediately reports to the supervisor any work (completed or in process) that fails to comply with the contract and/or with any applicable construction standards, reports immediately to the S/EXO Juba any instance of apparent lack of adequate Contractor oversight (e.g. inadequate or unprofessional supervision of the workforce by the Contractor or a subcontractor).

Confers with the Contractor staff, maintaining an open line of communication and, in consonance with applicable contract and COR letter of appointment language, remains responsive to Contractor queries and requests as appropriate, and compiles and maintains contract data, maintaining appropriate contract files in accordance with applicable U.S. Government and Agency regulation and policy in accordance with applicable contract/s convenes and chairs periodic USAID/Contractor reviews of project progress.

Plans and organizes prioritizes work so as to support the progression of quality work in accordance with timely completion of the project/s.

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Responsible for review, recommending approval/withhold of payments, and tracking vouchers and invoices from contractors and reconciling accounts with Contracting Office and Office of Financial Management .

E. Qualifications:

1. Education: At a minimum a University degree, preferably in Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural design or other directly related field is required. Formal certifications of technical training in construction management and/or directly related technical areas is highly desirable.

2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of construction/construction management is required with three or more years of overseas experience working in an international organization is required. This experience must demonstrate an ability to work in difficult environments where there is little or no modern support infrastructure.

3. Languages: Excellent spoken and written English is required. Local languages spoken in Southern Sudan are highly desirable.

4. Knowledge: A demonstrated knowledge of U.S. construction standards, safety practices and procedures is required. A knowledge of US Government regulations for overseas construction is highly desirable. The work requires that this knowledge be specific to, or related to, the logistical and security constraints prevalent in conflict areas and in remote parts of the world

5. Skills and Abilities: A demonstrated knowledge of construction management with focus on achieving results in a difficult overseas environment; the ability to independently organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments and proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) is required. Other skills such as job-related training courses (title & year), demonstrated job-related skills; for example, tools, machinery, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested)are highly desirable.

F. Post Entry Training: Post entry training will focus on USG regulations that govern USAID contracts and responsibilities as a COR. The incumbent, if not already certified, will be required to complete COR training either directly after contract award and prior to arrival at post or as soon after arrival at post as possible. Prior to arrival at post the contractor will be required to undertake the Foreign Affairs Counter-Terrorism Training in the Washington, DC area prior to arrival at post.

G. Level of Complexity of Work Assignments: This is a position of substantial complexity. The incumbent must demonstrate leadership and exceptional initiative to address construction issues and pitfalls. The position requires the ability to plan, implement, follow-up and work both independently and within a team setting. The incumbent is expected to be highly productive and meet tight deadlines. The ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a post-conflict

- 6 -developing country environment is essential. S/he must be able to devise solutions for situations that may involve conflict between stakeholders, unclear or contradictory policies, and weak local infrastructure.

H. Physical Demands/Work Environment: The selected candidate will be required to pass a Dept. of State, Office of Medical Clearances, physical examination to work in Juba, South Sudan. The physical and mental demands of working in Juba, South Sudan are high, in terms of climatic conditions, isolation and high prevalence of disease associated with malarial environments and poverty. The cost of the medical examination will be reimbursed by the U.S.

government in accordance with the costs outlined in AIDAR, Appendix D. USAID prohibits discrimination in hiring and employment on the basis of physical or mental impairment as USAID promotes, with reasonable accommodation, the full realization of equal employment opportunities for the disabled in recruitment, promotion, assignment, and training.

I. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in providing guidance and direction in completing the construction projects. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The incumbent will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues). The use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected of the incumbent when working with both expat contractors and local firms.

J. Supervision Received: Work will be performed in consultation with the USAID S/EXO Juba who will approve incumbent’s work objectives. The supervisor will also provide guidance on USAID management and administrative requirements. The incumbent will receive minimal oversight in carrying out his/her daily tasks and achieving longer-term work objectives.

K. Available Guidelines: The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to understand and operate within USAID’s policies and regulations regarding construction as well as applicable security requirements. The Construction Management Specialist is expected to quickly become familiar with USAID processes, procedures and regulations as presented in USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS), Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs) and other relevant USG policies, directives and security guidelines. The incumbent is required to be proactive in keeping abreast of all relevant USG guidelines and policies as well as host country policies directly affecting the construction activities. Guidance will be available to the incumbent from senior USAID staff in Juba, South Sudan and USAID headquarters, specifically from M/MS/OMD and SEC.

L. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts include high-level USG officials at the US Embassy, USAID Office of Security, Dept. of State Overseas Building Operations, Diplomatic Security and USAID Headquarters. S/he must have the ability to communicate effectively, using tact, diplomacy, and technical knowledge. S/he must be a good listener, stay abreast of USG priorities, policies and practices, and be able to manage and/or reconcile differences of opinion or conflicts regarding construction priorities and strategies.

M. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, his/her

- 7 -conclusions and recommendations will be taken into account by USAID direct hire colleagues who have such decision-making authority regarding funding commitments and obligations.

N. Supervision/Oversight of Others: The incumbent will not be exercising any supervisory responsibilities.

O. Other Requirements: The incumbent must:

1. A. U.S. Citizen;

2. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary; and,

3. Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level of “Secret” and a Dept. of State medical clearance within a reasonable amount of time after being selected.

P. Selection Criteria: Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application, and obtained through reference checks. The following is the evaluation criteria for this position:

1. Education (15 points): A University degree, preferably in Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural design or other directly related field is required. Formal certificates of technical training in construction management and/or directly related technical areas are highly desirable.

2. Work Experience (35 Points): A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of construction/construction management is required with three or more years of overseas experience working in an international organization is required. Experience must demonstrate an ability to work in difficult environments where there is little or no modern support infrastructure is highly desirable.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (35 Points): A demonstrated knowledge of U.S.

construction standards, safety practices and procedures is required. A knowledge of US Government regulations for overseas construction and security standards is highly desirable.

The work requires that this knowledge be specific to, or related to, the logistical and security constraints prevalent in conflict areas and in remote parts of the world.

4. Writing and Oral Communications: (15 Points) Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English, as evidenced by Scopes of Work developed (short examples are requested), description of oral presentations delivered and results of an interview.

Q. Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria.

Applications from candidates which do not meet the “Qualifications” will not be 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 applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAD will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to the applications.

ATTACHMENT 2

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

REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING

BENEFITS:

1. Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 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 U.S.

Government employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual & Sick Leave

(6) US Government Holidays and selected Local Holidays Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes.

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/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

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

Other Benefits: In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance and 20% Danger Pay. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. During each year of service the incumbent will be entitled to two Rest and Recuperation trips (R&R). You will have to use your Annual Leave or Compensatory time for R&R. The R&R destination for Juba, Southern Sudan is London. For U.S. citizen’s one location in the United States may be designated.

Shipment of 250lbs of Unaccompanied airfreight, 750lbs of consumables (with an additional 500lbs for a second year) and 750lbs of Household Effects will be authorized for a one/two year assignment.

3. List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs

a. Optional Form 612

4. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Pertaining to PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website

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FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income Taxes

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