SOLPSC

ISSUANCE DATE: AUGUST 10,2012

CLOSING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-675-12-000006 FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR FOR SENIOR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST / USAID/GUINEA/SIERRA LEONE BASED IN CONAKRY, GUINEA.

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from 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 Application for Federal employment OF-612 (including 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/.

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 Selection Factors in the solicitation. Complete application 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. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to:

Executive Office, U.S. Agency for International Development

Conakry, Guinea

Via e-mail at: conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3MB.

Any questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to:

Mahamane A. Tandina, Executive Officer

USAID/Guinea

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 00224-67-10-40-29/65-10-45 13

E-MAIL ADDRESS: mtandina@usaid.gov 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, Steven Cowper

Regional Executive Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-675-12-000006

ISSUANCE DATE:

August 10, 2012

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

September 21, 2012 at midnight local time

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist

MARKET VALUE:

GS-13 ($71,674 – $93,175 per annum). The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One year

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Conakry, Guinea

SECURITY ACCESS:

Employment Authorization must be obtained prior to the execution of the contract

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

USPSC, Third Country Nationals

SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

The incumbent will be expected to work independently with little direction and guidance.

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION

In general terms, the optimal applicant for this Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist position will possess extensive knowledge of US federal contracting and assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) principles, policies, and procedures from pre-award through post-award phases; solid experience with formal advertising and negotiating methods; as well as exhibit great facility with acquisition and assistance (A&A) procuring and administration requirements. In addition, for this senior PSC position, the applicant will need to demonstrate a well-seasoned familiarity with development principles, federal procurement mechanisms and donor/NGO partnering. S/he exercises leadership in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performed in a positive, team and customer oriented manner.

A. Basic Function: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be located within USAID/Guinea and will work under supervision of Supervisory Regional Contracting Officer, Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office (RAAO) located in Dakar, Senegal. Specifically, the Sr. A&A Specialist ensures that all USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone A&A obligations and awards’ terms and conditions effectively support USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Technical/SO Teams in achieving implementation of the Mission strategy. Sr. A&A Specialist ensures that all A&A activities conform to the defined Strategic Objectives (SOs) of the Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission, serves as a core team member of the Mission’s technical teams providing guidance and assists on acquisition and assistance related matters, as well as contributes to overall Mission team work. The incumbent will be responsible for all pre-award, post-award and close out functions involving negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Agency. Travel may be necessary to Sierra Leone. The job could also involve infrastructure (design, engineering and construction) contracting actions.

B. Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be responsible for planning, developing, soliciting, negotiating, managing, and advising on procurement and contract management in relation to the Mission's assistance programs. The Senior A&A Specialist will participate in "cradle to grave" actions - from project design through negotiation, administration and close-out. The Sr. A&A Specialist must provide technical assistance necessary to execute a full range of procurement actions in support of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone contracting office. The Sr. A&A Specialist must also be available for consultation on acquisition and assistance issues. Incumbent may mentor and conduct on-the-job training to junior/less experienced staff on A&A policies and practices.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conducts Procurement Program Planning Work (20%)

· Responsible for procurement planning activities in assigned Mission teams, which may include reviewing and clearing action memos and representing the Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office at program planning meetings. Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps the Supervisory RAAO informed of anticipated workload demands.

· Identifies within assigned major program(s) those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant, cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement.

· Serves on project review committees. Assists program officials in project planning meetings on an as-needed basis.

· Advises program officials of the procurement instruments to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work and in the development of evaluation criteria.

· Provides counseling and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements.

· Provides advice to Mission personnel on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

2. Negotiates Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types (20%)

· Contract methods and types used to procure large and significant equipment systems, complex programs, services, or construction where little or no contractual precedent exists. Serves as lead negotiator responsible for a significant program or for major procurements, which may include several types of instruments.

· Plans the negotiation strategy, coordinates the strategy with the negotiation team, and leads the negotiations which are conducted with contractors/grantees to develop the contract/grant prices and terms. Explores new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement. In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develops creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data.

· Prepares the agreements and recommends its award.

· Coordinates a variety of contracts and assistance agreements requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements and contractual arrangements. Forecasts labor and material costs when unknowns are involved, locating or developing sources, developing approaches for procurements lacking precedent, and resolving major differences in the interpretation of the statement of work during discussions and negotiations.

