2011 Vacant_AA TCNPSC w-Warrant SOW(revised).pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: November 02, 2011

CLOSING DATE: November 23, 2011 at 17:00 GMT

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: SOL-688-12-000001 for a Third Country National Personal Services Contractor for a Contracting and

Agreement Officer (Bamako, Mali)

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International

Development Mali, is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contractor

(PSC) services as described in the solicitation below.

This solicitation is posted at http://www.fbo.gov and applicants are advised to register on the Federal Business

Opportunities (FBO) and utilize the “Watch This Opportunity” button in order to be notified about future modifications.

Issuance of this solicitation does not obligate USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost associated with the preparation or submission of an application.

Submission shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The Contracting and Agreement

Officer position will be located in Bamako, Mali.

Applications will be hand carried or submitted by fax, email, DHL or FEDEX air courier by the closing date to:

Via courier:

Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development

B.P. 34

Bamako, Mali

Via Email:

kaditraore@usaid.gov or fgordon@usaid.gov

Via Fax:

(223) 2022-39-33

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

Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and not zipped.

Note that attachments to email must not exceed 2 MB. Late applications will not be accepted and will be handled in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 52.215.1.

USAID Mali anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation.

Sincerely, Fougere Gordon

Supervisory Executive Officer http://www.fbo.gov/ mailto:kaditraore@usaid.gov mailto:fgordon@usaid.gov

USAID Mali Contractor and Agreement Officer

1. Solicitation Number: SOL-688-12-000001

2. Issuance date: November 02, 2011

3. Closing date and time specified for receipt of applications at

USAID Mali: November 23, 2011

4. Position title: USAID Mali TCNPSC Contractor and Agreement Officer

5. Market value: Commensurate with the position and experience

NOT to0 exceed the equivalent of GS-14

($84,697-$110,104 p/a)

Final compensation within the GS-14 grade range will be based on the individual’s salary history.

6. Organization Location of Position: USAID/Mali, Bamako, Mali

7. Direct Supervisor: USDH Contracting Officer

8. Supervisory Control: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

9. Period of Performance: The Long Term Personal Services Contract will be for two years be for two years subject to availability of funds and Mission requirements.

10. Place of Performance: Bamako, Mali

11. Security Access: Non-Sensitive Position

TCNPSC: “Work Authorization”

12. Area of Consideration: Offshore Third Country National

SCOPE OF WORK

1. RECOMMENDED POSITION TITLE: Contractor and Agreement Officer

2. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: USAID/Mali, Acquisition and Assistance Office

3. POSITION TITLE/GRADE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Contracting Officer, Position Grade: FS-01

4. POSITION DESCRIPTION – OVERVIEW

The PSC Contracting and Agreement Officer is the primary Contracting Officer and Office Chief of the USAID/Mali

Acquisition and Assistance (A&A), in the absence of a Direct Hire Contracting Officer, and is a key player integrating

A&A work for the USAID/Mali Mission as a whole. S/he will be readily able to apply her/his comprehensive infrastructure procurement and contracting background, as well as comprehensive Government contracting experience (either directly or via private industry experience performing U.S. Government contracts at the prime and/or subcontract level) to a full range of A&A challenges.

The Contracting and Agreement Officer serves as the Office Chief, in the absence of a direct hire officer and will be a principal

Mission advisor for a broad range of USAID A&A activities, to include high dollar, complex competitive procurement actions, but also assistance (grants and cooperative agreements), modifications, delivery and purchase orders, interagency agreements and supply schedule or other related actions. 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. S/he has formal decision-making authority in the many aspects of the broad areas of acquisition and assistance.

The Contracting and Agreement Officer performs or directs all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award many kinds of acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conducts A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID’s strategic and special development objectives and related results expectations and requirements. Core functions include:

a. Fully understands performance based A&A principles with a resulting capability to meld acquisition and assistance services into specific contributions to appropriate USAID objectives and lower level indicators, outputs and inputs;

b. 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;

c. Reviews requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on statement of work or program description documents), and manages the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive Systems (ADS), etc., are used to competitively, or when justified, via other means, proceed through the entire offer/application solicitation process.

The incumbent must manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at business management-appropriate instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, etc. This includes completing fully documented files with certifications, negotiation memoranda reflecting complete explanations for

Contracting Officer decision rationales, a comprehensive record of commitments and obligations of the parties. Finally, the incumbent manages the award process from beginning to conclusion with fully executed contract or assistance documents.

