2013__SOW_FFPO_Mali_Officer_(03-12-2013).pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: March 12, 2013 CLOSING DATE: April 02, 2013 at 17:00 GMT

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a United States Personal Service Contractor No. SOL-688-13-0000002 Food for Peace 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 attached solicitation.

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 Food for Peace 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:

bamakoaidmalipsc@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.

Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this Solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in preparation of an application.

Sincerely, mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

USAID Mali Food For Peace Officer

U.S. Personal Services Contractor, GS-13/14 Equivalent

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-688-13-0000002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 12, 2013

3. CLOSING DATE / TIME SPECIFIED

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 02, 2013, 17h00, Bamako, Mali Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Food For Peace Officer

5. POSITION GRADE: Resident Hire US Citizen: GS 13 ($71,674-$93,175) or

GS- 14 ($84, 697 - $110,104)

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary history, work experience and educational background.

6. PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Two years contract with option to renew for up to four years based on continuing need for the position and availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bamako, Mali

8. SECURITY LEVEL: USPSC: The successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Secret security clearance as a pre-condition for employment.

9. MEDICAL CLEARANCE:

The apparently successful applicant shall be required to obtain a medical certification proving aptitude to work and Medical evacuation insurance that is provided through your chosen service provider. Most USPSC are under MEDEX (Work: 410-453-6330; 800-527-0218; Fax: 410-453-6301; E-mail: info@medexassist.com or Website: www.medexassist.com) 9515 Deereco Road, 4 th Floor, POB 5375. Timonium, MD 21904-5375.

Receipt of Medical clearance and insurance are pre-condition for employment.

10. STATEMENT OF WORK:

COUNTRY AND PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The Office of Food for Peace (FFP) in the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau's for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP annually provides close to $2 billion of food assistance, including some 1.5 million tons or more of in-kind Title II food assistance valued at more than $1.6 billion and reaching 46 million beneficiaries in 48 countries. Since 2010, FFP has complemented its provision of Title II in-kind food aid with a $300 million Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP), which allows for local and regional purchase of food outside of the United States and closer to the emergency setting, as well as market based approaches such as cash transfer or food voucher programs that facilitate access to food.

In addition to emergency response, FFP provides support for development food aid programs which aim to address the underlying causes of food security. Taken together, the in kind and cash based programs provide an impressive array of tools to combat hunger and malnutrition overseas. Programming is facilitated by state of the art early warning systems, a changing in kind food aid basket that includes more nutritious products, and a modern supply chain management system that allows for rapid movement of commodities. Programming approaches are evolving to focus increasingly on building the resilience of chronically vulnerable populations, especially those in arid lands who face increasing cycles of drought, and improving nutrition with a special focus on women and children under two.

mailto:info@medexassist.com http://www.medexassist.com/

Food for Peace works closely with many other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the President's Feed the Future initiative, and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, which leads on disaster response around the world. Food for Peace employs a staff of over 50 in Washington and also has officers posted in USAID Missions abroad.

Mali faces a host of complex issues and is in the midst of a serious crisis. While just starting to recover from a serious drought in 2011/12, the upsurge of conflict in the north and military interventions to defeat extremists from taking over the country, places an additional stress on vulnerable populations and those directly affected by the conflict. Along with the USAID Mission in Mali, the Office of Food for Peace monitors closely the situation in Mali in order to ensure that the USG response to this complex crisis is timely and appropriate.

In FY 2012, the Mali response received $65 million in Title II food assistance. In FY 2013, it is anticipated multi-year non-emergency programs managed by PVOs will close and emergency food aid will continue due to the Mali current crisis.

Title II food aid grants are signed by the Director of FFP, and the FFP/Washington Country Backstop Officer is usually the Agreement Officers Representative who is responsible for the technical oversight of the grants. The USAID Mission has overall responsibility for assistance programs in the country.

To help the AOR 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 Mali, USAID Mali/Bamako requires the services of a FFP Officer hired through a Personal Services Contract. The position is based in Bamako but the FFP Officer is expected to spend approximately forty (40) percent of his/her time traveling throughout the country to monitor program activities and assess food aid needs.

SCOPE OF WORK

The FFP Officer will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Mali. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor Title II-funded emergency food aid programs, and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the Mission and the FFP Regional Office in Dakar.

11. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The FFP Officer will undertake the following duties with regard to emergency programs:

1. Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in Mali for the Mission, USAID/Washington, as well as the regional FFP Office, 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 Country Team (consisting of the USAID Mission, U.S. Embassy, and/or other USG staff in-country), 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 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.

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 the Mission, FFP/Washington and the Regional FFP Office.

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.

12. SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE:

The FFP Officer will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Office Chief, Office of Accelerated Economic Growth, but is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington, as well as the regional FFP Office, and report any information to them on issues pertaining to ongoing Title II programs or food security issues arising country wide.