· Negotiates Participating Agency Services Agreements (PASA) and Participating Agency Program Agreements (PAPA) in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinates PASA's and PAPA’s with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials as necessary.

· Updates/develops guidelines and procedures for host country contracting. This will require familiarity with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness which commits donors to using host country systems.

3. Monitors Contractor's Performance (20%)

· Conducts reviews of highly specialized contracts, assistance agreements. Performs contract administration activities for significant, highly specialized procurements.

· Supports Contracting/Agreement Officer by providing contracting/agreement administration sufficient to ensure that the contractor/recipient delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency’s projects or programs. Responsibilities typically include periodic site visits, review of changes to incremental funding, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for Contracting/Agreement Officer review and approval.

· Recommends issuing cure or show-cause notices when the contractor is not in compliance.

· Sr. A&A Specialist will be responsible for all post-award functions through close-out and will manage active awards for the assigned portfolios. Reviews official contract files to ensure no pending administrative action; contract is complete in every aspect and ready to close, and to obtain approval of all closeout documentation.

· Monitors contractor's performance on contract, regulatory, and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits. Reviews and provides recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems that have arisen and proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities.

· Interprets contract provisions for contractors and for officials of the agency, and provides appropriate advice and guidance.

4. Conducts Contract Compliance Review (15%)

· Conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval. Responsible for contract administration sufficient to ensure contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency's projects and programs.

· Advises technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract.

· Evaluates the adequacy of the contractor's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting procedures, and financial management. Resolves audit findings on post-award audits. Conducts in-depth analyses of contractors' financial and management systems and facilities for ability to perform and for compliance with federal regulatory requirements. Prepares comprehensive reports and recommendations to managers as a result of the reviews.

· The incumbent is responsible for the preparation of all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiates termination claims.

· Reviews grantee's procurement systems and procedures. In response to requests for review by grantees for the purpose of certifying their procurement system and procedures, conducts in-depth on-site evaluations of grantees contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, Contractor qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions.

· Reviews third-party contracts submitted by grantees to ensure compliance with requirements for solicitation and award of third-party contracts. Reviews include all types of contracts (fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, incentive provisions, escalation provisions, etc.) for the procurement of major systems related to highly complex service contracts, equipment, construction and supplies.

5. Analyzes Sources for the Items/Services Procured (10%)

· Surveys the markets to locate new procurement sources and determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements. Prepares solicitation documents. Performs detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals. Assists the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepares defensible justifications when required. Similarly, drafts request for applications for awards under assistance.

· Conducts pre-proposal conferences with prospective contractors to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed contract. Organizes, directs, conducts and/or coordinates pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for complex procurement actions, especially construction or architect-engineering actions, but also for complicated services (and perhaps even commodities). Ensures the proper establishment of requirements for bid and/or performance bonding in applicable requests for proposals.

· Obtains appropriate data from business and technical officials. Issues necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts.

6. Conducts Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation (10%)

· Serves as an advisor to program officials in project planning meetings. Advises program officials of the procurement and assistance instruments to be used and assists in the preparation of statement of work. Provides counseling and training to new project/technical staff on USAID regulations and the FAR requirements. Collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria.

· Formulates new or improved methods of contracting, e.g., pre-award or price/cost analysis, including responsibility for formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation to subordinate contracting activities.

· Responds to protests by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history. Works with the Regional Legal Advisor (RLA) in preparing the Agency's position and RAAO reports to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO. Provides ongoing technical advice and recommendations to both contracting and technical office personnel. Acts as a liaison to various offices.

7.

Other Assignments (5%)

· Provides on-the-job training and assists the Junior/less experienced staff on USAID/Guinea RAAO Team.

· The Sr. A&A Specialist shall ensure that the necessary documentation (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, technical papers, subcontract consent requests, authority to make grants under contracts, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries) for all current A&A actions are maintained according to USAID records management regulations.

II.

TERM OF PERFORMANCE/COMPENSATION:

The term of the contract will be for 1 year to start o/a August 2012. The position has been classified at a GS 13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Currently, post differential for Guinea is 30%, and One Rest & Recuperation trip as per AIDAR Appendix D.