The Contracting and Agreement Officer performs all actions required to administer the complete variety of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through closeout. They will rely on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission annual operational plan (OP), FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars and other procurement/assistance guidance sources to conduct output-based administration which enhances achievement of the Mission's program and assures timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services. Core functions include:

a. With the objective of maximizing problem avoidance, exercises a proactive role during the contract administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal officers, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpret contract and agreement provisions, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted;

b. Coordinates special requirements with other U.S. Government offices and agencies, including the Inspector General, Defense Contract Audit Agency, General Accounting Office, and Small Business Administration. Ensures that the results contractually required are documented and that A&A actions are properly closed out, to include final audits, resolving indirect cost matters and preparing any needed final modifications. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.

c. The PSC Contracting and Agreement Officer serves as a team member on one or more Mission technical offices and/or provides support to Mission technical offices located in USAID/Mali as assigned. They will collegially represent the

A&A viewpoint with the objective of having all office members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet office procurement schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. and host country partner government's best interests.

As the Mission's senior A&A advisor, provides inputs regarding international and local contractors and the NGO community, and provides consultation and advice to Mission management. Establishes and maintains an authoritative Mission presence to include travel and provision of consultative advice on USAID A&A policies and procedures to external groups (e.g. other USG agencies, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors). Serves as a primary trainer and advisor for FSN A&A staff, providing advice, training and support for FSNs and US direct hire (or other staff). Provides day-to-day mentoring of FSN and/or junior US direct-hire or Personal Services Contractor (PSC) staff. The training/mentoring will be broad-based, to include job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day counseling and sharing of experience-based knowledge. The incumbent will counsel on consensus-building in a team environment, and methodology on professional conflict resolution technique.

4.1. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position

The incumbent will be responsible for decisions made by the Acquisition and Assistance Office in the absence of the U.S.

Direct Hire Contracting Officer. This includes decisions involving the highest level of the Mission and making recommendations to the Team Leaders or Mission Director when appropriate.

4.2. Level of complexity of work assignments

Given the size and complexity of the USAID/Mali portfolio, the position is demanding, and the services of a senior/experienced A&A professional with prior knowledge of USAID operations is required and will facilitate continuity of operations during the period of employment. Duties are varied, and assignments often require the participation and support of others.

4.3. Supervisory Controls (how are assignments made and how much review/control will be provided by the supervisor.)

The position will be supervised by the U.S. Direct Hire Contracting Officer at USAID/Mali. As the incumbent is expected to work with a certain degree of independence, s/he 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. 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. S/he must be proactive and self directed.

4.4. Guidelines (availability of them for required work)

A high degree of discretion and sound judgment is required in the interpretation and application of USAID Automated

Directives System (ADS), USG regulations and procedures, and U.S. contracting regulations.

4.5. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position’s responsibilities.

USAID/Mali has a large and complex portfolio, and the incumbent will need to be able to respond rapidly to all issues.

4.6. Scope and effect of the work performed

The key responsibility of the position is to lead and direct the work of a professional staff of 4 FSNs. The incumbent will be looked to as the expert advisor in all aspects of contracting issues. Decisions and actions taken by the incumbent will affect the Mission as a whole.

4.7. Level and purpose of contacts.

As A&A Advisor, the incumbent will work directly with the U.S. Direct Hire Contracting Officer, Team Leaders and office chiefs.

4.8. Supervision/oversight over others (address level of subordinates and degree of supervisory responsibility, if any)

The incumbent will provide direct supervision to 2 professional staff of 4 Foreign Service National employees.

5. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for this position applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Hold a Baccalaureate degree, or equivalent of a four-year U.S. university degree, (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management, or other relevant field;

2. Have completed the following training requirements:

a. All FAC-C Level II training courses offered by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), or by another organization and accredited by FAI;

b. The following USAID specific courses:

i. Competition in Contracting Act;

ii. Personal Services Contracts Seminar;

iii. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (40 hours);

iv. USAID Assistance Course; and

v. Commercial Items, to include: CLC 020 (online), Commercial Item Determination, and CLC 131

(online), Commercial Item Pricing.

3. Applicants must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of acquisition and assistance experience with the U.S.

government including complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities.

6. ELECTIVE/EVALUATION FACTORS

6.1. Education (10 points)

Hold a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree, or equivalent of a four-year U.S. university degree, (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management, or other relevant field. Applicants will be evaluated on the relevance of their education to the functional responsibilities of the position.

6.2. Work and Professional Experience (30 Points)

Applicants must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of acquisition and assistance experience with the U.S. government including complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. Applicants will be evaluated on the relevance of their work and professional experience to the responsibilities of the position.