Oversight: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction. Evaluation of performance will be performed annually by the USAID/Mali Health Office Director.

13. EXERCISE JUDGMENT

Incumbent exercises a broad scope of independent judgment. Refers to immediate supervisor and other professional staff members on matters pertaining to policy, priority or resolution of problems for which there is no clear precedent. Judgment must be exercised in making strategic and operational decisions in this complex operational environment that presents well-documented risks to partners and attracts significant high-level attention from USG decision and policy makers.

14. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS

Incumbent will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. government unless such authority is specifically delegated.

15. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The Food For Peace Officer serves as the primary responsible Officer in the monitoring of Title II-funded emergency food aid programs, and reporting on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the Mission and the FFP Regional Office in Dakar.

16. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS:

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. The position provides for USAID provision of office space, computer and telephone, fax, and email.

17. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL:

The primary place of work is USAID/Mali located in Bamako. The incumbent may be required to travel within and outside of Mali to meet the responsibilities of the position.

18. START DATE:

Preferably by on or about May 06, 2013. This start date is contingent on secret security and health clearances being granted.

19. POINT OF CONTACT:

See Section 22, How to Apply, for contact details.

20. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR HIRING:

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

1. United States citizenship or Resident Alien at time of hire;

2. GS-13:

Hold a 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 (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health);

At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working on development or relief issues in the field (one of which must be related to food aid). French language skills at an approved working French level. Basic computer skills to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet. Demonstrated ability to write in English. Ability to obtain Department of State medical clearance for Mali.

GS-14:

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 (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,);

At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (two of which must be related to food aid). French language skills at an approved working French level.

Basic computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft OFFICE applications. Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance for Mali.

21. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment 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 (last four digits), and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

A. Professional Experience – 40 Points

(i) Knowledge and experience with international development and relief

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

(iii) Technical expertise in a food aid related field, such as nutrition, agronomy, economics, or public health

B. Program Management – 30 Points

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

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

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

C. Interpersonal, Analytical and Communication Skills – 30 Points

(i) Ability to provide rapid, high quality, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing in strong English and French.

(ii) Ability to analyze data and information and prepare reports to inform program development and management decisions.

(iii) Ability to work effectively as a team member and in diverse cultures.

Maximum Evaluation Score: 100

22. How to Apply: To ensure consideration of application for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email, cover letter and any other attached pages. The highest rated applicants may be selected for interviews.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section 23. Applications received after the date and time shall be considered late and will be considered at the discretion of the Government.

Please confirm that all documents submitted were received prior to the closing date and time of this notice.

Equipment and network failures at USAID or by the applicant’s network are not acceptable reasons for late submission as applicants have the option of sending a hard copy via courier.

Qualified individuals are requested to submit the following documents in order to have a complete application package:

1. A U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at http://www.usajobs.gov/OF612.asp);

The OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

2. A resume or curriculum vitae relevant to the position for which the applicant is applying;

3. A cover letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the Senior Advisor for Public Private Partnership and Policy.

4. Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5) professional references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. References should have knowledge of the candidate’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the application and must not be family members or relatives.

5. 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.

23. SUBMIT APPLICATION:

Human Resources Management Office - Email: bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov or at U.S. Embassy’s main entrance by April 02, 2013 at 17h00 GMT.

1. Email Address for Application Submission:

The email submission address is: bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov. Please include the following in the subject line for all email submission: SOL-688-13-0000002.

2. Local Address for Application Submission:

Human Resources Management Office U.S. Agency for International Development B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

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.

24. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION

Subject to the availability of funds, this will be a two-year contract. Since there is an immediate need to fill in this position, incumbent is expected to arrive at post as soon as medical and security clearances are received.

The position has been classified at a U. S. Government GS-13 and GS-14 grade level depending on position requirement. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

http://www.usajobs.gov/OF612.asp

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

25. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC

Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html

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

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)

(SF-86), or **

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 1 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSC

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

Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract.

26. BENEFITS, ALLOWANCES AND PAYMENT OF TAXES:

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

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

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

2). ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)*

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)*

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)*

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)*

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)*

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

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)*

(8) Educational Allowance (Section 270)*

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)*

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)*

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

3) MEDICAL CLEARANCES

The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance prior to service overseas. Also, a temporary employment authorization security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty. AAPD No. 06-10 on PSC medical payment responsibility is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html

4) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR A SECURITY CLEARANCE

(A) Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 ** (B) Medical History and Examination (DS Form 1843) ** (C) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions

(for National Security SF-86) or ** (D) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) ** (E) Finger print Card (FD-258) available from requirements office) ** (F) AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information) ** (G) AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data) ** (H) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended ** (I) Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974

Note: ** The forms listed B thru I shall only be completed upon the advice of the contracting officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

FEDERAL TAXES

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

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX,

CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR

OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

ATTACHMENT 1

ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

(OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.

Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL

EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S.

Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance.

The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section.

The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).