III.

SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision Received: The Senior Acquisition and Agreement Specialist will report to the USAID/Senegal Supervisory Regional Contracting Officer.

Exercise of Judgment: The Senior Acquisition and Agreement Specialist must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Position requires a high level of ability with regard to understanding contracting and assistance policies and regulations and the ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations and make sound judgment.

Authority to make commitments: The Senior Acquisition and Agreement Specialist does not have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, and no authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Senior Acquisition and Agreement Specialist establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel, contractors and assistance recipients.

Time required to perform full range of duties: The Senior Acquisition and Agreement Specialist is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting.

IV. QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

To ensure an efficient competitive process, to the applications will be initially screened as per the selection criteria below. 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.

A.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

· Bachelor’s degree in relevant major field plus a minimum of five years substantive and professional contracting or procurement work experience is required. Relevant majors are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with major in commerce, trade, or construction procurement management and materials management.

· Demonstrated extensive knowledge of U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations, Assistance regulations, OMB Circulars, A&A cost principles. Certification or substantial completion of the requirements for certification for the FAC-C or its equivalent is required. Certification in Assistance and Personal Service Contracts is required.

B.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

All applications will be evaluated based on the following factors and the documentation submitted with the application. The maximum possible points mentioned below are for each category in totality and the listed sub-factors do neither carry individual points nor equal weight-age.

1.

Cover letter and/or Writing Sample: (20 points)

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter describing what you understand to be the key responsibilities of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist and highlight your qualifications, skills, attributes and past experience to demonstrate suitability for the position and how they meet the requirements of each of the evaluation criteria. The cover letter may be considered as writing sample and shall not exceed three (3) pages, with standard font (12) Times New Roman.

2.

Work Experience (30 points)

· Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment and lead teams in the full range of responsibilities:

procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

· Experience that demonstrates pre-award skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

3.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (30 points) Demonstrated knowledge of federal contracting and assistance principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures.

· Proven ability in the following: issuance of fixed-priced contracts, issuance of cost reimbursement contracts, issuance of special-purpose contracts and agreements, issuance of personal service contracts, business evaluations, cost & price analysis, conducting negotiations and writing negotiation memorandums, contract administration; contract termination; and award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. Ability to perform sophisticated analysis of budgets and contract/ proposals is required.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines.

· Demonstrated excellence in oral communication in English and strong writing skills. Ability to work collaboratively with cooperating government officials, business and industry officials and mission staff at all levels is required.

· The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential.

· The ability to maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards relating to all areas of acquisition and assistance matters are required.

· Proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, GLAAS, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) is required.

4.

Past Performance Information (20 points)

USAID/Guinea will obtain and evaluate the offeror's past performance information to make a comparative evaluation of it as an indicator of how well the offeror is likely to perform the contract. Technical evaluation committee shall consider the past performance information obtained from the reference checks in scoring past performance. It is therefore recommended that the offeror alert the contacts that their names have been submitted and that they are authorized to provide past performance information when requested. USAID may use past performance information obtained from other than the sources identified by the offeror. Names of the individuals providing reference information about an offeror's past performance shall not be disclosed.

TOTAL POINTS: 100

V.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Interested individuals are requested to submit fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Application for Federal employment an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).

1. Personal Information: full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2. Education: Colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received;

3. Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (includes series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, basic salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

4. Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

5. 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 who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

6. Date of availability to begin assignment in Conakry, Guinea.

NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. Please note unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter.

Interested candidates should send above via the internet, facsimile or international mail, to the attention of the addresses indicated below. E-mail must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US-PSC is normally authorized the benefits in Appendix D and TCN-PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances as per Mission Order and AIDAR Appendix J. AIDAR Appendix J can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf and Mission Order at http://agh2k3fpsaccr02:8080/accra_aid/intranet/notices/index/15

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs.

9. ALLOWANCES: PSCs are also eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below – as 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. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

6. Education allowance (Section 270)

7. Educational Travel (Section 280)

8. Post differential (Chapter 500)

9. Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600)

10. Danger Pay (Section 650)

11. Consumables Allowance

10. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances 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, any offer made may be rescinded.