6.3. Relevant Acquisition and Assistance Competencies (25 Points): Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following A&A competencies: 1) Knowledge of FAR, USAID Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) regulations, and agency-specific policies and procedures; 2) Knowledge of contract types and possession of requisite skills for the particular A&A assignments (e.g. task orders, construction, commercial items, etc…); 3) Analytical skills to review a statement of work (or program description) for contractibility, consistency, readability and completeness; 4) Ability to prepare solicitations and review and assist in the development of Section L and M evaluation criteria; 5) Verbal skills sufficient to present information to A&A staff and other Mission (non-procurement) personnel; 6) Organizational/time management skills to perform work on multiple ongoing actions, enabling all to move forward to completion, and; 7) computer skills.

6.4. Leadership and Supervisory Management Skills (25 Points): Exceptional, interpersonal, leadership and supervisory management skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as a leader and a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team. Candidate must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Proven ability to work well at high levels in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships which facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting staff with program implementation required. The incumbent must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues. The incumbent must also be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international/regional organizations, host country government officials and NGO/PVO counterparts.

6.5 Language (10 Points): English language oral and reading proficiency must be equivalent to National Foreign Affairs

Training Center Level 4: full professional proficiency. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Factor Points

Education 10%

Work and Professional Experience 30%

Acquisition and Assistance Competencies 25%

Leadership and Supervisory Management Skills 25%

Language Proficiency 10%

Total 100%

7. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualified individuals are requested to submit the following as an application package:

1. A US Government Optional Form 612 (available at http://www.usajobs.gov/of612.asp) or Standard Form 171;

http://www.usajobs.gov/of612.asp

2. A USAID TCN PSC pilot warrant program package, which must contain all of the following:

A. A completed past performance reference checklist from the candidate’s last three supervisory contracting officers. Once completed, the checklists must be submitted directly to the Mission, not to the applicant. Please have references forward the reference checklists to the address given in solicitation Section 14;

B. College transcripts and copy of degree(s) for all academic levels (with equivalency accreditation if a non-

U.S. institution);

C. Training certificates for all required FAC courses listed in solicitation section 5;

D. Applicants curriculum vitae, or resume;

E. A written statement describing the applicant’s accomplishments and capabilities related to the candidate’s qualifications to include the reasons for pursuing a fully-warranted CO/AO position, along with experiences that support his or her readiness to embark on this commitment; and

F. A cover letter from the candidate’s supervisor attesting to a candidate’s education, training, experience, business acumen, judgment, character, reputation and ethical behavior.

The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. (The OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.)

Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

The U.S. Government 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).

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.

The individual shall be required to obtain a medical clearance and a security clearance. Applicant must also be available to travel in-country.

8. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION

Subject to the availability of funds, this will be a one year contract. Since there’s an immediate need to fill in this position, incumbent is expected to arrive at post no later than January 13, 2012 contingent on medical and security clearances.

The position has been classified at a U. S. Government GS14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D &J which can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://fillform.gsa.gov/

9. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.

10. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

● Successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Mali. Details of how to obtain US

Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

● Successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

● Successful applicant must be able to report to post in Bamako, Mali to assume duties promptly upon medical and security clearances being granted.

11. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT IN U.S. DOLLARS

i. Except to the extent reimbursement is payable in the currency of the Cooperating Country, USAID shall pay the contractor compensation after it has accrued and reimburse him/her in U.S. dollars for necessary and reasonable costs actually incurred by him/her in the performance of this contract.

ii. The amount budgeted and available as personal compensation to the contractor is calculated to cover a calendar period of approximately seven months

12. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

(NOTE: An individual defined as a USPSC employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below).

a. Benefits (if applicable)

F.I.C.A & MEDICARE*

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Shipment and Storage of Household Effects

Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle)

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Salary Increase

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

* Note: TCNPSC are not subject to FICA and Medicare contribution.

b. Allowances (if applicable)*

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Education Allowance (Section 270)

Education Travel (Section 280)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

Danger Pay (Section 650)

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

Note: * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas)

Forms “a” through “b” can be found at:

http://www.fedforms.gov/bgfPortal/docSearch.do

13. FEDERAL TAXES

USTCNs are not required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

14. HOW TO APPLY

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government 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)

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter and should be sent to the following email address:

Attn.: Kadi Traore, kaditraore@usaid.gov

Human Resources Specialist or

Fougere Gordon, fgordon@usaid.gov

Supervisory Executive Officer

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.

15. CLOSING DATE

Applications must be in the USAID Mali Executive Office no later than November 23, 2011.

EEO/AA: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND

PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN EMPLOYMENT TO ALL

PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION

BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.

Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_Solicit/ to determine which

CIBS apply to this contract.

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 http://www.fedforms.gov/bgfPortal/docSearch.do http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://fillform.gsa.gov/ mailto:kaditraore@usaid.gov mailto:fgordon@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_Solicit/

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/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc